Door County Reads 2024: Braiding Sweetgrass For Young Adults

Introduction

Door County Reads is an annual winter reading program that encourages community engagement through literature, performances, and discussions. In 2024, we are delving into the wisdom of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass For Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants”. This condensed and adapted version invites young readers to explore the reciprocal relationship between humans and the Earth.

Presented by the Door County Library, Door County Reads 2024 offers a month-long series of free events, including book discussions, author talks, writing workshops, and more. Copies of the book are available free of charge at all Door County Library branches and participating bookstores.

About the Book and Author

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a renowned Native American scientist and writer whose work blends science with her deep appreciation for plants and animals. In “Braiding Sweetgrass”, she shares her insights into the generosity of the Earth and the importance of giving back in return. Adapted by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt, this young adult edition makes Kimmerer’s teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Through captivating stories and scientific evidence, Kimmerer explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and the Earth, emphasizing the importance of understanding our place and purpose in the natural world.

Schedule of Events

Door County Reads 2024 features a diverse lineup of events designed to engage and educate the community. Here are some highlights:

• Kickoff Event (January 20, 1-3 p.m.): Held at the Egg Harbor Library, this event features a discussion on learning with intention and First Nations teachings. Musical guests include the Forest County Potawatomi Youth Drumming Group Fire Nation.
• Ancient Roots Homestead Journey (January 20, 6 p.m.): At the Egg Harbor Library, participants will explore traditional gardening practices and cultural inheritance, followed by a sharing of indigenous recipes.
• Rethinking Education and Menominee Traditional Games Workshop (January 21, 10 a.m. – Noon): This workshop at the Door County Land Trust delves into changing educational philosophies and traditional initiatives. Hands-on activities include traditional games and storytelling bracelet/necklace making.
• Finding Purpose in Research From an Indigenous Perspective (January 24, 1 p.m.): Dr. Kat Milligan-McClellan leads a virtual discussion on the unique perspectives and challenges of indigenous researchers.
• Book Discussion (January 25, 10:30 a.m.): The Between the Pages Book Club gathers at the Egg Harbor Library to discuss “Braiding Sweetgrass”.
• Movie Matinee (January 25, 2 p.m.): The Sturgeon Bay Library screens the acclaimed film “Smoke Signals”, based on Sherman Alexie’s novel.
• Storytelling: The Oneida Creation Story (January 27, 10:30 a.m.): The Miller Art Museum hosts a storytelling session featuring Oneida creation stories, followed by a hands-on activity making small 3-D paper turtles.
• Virtual Author Talk (February 1, 6 p.m.): Robin Wall Kimmerer presents a virtual talk and discussion. Watch parties will be held at the Sturgeon Bay and Baileys Harbor Libraries.
• Play Reading: “Ushuaia Blue” (February 3, 7:30 p.m.): Third Avenue Playhouse stages a play that explores relationships set against the backdrop of climate science in Antarctica.
• Play Reading: “The Nature Plays” (February 5, 7 p.m.): Peninsula Players presents five short plays centered on the natural environment at Vail Hall, Bjorklunden.
• Book Discussion (February 6, 1 p.m.): The Sturgeon Bay Library hosts a discussion with the Multicultural Book Club.
• Reciprocal Restoration: Wequiock Creek (February 6, 1:30 p.m.): The Ridges Sanctuary hosts a restoration project and collaboration.
• Author Talk: Dr. Carol Cornelius (February 7, 2 p.m.): Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library welcomes Dr. Carol Cornelius for a discussion of her groundbreaking book “A History of Indigenous Voices”.
• Book Discussion (February 7, 7 p.m.): Baileys Harbor Library hosts a discussion with the Baileys Book Club.
• Write Our Way Home: Place-Based Writing (February 13, 10 a.m. – Noon): Write On, Door County hosts a workshop exploring the senses and writing about place.
• Book Discussion (February 13, 2:30 p.m.): Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library hosts a discussion with the Readers Rampant Book Club.

Conclusion

Door County Reads 2024 promises a month of engaging events, performances, and discussions centered around Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass For Young Adults”. This program invites the community to celebrate nature, explore our place in the world, and foster a deeper understanding of the reciprocal relationship between humans and the Earth.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Door County Library website or call the Sturgeon Bay Library at 920-743-6578.