The Teak Box recounts the story of a single teak tree from northern Thailand and its connection to the land and the people. The reader will follow the saga of the wood, and the families that it influences, over generations from the forests of Thailand, to the elite society of Bangkok, to English halls of learning and to Canadian First Nations communities. As the wood absorbs the sounds of nature, of love, and of anguish it becomes an heirloom that offers a connection to the land over several generations. Most importantly the book speaks to the connections of language, culture and nature that are too often ignored by those who seek only to profit from the forests. Finally links are drawn between Canadian and Thai government treatment of indigenous peoples and their spiritual connection to the forests.Additional summaries at:http://www.scribd.com/doc/67397465/Triple-Reflective-Journalhttp://marcelbarang.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/alan%E2%80%99s-teak-box/