From cathedral builders who would never see their finished works to arborists planting forests they will never walk under, we have the capacity and obligation to shift our gaze into the future, to be a “good ancestor”.

Mara has lived full-time in the Bitterroot Valley for 19 years and has been peddling books at Chapter One Book Store since 2005. In bookselling, she has found the sweet spot between serving her community and constantly learning something new. Mother to an hilarious 9 year-old, she also makes time to pursue multiple types of storytelling in art, music, writing and performing.

Recently, she finished a degree in literature and creative writing and looks forward to a life of continued learning. Constantly amazed at our very own “backyard”, Mara loves to cross country ski, hike, kayak, backpack and had the divine experience of hosting the St. Mary’s Peak Lookout last summer. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx