Grey Owl
Canadian writer
Died when: 49 years 207 days (594 months)Star Sign: Virgo
Archibald Stansfeld Belaney (English: /ˈstænsfiːld/;September 18, 1888 – April 13, 1938), commonly known as Grey Owl, was a British-born conservationist, fur trapper, and writer who disguised himself as a Native American man.
While he achieved fame as a conservationist during his life, after his death, the revelation that he was not Indigenous, along with other autobiographical fabrications, negatively affected his reputation.
Belaney rose to prominence as a notable author and lecturer, primarily on environmental issues.In working with the National Parks Branch, Grey Owl became the subject of many films, and was established as the "'caretaker of park animals' at Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba" in 1931.
Together with his numerous articles, books, films and lectures, his views on conservation reached audiences beyond the borders of Canada.
His conservation views largely focused on humans' negative impact on nature through their commodification of nature's resources for profits, and a need for humans to develop a respect for the natural world.
Recognition of Belaney has included biographies, a historic plaque at his birthplace, and a 1999 biopic about his life by the director Richard Attenborough.
