MISSOULA — Norman Maclean’s books continue to be timeless classics of Western literature. His novella, “A River Runs Through It,” and his nonfiction work, “Young Men and Fire,” have set a high standard for the spiritual connection to the outdoors and the detailed account of the Mann Gulch fire of 1949, respectively.
The Maclean Festival, however, has been focusing on the man’s philosophy rather than his specific works in the past two editions. According to Jenny Rohrer, the executive director of the event and the organizing nonprofit Alpine Artisans, Maclean’s writing “focuses on our relationship to the natural world.”
The event, slated to return on Sept. 27-29, is more of a literary festival centered around issues and dialogue.
Rohrer mentioned, “We’ve always been a different type of book festival, or literary festival, unlike some of the statewide book festivals that feature new releases or festivals that feature one author.”
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Alpine Artisans, which promotes the arts in the Seeley, Swan and Blackfoot valleys, initiated the event back in 2015. It has always been named “In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival,” with a focus on carrying on his legacy. Now taking place biennially, the festival includes events in Missoula and some “field trips” outside the city.
In 2022, the festival delved deeply into the history of Western settlement and exploitation of lands and its impact on Indigenous people.
The Wilma venue was packed in the previous edition, prompting the organizers to keep the momentum going this year.
The theme for this year is “Finding Our Place In Nature: The Power of Story,” featuring authors actively involved in environmental causes, agriculture, art, music, and Indigenous scholarship.
Rohrer highlighted that the festival is organized by a small group with limited finances and operates in a challenging fundraising environment.
“We’re passionate about the intellectual celebration that goes into planning this event,” she added.
Highlighted events include talks at the Wilma, with Saturday’s talks being free but requiring registration. For a complete schedule, visit macleanfootsteps.com.
‘When You’re in a Hole, Stop Digging’
Headlining author Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, will discuss “the growth paradigm as a challenge to nature,” as per the schedule.
‘Going to See: Remembering Barry Lopez’
A panel will explore the work of the late influential author Barry Lopez, who passed away in 2020. Lopez, known for his book “Arctic Dreams,” received the National Book Award and was praised for his humanitarian and environmental sensibilities.
Time: 11 a.m., featuring Rick Bass, Debra Gwartney, Gretel Ehrlich, and Kurt Caswell.
Landscape painter John Potter will present his artwork, “Home’s Embrace,” inspired by a photograph from the bison release on the Blackfeet Reservation. Potter, showcasing his work at the Dana Gallery, will discuss how nature influences his creativity.
Rosalyn LaPier, a Blackfeet scholar, will also give a talk, blending family stories into a narrative of Indigenous history.
Other topics include a discussion on the legal rights of nature by Mari Margil, highlighting the movement for establishing legal protections for nature.
Various tours of the area, such as the Milltown State Park walk and Blackfoot River restoration tour, are scheduled on the final day of the festival. Visit macleanfootsteps.com for more details.
