This collection of 20 heartwarming and engaging stories, created by young authors and artists, is a thoughtful exploration of these big ideas.
Celebrating 20 Years of Global Dignity with a Storytelling Project
To commemorate two decades of fostering dignity and kindness, members of Global Dignity Canada launched a heartwarming community arts project. Youth and artists who have volunteered and supported the organization’s work have come together to publish a collection of 20 short stories, all centered on the themes of dignity and kindness.
This unique project, developed as part of an interdisciplinary arts project, was made possible with funding from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program. The project introduced to the world of storytelling and publishing, building new skills in writing, illustration, and book production. The project was not only an opportunity to learn but also a chance to contribute to a meaningful cause.
“It’s something we wanted to do as a simple project with the youth,” said Eva Suluk, one of the volunteer artists behind the project. “We’ve seen the impacts over many years, and thought producing 20 simple, short stories would be a fun way to put our skills into practice. We actually had no plans at all to actually produce a book!”
The resulting book, a collection of 20 short, fun stories penned by young authors and community members, offers simple yet profound lessons on the importance of dignity and community. From a compassionate squirrel who learns to share his winter stash to a young girl who discovers the power of helping others, the stories serve as a reminder that dignity is not just an abstract idea but an action we can choose every day.
The group had so much fun, that they’ve decided to produce another one.
“This book is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a person of dignity and how we can build a kinder, more compassionate world,” said a Jamie Bell, one of the project supporters. “Inspired by Global Dignity’s five guiding principles, this collection of stories show that a single good choice can change the world. It’s a perfect read for families, classrooms, and anyone who believes in the power of good.”
The project was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. It serves as a powerful example of how art can be used to inspire change and promote values that are at the heart of Global Dignity Canada’s mission. The authors hope their stories will resonate with readers and encourage everyone to practice kindness in their daily lives.
“We did this as a fun project activity,” said Suluk. “It was a very introductory project, but we enjoyed it so much that we’re already exploring ways to make another one.”
The new book features stories from Kendall Suluk, Tony Eetak, Jamie Bell and Eva Suluk and will be available at various bookstore outlets, including: Apple Books, Bol.de, Rakuten Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Everand, Fable, Tolino, Vivlio, Smashwords, Palace Marketplace, E. Leclerc, Cultura, Casa de Libro, and Hugendubel. Others bookstores will be added across the world in the coming weeks.
The book will be celebrated with a simple launch on Global Dignity Day, October 15.
Summer arts incubator program activities were made possible through support and funding from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program. This year’s programming has also been supported by The Arts Incubator and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program, as well as Ottawa-based Global Dignity Canada.
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