What does “wilderness” mean to you? Guided by the wisdom of college professor Evan Larson and Anishinabe student Melonee Montano, we learn how the very definitions penned to protect our country’s most precious landscapes can destroy them instead. United by their desire to preserve the Red Pine forests of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the two join together to educate upcoming generations on how returning fire to the land, and returning the land to its people, can be healing for all.
Nisogaabokwe Melonee Montano is an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa where she was raised grounded in teachings from elders, cultural practices, and Indigenous Knowledge. She is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota in the M.S. and PhD Natural Resources Science & Management Program through which she is a student of and advocate for good fire. As a student, Co-Director of the film A Wilderness Act, and other related roles, she co-leads and assists in efforts focused on healing of the lands and people through the return of fire.
Tom Deschenes is a filmmaker and the founder of Old Saw Media, a production company dedicated to crafting compelling, story-driven films that connect people to the places, communities, and causes that matter. With over a decade of experience in documentary and commercial filmmaking, Tom specializes in capturing authentic narratives that inspire action and deepen our understanding of the world around us.
Rooted in Duluth, MN, Tom’s work often explores the intersection of nature, conservation, and human experience. His projects have highlighted stories of environmental stewardship, outdoor adventure, and cultural heritage, weaving together powerful visuals with rich storytelling. His latest work, A Wilderness Act, challenges the Western concept of wilderness by examining how the Wilderness Act—while created to protect landscapes—also served as a tool of colonization, restricting Indigenous land management practices like controlled burning. Through the lens of the red pine forests of Northern Minnesota, the film explores the complex history of fire, Indigenous sovereignty, and the role humans play in shaping the landscapes we call “wild.”
With A Wilderness Act, Tom continues his mission of using film to uncover untold stories, foster meaningful dialogue, and inspire a deeper, more nuanced relationship between people and the land.