Witness to Spirit: My Life With Cowboys, Mozart & Indians
Robert Staffanson, founder and President Emeritis of the American Indian Institute, has led an exemplary life. At 94, he shared his unique life journey. Starting out as a “real” cowboy in Montana, then he was moved by music to start the Billings Symphony. Later he relocated to Massachusetts to serve as conductor of the Springfield Symphony. Returning home, Staffanson went on to found the American Indian Institute and become a renowned advocate for Native Americans and indigenous people around the world.
Exquisitely designed with over 50 of the author's photographs; a foreword by Oren Lyons—Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation and a Chief of the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy— Staffanson's co-founder of the Traditional Circle of Elders and Youth; and an introduction by Todd Wilkinson, co-author with Ted Turner of Last Stand, Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet.
To purchase a copy of Witness to Spirit through Amazon:
Robert Staffanson, In Loving Memory 1921-2019
Founder Bob Staffanson
PRESS + REVIEWS:
The Soul of the American Actor
"Robert Staffanson"
Explore Big Sky: Life & Land From the Heart of the Yellowstone Region
Feb. 7, 2016
"Witness: New book weaves themes of extraordinary life"
Bozeman Magazine
Dec. 1, 2015
"Review of Robert Staffanson’s New Memior"
Last Best News
Dec. 8, 2015
"Robert Staffanson: The most interesting man in Montana?"
Jackson Hole News & Guide
Dec. 9, 2015
"‘Cowboy conductor’ breaks Western mold"
Foreward Reviews
Dec. 16, 2015
"Robert Staffanson recounts a unique life of music and spirit, from the conductor’s baton to Native American rights."
MassLive
Dec. 9, 2015
"Former Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor publishes memoir"
Sidney Herald
Dec. 9, 2015
"Sidney native releases book"
Get Out
Jan. 22, 2016
"‘Witness to Spirit’: The life of Robert Staffanson, in three parts"