Seeing the forests through the tree

[Sequoia]

"The Golden Spruce", by John Vaillant

Rooted in the remote Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia, a golden spruce stood for more than 300 years, capturing the hearts, imaginations and scientific curiosity of local tribes, explorers and naturalists. The result of a genetic mutation, the golden spruce stood out like a miracle in a sea of its ordinary green fellows. The Haida tribe of British Columbia cherished that miracle and wove it into their mythology and very sense of self. Commanded to flee his perishing village without looking back, says Haida mythology, a Haida boy has regrets and turns around for one last look. At that moment, he takes root and changes into the magnificent spruce that is both a miracle and a warning.

<snip>

I found this great book in the library. It's written very beautifully. On this island things that appear to be far away are actually close. This sacred tree was cut by a logger turned activist.

Here' the New Yorker Article that became the book:

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?021104fa_fact