Nathan Wright - A Life Rooted in Resilience, Nature, and Innovation

Nathan Wright is a multi-talented individual driven by a deep connection to nature and a relentless passion for innovation and healing. As the owner and founder of Herbal Lodge, Nathan has established himself as a trailblazer in the Indigenous natural products market, championing the accessibility of natural Indigenous products while staying true to the values and teachings of his culture. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Nathan's contributions extend to Indigenous governance, environmental protection, and community growth, utilizing his diverse skills in web development, permaculture, herbalism, mycology and community growth. Throughout his career, Nathan has garnered extensive recognition, featuring in numerous news articles, TV, podcasts, music videos, commercials and documentaries. Like his Anishinabek ancestors, his unwavering dedication to innovation and adaptability continues to drive him in meeting the evolving needs of the world.

Music was his first medicine

Nathan Wright, a citizen of the Sault  Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is a visionary entrepreneur and dedicated advocate for holistic well-being, was born on October 14, in the city of Pontiac, Michigan.

From a young age, Nathan exhibited a deep fascination with the healing powers of nature. Spending much of his time in his adolescent years in a place he called the woods (now known as Borden Park in Rochester Hills).

Nathan's early years were marked by adversity. Overcoming a traumatic childhood, and along with his siblings being shuffled back and fourth between his divorce parents who lived hundreds of miles apart, he embarked on a lifelong healing journey that took him from the United States Marine Corps to the vibrant music scene of Minneapolis. Along the way, music served as his first path to healing, where he worked with the legendary Detroit DJ, Electrifying Mojo and even appeared as an extra in a Prince film where he became a part of Prince's inner circle. He recalls times when Prince would lead the way in a caravan of about 20 people going from Minneapolis to Prince's house to hang our and possibly even hear a live show. He also was the Executive Producer for an album by a popular local Minneapolis group. While music brought his spirit back to life, it was the nurturing power of plants and herbs that grounded him. This passion drove him to explore the world of herbs and holistic therapies, and he soon became a fervent advocate for their integration into mainstream health practices.

Herbal Lodge is born

From these roots, Herbal Lodge was born—a brand not just about products but about a mission. Nathan's expertise as an Indigenous Herbalist and certified mycologist shines through in every creation. In 2009, Nathan took a significant step towards realizing his vision by founding Herbal Lodge, a sanctuary of well-being nestled in the forested areas in Petoskey, MI. His unique approach combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific research to provide a comprehensive range of herbal remedies and wellness solutions primarily focused on Natural Pain relief. Under his guidance, Herbal Lodge has grown into a trusted and respected source of natural healing for the community and beyond.

Innovator

But his life's work extends far beyond business. A true innovator, whether presenting at global events, designing groundbreaking websites for pioneering Internet companies like Netradio Network or the world's largest insurance company, or working to blend technology with cultural expertise, adapting new ideas and techniques for Herbal Lodge, his dynamic career is a testament to his boundless creativity and determination.

Community

Nathan Wright's dedication to promoting a holistic approach to health has not been limited to his business endeavors. He has actively engaged with the community, hosting workshops, seminars, and events to educate and empower individuals to take control of their well-being. His work has earned him a reputation as a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate for health and wellness.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional life, Nathan remains deeply connected to nature. He firmly believes that a harmonious relationship with nature is the cornerstone of a balanced and healthy life. He enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, wild foraging in the deep woods of Northern Michigan, a lover of cold water swims, an avid skier, traveling and a runner, Nathan never stops pushing his own boundaries. He is a proud Father.

Herbal Lodge Early Days

As the owner of the renowned, Herbal Lodge, Nathan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the world of herbal remedies and natural wellness. And has done some extreme things to keep Herbal Lodge going.

Nathan has constantly been innovative in keeping his business going. In the early days of Herbal Lodge Nathan would travel up into Canada in January during blizzards to sell his products to stores so he could pay rent. One time when driving in Canada going through blizzards in the early days of Herbal Lodge, Nathan witness two accidents around Blind River Ontario during a blizzard while returning back home. He tried to stop to help one but the roads were so slipper he started fish tailing and could not. He also had to stay at a hotel with no heat during the winter time. He did not know about craft shows, or larger vending shows or even selling online. He has to experiment, learn on his own and trail and error.

World Traveler

Nathan had traveled the world promoting Herbal Lodge products. He was once in Abu Dhabi were locals started to bring in family members dressed in their traditional kandura clothing and were calling some of his products magic cream due to their effectiveness!

In Germany he traveled by train from Cologne after catching a cold and to haul around his heavy luggage, reading just German words with no English translation to navigate. No guides, no phone just using his own instincts and abilities to figure out things in difficult situations.

In Vancouver, BC, Herbal Lodge was honored to be one of thirteen US Indigenous Companies invited to participate in a groundbreaking USDA Indigenous Agribusiness Trade Mission to Canada, marking a historic milestone for Indigenous Businesses.

Animal Encounters

Nathan's life is also a tribute to his profound respect for nature. Foraging in the wilderness has brought him face-to-face with the wild—he's been chased by a mountain lion and stood just 12 feet away from a bear. These encounters reflect his reverence and courage, as well as his deep understanding of the delicate balance between humans and the Earth.

Ancestral Knowledge

Wild foraging deep in the woods of Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula. When Nathan wild forages for his herbal medicines he is like no other. Like his ancestors, he has a natural navigation. And often has went out without any sort of navigation. Marking trees, or remembering significant land marks like a large tree or boulder. He goes into the bush by himself, unarmed. The only thing he carries with him is the wisdom of his ancestors.

Water Protector

Nathan is globally recognized not only for his company, but also as a water protector and environmental advocate, having stood on the front lines at Standing Rock during the dog attack September 3rd, 2016 and actively raising awareness about ecological risks like the pipeline near Mackinaw Bridge. Wright organized the largest ever water protection event on the Straits of Mackinac bringing in over 500 people from across the country. His efforts have taken him to the people in power, from meeting Governor's, Senators and he even met with a sitting President to advocate for the shutdown of Line 5. His compelling activism was captured in the documentary Troubled Waters.

Presenter

Nathan Wright is more than an entrepreneur—he is a storyteller, healer, innovator, and protector. His unwavering dedication to the environment, his culture, and healing journeys—both personal and communal—continues to inspire those around him. Nathan Wright's life's work and his commitment to promoting the benefits of herbal remedies have made him a respected figure in the field of holistic health. From the healing power of herbs to the urgent call of activism, Nathan's life embodies the wisdom of Mother Earth and the resilience of the human spirit. His tireless dedication to Herbal Lodge and his community continues to inspire and uplift those who seek the path to natural well-being.

His remarkable life story is rooted in the challenges of a traumatic childhood that set him on a profound healing journey, ultimately leading to the creation of Herbal Lodge. His life's mission is to support people struggling with pain and other conditions through the natural remedies offered by Mother Earth. Drawing from his own experiences, Nathan's dedication to his work is evident in every handcrafted medicine he creates. Those who use his remedies deeply appreciate his thoughtfulness and unwavering commitment to helping them achieve pain-free, healthier lives.