vFOUR WINDS continued from page 17 outdoors, and the traditional skills that people used to have that don’t get used much anymore, or, if they do, only a few, select people who are older know those skills.” To share those skills, she created Four Winds Boat Shop and Woodcraft. “I love working with my hands, really, and being able to make something that helps me fulfill a passion for being outdoors,” she said. “When you’re paddling your own canoe – one that you’ve built yourself – across a lake, I don’t think you can beat that.” Starting Four Winds wasn’t so different from her earlier decision to build her own canoe. Familiar aspects – uncertainty, a bit of self-doubt, the bracing for the unknown that comes with any challenge – all appeared once again. “But I thought this is kind of a niche, I don’t know how many people are interested in it, but I’m just going to offer a few of the things that I see other folk art schools offering and see if people are interested, and they were,” Dawne said. Through Four Winds, she’s able to offer classes on how to create a variety of things that are challenging, but not as daunting as building a wooden boat. Classes range from how to create baskets, and snowshoes, to making artful wall hangings from wooden pallets. “I teach how to make coiled pine needle baskets. It’s really an ancient art that Native Americans used about 9,000 years ago. I really like to tie into things that are really ancient, like snowshoes, for example,” Dawne said. “Native Americans were walking around with those before we ever knew what they were, so I did a class for that this year.” At the same time bigger projects have and will be tackled in her shop. “I built a kayak last year for a friend, so I’ve done one since I’ve started the shop, and I have a lady that is going to start one this spring,” she said. “She’s going to build one here.” Dawne has discovered that paddling a self-made canoe isn’t the only fulfilling endeavor one can experience. “We were up in Canada over Thanksgiving, and I brought my snowshoes up there,” she said. “We were walking around in the snow, and I thought ‘this is so cool to make something yourself.’ “It’s so easy to go in to store and drop $300 on a pair of aluminum snowshoes, but when you realize the artistry that goes into making them, you can’t help but think of the first Native Americans that thought up the pattern for making them,” Dawne said. “It’s complex and yet it’s so simple and basic … just like the shape of a canoe, and the way it functions. To me, it’s just amazing. How does this thing work so beautifully? How did they come up with this shape? I marvel at how things that are so aesthetically pleasing can be so functional and bridge the gap between you and nature.” It is Dawne’s hope that Four Winds helps people in the Vermillion area get in touch with the world around them. “Sometimes, people hate to go out in nature, and this gives you a connection to it. When we did the snowshoe workshop, vFOUR Don’t let your parents go another year without hearing! We’re H“ear” For You! EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, P.C. 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 101, Yankton 605-665-0062 • 1-866-665-0062 • www.entyankton.com 18vHERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 WINDS continued on page 19 Now, more than ever, there is no reason for your parents not to hear all the conversations and activities around them. At Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, P.C. we offer a wide range of hearing products and specialize in helping your parents find the perfect one for them! With our extensive hearing testing capabilities, and our expert audiologists and otolaryngologists, you can rest assured your parents are getting the help they need. Call to arrange a consultation today, David J. Abbott, M.D. Board Certified Otolaryngologist Micah M. Likness, M.D. Board Certified Otolaryngologist Jackie Logue, CNP Beth J. Beeman Au. D, CCC-A 605-665-0062 Todd A. Farnham Au. D, CCC-A