Taos, New Mexico author to read in Seeley Lake June 4

SEELEY LAKE - Alpine Artisans' Open Book Club author series is excited to present a Taos, New Mexico-based author of an exciting new series of western novels this Saturday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Foundation Building.

Juliana Hoolihan Clayton is an indigenous woman of Turtle Island (First Nations Plains Cree/Nehiyawak) who was adopted by a white family and raised on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. She has lived and worked with Native Americans and cowboys throughout the West during her years as a ranch hand and wildland firefighter. With a degree in history and education from the University of Montana, it has long been her goal to create a series of entertaining novels that are rife with impeccable research, unflinching veracity and forthright cultural perspectives on American history. This series she describes as the "Discretion" series, with the first novel being "Commendable Discretion" and the second titled "With Great Discretion."

Beginning just after the Battle of the Little Big Horn, the "Discretion" series delves into underexposed and accurate history of the American West, founded in aggressive 19th century political policies inspired by manifest destiny and intended to destroy Native American cultures and people. Charles Wolfe Collins, a man of integrity, robust convictions and audacity, is an Irish immigrant with a background in the secret service during the Civil War and various covert investigations for powerful men in Washington D.C. His qualifications and known sympathies for indigenous populations, originating in a childhood dominated by British rule, place him in direct opposition to uncompromising U.S. interests, eager to exploit treaty lands and natural resources.

Sent upon dangerous commissions by men such as President Grant, Collins finds himself forging bonds of friendship with Native people and stumbling upon truths he might not want to know. More fact than fiction, the series incorporates meticulously researched historical figures, documents and incidents and delivers poignant historical depictions of the frequent brutality and calamitous racism that was endemic to the Old West.

Please join us to welcome Juliana to Seeley Lake. She will also be reading to several classes at Seeley-Swan High School. The Saturday evening event is free and everyone is welcome.