James Murray

When award winning writer and storyteller James Murray is not busy taking pictures for the Salmon Arm Observer newspaper or sitting out in his boat fishing with his faithful canine companion Duffy, he is on stage sharing his heartwarming stories with enthusiastic and appreciative audiences.

Over the years Murray has received numerous awards for both his writing and photographs, including the highly acclaimed Jack Webster Award. "A Fair Exchange Of Gifts" and "A River That Flows Not Far From My Home" have each won Best Newspaper Column from the Outdoor Writers of Canada. "Doc And The Barber", "Habits We Pick Up Along the Way", and "More Than Two Lines In The Classifieds" have each garnered the Ron Miller Storytelling Award.

As a dance instructor and workshop presenter, she gives more than just a dance lesson; she offers the experience of openness to the self through movement and body awareness, and a true cultural experience. Over the last eight years, Jacky has been presenting the African Healing Dance Workshop for Women throughout BC, as well as helping people with all body shapes and fitness experience reach their fitness goals with her increasingly popular Afro'Robics and Soukouss classes.

"A Fair Exchange Of Gifts", Murray's wonderfully heartwarming and poignant story about what he would give his old his dog Duffy for Christmas, brought tears to many a CBC listener when it first aired to much acclaim at Christmas of 2003. Whether lighthearted and humorous or insightful, Murray's stories strike an emotional chord with readers and listeners alike.