Hosted by Canmore-based Creative Director and Cultural Amplifier Bridget Ryan, Novel Ideas brings people together to explore ideas and perspectives related to Canmore culture, history, place, and identity with local authors, spoken word artists, historians, and musicians.
Its is difficult to believe that the 2013 flood occurred 10 years ago this spring. As part of Earth Day, host Bridget Ryan welcomes musician Suzanne Morley, author Derek Ryder, and award-winning journalist Tanya Foubert to the Canmore Museum to discuss this once-in-century event. Bridget and Derek Ryder will discuss his and co-author Gillean Daffern’s book The Great Kananaskis Flood, which is a compelling story in words and photographs of the worst recorded flood in Alberta’s history and how it devastated one of North America’s most remarkable outdoor recreation and tourist destinations. Guest speaker Tanya Foubert will speak to her experience working for the Rocky Mountain Outlook during the 2013 floods. A book signing will follow.
Doors open at 6:45 pm, with live music by Suzanne Morley from 7:00 to 7:30 pm, followed by a book talk from 7:30 to 8:10 pm with an opportunity for audience questions and discussion afterward. The event will be catered with local coffee, tea, and sweets.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Derek Ryder has been a Director of the Friends of Kananaskis for over 10 years, having served multiple roles including Trail Care Crew Leader, Director of Communications, Secretary, CoChair and Chair. He is an uber-volunteer with Alberta Parks in the Kananaskis region, a Wildlife Ambassador with Bow Valley WildSmart, and even a Snow Host at Sunshine Village. In 2016, he co-authored THE GREAT KANANASKIS FLOOD, documenting through pictures the impact the 2013 flood had on Kananaskis’ trails and infrastructure, and the efforts to rebuild. His writing partner was Gillean Daffern, founder of Rocky Mountain Books and author of the renowned Kananaskis Country Trail Guides.
Tanya Foubert was born in Canmore a month after the coal mines closed and has lived in the community for most of her life. She was an editor and award-winning journalist at the local newspaper for 15 years after receiving her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Queen’s University and a certificate in journalism from Mount Royal College. Tanya received the 2021 National Newspaper Award for local reporting and her work was nominated for the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s Jackman award for journalistic excellence. She won the 2014 Canadian Community and Alberta Weekly newspaper awards for best news story for her coverage of the 2013 flood in Canmore. In 2021, she was elected to Canmore town council and sits on numerous boards and committees in the community, including the Canmore Museum Board of Directors.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Bridget Ryan has called the Bow Valley home since 2018, , where she and Jason Carter own and operate The Carter-Ryan Gallery & Live Art Venue; a gallery by day featuring the amazing work of Indigenous artist Jason Carter. But by night, you guessed it! Wonderful cabaret fills the walls of the gallery with song and story and yes, there is even dancing allowed!! After 16 years hosting a morning show on television, a published author of 5 children’s books, numerous accolades and awards for various MC/Hosting and charitable events, she finds herself EXACTLY where she hopes to be – bringing so much insight, fun and laughter to those who join the Canmore Museum’s Novel Ideas events!
ABOUT THE MUSICIAN
Suzanne Morley is a musical educator and one of the most experienced entertainers in the Bow Valley. She performs for audiences of all ages and features the musical “hits” taken from the soundtrack of our lives. This talented pianist and vocalist is the resident entertainer at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff and can be heard there weekly in the Larkspur Lounge.