Spirit Bear is the inspiring story of one teenager who proved that a single person can make a difference. President Kennedy once said, “One person can make a difference and every person should try.” That is exactly what Simon Jackson did. This true story of Simon’s tenacity is heartening. 

While out in the wild his life is threatened by a black bear. But mysteriously, a white bear comes to his rescue.  Simon relates his story to a Native American who tells him the white bear is a Spirit Bear and there are only about 300 Spirit Bears left and the area in which Simon encountered the Spirit Bear is being threatened by the logging industry.

Simon sets out on a one person crusade to educate people about the Spirit Bear and save its environment. He faces strong opposition from the government as well as the logging industry. But his tenacity never wavers. He takes one step at a time and in doing so becomes somewhat of a local celebrity. 

Robert F. Kennedy echoed his brother’s words when he stated, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” Well, Simon Jackson actually did bend history. This young man did not stop, even when faced with the most difficult challenges. He stood strong to save an area where there were Spirit Bears, knowing it was the right and only thing to do.

Spirit Bear is a wonderful family film. Not only is it an inspirational story, it serves as a good lesson for everyone. If we see injustice, we need to stand up and make our voices heard. Follow the lead of Simon Jackson and his crusade. Simon was named Time Magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet.” Yes, one person can make a difference.

Young people can learn more about the Spirit Bear and how they can help by going to spiritbearyouth.org/.