Clare Shirley
About The Episode
In this episode, Teresa Kittridge interviews Clare Shirley, the third-generation owner and operator of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters in Tofte, Minnesota. They discuss the importance of tenacity, community involvement, and finding hope within, all set against the backdrop of the Boundary Waters and rural life. They also discuss the impact of the 2026 wildfires on the Boundary Waters region, including economic, environmental, and community effects, and Clare shares insights on navigating the crisis and supporting local businesses.
“I don’t think that we have the comfort level in our society right now to not be hopeful. I think it’s a necessity. You have to find it within yourself and that provides the tenacity to keep going when things feel unhopeful or feel very scary.”
About The Podcast
Join our founder, Teresa Kittridge, as she sets out every week to interview 100 women who have made a difference in rural communities and beyond. These are women who have led positive change while overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.
We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation, and the world. Our mission with this podcast is to highlight the amazing women making a difference in our rural communities & inspiring others to take leadership in theirs.
Explore past episodes from our podcast series, 100 Rural Women and Their Stories.