APL Author Series::Judge John Reilly

What an amazing evening at the Airdrie Public Library.  For our first author visit this year I was so pleased that Thundering Nations International agreed to share a First Nations' dancer performance with us.  Not only was it stunningly beautiful, but also very informative as the director Jacquie Wabasca spoke about each dance and its importance to her culture and also of the importance of the symbols and designs used on their regalia.  And I even got to dance when she called for audience participation...very fun and funny.

Then, Judge Reilly shared his experiences in the legal system with a particular focus on the needs of our Aboriginal communities.  He called for healing rather than punishment, and education rather than longer sentences.  Because I grew up in a northern Aboriginal community this touched me deeply.

I'm already looking forward to our next author, award-winning mystery writer Gail Bowen who will be joining us for wine and cheese and another live performance on May 13.