Regalia Paddles

Description

Honour tradition and craftsmanship with these handcrafted Yellow Cedar Regalia Paddles, made on Vancouver Island by Indigenous artist Don Bonner of the Obaadjiwan First Nation.

Yellow cedar is renowned along the Pacific Northwest Coast for its fine, smooth grain, warm tone, natural durability, and aromatic scent. These precision-cut wooden paddles serve as essential components for regalia makers, Indigenous artists, beaders, and jewelry crafters.

Traditionally featured across coastal dance groups—including the renowned Tzinquaw Dancers—these paddles are sewn in dense, rhythmic cascades across vests, dance jackets, shirts, and cuffs to catch the light and move with each step. Beyond regalia, they are popular blanks for crafting cedar drop earrings, statement necklaces, keychains, and mixed-media beaded adornments.

Each paddle features a pre-drilled hole at the grip, allowing for fast, secure attachment with sinew, thread, jump rings, or cordage.

Product Specifications & Dimensions:

• Material: 100% sustainably sourced Yellow Cedar
• Maker: Don Bonner (Obaadjiwan First Nation), Vancouver Island, BC
• Quantity: 50 paddles per pack
• Available Styles & Sizes:
  • Kelp Cutters: 75 mm (~3 in) length × 3 mm thickness
  • Paddles: 75 mm (~3 in) length × 3 mm thickness
  • Canoe Paddles: 100 mm (~4 in) length × 3 mm thickness
• Attachment: Pre-drilled hole at top handle for easy sewing or wire wrapping

Suggested Uses:

• Traditional Regalia: Stitch along sleeves, chest yokes, hem fringes, or vests for West Coast dance regalia.
• Handmade Jewelry: Create lightweight cedar drop earrings, tribal pendant necklaces, and beaded chokers.
• Art & Woodcraft: Leave natural to showcase the warm cedar grain, or customize with pyrography (wood burning), acrylic paints, or oil finishes.