Dòmhall Sheònaidh Iain Fhionnlaigh

Dan MacKenzie (December 5 1910-November 23 1984) was a skilled and well-known storyteller and singer from Benacadie Pond, Christmas Island Parish, Cape Breton County. A descendant of Barra folk, he was the son of Johnny John Finlay (Seonaidh Iain Fhionnlaigh) MacKenzie of Benacadie West and Katie Cameron of Margaree, Inverness County. He attended school in Benacadie West before marrying Lucy Currie of MacAdam’s Lake, with whom he raised a family of nine.

Dan worked in the woods as a lumberman, for the CNR, and spent a period working in Sydney, all while maintaining a small farm. A tall man with remarkable strength, he was well known in the area for his exceptional physical power.

Renowned for his storytelling, Dan had an extensive repertoire that included further adventures of the Black Thief, as well as a variety of well-known international tales. His gift for storytelling helped keep these treasured narratives alive within his community. His sister, Christie MacNeil, is also featured in the Cape Breton Folklore Collection.