Called by Mother Earth: A Father's Search for His Son

by Greg F. Naterer

This raw and intimate memoir takes us inside the mind of a father who embarked on a ten-month journey through rugged and remote terrain in British Columbia in search of his missing son. After setting out on a hike on Frosty Mountain on October 10, 2020, twenty-five-year-old Jordan Naterer disappeared. By the time authorities were alerted and the search was underway, the season’s first snow storm arrived at higher elevations, concealing the route he had taken. This memoir follows Jordan’s father, Greg, as he navigates grief, time, and the mountain wilderness of British Columbia on a ten-month journey in search of his missing son. From learning the scope of the logistics involved in a large-scale search-and-rescue effort to experiencing the range of emotions of a determined father and family on an near-impossible quest, the reader will not only follow Greg’s 1,600 km journey on- and off-trail in Manning Park, but will even meet Tmx w ulax w —also called Mother Earth—who guided Naterer throughout.

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Sabrina Lamkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vulnerable recount of events and spiritual journey. This story must have taken a lot of bravery from Dr. Naterer and his family to share, however, I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to learn about their search for Jordan. I have an insane amount of respect for the family and volunteers, not only for their determination during the search but for their unwavering hope.

The book was written beautifully and the amount of care put into each sentence is evident. This was a humbling read but I am so glad to have picked it up.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely write reviews, but this book deserves to be shared.

When I saw an article about this book on CBC I immediately added it to the list.

My husband and I both have connections to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Memorial University (him as a graduate, me as a former member of Engineers Without Borders and having worked in a not for profit that partnered with the faculty on many occasions) We both followed Jordan's story and were heartbroken by it's end.

Called by Mother Earth is equal parts memoir of searching for those lost in the backcountry (in the vein of Jon Billman's The Cold Vanish and Andrea Landlord's Trail of The Lost), A poignant love letter from a Father to his Son and Reflections on our interconnectedness with Mother Nature and the Planet that we all share.

Throughout the book Naterer skillfully weaves the story of the search effort for Jordan including the complexities that come with navigating interjurisdictional searches, managing volunteers and lost person psychology with his own memories of Jordan, conversations with his son and his constantly evolving relationship with the land itself.

Most importantly Naterer takes the time to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for centuries weaving their stories and teachings throughout.

[Maria Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to give this 5 stars. For the family to do a book about the search, providing details not known to everyone and share their story of what really went into this rescue, is remarkable. I was invested when I first heard of Jordan going missing back in October 2020, I followed along, and prayed everyday he would be found. Reading this provided me with insight on what truly went on in all those months. I have no words after reading this, my heart goes out to the family and they should have no regrets about anything - as they gave this their everything. Definitely a must read to learn about this!

[Al McEwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book on Father’s Day. Nothing but admiration for the heartbreaking and heartwarming efforts of this family and group of volunteers.
Jordan was fortunate to have such a father.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg did not owe us anything but he still took the time to give us an intimate look into the practical, physical, emotional and spiritual unfoldings of a 1o month search for an immediate family member missing in extreme conditions of a massive wilderness park. I am quite familiar with manning and have hiked most of the trails mentioned so the detailed descriptions of search areas were fascinating and easy to picture. I watched this tragic story unfold in real time on social media over the winter it happened and I must admit to wondering how he could actually still think there was a chance but I now understand the necessity of positive attitude to continue the search which ultimately lead to finding him. I dont think I will ever be able to hike in or even drive by Manning without thinking of Jordan and his family.

[Erin Trainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! Greg is a very talented storyteller. He recalls his family’s journey to bring their son home after he got lost in Manning Park, BC. This is a fascinating and truly honest story of tragedy, love, compassion, grit, discovery and more.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who spends time outside; search and rescue crews; parents and nature lovers.

I couldn’t put it down. Greg wrote a wonderful, ever-lasting gift to his son.

[Nicole Sulewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating memoir detailing the nuances of a missing person search in remote backcountry areas, and the lengths a parent will go for their child.