REGINA — George Fayant learned the skill of woodworking at an early age, gaining an interest when he saw his grandfather and father create items made out of the same material that was used by early humans.
He was about eight years old when he began helping his grandfather build picnic tables and in two years moved to work for his dad’s company constructing grain elevators. Their large family is well-known for building grain elevators.
“I come from a big family and there was always something to do in and around the house, yard and shop. Dad always had something for us to do. Seems that we were always building or fixing something. The smell of freshly cut wood is such a memory recall for me that [it] gives me flashbacks to working with my dad and grandpa,” Fayant told SASKTODAY.ca.
Fayant, who lives in Regina, was recently awarded the Order of the Gabriel Dumont silver medal by the Gabriel Dumont Foundation for his woodworking skills and his work in building Red River carts for more than 20 years.
“This [award] will be one of my best memories. The fact that it is from such a prestigious organization is amazing. It means that the information I'm sharing is recognized as an important aspect of our [Métis] culture and traditions,” added Fayant, who began making Red River carts in 1998 inspired by his love of their culture and being a woodworker.
Red River carts were two-wheeled wagons developed by Métis people in the 19th century residing in the Red River Colony. Horses, mules or oxen were used to pull the carts that were made entirely from wood and non-metallic materials.
Fayant, who also took woodworking when he was in high school, said that learning the craft is not always available to students and believes effort must be done to teach the craft of woodworking to school-aged kids where schools can tap organizations or individuals like him.
“There needs to be an effort made to get these lessons to school-aged individuals either as a practical skill development or a cultural component. Partnerships with organizations and or individuals like myself can help facilitate this transfer of skills and knowledge,” said Fayant.
He says he is also pleased there is interest to learn about Indigenous cultures — either First Nation, Inuit or Métis — has been increasing even among non-Indigenous people.
“It's good to see the interest not only from Indigenous people but from all corners of society. We know we have a deep and interesting history and it's great to learn and share what we know. Our ancestors would be happy to see the youth’s desire to learn the old ways and see that they will be carried on for generations to come. What's old is new again,” added Fayant.
Fayant was raised in the southwestern Saskatchewan village of Abernethy but was born in the nearby town of Balcarres. Abernethy is also close to the Calling Lakes area of Qu’Appelle Valley where his parents and grandparents grew up.
