Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Bridgton Public Library 🍁
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we invite our community to join us in celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Maine’s Indigenous nations. We especially honor the Wabanaki (Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot) peoples—who have lived on and stewarded these lands long before us.
What you can do today (and all year):
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Explore our library’s collection of books by Indigenous authors and featuring Indigenous perspectives
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Support Indigenous-led organizations and local tribal communities
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Attend events, lectures, and cultural programs
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Center Indigenous voices when telling local history
Check out these Book Recommendations in our Online Cloud Library:
Here are a few titles that highlight Indigenous voices, stories, and wisdom:
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The Gatherings by Shirley N. Hager and Mawopiyane — A powerful collaboration of Maine voices detailing how Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can come together to create meaningful and lasting relationships.
- Fire Exit by Morgan Talty — a novel set on the Penobscot Reservation in Maine, exploring identity, family, and secrets.
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On Savage Shores by Caroline Pennock Dodds—A landmark narrative story of the Indigenous Americans who journeyed across the Atlantic to Europe after 1492.
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer — a beautiful meditation on ecology, gratitude, and Indigenous science and worldview.
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An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz—told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, this book offers a detailed history on how Native Americans, for centuries, have actively resisted the expansion of the US empire.
If you’re curious, stop by and ask our staff for more recommendations tailored by age or interest!
A few local and educational resources:
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The Wabanaki Center at the University of Maine works to strengthen connections and understanding between the university and Indigenous communities. The University of Maine
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The Wabanaki Studies program in Maine’s Department of Education supports the inclusion of Indigenous histories, languages, and perspectives in our state’s schools. Maine.gov
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The Maine Wabanaki Studies framework provides a helpful lens for educators (and curious learners) to better understand the presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Meeassociation.org
Bridgton Public Library honors and supports the strength, resilience, and creativity of Indigenous communities—not just today, but every day. We welcome you to read, learn, reflect, and grow with us.
Children’s Holiday Drop-in Craft Table: Sunflower Paper Plate Weaving