The In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Literary Festival's biennial gathering in Missoula will feature nationally prominent authors who will discuss the unique heritage of American wilderness, public lands and sacred grounds. The event, the fourth to be hosted by the Maclean Literary Festival, is called Public Land & Sacred Ground: Western Writers Bear Witness, and is scheduled for June 25 to June 26, 2022 at the The Wilma Theater. Admission will be free to the public but registration is required.

The event will include nationally known Western writers and literary talents – native and non-native – who will present their work and share ideas on the evolution of national parks, decolonization of American literature and history, and the literary inspiration that comes from the unique heritage of American wilderness and public lands.

Saturday speakers include Timothy Egan, John Taliaferro, Debra Magpie Earling, Mandy Smoker Broadus, Shane Doyle, Sally Thompson, John Clayton, Peter Stark, Kevin Red Star, Joe Wagner, Rosalyn LaPier, Shane Morigeau, Michael Punke, Nate Schweber and Annick Smith.

Sunday speakers include Terry Tempest Williams, Doug Peacock, Rick Bass, John N. Maclean, Rob Chaney and Tracy Stone-Manning.