The Jackfish Trail Challenge

Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba Short Stories

Boredom is a heavy blanket in Harmony Creek, especially for Clara, Ethan, and Lily. With summer stretching endlessly before them, they crave excitement, but what happens when a simple act of community spirit transforms into a monumental task? Published by Art Borups Corners and The Arts Incubator Winnipeg, The Jackfish Trail Challenge invites readers on an unforgettable journey of friendship, collaboration, and discovery.

When kindly Mr. Birch proposes they restore the long-abandoned Jackfish Trail—a path once vital to their small town—the three friends are intrigued. But with Ethan’s impulsive energy, Lily’s meticulous planning, and Clara often caught in the middle, their differing ideas threaten to derail the project before it even begins. Can they put aside their differences, clear the overgrown path, and rekindle a sense of connection that Harmony Creek desperately needs? This compelling story explores the true meaning of teamwork and how a shared purpose can bridge divides.

Perfect for both home and classroom reading, The Jackfish Trail Challenge includes a thoughtful discussion guide to encourage conversation about its important themes of community, perseverance, and environmental stewardship. It connects its message to global citizenship and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, making it a valuable tool for fostering empathy and active participation in making the world a better place.

About the Author

Jamie Bell is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and a passionate believer in the power of shared stories. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, his work explores community and connection through creative projects and participatory research. When he’s not behind a pen or a camera, you can find him in the garden, a space where he finds inspiration in the quiet dignity of growth.

Northern Storytelling for the Sustainable Development Goals

The Arts Incubator Winnipeg and Art Borups Corners Storytelling Clubs celebrate the incredible creativity and talent of our local Northern Ontario community. This special program ran in the summer of 2025, supported by the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program, The Arts Incubator Winnipeg Hub, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program.

ISBN: 978-1-0698405-3-0

About the Author

Art Borups Corners

Administrator

Art Borup’s Corners is a northern arts incubator based in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario, where community-led creativity, land-based practice, and digital innovation come together. Rooted in the cultural rhythms of the boreal forest and shaped by years of grassroots organizing across Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Minnesota, Borup’s Corners supports artists, youth, and community members through participatory storytelling, climate-focused projects, and creative entrepreneurship. From wild blueberry walks to immersive AI-powered exhibitions, our seasonal programs and artist residencies foster connection, skill-building, and self-determined expression—all grounded in place, culture, and care.

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