AALT Conference 2008

Conference Speakers TOP OF PAGE SESSION SPEAKER LIST Michael Kusugak Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak is a well known Children's Author with 8 books published and 2 more in the works. Michael was driven to writing to share the stories and culture of his people with the world. He was motivated to write by his boys who would ask him on a nightly basis to read to them before bed. "I had nothing relevant to read to my boys when they were young" Kusugak said. The stories in his books are largely based on stories told to him by his grandmother and uncles in his childhood. Michael started to tell those stories to his boys instead of reading stories in books that did not reflect their lives. Michael is a gifted and spellbinding storyteller. Michael paints pictures in your mind of a world that few experience. Depicting the rich cultural life he experienced as a child living in igloos, tents and sod huts, traveling by dog team with his family, hunting whales , caribou, polar bears in a challenging and beautiful land that remains unspoiled wilderness in Canada's arctic. For more information about Michael Kusugak, visit his website at http://www.michaelkusugak.com/. Plenary Session Description: Northern Canadian Literature Michael will explore the availability of literature for schools and children about the north. What materials are used in schools for Social Studies programs? How do you know that the information you are reading truly reflects the culture of Inuit people? Michael will share his journey to bring accurate and valid information into classrooms and libraries in Canada. (Friday Keynote, Sessions 1A and 2A) TOP OF PAGE SESSION SPEAKER LIST

Sigmund Brouwer Whether writing youth or adult fiction, Sigmund Brouwer is a best-selling author of more than 40 fast-paced novels. Some of his works encourage young reluctant readers into the world of books, and others provide adults with riveting tales. His youth series include Mars Diaries, Lightning On Ice, CyberQuest, Dr. Drabble: Genius Inventor, and The Accidental Detectives. His adult fiction titles include Out of the Shadows, Morning Star, Thunder Voice, Double Helix, and Blood Ties. Some of Sigmund’s recent titles include The Last Disciple and The Last Sacrifice, The Weeping Chamber and Fuse of Armageddon. Sigmund's diverse background surfaces in the characters of his books as he inspires kids to get excited about reading. He grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and developed an early interest in sports like hockey, racquetball, and biking. His poor performance in high school English classes led him to receive a degree in commerce from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and not to pursue writing. When a professor in his undergraduate English course encouraged him to write, Sigmund did, and he eventually received a degree in journalism from Carleton College in Ottawa. After publishing several articles for Canadian and U.S. magazines, he turned to writing books for kids reluctant to read. In 1993, he co-founded The Young Writers' Institute with home education expert and author Debra Bell and conducts writing camps and seminars for more than 10,000 children every year. His commitment to his faith is an integral part of his creative goals. Although there is no overt Christian agenda in his novels, the deliberate underpinning of morality and redemption make his books more than tools of escape. Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan; the couple has two daughters. He divides his time between family homes in Red Deer and Nashville. For more information, visit his website at http://www.coolreading.com Excerpt from Tyndale House Publishers) *(Super Session 6A)* TOP OF PAGE SESSION SPEAKER LIST

Ben Crane Western Singer/Songwriter, Entertainer and Cartoon Artist From Leslieville, Alberta, comes one of western entertainment’s best-kept secrets (some secrets are best kept...). Joined by his youngest daughter on fiddle, this unique performer is a sought-after singer and songwriter, as well as an award-winning western cartoonist, one of greeting card giant Leanin’ Tree’s top-selling artists. Ben has delivered his twisted brand of western humour and music, a blend of swing, bluegrass, country, blues and gospel, to audiences from western Canada to New York, Louisiana to Branson, sharing the stage with the likes of the Sons Of The Pioneers, Don Edwards, R. W. Hampton and the Sons Of The San Joaquin. Along with numerous other awards, he has been nominated by the Academy Of Western Artists for the Will Rogers Award for Best Humorous Song (Bees In The Outhouse) and won that award in 2000 for Cartoonist Of The Year. A family man, Ben's wife and two girls travel with him, are involved in his shows, making him look better than he really is. For a sneak preview of all things Ben Crane, visit his website at www.bencrane.com . Saturday Night Entertainment - 9:00 to 10:00 pm TOP OF PAGE SESSION SPEAKER LIST

David Bouchard Champion for Literacy/Advocate for children British Columbia 's best-selling author and most sought-after public speaker has presented to hundreds and thousands of educators, parents and students the world over. This former teacher and principal of 28 years champions literacy. His message is spelled out in his best selling books The Gift of Reading and For the Love of Reading. “The greatest gift we can give our children is the gift of reading and there is no magic in giving it.. There is no toy or program that will do the job for us. It takes time, commitment and most of all, fire. We cannot hope to light a fire in the hearts of others without a fire burning in our own. Light and stoke yours, then spread the flame fast and furious. Let literacy be your legacy.” Bouchard outlines individual roles and responsibilities in ascertaining that all children are given the gift of reading. He inspires like none other and leaves his listeners with a concrete plan and the rejuvenation needed to face literacy issues head on. Born and raised on the Canadian prairie, the author of over twenty five best selling books now lives in British Columbia with his wife Vicki and their combined family of seven. David Bouchard’s books have won several prestigious awards, among them: the Governor General’s Award for The Song Within My Heart in 2004 and the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award for Voices from the Wild in 1997. If You’re not from the Prairie is listed on MacLean’s list of the Top Twenty Children’s books in the history of Canada. You can access his web page at www.davidbouchard.com. David is the *Sunday Brunch Keynote Speaker* TOP OF PAGE SESSION SPEAKER LIST
Session Speakers

