Séan McCann (co- founding member of Great Big Sea) and Andrea Aragon

Séan McCann is a founder of the iconic Canadian band Great Big Sea and an Order of Canada recipient for his advocacy of those living with mental health and addiction issues. He has spent the past seven years touring the country as a musical keynote speaker singing and sharing his story with front line workers, teachers, students, patients, inmates, veterans, and anyone who has been affected by addiction or abuse. After drinking heavily for over 30 years to numb the pain of childhood sexual abuse, and hiding his dark secret in the drinking songs of one of Canada’s favourite party band, today Séan is sober, he is a survivor, and he has found his true voice. 

Andrea Aragon and Séan found each other in 2002. The daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and the fiercely loving mother, Andrea had battled depression, eating disorders, a suicide attempt, her own heavy drinking, and a divorce by the time she was just 26 years old. She was broken but resilient. Together, Séan and Andrea have survived through the stormy waters of addiction with 2 boys, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and an inspirational story for the ages that they hope will help others to help themselves.