Here at the Merry Barn we are continuing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day throughout the entire week, and beyond. This Saturday, Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m., we are honored to welcome the authors of The First Blade of Sweetgrass, Gabriel Frey and Suzanne Greenlaw, for a special reading at our October Community Literacy Event.

It is a rare treat to have these authors visit our community. As you’ll hear, they will be telling a Maine-based story about indigenous traditions that continue to this day. Gabriel Frey is a Passamaquoddy cultural knowledge keeper, and basket maker, specializing in utility baskets. Growing up in Sipayik and Motahkomikuk, he strives to honor his grandfather’s style of basket making, while working with his own modern aesthetic. Suzanne Greenlaw is a citizen of the Maliseet nation and is a PhD candidate at the University of Maine's school of forest resources. Suzanne works to center indigenous voices and ways of knowing in modern scientific studies. Gabriel and Suzanne have two children, Alamossit, and Musqon, and as you’ll hear, Musqon becomes the young heroine in this gorgeous children’s book. 

We could not be more thrilled and honored to have Gabriel and Suzanne visit us. We hope you will be able to join us for this very rare, special event. The Merry Barn’s Community Literacy Events are community gatherings that highlight creativity through read a louds and hands-on projects. Events are free and open to children, adults, and elders alike. This event is generously made possible by First National Bank. 

The Merry Barn is at 417 River Road in Edgecomb. For more information: www.merrybarn.com.