As the students at Cadotte Lake School wrapped up their birch sap collection, the next stage of their journey began—transforming the raw sap into beautiful, amber syrup. Students learned the steps necessary to bring this traditional practice to life. The process is both a lesson in patience and a connection to nature, showing the significance of way of life teaching.
The Boiling Process Begins
Once the sap was collected, it was time to begin boiling. Large pots were filled with the clear liquid and placed over a steady heat source. It takes a significant amount of sap—about 40 litres—to produce just one litre of syrup. As the water slowly evaporates, the sugars concentrate, thickening the sap into syrup. The students watched eagerly as the clear liquid began to darken, filling the space with a rich, earthy aroma that hinted at the sweet results to come.
Patience and Precision
Boiling down the sap is not a rushed process. It requires constant attention to maintain the right temperature and to prevent scorching. Stirring frequently, students were shown the care required to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking. For hours, the sap continued to bubble and thicken, its transformation unfolding before the students’ eyes.
A Taste of Tradition
As the syrup reached the perfect consistency, it was time to taste! The warm, rich syrup was a reminder of the knowledge and tradition passed down through generations. Some students noted its light, natural sweetness—different from store-bought syrups but deeply connected to the land around them. For those who prefer a bit more sweetness, adding sugar is an option, but many chose to keep it traditional, enjoying the pure taste of birch.
Canning the Syrup
With the syrup ready, the final step was to preserve it. Students helped ladle the hot syrup into sterilized jars, ensuring that each was properly sealed for storage. The jars were then placed in a water bath to complete the canning process. This not only keeps the syrup fresh but allows it to be shared with family and friends long after the sap run ends.
Building Community Through Tradition
Throughout the process, there was a sense of pride and community among the students. Learning these traditional practices connects them to the land and the teachings of their ancestors. It’s more than just making syrup—it’s understanding the importance of sustainable harvesting, patience, and the value of sharing what nature provides.
A Way of Life
This experience at Cadotte Lake School is part of the ongoing commitment to way of life teaching. It’s a living example of how traditional knowledge is preserved, shared, and celebrated. Birch tree tapping and syrup making are more than activities—they are threads in the fabric of cultural learning that strengthens community bonds and honors the land.
