News and Events

OPENING CEREMONY

Friday, June 20, 2025

9:10am –  9:40am

Raymond Sewell: Mi’kmaq Story/Song

KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

Friday, June 20, 2025

9:40am – 10:30am

Clary Croft: Roots and Branches – Telling Our Own Stories

Many times, the inspiration for a good story can be found on our doorstep.  Using the Dr. Helen Creighton collection as example, Clary will explore some of the many aspects of traditional Maritime lore and discover where those tales take us today – either through inspiration or new discoveries.  Clary will give examples of the roots of culturally traditional tales and see how they branch out to survive in contemporary society. This will be an opportunity to explore what is in each teller’s own background and find a way to make those tales relevant today. 

STORY SWAPS

Open Mic Storytelling, every night of the Conference! A fun and casual environment in which to swap stories with fellow tellers!

NEW! On Friday night, join us for a Traditional Song Swap, ‘cause ballads, broadsides, and traditional songs tell stories too!

For exact times and locations, please see Conference Schedule. 

STORYSAVE LAUNCH

Thursday, June 19, 2025

6pm – 7pm

Conference Hall L290

Join us for the much-anticipated launch of this year’s StorySave album, and a celebration of all things StorySave! 

Got a product to sell? Reserve a spot now at the Artist Sales' Table, which will be set up in the Conference Hall. Space is limited so email conference2025@storytellers-conteurs.ca today to secure your spot. A small donation to SC-CC is appreciated. N.B. Vendors must provide their own cash float and sell their own wares!

This is a chance to kick up your heels and try some Cape Breton Dances with caller, Colleen Putt, and fiddler, Anthony Rissesco.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS 

NEW! Check out these FREE workshops, to which all are welcome! An opportunity for tellers to learn from each other while telling stories to the public.

Saturday, June 20, 2025

11 or 11:15am – 12pm 

TALES & RHYMES by SC-CC tellers

A workshop for local families, tailored to children aged 3-7. Open mic format. Tellers can sign up on the spot. Tellers must have experience telling to this age group. Hosted by Cindy Campbell-Stone. 11:15am start time.

English - Up to 50 participants

WONDER TALES by SC-CC tellers 

A workshop for older local kids, ages 8 and up. Open mic format. Tellers can sign up on the spot. Tellers must have experience telling to this age group. Hosted by Elinor Benjamin. 11:15am start time.

English - Up to 40 participants  

GETTING STARTED WITH STORIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO ORAL STORYTELLING by Christine Hennebury 

Ever want to try storytelling? Now is your chance to find out what it’s all about. Join us for a playful, relaxed introduction to sharing stories aloud. No experience necessary, and no one will be put on the spot! 11am start time.

English - All Welcome - Up to 40 participants

MEMORIAL HOUR

Saturday, June 21, 2025

5pm – 5:45pm

Each year we set aside an hour to gather and remember our dear storytelling friends who have passed away during the year. 

If you wish to include a dearly departed in this year's memorial, please email Heather at hewhaley.storysong@gmail.com. 

CLOSING CEREMONY  

Sunday, June 22, 2025

8:30am – 10am

989 Young Street (corner of Inglis & Young)

The Closing Ceremony for this year’s Conference will take place at the Local Council of Women’s Chapter in the historic George Wright House. The George Wright House is in the South End of Halifax, a short walk from our Conference headquarters at SMU.

George Wright was a Dartmouth-born entrepreneur and philanthropist who bequeathed his private residence to the Local Council of Women in Halifax because he was impressed by their work, and wanted them to have a proper meeting place to organize and galvanize. For many years, The George Wright House has served as a meeting place for community groups and special events venue. SC-CC is delighted to convene in this storied location to draw our 2025 to a close.

The Closing Ceremony features: 

• Four Corner Stories: a celebration of very short stories, one from each of the four corners of the country. 

• an SC-CC Presentation: tying up loose threads from Friday’s Members’ Meeting

• the Next Conference Announcement & Presentation 

• a Mi’kmaq Closing Story/Song by Raymond Sewell.