Farley Mowat

Farley McGill Mowat was a highly acclaimed Canadian author and conservationist, born on May 12, 1921, in Belleville, Ontario. He is best known for his numerous novels, books for young readers, and memoirs that have been translated into fifty-two languages and have sold over seventeen million copies worldwide. Mowat's works often reflect his passion for naturalism, conservation, and adventure, with some of his most popular books including "People of the Deer," "Lost in the Barrens," "The Boat Who Wouldn't Float," "A Whale for the Killing," "The Snow Walker," and "Virguga: The Passion of Dian Fossy."

Mowat was born to Angus Mowat, a librarian and veteran of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and Helen Lilian Thomson. He grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and developed an early interest in writing, composing verse between 1930 and 1933 during his family's time in Windsor. Mowat's writing career began in earnest in 1949, following his service in World War II and two years spent in the Arctic. His military service saw him enlist as a private and rise to the rank of captain by the time he was discharged in 1945.

One of Mowat's most influential works is "People of the Deer," published in 1952, which brought attention to the plight of the Ihalmiut, a Caribou Inuit band. His outrage at their mistreatment led to a shift in Canadian government policy towards the Inuit, with the government beginning to provide meat and dry goods to the community. Mowat's activism extended beyond his writing, as he frequently visited the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ship RV Farley Mowat to support its mission against the whaling industry. In 2002, the organization honored Mowat by naming a ship after him. He was also made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1981 in recognition of his contributions to literature and conservation.