Storytellers of Canada / Conteurs du Canada

Storytellers of Canada / Conteurs du Canada (SC-CC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the oral tradition of storytelling across Canada. Established initially as a national network of storytellers in 1993, it was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2000 and designated a National Arts Service Organization by the Canada Council for the Arts[1][3][5].

History and Background

The organization originated from a small group of committed storytellers who met in Montreal in 1993 to form a national network. Over time, this group grew to achieve nonprofit and charitable status within seven years. Its recognition and designation by the Canada Council for the Arts have affirmed its role as the national voice for Canadian oral storytelling traditions[3].

Mission and Mandate

SC-CC is devoted to connecting people, reflecting culture, and inspiring discovery through the art of storytelling. It serves as the national representative for individuals and groups engaged in maintaining and practicing oral storytelling traditions throughout Canada, including diverse communities such as English, French, Indigenous, newcomer, urban, rural, coastal, and northern populations[1][3][5].

Values and Objectives

The organization values:

• The roots of storytelling as an oral tradition passed down through generations.

• Oral storytelling as a performing art and supports storytellers with professional aspirations.

• The reflection of cultural diversity and intangible cultural heritage through storytelling.

• Engaging listeners of all ages with stories told in various settings, languages, and for multiple purposes.

• Collaboration among storytellers and supporters to promote artistic excellence, creation, and innovation[3].

Activities and Impact

SC-CC provides a wide array of programming, services, and projects—over 30 annually—that support professional storytellers and audiences alike. These activities include organizing events, workshops, and festivals, and producing storytelling media such as podcasts. Approximately one hundred volunteers contribute to the organization's operations through roles including project officers, coordinators, committee members, and board members, facilitating broad community engagement[3].

Languages and Inclusivity

Recognizing the bilingual nature of Canada, SC-CC offers programming and services in both of the country's official languages, English and French. The organization embraces inclusivity by representing and fostering storytelling traditions from Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and emerging artists across Canada[3].

Recognition and Funding

SC-CC is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency under business number 867741373RR0001. It is funded in part by the Canada Council for the Arts, underscoring its importance as a national arts service organization in Canada[1][4][5].

Through its dedicated efforts, Storytellers of Canada / Conteurs du Canada continues to nurture and celebrate the art of storytelling as a vital cultural practice, connecting communities and enriching Canada’s diverse heritage.