Chief Pat Gatz, also known as Chief Little Eagle, is a man deeply rooted in the traditions of his Algonquin ancestors. As the Chief of the Algonquin Nation, Gatz has dedicated his life to preserving the indigenous culture, advocating for sustainable living, and helping others connect with nature through his personal coaching and business endeavors. His journey from a small town in Canada to becoming a respected leader in his community is not just about heritage but personal transformation, resilience, and a desire to inspire greatness in others.
Early Life: Discovering His Algonquin Roots
Born and raised in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Pat Gatz had a childhood of hardship. Growing up in poverty, he spent much of his time outdoors, a way of life that later formed the foundation of his deep connection with nature. However, it wasn’t until age 15 that Chief Pat Gatz discovered his true heritage. His father had been taken from his family at a young age and adopted by a German family. For years, Pat lived unaware of his Algonquin identity until his father eventually tracked down his family’s ancestors and received the Algonquin status card after a 15-year struggle.
The revelation that he was part of the Algonquin Nation deeply affected Gatz. From that moment on, he began exploring his heritage, learning about Algonquin traditions, and immersing himself in the culture he had missed as a child. This life-changing discovery set him on a path of cultural reclamation, not just for himself but for his community.
Reconnecting With Native Heritage
One of the most significant aspects of Chief Pat Gatz’s journey is his commitment to reconnecting with his native heritage and sharing it with the world. The Algonquin people, often called “The Silent Ones,” have a long history of quiet endurance in the face of oppression. As Europeans began colonizing North America in the 16th century, many indigenous people were decimated by disease and conflict, which pushed their culture into the shadows. Gatz believes that the silence of the Algonquin people has lasted long enough, and through his work, he aims to give voice to their stories, traditions, and teachings.
For Gatz, his heritage is not just a personal legacy but a treasure trove of wisdom that can benefit modern society. Whether it’s the Algonquin connection to nature, their methods of sustainable living, or the spiritual significance they place on the environment, Chief Pat Gatz believes these lessons are more relevant now than ever.
Fitness and Resilience: A Personal Journey
While reconnecting with his heritage, Gatz also embraced another passion: fitness. His upbringing, filled with outdoor activities due to his family’s financial limitations, instilled in him a love for physical activity. Fitness became a core part of his lifestyle, which he now shares with others through personal coaching.
Chief Pat Gatz is known for his incredible physical shape—something that isn’t necessarily typical of Algonquin tradition but is a testament to the discipline and determination that define his character.
Gatz’s approach to fitness isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about achieving a higher frequency of life. In his interview with M. Curtis McCoy on the Success, Motivation & Inspiration show, he explained that physical well-being is intrinsically linked to mental and emotional health. When you take care of your body, he believes, your life improves in every way, operating at what he calls a “high frequency.”
This philosophy forms the basis of his coaching services, combining health, fitness, and business coaching to help others become their best version. His strict program emphasizes mindset transformation as the first step to personal growth. He’s quick to point out that no real progress can be made without a change in mindset.
Hunting for Greatness: A Mission Rooted in Tradition
In 2021, Chief Pat Gatz founded Hunting for Greatness, an indigenous-inspired business that combines outdoor survival skills with personal development. Drawing from the traditions of the Algonquin people, the initiative is about more than just hunting—it’s about helping people reconnect with nature, rediscover their roots, and understand the importance of living harmoniously with the environment.
Through Hunting for Greatness, Chief Pat Gatz shares indigenous knowledge passed down through generations, such as hunting practices, foraging, and the spiritual significance of respecting Mother Nature. He believes that returning to these traditional ways of life can address many of today’s problems—environmental degradation, disconnection from the natural world, and even personal dissatisfaction.
Preserving Indigenous Heritage Through Land
One of Gatz’s most significant goals is to preserve as much land as possible and designate it as heritage land. This mission stems from his belief that modern society is moving too fast and, in doing so, is losing touch with the environment. As a First Nation native, any land Gatz purchases is protected from development, ensuring that it remains in its natural state for future generations.
His long-term vision is to protect enough land to serve as a sanctuary for wildlife and a space where people can experience nature in its pure form. This aligns with the Algonquin belief in living in harmony with the earth and treating all its resources with respect. For Gatz, this isn’t just about conservation but survival. Without clean water, fertile land, and biodiversity, human life as we know it cannot continue.
Overcoming Personal Challenges: A Story of Redemption
Like many, Gatz’s journey hasn’t been without struggles. In his twenties, he battled alcohol and drug addiction, a path that nearly cost him his life. The fast life of partying and substance abuse is something he openly talks about, and it’s a key part of his coaching philosophy. He believes his ability to overcome these personal challenges makes him uniquely qualified to help others facing similar issues.
For the past 12 years, Gatz has been sober, a change he attributes to a profound shift in mindset and a deep connection with his spirituality. This experience has made him passionate about helping others overcome their battles with addiction and find a healthier, more fulfilling way to live. His coaching isn’t just about fitness and business success—it’s about helping people achieve holistic well-being by addressing their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Leadership and Legacy: Becoming Chief Little Eagle
Becoming the youngest Chief of the Algonquin people was an honor and a responsibility for Gatz. His vision for leadership goes beyond his local community. He sees himself as a leader for the Algonquin people and anyone who wants to live a life of purpose and connection. His title of Chief Little Eagle symbolizes his commitment to leading with integrity, wisdom, and a deep connection to the land and his people.
Gatz’s leadership style is rooted in his indigenous heritage, where the role of a chief is to guide and protect, not just in political matters but in the people’s everyday lives. He views himself as a father figure for those in his community, offering guidance, support, and the knowledge needed to overcome the challenges of modern life.
A Call to Return to Simplicity
A recurring theme in Gatz’s message is the importance of simplicity. He often speaks about the need to return to a simpler way of life, one more aligned with nature’s rhythms. In today’s world, where technology and consumerism dominate, Gatz believes people have lost sight of what truly matters. Social media, for example, while helpful in sharing stories and staying connected, can also distract people from the present moment and their connection to the earth.
In his coaching and Hunting for Greatness program, Gatz encourages people to spend more time outdoors, engage with nature, and develop skills that allow them to live more independently. For him, this isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in a way that aligns with the natural world.
Conclusion: A Journey Towards Greatness
Chief Pat Gatz’s journey involves rediscovery, resilience, and leadership. From growing up in a small town in Ontario to becoming the Chief of the Algonquin Nation, his path has been defined by a deep connection to his heritage and a desire to inspire others. Through his business, Hunting for Greatness, Gatz is helping people reconnect with nature, improve their physical and mental well-being, and live more purposeful lives.
At the heart of his message is a belief in the power of simplicity and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. For Gatz, greatness isn’t about material success—it’s about finding balance, respecting the earth, and helping others do the same. Whether through his coaching, leadership, or mission to preserve indigenous land, Gatz is a shining example of how tradition and modern life can coexist to benefit both individuals and the planet.
We hope you enjoyed this interview on “Success, Motivation & Inspiration” with host M. Curtis McCoy and Chief Little Eagle!
If Chief Pat Gatz’s story inspires you, you can connect with him on Instagram at @chieflittleeagle or visit his website to learn more about Hunting for Greatness.
Together, we can all learn to live the Native Ways and embark on our journey towards greatness. Chief Pat Gatz, known as Little Eagle, is the visionary behind Hunting for Greatness the Native Ways, reconnecting humans to Mother Nature!
Join the Hunting for Greatness Tribe to learn more!