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An international organization of builders, paddlers, and admirers of wooden and bark canoes.
The President's Deck
Cheers to 2025! The cold has settled in (at least for those of us in the north), canoes are tucked away on their racks, paddles and lifejackets hung with care, and winter projects take center stage. You’re probably reading this and wondering, “Wait, where’s Michael? What’s happening? Is this still the Wooden Canoe Journal??” Rest assured, you haven’t flipped to the wrong magazine - this is still the Journal. I’m Nick Dombrowski, and I have the honor and challenge of following in Michael Grace’s footsteps after eight years of dedicated leadership. While I’m humbled by that responsibility, I’m eager to dive in and begin this journey, so please allow me to introduce myself as the new President of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association.
The WCHA and wooden canoes represent so much of what I hold dear: passionate people who cherish the outdoors, the water, and a sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s adventuring down a remote river
Photo Credit: Betsy Wilson
in Maine or Alaska, exploring the shore of a quiet lake or pond in your home town, or tackling the challenge of that ‘basketcase’ canoe restoration that others passed up, there’s something truly special about this community. I’m captivated by the rich history of small craft and how it’s intertwined with our past. Learning about canoe design evolution, and building and restoration techniques deepens my admiration and respect for the craftsmanship of beautiful canoes. Our WCHA, made up of people like you, is a wonderful group of individuals who come together as a community held together by a common thread of enthusiasm for wooden canoes and boats and the outdoors.
I have been a member for over ten years now and looking back, the WCHA has been a fantastic organization to be involved with for me, my wife, my three children. In that time period, we’ve attended most of the Assemblies and our three kids have grown up looking forward to ‘Canoe Camp’ each summer, loving the outdoors, the freedom to roam the campus, and get out on the water with new friends of all ages.
I am very much looking forward to the upcoming year and what we have in store for the WCHA. Under Michael’s leadership we developed a strategic plan to help guide the organization through the past five years. This year, the board is thoughtfully developing the strategic plan for the next five years. Member recruitment and retention are significant themes, and in the near term we are working on some exciting projects. The website is being expanded to include a ‘members only’ area, and the Journal continues to impress. We also are exploring ways for the organization to be more visible and present to the public. And of course, another Assembly is just around the corner and we are making plans for it to be as vibrant as ever.
I hope you’ll also join me in welcoming Alexandra Welych-Miller and Dan Miller to the WCHA Board of Directors.Congratulations also to Colleen Delisle, also our web-master, who was re-elected. We are so appreciative that so many talented people expressed interest in board positions. Please reach out if you have time or talent to offer; volunteers make this organization work!
As we head into spring and finish up those paddle, new build, or restoration projects, I’m excited to get back on the water and share more canoeing adventures with friends and family. I look forward to seeing you out there soon!
Nick Dombrowski, WCHA President
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