The Canoe Tip

Elevating Indigenous Voices and Storytelling: The Canoe Tip—A Borups Corners Adventure

Is the vast wilderness of Northwestern Ontario truly silent, or are we simply failing to listen? The Canoe Tip introduces us to Myles, whose world exists primarily through his smartphone screen, even while on a remote fishing trip to Melgund Lake with his cousins, Jay and Josey. As Jay focuses on the joy of the outing and Josey laments the lake’s environmental decline, Myles battles a rising tide of eco-anxiety, feeling profoundly disconnected from the vital, natural world of Northern Canada he sees eroding.

This seemingly quiet family outing rapidly escalates into a fierce test of survival and renewed environmental understanding. An unexpected incident leaves the cousins stranded, thrusting them directly into the wild heart of the nature they were just debating. Stripped of their modern distractions and forced to rely on ancestral knowledge and each other, the young characters must confront not only the intense, raw power of the lake but also their own preconceived notions about the land and about themselves. This narrative is a compelling piece of Canadian storytelling, perfect for readers interested in nature and community.

The Canoe Tip is a powerful, poignant short story published in Canada, exploring essential themes of finding genuine connection, respecting the dignity of the natural world, and recognizing that life’s most profound lessons are often whispered by the wild. This story, which emerged from the Art Borups Corners Storytelling Clubs, is ideal for young readers engaging with themes of family dynamics, responsible environmental stewardship, and the true meaning of living in harmony with the land.

Availability and Canadian Publishing Details

ISBN: 9798232783792

Meet the Manitoba Writer

Jamie Bell is a dynamic interdisciplinary artist and a dedicated writer who passionately believes in the collaborative power of shared stories. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, his creative practice explores deep community connections through innovative projects and participatory research models. When he’s not focused on writing, contributing to Canadian publishing, or behind a camera, you can often find him in his garden, a cherished space where he draws inspiration from the quiet dignity of growth and the cycles of life.

Supporting Arts, Publishing, and Indigenous Storytelling in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario

The Art Borups Corners Storytelling Club library serves as a vital platform celebrating the incredible creativity and talent of our regional Northern Ontario community, directly contributing to Indigenous writers and local arts capacity. This special interdisciplinary arts and capacity building program was successfully executed in the summer of 2025, supported by key organizational partners dedicated to regional arts and ethical storytelling:

• Funding was provided through the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects funding.
• The project was administered by The Arts Incubator Winnipeg Hub for Canadian Publishing, ensuring strong local ties to Manitoba arts.
• Collaborative support was provided by the Ottawa-based Global Dignity Canada.
• We received academic and entrepreneurial guidance from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program.

We extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the Local Services Board of Melgund, Northwestern Ontario, and the many dedicated community members, Indigenous artists, and emerging creators who made this essential arts and publishing program possible, bolstering the literary scene across both Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.