Meet the Authors - Larry Babcock & Michael Meuers

TEACHERS IN THE FOREST

Essays from the Last Wilderness in Mississippi Headwaters Country

By Barry W. Babcock

"Barry uses his extraordinary ability for recall to blend his own vast knowledge of living off the grid and the teachings of Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, and Larry Stillday." ~Michael Meuers, Author/Journalist, Public Relations Red Lake Nation

This collection of essays, from one of Minnesota's prominent voices for the environment, discusses the author's connection to the wild. He shares his experiences living off-grid, harnessing solar power from the sun, pumping his water well by hand every day, hunting, fishing, and gathering, all as part of the natural world, and not above it.

This is also a philosophical adventure, as Babcock discusses how traditional scientists and native American spiritual leaders have arrived at the same concept of protecting our environment, but by use of completely different methods, theories, and practices of living.

Babcock has been active in defending Minnesota's environment for more than two decades, and was recently featured in the documentary film: MEDICINE OF THE WOLF.

"I have two friends who I have regarded as self-taught expert naturalists, John Latimer and Barry Babcock. Most people who are self-taught actually have teachers, just maybe not a degree. Barry reveals his teachers in his new book, Teachers in the Forest. A naturalist probably learns most from observing nature. Barry's book offers wisdom from his human mentors and vignettes from his observations, but he goes deeper than observations to the level of understanding and communicating with nature, a level you can only reach by living in the woods and interacting daily and intimately." ~Harvey Tjader, Forest Ecologist MNDNR

"I typically don't contact authors, with very few exceptions, but I found the material intriguing and am somewhat envious that you and your wife are living the life we were designed for, in deep contrast to the rat race most of us run throughout the course of our lives. I believe TBM readers will find the content interesting as well when my review is published sometime next year with the submission calendar I am on. I highly appreciate your take on live and let live with predators and will weave that into my review, especially the piece on smacking a wild wolf with your hat!." ~ David Tetzlaff, Traditional Bowhunters Magazine

ROAD TO PONEMAH

The Teachings of Larry Stillday

By Michael Meuers

"It's not about Indians, it's about People... The overall philosophy is to reconnect all people to nature and inevitably to themselves." ~Larry Stillday

Stillday was a well-known spiritual leader, healer and teacher from Red Lake Nation who touched many Ojibwe people in northern Minnesota. His words and teachings not only impacted the Native population, but people from all walks of life. He inspired thousands with his teachings about living in harmony, not only with each other, but also with nature. He passed on in May 2014, but his message survives.

Meuers was given a spirit name by Stillday (Biidaanakwad Izhinikaazo - Gathering Cloud is His Name). He has worked in public relations for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians for more than twenty years, and during this time he spearheaded the Ojibwe Language project in Bemidji, MN, which was recently recognized by National Geographic for: "... support in sustaining and enhancing the unique geographic character of the region..."

This book contains over 50 full-color images from the teaching events of Larry Stillday.

"Having just finished reading, I am proud to call you my brother and found it to be absolutely awesome, heart-warming, informative, and touches one's heart in a very special way." ~Eugene "Bugger" McArthur, former Chairman, White Earth Nation

"I am very much enjoying the book. Your respect and fondness for Larry are so clear, and the writing is lovely." ~Tanya Lee, Reporter, Indian Country Today

"I love the naming story! It makes me want to read the next chapter. It also reminds me a lot of what I was raised around and that I miss it. I thought back on my naming and who was there and wish I had documented it like you did." ~Donna Hoffer, Member, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

"Your writings are informative and passionate about the subject matter. For as much myth, rumor, and speculation as there is in the White community about Indian spirituality, I think your testament has the opportunity to help educate folks who are interested in knowing their neighbors better." ~Ryan Zemek, Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC)

"Wow! Looking at it from an outside perspective really captivates the beauty of it all!" ~Nate Taylor, Teacher, Ojibwe Language Immersion, Member, Red Lake Nation