Hi Malcolm,There is a wonderful book series called Fox fire. In which H.S. Students interviewed ther Grandparents for native skills and crafts that are being lost in the native world. Those books are never far from my reach.
The whole project was a huge service to those of us who dabble in traditional skills.

My thought would be msot tribes have a unique water craft design built for a specific purpose or kind of water.

Instead of sendding your kids to the books first. Instead send them to go talk to their grand parents, and have them document there findings.

It is more then likely that what ever they find would be of sevice to all of us ain boat building and would carry on a local craft wit hdeep roots. It may be that there are senior members of the tribe who can show you and your class how it was done locally. From local materials.

Keep us apprised. I'd love to know what you find out from the true masters.

Thanks

!RUSS