October Community Literacy Event at the Merry Barn

Celebrate Indigenous People's Day!

Join us to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day! For this month's Community Literacy Event we are thrilled to welcome Gabriel Frey and Susanne Greenlaw,  authors of The First Blade of Sweetgrass. After their daughters were born they realized the literature by native people for native people was difficult to find, and together they set out to create a beautiful children's book. The story they created is a tale of indigenous harvesters, and preserves multigenerational teachings. 

The First Blade of Sweetgrass follows Musquon, as she ventures out with her grandmother to learn the traditional art of harvesting sweetgrass from the marshes for basketmaking. Musquon must overcome her impatience as she learns to distinguish sweetgrass from other salt marsh grasses. Ultimately by attuning to the spirit and peace of her surroundings she gathers sweetgrass in the tradition of  her ancestors, leaving the first blade she sees to grow for future generations. Gabriel says, “ It’s our family’s story… it’s also a love letter to our community”. We are thrilled to welcome Gabriel and Suzanne to our community, and hope you can join us.

The Merry Barn’s Community Literacy Events are community gatherings that highlight creativity through read alouds and hands-on projects. Events are free and open to children, adults, and elders alike.

Saturday, October 15

10:30-11:30 AM

Merry Barn Writers' Retreat

417 River Road, Edgecomb, ME