My name is Conan. I am an indigenous life form of Earth descended from a long line of humans spreading northwest out of what is today known as Africa through northern and western Europe and before that from an ancient line of non-human life forms and matter from the first ancestor stars.

I have always been called by the pronoun “he”, but I have no attachment to it and you can use whichever pronoun you find most comfortable when referring to me, I won’t mind.

I grew up playing in the forests, creeks, and ocean of Kwakiutl First Nation territory on northern
Vancouver Island which instilled me a love for the natural world and deep understanding that we are a part of it and it a part of us. I remember spending all day in the forests and creeks, building forts, fishing, hiding, seeking, chasing, and exploring. I continue to stay in touch with my inner child and enjoy playing climbing, running, hiding, and stalking games in the woods as well as hunting and gathering food, medicine, resources. I am passionate about caring for the earth and all my relations and believe sharing and facilitating direct experience with the natural world is the best way to create a culture that cares for the earth and all the beings that inhabit our community.

I have had a lifelong interest in gathering and practicing knowledge and skills around edible and medicinal plants, and living with the land. As a young boy I would peruse the wild edible and outdoor survival books on my parents bookshelf and practice friction fires, making bows and stone tools, and eating wild edibles. As an adult I find that the practice of such skills brings me closer to the natural world and ignites passion in others by creating direct connections with, and gratitude, awe, and wonder about the world and other beings in it.

I have been been described as someone who walks between worlds: melding science and facts with intuition and love. I carry a wealth of scientific knowledge of the natural world from studying Biology, Botany and Chemistry in university and twenty years working as a field ecologist and restoration biologist. I know that that science is only one way of knowing, and factual knowledge alone does not make a person whole, bring wisdom, or create joy.

As a parent and adopted uncle of several neural diverse young people I have spent much time learning and practicing an ever expanding acceptance, and patience for people just as they are where they are at.

Through Thriving Roots Wilderness School I discovered the nature connection and cultural repair movement, and a community I felt I truly belonged. I discovered a passion for supporting adults and young people have experiences that build connection and inspire discovery of self and the world through adventure and curiosity.