	Dixie Anderson Dawna Morey Raj Boora Adrienne Brown Canty Deborah Cryderman Michael Dawe Tony Fell Lorna Fischer Laural Grimes Merle Harris Julie Hudak Sona Kothari Russ Littau	Terry-lyn Martin Michelle Nash Mike Parkinson Tabitha Phiri Kristine Plastow Tatiana Poliakevitch Cst. Lloyd Schoepp Tanya Schur Lucinda Sheardown Lesley Sutton Vicky Williams Glynis Wilson Boultbee Sam Withey


Dixie Anderson Dixie has worked in a number of library management positions in special libraries with provincial and federal government agencies. More recently she has worked as a consultant in Records Management and with not for profit agencies in the Red Deer community. She is looking forward to the challenges of working in the health sector in the David Thompson Health Region. (Session 1E)
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Dawna Morey Dawna Morey has brought 25 years of experience training, facilitation, communication, planning and project management skills to her role as Executive Director at Community Information & Referral Society (CiRS). She proudly sits on the Red Deer & District Community Foundation Board. Dawna demonstrates her leadership qualities while immersed in many facets of community work. (Session 3A)

Raj Boora Raj Boora is the Senior Instructional Designer and Team Lead for the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Science’s DigiTLE unit. This unit is tasked with working with instructors to integrate technology where appropriate. At home, Raj stays active by training for a half marathon and taking pictures. Raj also maintains a blog at blog.boora.ca. (Sessions 4B and 5B)

Adrienne Brown Canty Adrienne Brown Canty is the Manager of the Strathcona Branch of the Edmonton Public Library, and served as EPL’s Representative Project Owner for RFID from 2004 to 2007, responsible for planning and implementing the library’s $6 million conversion project to radio-frequency identification technology for circulation and security. (Session 1B)

Deborah Cryderman Deborah Cryderman is a SAIT LIT graduate who has spent most of her professional career working with young adults in school and public library settings. Although she thinks of herself as a teenager in grown up clothing, she is now the Head Librarian at the Stettler Public Library and is proud to admit that she has fed young people Clotted Blood Loaf, Monkey Brains and Bug Gut Smoothies. (Session 5A)

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Michael Dawe Michael Dawe first became involved in the Red Deer and District Archives in 1970. He became Red Deer's first full time archivist in 1979. He has been active in a number of archival and heritage organizations and inititatives. He is also active in a great range of community groups and has served as a health care trustee for 25 years. He is the author of several books and is a regular columnist in local papers .(Session 4E)

Tony Fell Tony has taught mostly technical services courses with the Information Management & Library Technology Program at Grant MacEwan College for the past 27 years.(Sessions 1D and 2D)

Lorna Fischer Lorna has been with the Edmonton Public Library for approximately 40 years. Many years ago they did a lot of real binding and had the equipment to do so. She has mended and rebound many books in her time and is familiar with all types and sizes. She had retired from her job as senior processor in 2002 and after a year off decided she needed to go back to work and what better job than back at the library. *(Sessions 2F(new) and 5D)*
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Laural Grimes Laural has been employed at the Red Deer Public Library in Children’s Services for twenty years. One of the things she was asked for several times were Central Alberta farm stories, (there were only two other ones at the time) since Laural was raised on a Central Alberta farm she thought that was a void she may be able to fill. After receiving enough rejection letters to paper a wall in her home –her parents offered to form a publishing company and publish her books. Her first book was published in Dec 1997. In the Spring of 2007, her third book “Braided Pigtails” was selected as support material for the Grade 4 Social Studies Curriculum in Alberta. (Session 4C)

Merle Harris Merle has always been fascinated with the oral tradition and loves listening to stories. In 1972, as a new mother in a new country, she found herself remembering her childhood in Rhodesia and how African parents used storytelling rather than lecturing their children. She fell back on tradition to raise their sons. She has been a freelance, professional storyteller for over twelve years, and is a favourite at AALT conferences. Since 1995, she has toured with the Young Alberta Book Society Chrysalis Festival, telling stories to children in schools and libraries. (Saturday Storytime)

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Julie Hudak Julie Hudak started her career in libraries where she looked at pictures in children’s books and after moving to Calgary instead found herself looking at pictures of technical well diagrams. She is committed to the information management profession and has first hand experience with many facets of the profession and understands the synergies between the library and the records fields. From maintaining physical records systems, designing filing systems, performing research, to implementing major projects and being the watchdog for corporate records compliance, Julie has a breadth of experience as a Records Management professional. She has been actively involved with both AALT and ARMA in a variety of capacities. In April 28, 2008 Award of Excellence in 2004. Julie is currently the Supervisor of Records Management at ConocoPhillips Canada in Calgary. (Session 3D)

