Programs & Events

Join award-winning author Wanda Taylor and her special guests Robyn Shlachetka, Raven Beardy, and Kimberly Ballantyne for a special presentation on Wanda’s newest release, The Sky’s the Limit! — the first juvenile non-fiction book celebrating diverse Canadian aviators.

This vibrant, full-colour middle grade book showcases the stories of Canadians from coast to coast to coast who broke barriers to reach the skies. From commercial, transport, and military pilots to search-and-rescue helicopter crews and aircraft mechanics, young readers will meet inspiring figures such as Captain Mohamed Samanter, Gwich’in pilot Fred Carmichael, and Kimberly Ballantyne — the first woman of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation to become a pilot.

Alongside these contemporary trailblazers, the book provides important historical context, highlighting contributions from the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Black soldiers of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, and Second World War pilot Allan Selwyn Bundy — one of only two known Black Canadian combat pilots.

GIFT BAGS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER!

Children attending will receive gift bags, provided courtesy of the visiting author and publishing company, and will have the chance to win free signed copies of the book in our exclusive draws.
(Gift bags are while supplies last, only a set number available)

SPECIAL GUEST PILOTS!

Robyn Shlachetka, Raven Beardy, and Kimberly Ballantyne are pioneering Indigenous female pilots from northern Manitoba. These trailblazers have broken barriers in aviation, serving their communities through medevac and commercial flying. Their leadership in the skies not only supports vital services in remote regions but also inspires the next generation of Indigenous aviators. At this event, they will be on hand to speak and share their experiences first-hand.

Please note: As working pilots, schedules can change quickly. While all three aviators are scheduled, operational demands or emergencies may mean one or more may be unable to attend on the day of the event.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wanda Taylor is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, journalist, and college professor. She teaches journalism and communications, writes for children, teens, and adults, and serves as a mentor in the University of King’s College MFA Writing and Publishing program. Her previous books include Birchtown and the Black Loyalists and The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children.