The Raffan presentation received rave reviews. There was superb photography together with an articulate discussion of various frontiers that only the canoe can reveal.
Meet James Raffan. Speaker, Author. Adventurer.
About James Raffan
James is a prolific writer, speaker, and geographer who is currently the Executive Director of The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario. For 19 years a Professor of Outdoor & Experiential Education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, over the years he has produced 16 books and written for media outlets including Canadian Geographic, National Geographic, Explore, The Globe and Mail, as well as for CBC Radio and The Discovery Channel. He is a community activist and volunteer, a Fellow International of the Explorers Club, Past Chair of the Arctic Institute of North America as well as a Fellow and Past Governor of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, service for which he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Camsell Medal in 2009, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Read moreRead James’ Blog
Living a life on the go that at any time might involve a speaking gig on the other side of the world, an Arctic expedition, or a quick side trip down the Humber River by bark canoe (with a piper on board) or to a rodeo to watch his family perform death defying feats on horseback, there are things that happen that don’t always get shared. James has blogged on assignment for Canadian Geographic (with the untold story of travelling through the Northwest Passage on the Canadian icebreaker Louis S. St. Laurent, among other things) and he’s a regular contributor to the highly entertaining blog at The Canadian Canoe Museum. And now here. Most often James blogs on his own behalf but occasionally his attorney, confidante and campfire gourmand, Thelma Thwartbender, steps in and reports on his behalf. It’s often surprising what they have to say … and always fun.
Read James’ blogMichael McKeown, Arts and Letters Club (est. 1908) Toronto
Anne Jansen, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
James Raffan took the story of Boreal Rendezvous across the country with music, photos and the art of a master story teller.
Staff Member at Westminister School in Adelaide Australia
I loved the variation in his presentations. Whether speaking to the staff, to the students in school assemblies, or to individual classes, he had something valuable to offer. He is interesting, witty, and extremely personable. A fabulous choice!
Dr. Graham Dodd, University of South Australia
James’ presentation to our outdoor education philosophy class was of immeasurable value to our students and the staff that attended. James presented a stunning audiovisual display and his own values and philosophy that framed perfectly further classes. He was entertaining, challenging, and engaging. I think many students were thinking that they would like to have him for a professor!
Ron Moses, Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club
I thank you most warmly for your wonderful presentation. I am sure you sensed the excitement and enthusiasm radiating from the audience for the excellent messages you communicated. You will be delighted to know that our Bulletin Editor, a sage born-and-bred Englishman, told me that it will be extremely difficult for any guest speaker to equal your ‘standard’ throughout the remainder of our 51 weekly programs.
Wood Gundy Investment Client at event hosted by The Burkom, Kingston, LeBlanc & Wilcox Investment Group
I was especially impressed with Dr Raffan's story telling abilities. A style which provided his audience with an intimate look into the lives of actual people he has met; their lifestyle, the issues they face and the impact of global climate change on their way of life. The slide presentation ensured that we were taken on a journey to lands many of us know nothing about and may never see in our lifetimes.
Book James for your next Conference
As an award-winning teacher and conference convener in his own right, James is always interested in working with organizers to tailor his presentations to fit the audience, tone, theme and flow of a gathering, whether it is a one-time keynote or a presentation/panel/hosting combination in the context of a multi-day program. He’s happy to talk about mini-keynotes done in conjunction with a main talk, or to collaborate on creating workshops or other conference/preconference contributions that could add value to a conference presentation package. Based in the Rideau Lakes north of Kingston, Ontario, he travels within a 400 km radius by road or rail and expedites air travel from either Ottawa or Syracuse.
A recent client said this:
“As the organizer of the series, I can say it was always a pleasure to work with James, he was always calm, always prepared, always flexible, and always entertaining. He paces his presentations perfectly, not too long, not too short, using accessible and articulate language. He was probably the most low-maintenance ‘talent’ I have ever encountered.”
Book James to speakHosts, Sponsors & Clients
