Wade Davis

Wade Davis is a renowned anthropologist, writer, speaker, and conservationist who has dedicated his life to exploring the beliefs and practices of indigenous cultures around the world. He has authored or co-authored several books, including Into the Silence: The Great War The Lost History of the Himalayas (2011) and The Wayfinders (2009).

Davis was born in the remote mountainous region of British Columbia, Canada. His personal connection to nature began early and has been a lasting theme in his work. He developed an appreciation of the land and its plants and animals, and a fascination with the indigenous cultures that had lived there for centuries. He was also greatly inspired by his grandfather, who had lived off the land as a trapper and prospector.

Davis' passion for the cultures of remote regions led him to receive a degree in anthropology from Harvard in 1976. After graduating, he joined the Smithsonian Institute, where he became a visiting scholar and then eventually the chairman of the anthropology department. During this time, he researched and documented Indigenous cultures in North America, South America, and Australia.

In his 1999 book Light at the Edge of the World, Davis explored the importance of protecting and preserving the global biodiversity of our planet. He shared portraits of both ancient and modern communities that had been shaped by their relationship to the land. In 2008, Davis was named a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, a position he held for three years. During this time, he documented and advocated for the cultures of the Great Northwest passage.

In 2011, Davis released the Pulitzer Prize-nominated book Into the Silence: The Great War The Lost History of the Himalayas. It was a captivating retelling of the experiences of the soldiers sent to the Himalayas during the First World War. He also wrote The Wayfinders (2007) which explores the spiritual and environmental practices of traditional hunter-gatherer societies.

In recent years, Davis has become a recognized leader in conservation, speaking and writing about the effects of climate change on fragile ecosystems and the cultures they support. His commitment to conservation and the environment is reflected in his involvement in various campaigns. In particular, he is a patron of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, which is devoted to protecting and preserving Canada's natural spaces.

Davis is an engaging and passionate speaker, both in written and spoken form, who speaks to a wide range of audiences on his work and passions. He is a sought-after keynoter by corporations and universities alike. Davis regularly lectures on a variety of issues, from the importance of protecting human cultures and the environment to his own personal journey from the wilds of British Columbia to the far corners of the globe.

Wade Davis' commitment to preserving and respecting Indigenous cultures is an inspiring example for us all. His books and lectures provide a thought-provoking exploration of these cultures and their importance to global society. His tireless advocacy and activism for the preservation of the planet makes him deserving of our praise and admiration.