Seeley's Bay Storyfest

On April 12th, Arctic explorer, advocate, riveting public speaker and prolific author James Raffan will launch his latest unique take on Canadian life for the benefit of his home community at the 20th Anniversary presentation of Storyfest in Seeley's Bay, Ontario. Always fascinating, humorous and heartfelt, sometimes musical and multi-media, James' presentations often seek to highlight the special nature of life in the north and those who live it, while at the same time reminding us what we all have in common. This year's theme, "The Road to Reconciliation: Small Steps Toward Re-Thinking Canada," builds on this idea with the participation of James' friend and Algonquin Master Canoebuilder, Chuck Commanda of the Anishinaabe nation. A third special guest will be one of Chuck's birchbark canoes, on loan from the Thousand Islands Boat Museum thanks to director Susanne Richard. Together on stage, James and Chuck will explore the nature of reconciliation and consider a path for Canada, along with personal anecdotes, enhanced by their unique perspectives. A final special component for this anniversary presentation will be the local premiere of a brand new short documentary co-produced by James, that celebrates how the chance discovery of an ancient soapstone lamp on the Arctic coast results in an explosion of music and a wonderful affirmation of drums and drumming at the heart of Inuit culture. Proceeds from this event go to the village James calls home, for use towards meaningful community events and projects. Seeley's Bay and organizers SBARA thank James Raffan in advance for this year's exciting instalment!