A new short story, "Sarah's Steady Note," by Inuk youth artist Tony Eetak, will soon be available, bringing a thoughtful look at a young girl's quiet determination. This narrative introduces readers to Sarah, a ten-year-old who finds deep satisfaction in playing the tuba, despite the doubts of her friends and even her own brother.
Storytelling Club releases new story by Tony Eetak
A new short story, “Sarah’s Steady Note,” by Inuk youth artist Tony Eetak, will soon be available, bringing a thoughtful look at a young girl’s quiet determination. This narrative introduces readers to Sarah, a ten-year-old who finds deep satisfaction in playing the tuba, despite the doubts of her friends and even her own brother.
The story gently reminds us about the dignity of others and the importance of holding onto what you love, even when it feels out of step with what everyone else expects. Sarah’s struggle to be understood and respected for her passion for music will resonate with many young readers who are learning to follow their own hearts.
This release is a highlight of the Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program, an initiative designed to nurture young voices in the region. The program is spearheaded by the Art Borups Corners collective, a group dedicated to fostering creative expression and providing platforms for emerging writers.
Through projects like “Sarah’s Steady Note,” the collective aims to provide arts-focused skill development. Young authors and community members gain hands-on experience in narrative creation, editing, and publishing, while simultaneously boosting their digital literacy. This empowers them to share their unique perspectives and stories with a wider audience, building confidence and critical communication skills.
The program places a high value on diverse voices, recognizing the rich traditions of storytelling, including Indigenous oral history storytelling, that thrive in our communities. Encouraging young people to write their own stories, whether inspired by personal experiences or the world around them, the program helps preserve and grow the vibrant narrative landscape of the North.
“Sarah’s Steady Note” is a wonderful example of the engaging narratives coming out of this program. It shows how powerful a simple story can be when it speaks to universal feelings of belonging and self-worth. Readers are encouraged to find their own steady notes within its pages.
This summer’s arts incubator and storytelling club programming was made possible through support and funding from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program. This year’s activities were also supported by Ottawa-based Global Dignity Canada, The Arts Incubator and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program.
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