Paddle to the Sea

I watched a rather depressing documentary on the Great Lakes last night entitled Waterlife. Narrated by Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie, this documentary took a look at the state of the Great Lakes and the impact that we have had on this vital system of lakes.

One of the additional features on the DVD was the classic Canadian short Paddle to the Sea by the National Film Board of Canada. Based on Holling C. Holling's book of the same name, Paddle to the Sea is Bill Mason's film adaptation of the classic tale of an Indian boy who sets out to carve a man and a canoe. Calling the man "Paddle to the Sea," he sets his carving down on a frozen stream to await spring’s arrival. The film follows the adventures that befall the canoe on its long odyssey from Lake Superior to the sea.

Filmed in 1966, it has been years since I saw it. I was glad of the opportunity to view it again...bringing back fond memories from childhood of a classic of Canadiana.

There is an official web site for this short film where you can watch it online. Visit http://www.onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/collection/film/?id=10584.