This year’s Forward Thinking Speaker Series brought impactful voices to the stage: climate expert Chris Turner, legendary athlete Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, reconciliation advocate Dr. Marie Wilson, and legendary Canadian author, Margaret Atwood. Each speaker offered unique insights, from sustainable energy progress to resilience and reconciliation, sparking meaningful conversations within our community.
Chris Turner
Climate Hope Sprouts in Edmonton
The 2024 Forward Thinking Speaker Series welcomed climate expert Chris Turner to MacEwan’s Triffo Theatre on April 16. Turner's talk highlighted positive climate action, leaving a sold-out audience inspired and hopeful. "The tools to solve the climate crisis are within reach," he shared, pointing to incredible advancements in renewable energy—from solar farms in Vietnam to Alberta’s leadership in new solar installations. His message showed that sustainable energy is now faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
Interested in learning more? Check out How to Be A Climate Optimist and Chris Turner’s recommended reading list, both available at EPL.
Dr. Marie Wilson
A Call to Reconciliation
The second event of the Forward Thinking Speaker Series highlighted reconciliation as Dr. Marie Wilson, former
Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner, discussed her new book, North of Nowhere, with Chief Littlechild. Dr. Wilson’s message underscored the importance of preserving the stories of residential school survivors, celebrating both their resilience and humanity. She emphasized that reconciliation requires ongoing national commitment, with libraries playing a vital role by fostering dialogue and supporting Indigenous storytelling.
Dr. Wilson left attendees with practical steps to help—holding the government accountable, educating others, and embracing small, consistent actions to support reconciliation in Canada.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser
Dealing with Criticism and Pressure
Our third Forward Thinking Speaker Series event of 2024 took place on Sunday, October 27 at the Horowitz Theatre. How to perform when it matters most.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser discussed her illustrious career and inspired the next generation of Canadian athletes to perform even better. Following her inspiring talk, Dr. Wickenheiser was interviewed by Nahreman Issa, opens a new window from CTV Edmonton, opens a new window and took questions from the audience about her Hall of Fame playing career and becoming a physician.
Want to learn more about Dr. Wickenheiser? Her biography, Over the Boards is available to borrow in-person or online.
Margaret Atwood
Freedom of Expression
EPL was honoured to host legendary Canadian author Margaret Atwood for a moderated discussion on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the sold-out Northern Jubilee Auditorium. One of our most celebrated authors discussed freedom of expression and her accomplished body of work with University of Alberta Professor, Dr. Toni Samek.
Margaret Atwood is the author of more than fifty books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Her most recent, record-breaking novel, The Testaments—the sequel to her 1985 classic The Handmaid's Tale won the 2019 Booker Prize. Her other work includes the Giller and Booker Prize-shortlisted Oryx and Crake, as well as Alias Grace, The Robber Bride, Cat’s Eye, and Booker winner The Blind Assassin. With The Handmaid’s Tale now a critically acclaimed television series set to enter its 6th and final season (premiering in the spring 2025), Atwood’s prescient prose depicting a dystopian future is even more relevant than ever. She has received the German Peace Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Franz Kafka International Literary Prize, and the PEN Center USA Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. In October 2019, Atwood was presented with the Companion of Honor award by Queen Elizabeth, making her only the third Canadian to receive the distinction.
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