Sole Paddle

Sole Paddle speaks of solitude and relationships, of walking alone and in community-and of embracing the present and future as part of a team, but also, sometimes with a sole paddle. It tells the story of John Bear, a young man from the isolated wilderness community of Reflection Lake, raised by his grandfather and his grandmother, and influenced by the parish priest. Late summer, John-hunter, fisherman, tourist guide-returns to school, where the principal and two teachers encourage him to complete his senior-year studies and develop his leadership skills. John participates in the annual school play, a presentation that highlights the community's need for wisdom and courage to heal itself, and step confidently into the future.In co-researching, co-writing the script, and narrating the play, John deepens his understanding of himself and his community which awakens a desire to learn more about the outside world. When a forest fire threatens Reflection Lake, the community is spared by John's, his grandfather's, and other firefighters's work, and by a life-giving three-day rain. Following his grandfather's sudden death shortly after the fire, John observes that the past includes painful memories as well as disempowering and empowering stories; the present offers obstacles and complex choices; and the future requires courage, strength and wisdom to navigate. He decides to pursue a university degree.