Laura Taylor is passionate about the potential of storytelling to transform lives, communities and companies for the better. She is a professional writer, social researcher, stakeholder engagement specialist, photographer, videographer and facilitator of Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge studies and related projects. She is the author of the best selling book, The Cottage Bible (with Gerry Mackie, Boston Mills Press 2007) – a how-to book for cottage owners that covers technical, environmental and financial trouble-shooting & problem-solving: “Practical, comprehensive, environment-friendly advice” – Montreal Gazette. She is also the author of a literary memoir, A Taste for Paprika (Penguin 2005). Her photographs have been featured in many journals, magazines (including Oprah Magazine), books and technical guides, including More Straw Bale Building: A Complete Guide to Designing and Building with Straw. Laura is a recipient of a Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award for Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge achievements. She is a member of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).