Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

October 25, 2006

Steve Lawson

First Nations Environmental Network

Today's Date: October 25th, 2006

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Whales, bears and wolves. These are friends of ours. There are many stories about our interaction with these beings but in all the cases, they came to us for help. We spend a lot of time with them all in the wild and on the ocean here. We fought for the old growth forest sanctuaries which are habitat to so much to stop the logging but it is ongoing. What we do impacts everything and the animals know your intentions and it comes full circle. To be comfortable in this world, and that doesn't mean not being careful or cautious, one needs to have good relationships with all our relations.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Always loved the natural areas away from populations, industry and unnatural noise.

Now? The intact rivers where industry and resource extraction and human intrusion hasn't destroyed its essence. Especially in fall with the wild salmon and bears.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Favorite animal at this moment is wolf.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, human destruction of the forest cover of the earth and pollution of ocean plants that contribute oxygen, humans disassociation with the natural world out of greed and fear. and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future? alleviating fear and destruction, transforming fear into love

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Stop the destruction. Live in right relationship and love it. Find a way to connect with the natural world and make decisions based accordingly.