Where the Stories Meet

In a world where the echoes of ancient tales reverberate through time, a captivating event will unfold as Irish and Indigenous storytellers gather to weave a tapestry of myths, legends, and the magic that binds cultures across distant lands.   Be ready to be transported into a realm where the boundaries between worlds blur, and commonalities between diverse traditions emerge.

Irish storytellers, carrying the weight of centuries in their words,  will share tales that echo through the ages—delving into the rich tapestry of Ireland's folklore, where ancient myths and legends dance with the spirits of nature. The air will be filled with enchanting energy as stories unfold, revealing the timeless connection between the Irish people and the magic that resides in the natural world.

Indigenous storytellers will relay mesmerizing tales showing their deep connection to nature, the spirit world and ancient legends.   Stories bountiful with teachings, history and culture will leave the audience in a new place of understanding the ancient knowledges revered and passed down through the generations. 

The commonalities between these diverse cultures become apparent — a shared reverence for the natural world, a belief in the unseen, and a recognition of the power of storytelling to transcend time and space and be kept alive through the generations. The threads of connection between Irish and Indigenous cultures become more pronounced, bridging gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of the common human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.

This afternoon will serve as a reminder that the essence of storytelling binds us all and together we will experience the power of stories to reveal our common humanity and unite in a shared celebration of our stories and where they meet.

Storytellers: 

Myeengun Henry

Myeengun Henry is Anishinaabe, Wolf Clan, from Deshkan Ziibing First Nation, where he formerly held

the responsibilities as Chief of that community. He is currently leading indigenization, decolonization,

and reconciliation initiatives as Indigenous Knowledge Keeper in the University of Waterloo Faculty of

Health. In addition to these leadership roles, he is a ceremony conductor, traditional medicine

practitioner, environmental protectionist, counsellor, Pow Wow coordinator, and OPP Indigenous

advisor.

Kevin George 

Kevin George is Cree/Potawatomi, Fish Clan, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Kevin enjoys a

relational approach as an engaged Indigenous community member, facilitator, and advisor. In addition

to his responsibilities in community, he is currently leading Indigenous initiatives as the Associate

Director, Library, Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Waterloo

Aron and Sorcha Hegarty (Dublin, Ireland) 

Sorcha was always a book lover and as the older sibling to Aron (a performer from birth), she would tell him stories to keep him quiet on long bus rides. She quickly found myths were the best way to distract him. Over the years their enthusiasm for story and live performance combined, and they found that once they start telling stories together, they couldn’t stop.

Over the years of telling stories in the capital of this nation of storytellers, Candlelit Tales has developed and refined a uniquely expressive, naturalistic and modern style. Live music is the heartbeat of all the performances, and a live original music score composed by a team of talented musicians drives the rhythm of the storytelling, weaving through the tale and sweeping the listener away.

They take their favourite myths, and we don’t shy away from the sex and violence that was always present in the Irish storytelling tradition. We keep the depth, the wisdom, and the richness, and leaven it with humour, passion and playfulness to enchant audiences of all ages.

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Concession available.

Tickets are PWYC (pay-what-you-can) to ensure all can attend and keep culture accessible.  Portions of the proceeds will go to Crow Shield Lodge (https://www.crowshieldlodge.com/upcoming).