Sona Kothari Sona Kothari is a Librarian at Red Deer College, where she coordinates virtual services, teaches information literacy classes, and provides reference service. She has a keen interest in social software, such as blogs, wikis, and podcasts, and how these technologies can be leveraged to enhance learning. (Session 3B)

Russ Littau Russ Littau is the founder of The Healing Center with its home office in Red Deer, AB. Through the variety of holistic energy healing therapies and meditation practices he has had the amazing opportunity of creating an environment, and acting as a catalyst for people to remember who they really are; People of Peace and Power. As a Reiki Master and Teacher Russ offers certification classes through resident programs as well as through a variety of teaching retreats in exotic and energetically charged locations through the world. (Session 1C)

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Terry-lyn Martin Terry-lyn has a Library Technician Diploma from Grant MacEwan and has worked in special libraries and transitioned into records management. Her records experience is primarily with oil & gas records. She has supervised a records management group in a large oil company and has owned her own consulting company. Currently Terry-lyn is the the Records Coordinator at Crescent Point Energy Trust where she is responsible for the engineering records, land records & electronic document management. (Session 4D)

Michelle Nash Michelle Nash has over ten years of extensive experience using Microsoft Excel and has obtained her Microsoft Office Master Certification. Michelle is currently employed by Red Deer Public Schools providing software support and training. (Pre-Conference)

Mike Parkinson Mike Parkinson is Academic Chair of the Library Information Technology Program at SAIT. He is currently spearheading WebCT development to further advance distance learning options for the LIT Diploma program as well as the LOA and RIM certificate programs. (Session 2B)

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Tabitha Phiri Tabitha Phiri, received her Behavioral Science degree at CUC and is pursuing Marriage and Family Therapy program at Loma Linda University. She works for CAIWA whose programs aim to promote family violence and bullying awareness to immigrant families who live in Central Alberta. (Session 2C)

Kristine Plastow Kristine Plastow is a Librarian at Red Deer College, where she coordinates collection development, supervises the library’s technical services department and teaches information literacy classes. She is always looking for new ways to help students become more information and technology literate. (Session 3B)

Tatiana Poliakevitch Tatiana Poliakevitch is the Community Development Librarian with Red Deer Public Library. She graduated from the University of Alberta Library and Information Studies School in 2005. She has worked in a number of special, academic and public libraries. In Red Deer Public Library she focuses on enhancing services and programs for seniors, the Aboriginal community, persons with disability and new Canadians. (Session 4A)

Cst. Lloyd Schoepp Prior to joining the RCMP Cst. Schoepp worked for a Financial Institution for 11 years. In the RCMP he was stationed in Fort Saskatchewan for 3.5 years and transferred to the Commercial Crime Section in March 2005. Cst. Schoepp is currently assigned to the International Anti-Corruption Unit. (Super Session 6B)
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Tanya Schur Tanya Schur, MA Leadership & Training is a certified healthRHYTHM facilitator and is the Canadian Train-the-trainer for the new healthRHYTHM fitness program. She brings with her a background in fitness, health and community building. Her mission is to bring people together to experience freedom to play and enjoy the synergizing benefits of community, drumming and other forms of creative expression. (Friday Evening Activity)

Lucinda Sheardown Lucinda Sheardown, B.Ed., with the Central Alberta Diversity Association, leads school, community, and business groups in diversity sensitivity and Anti-discrimination Response training. She has consulted on diversity issues with local, municipal and national organizations. Lucinda’s training in human relations, facilitation techniques and work with marginalized groups is substantial and ongoing. (Session 2C)

Leslie Sutton Lesley Sutton M.S.W., R.S.W. is a social worker who has worked in the area of gerontology for the past sixteen years. She provides direct clinical counselling to older adults and has done a variety of workshops on caregiving, elder abuse and retirement transitioning. Her interest is to promote positive aging. (Session 3C)

Vicky Williams Vicky Williams is a strong advocate of the importance of good Records Management. Her career in information management started in Archives at the Glenbow Museum and migrated into Records Management in the oil and gas sector. From setting up basic filing systems from scratch to building a Records program to implementing complex electronic document management systems, Vicky has a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about the Records Management profession. She is a founding member of the ARMA Calgary Chapter in 1976 and has served in various leadership positions and was the Chapter Archivist until 2006. In 2007, Vicky was awarded the Chapter Member of the Year in recognition for her commitment to the profession. Vicky is currently the Manager of Records Management at Enerplus in Calgary. (Session 3D)

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Glynis Wilson Boultbee A widely experienced teacher and trainer, Glynis worked in a Toronto school for adults with learning disabilities, spent seventeen years at Red Deer College, and set up her own company, Catalyst Consulting. She now teaches and trains across Canada and the U.S. (Session 4A)

Sam Withey Sam is a financial advisor, licensed to sell insurance, with Edward Jones in Calgary. He has been with Edward Jones for the past year and has been investing for 18 years. A native Calgarian, he is happily married with two small children. (Session 5C) TOP OF PAGE SESSION SPEAKER LIST

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