Description
Book SynopsisIn a world that requires knowledge and wisdom to address developing crises around us, The Gatherings shows how Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can come together to create meaningful and lasting relationships.
Thirty years ago, in Wabanaki territory – a region encompassing the state of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes – a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals came together to explore some of the most pressing questions at the heart of Truth and Healing efforts in the United States and Canada. Meeting over several years in long-weekend gatherings, in a Wabanaki-led traditional Council format, assumptions were challenged, perspectives upended, and stereotypes shattered. Alliances and friendships were formed that endure to this day.
The Gatherings tells the moving story of these meetings in the words of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. Reuniting to reflect on how their lives were changed by their experiences
Trade Review
"The Gatherings is an unusual book in the powerful authenticity of feeling it expresses." -- Dana White * OFF RADAR, centralmaine.com *
"The Gatherings: Reimaging Indigenous-Settler Relations offers eye-opening information that is beautifully tied together with thought-provoking and insightful stories from individuals who have initiated the work that needs to be done to end the fragile relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers." -- Carly Smith * Cloud Lake Literary *
"Calling themselves collectively 'Mawopiyane,' a Passamaquoddy word meaning 'let us sit together,' they spent several years piecing together this simply framed, but profoundly encouraging book." -- Dana Wilde, National Book Critics Circle * The Working Waterfront *
"The Gatherings: Reimaging Indigenous-Settler Relations offers eye-opening information that is beautifully tied together with thought-provoking and insightful stories from individuals who have initiated the work that needs to be done to end the fragile relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers." -- Carly Smith * Cloud Lake Literary *
"The authors share the insights they have gained on how Natives and non-Natives can work well together by acknowledging First Peoples, honoring agreements, understanding their worldviews, and being in conversation with one another." -- David Etheridge * Friends Journal *
Table of Contents
Foreword With Gratitude Notes on Terminology Introduction Gathering The Talking Circle Miigam’agan Wayne Gwen Dana Alma Barb gkisedtanamoogk Shirley H. Debbie Shirley B. Wesley Marilyn Betty JoAnn The Last Gathering The Decision Hindsight The Gatherings: May 1987 to May 1993 Creating This Book The Giveaway Blanket The Circle and Ceremony The Circle and Decision Making Ceremony: Protect or Share It? Allies, Friends, Family Beginnings The Women Compare Notes The Relationship Evolves Mutuality How We Got Here The Doctrine of Discovery But What about the Treaties? The Personal Is Political Economic Self-Determination Beginning to Make Amends Some Progress ... and a Long Way to Go How It Could Be Different Being Here Legitimately Acknowledging First Peoples/Honoring the Treaties An Indigenous Worldview The Need for Gathering Spaces Creating a Gathering Space Working Together on a Cause Humility versus “White Guilt” Non-Natives Working with Our Own People Entering the Longhouse Being in the Relationship: An Afterword by Dr. Frances Hancock Appendix: How This Book Came to Be Notes Suggested Resources Contributors Map: Location of the Gatherings Reader’s Guide Index
