Steve Saint - Later Life

Later Life

Saint left Ecuador in 1996, feeling that his continued presence in the tribe would hinder their progression towards self-dependency. He has, however, made several subsequent trips, and continued to work with the tribe. On one such trip, he was helping a group of Waodani Indians put together their own airplane in Shell. A group of Quechua Indians approached him and asked why they could not build an airplane for their tribe. Saint replied that they could, and this was when Saint discovered the need for a global effort aimed at teaching practical skills to indigenous people. Shortly later he founded the Indigenous Peoples Technology and Education Center, Inc. (I-TEC) whose projects include an airworthy flying car, the Maverick. As of 2010 Saint is seeking backing for commercial production.

Saint appeared in and narrated the 2004 documentary film Beyond the Gates of Splendor. In 2005 he published his memoirs, a book titled End of the Spear. In 2006 there was a major film adaptation of the book, and Saint was heavily involved in the production process. He was also the stunt pilot who flew the replica of his father's PA-14 in the film.

He has also authored other books including Walking His Trail.

Saint has been especially close to Mincaye, one of the Huaorani tribesmen who killed his father. He and Mincaye have made several appearances together in television interviews and at Christian concerts throughout the world. Steve now often visits churches to talk about his life.