Dawnland Voices

Dawnland Voices: An Anthology of Indigenous Writing from New England. Siobhan Senier, editor. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska, 2014.

Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Abenaki, Nipmuc, Wampanoag, Narragansett, Mohegan, and Schaghticoke voices, past and present, are collected in this hefty paperback. We turned first to the Schaghticoke section to read the essays by Trudie Lamb Richmond, former director of Public Programming here at the Museum, and who is, in the words of a colleague, “a living legend.” The writings gathered together here highlight the rich literary traditions of Native New England.  

Storytelling with Joe and Jesse Bruchac, Trudie Lamb Richmond, and Candyce Testa

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, November 2, 2014, and join Abenaki storytellers, Joe and Jesse Bruchac, at the Pequot Museum. From 1-2:30 pm, the Bruchacs share some of their huge collection of Native stories; ones that teach us lessons, even when we're laughing. Trudie Lamb Richmond and Candyce Testa tell a few stories, too, and the afternoon will fly by. Meet the storytellers after the event. Buy their books and get them autographed!

Joe and Jesse Bruchac

We are pleased to announce that Joe’s son Jesse is joining the storytelling program here on Nov. 2. Jesse is a graduate of Goddard College, where his thesis was the creation of a syllabus for teaching the Abenaki language, and has worked extensively over the last 15 years in projects involving the preservation of the Abenaki language, storytelling, music and traditional culture.

Watch this blog for more information about Jesse, Joe, Trudie, and Candyce who are the storytellers taking the stage on Nov. 2 at 1 pm.

Reading Circles at the Research Library

Poet and Professor of English Ron Welburn (Gingaskin & Assateague/Cherokee/African American) led a thoughtful and engaging discussion of Sherman Alexie's novel The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian recently in the Research Library reading room.





For our next reading circle, which will be held on Saturday January 15, we will be discussing When Beaver Was Very Great, a collection of traditional stories and recent writings by Ojibwe elder storyteller Anne M. Dunn. The short pieces range from traditional stories to nature writing to contemporary stories of peace, justice, and environmental concerns. Trudie Lamb Richmond (Schaghticoke), storyteller and accomplished educator, will lead participants in a discussion on the telling of stories using Anne Dunn’s pieces as a guide. Participants may borrow copies of the book from the Research Library or purchase one in the Museum gift shop. Limited to 20 participants, ages 16 and older. Call (860) 396-6897 by Jan. 7 to register. Free. Snow date is Jan. 22.

Two Old Women Reading Circle

Director of Public Programs, Trudie Lamb Richmond led a group discussion of the book Two Old Women by Velma Wallis, January 16 2010 at the Mashantucket Pequot Research Library.