The Jackfish Trail Challenge

Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba Short Stories and Values for Sustainability

Boredom hangs heavy in Harmony Creek for friends Clara, Ethan, and Lily. With summer stretching into a seemingly endless void, they crave adventure. But what happens when a simple desire for community spirit explodes into a monumental, character-testing task? Published by the Arts Incubator Winnipeg, Jamie Bell’s latest release, The Jackfish Trail Challenge, invites readers on an unforgettable journey of friendship, collaboration, and discovery that supports storytelling, publishing, and arts capacity building across Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba.

When the kind Mr. Birch proposes they restore the long-abandoned Jackfish Trail—a path once vital to their small town’s history—the trio is instantly intrigued. Yet, their differing personalities quickly clash: Ethan’s impulsive energy, Lily’s meticulous planning, and Clara often caught mediating between them. Their distinct approaches threaten to derail the project before the first branch is cleared. Can these friends put aside their differences, transform the overgrown path, and, in so doing, rekindle the vital sense of connection and purpose that Harmony Creek desperately needs? This compelling story masterfully explores the true meaning of teamwork and how a shared environmental purpose can bridge even the deepest divides.

Perfect for both home and classroom reading, The Jackfish Trail Challenge includes a thoughtful discussion guide designed to spark conversations about its essential themes: community resilience, perseverance, and environmental stewardship. Crucially, the narrative links its powerful message to global citizenship and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, establishing it as an invaluable tool for fostering empathy and active participation in making the world a better place. Support local arts and publishing by sharing this meaningful story.

About the Author: Jamie Bell

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

ISBN: 978-1-0698405-3-0