ABSTRACT
In 2006, a group of breast cancer survivors in St. John’s, Newfoundland formed a dragon boating association. Shortly thereafter, and with encouragement from a naval architect, they decided to build their own wooden boat – the first group ever to do so in Canada. This case study is based on interviews with 11 of the women involved in that build and two of their husbands. They reported joining as a means of connecting in an empowering way with other women who had survived or were actively undergoing treatment for their cancer. Although some women lacked prior experience with certain hand and power tools used in the boat build, they found ways of transferring domestic-sphere skills to that project. The male architect who had designed the boat served as the onsite instructor, emphasizing safety and accuracy. The women identified with certain tools and processes, and also focused on producing a high-quality finished product. They supported one another throughout the 17-month build and thereafter, and were encouraged by their families and the community at large. The confidence, camaraderie, and skill derived from their involvement were healing as they faced uncertain health challenges ahead. They broke cultural barriers by engaging in a non-traditional endeavor.
