“We need stories to understand ourselves.” – Salman Rushdie
At Kintrace, we believe that inspiration for storytelling can be found in the most unexpected places. Recently, our journey of discovery led us through a day of meaningful exploration that reinforced our mission to preserve family narratives.
To commemorate our 6th anniversary, we embarked on a journey through Waterloo’s rich tapestry of stories. Our day began in a local bookstore, where we encountered Yahaya Baruwa, author of “Struggles of a Dreamer” – a powerful novel chronicling an immigrant’s journey. Baruwa’s own story is remarkable; his family emigrated to Canada in 2001 when he was 12, and his novel has resonated with over 55,000 readers.
The Waterloo Museum’s exhibition, “Waterloo From Above 200 Years of Change,” offered a profound testament to the power of preserving stories. The exhibition traced the city’s transformation from early Indigenous communities to its current vibrant landscape. One particularly moving narrative was that of Levi Carroll, a Black freedom seeker whose family history is deeply interwoven with Waterloo and Kitchener’s historical fabric.
What struck us most was the exhibition’s innovative approach to storytelling. Historic maps, aerial images, and even LEGO recreations of iconic structures demonstrated the myriad ways we can connect with and preserve our past. It’s a reminder that stories are not just about words, but about creating meaningful connections across time and space.
These experiences reaffirmed Kintrace’s core mission: building a future where no story is lost. Every family has a unique narrative waiting to be discovered, preserved, and shared.
We’re curious: Where do you find inspiration for stories? What narratives in your family or community deserve to be remembered?
At Kintrace, we’re committed to helping you capture and celebrate those irreplaceable moments that define who we are.
