The Snowshoe Storyteller

The unsung heroes of the footwear world? Both a tool and a beautiful work of craftsmanship, traditional snowshoes are what's made human habitation across the winter hinterlands possible. Over the years, Bill Mackowski has collected over 200 pairs of snowshoes and the incredible stories and history that go with them. To assemble what is possibly the world's largest collection, he has traveled to far-flung Inuit and Cree villages, from Newfoundland to the Yukon. Along the way, Mackowski has also made it a point to learn and preserve traditional snowshoe-making techniques that date back thousands of years. Enter his workshop in Milford, Maine, and you'll see a true tribute and museum to the craft, filled with intricate and beautiful snowshoes he has collected and created over the years.
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[@nucksfordacup]

I always have respect for people who spend their lives mastering a craft. Thanks for sharing the story.

[@briangarrow448]

His collection should be the center piece of a museum. And frankly, I wish that some local school or college would invite him to teach the craft to the next generation. When he passes, far too much information is going to be lost. This video is a great start! How about a full length documentary film about snowshoeing?

[@camree2408]

Brian Garrow 👍🏻

[@eileenschuller5309]

Love it when someone's passion records posterity and the arts at the same time. Looking to the past to see the future. Thank you

[@mayhem0kong]

This man is a treasure!

[@さおり-i4u]

This channel always delivers brand new contents on each episodes, great job. Stay fresh guys !

[@iluvbaconOMG]

Warms my heart.. this guy is a legend. It's a great story, and passion, whats he's doing.. pretty amazing. I do wish you link everyone's social media or how we can contact them in description though..

[@camree2408]

I love the stories about craftsmen.

[@chisehatori3681]

I'm glad this channel is growing, it's 10x better than shitty buzzfeed.

[@shaneroper477]

Always have to give respect to someone who recognizes the craftsmanship and undeniable function of what the Native Peoples created over time. Thousands of year's of proof vs.....Europeans. Haha no comparison.

[@mrhuntinjunkie]

Good for you! Enjoyed it and hope you are able to share all this knowledge and history with the world.

[@bellan.7267]

This is so inspiring!! I love these videos.

[@auntjemima1631]

This was another great one thanks

[@OriginalDegree]

Awesome story

[@rauleduardomartinez-campos955]

Do make a book!

[@camree2408]

You guys have a great channel. Please don't turn into another Vice or Buzzfeed or any of that crap.

[@さおり-i4u]

couldn't agree more

[@spicymeat4477]

Cameron Reeves 1000th time I read this comment.

[@thatfatasiankid5701]

Cameron Reeves I couldn't agree more, this channel is a gem and I hope it doesn't become dog shit like buzzfeed.

[@0x07-f3l]

I disagree. It's important to be aware of how everything is racist and sexist so that we all learn. This video needs emphasis on the systemic problematic issues those snowshoe makers faced like gender / trans rights in their communities. Why focus on the white man?

[@erod4489]

0x07 yuugh you had meh goin

[@chickennuggets8803]

1.57 reminds me of how to basic 😂😂😂

[@chardelraconner2166]

"TRUS+8+€$+8+€$MAN" ©

[@nativestudioart]

Where could we find Bill, maybe some of us would like to visit him and the snowshoes. Also, it would be interesting to learn.

[@davidattias59]

You're Welcome

[@firstlylastly1410]

I wanna be a snowshoe maker. How do I contact this guy?

[@itecnus3490]

i just strap my tennis racket to my foot

[@anacaetanocatarino3064]

like

[@MrMintyMento]

Yay first

[@dukkkehalaa4205]

7

[@Hexilux]

He should will those to the Smithsonian.

[@dukkkehalaa4205]

8th

[@BOY-rv8gu]

first

[@renzVIIICCI]

Fifth

[@jamesthomas1244]

I hear Trump collects gold plated snow shoes whenever he finds them.
So far, he hasn't found any.

[@agsontheway]

this guy sounds so self conceded no hate intended i just hate the way he pampers himself up so much

[@nuperpooper6853]

first