The Warrau relationship with dugout canoes is bilateral: people shape canoes and canoes shape culture in Imbotero. As the primary and essential means of mobility for everyone in the village, dugouts influence a wide range of social structures and attitudes, including early learning, age and gender roles, intra- and inter-family social and economic relationships, independence and cooperation, and social status. Although paddles remain the primary method of propulsion, engine use is increasing, driving changes in social roles and attitudes.