Story

Courtesy of UofC Glenbow Archive

Please take a moment to view our promo.

Our film will tell the fascinating story of the “Making of Grey Owl,” largely through the eyes of his indigenous wives and communities who opened the book of nature for him to learn.  It was the Temagami First Nation who first adopted Grey Owl through marriage and gave him his name.  But it was Anahareo who encouraged him to quit trapping and write about the threatened wilderness that he loved.  Indeed, Grey Owl and Anahareo can legitimately be called the world’s first environmentalist superstars. 

Courtesy of Ontario Provincial Archive

They promoted indigenous conservation in the industrialized west, seeking to re-connect the urban populace with nature, and they used Canada’s national animal, the beaver, to argue their cause.  That the beaver is a keystone species is now widely accepted.   As the world heats up, the beaver (the water protectors) is  now considered a vital partner in combating drought, wildfires and flooding – all the weather extremes intensified by global warming.

Please support our team with Carol and veteran filmmaker Peter Blow as we explore the extraordinary life and legacy of the first “Beaver Champions”, and the crucial importance of traditional indigenous knowledge as our nation not only grapples with reconciliation but strives to build a shared sustainable future.

Donate today to support the making of this critical and timely film.

Please watch this page for updates as we progress!

Courtesy of Mattawa Museum