Open Spaces; Life With Leonard J. Mountain Chief

Online, September 28, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Balancing the need for economic growth with the desire to preserve natural spaces has rarely been so challenging for Americans. As the economy struggles to rebound and the presidential election looms, Americans can feel overwhelmed by the responsibility they face regarding public policy that affects the environment, the economy and their neighbors. Seeking to ease this discord while spurring people to action, best-selling author and social activist Jay North joins the conversation with his thoughtful book, Open Spaces: My Life With Leonard J. Mountain Chief.

Through his personal, nearly decade-long relationship with the chief, a Blackfeet elder from Northwestern Montana, North taps the wisdom of a Native American culture to formulate a prescription for better tomorrows for all. Already involved in the planet-preserving organic farming movement, in Open Spaces North describes fresh insight from the chief into the bounty and resilience of the planet Earth. North also learns powerful life lessons through the chief's stirring beliefs about the need for balance between humans and the natural world.

"2012 is absolutely a pivotal year for us," said North. "We are at a point in our evolutionary history where we have the choice to survive or succumb. My choice is that we survive."

Comprised of vignettes chronicling North's camping, fishing and hunting trips with the chief throughout Big Sky Country, Open Spaces encapsulates the chief's provocative views on human relationships, nature, and spirituality, many of which might resonate with those seeking to change their lives and the world. Through their shared time in the outdoors, North gains new awareness of the powerful bond between the Blackfeet and nature, between nature and all of humanity.

Filled with dozens of personal photographs, the book also captures the beliefs, ceremonies and ancient traditions of the Blackfeet people, such as the sweat lodge, the ritual of smoking the pipe, and the Red Path.

The chief, who died in 1999, felt compelled to pass on the ways and wisdom of his people to younger generations. North notes in Open Spaces the chief's unwavering desire for all of humanity: His "hope and prayer was always the same, that one day people would be able to look outside of themselves, see the world around them and find a way to listen and be of service. He always had great hope that this could happen."

Through Open Spaces, North joins the revered Blackfeet chief in that powerful and restorative vision and desires to improve life on the planet for all living creatures, now and into the future. Ever the optimist yet concerned that time is running out for saving our world, North wants the Native American wisdom within Open Spaces to open minds and change hearts, especially as the presidential election nears. "The chief had very definite views on the changes we need to make and the book delivers those messages," said North. "This book is intended to be an awakening, before it is too late."

People wanting a copy Open Spaces; Life With Leonard J. Mountain Chief may purchase a copy at http://www.OneGlobePress.com