The teacher’s guide for The Gatherings was developed following the writing team’s participation in a book study sponsored by the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA). This resource is being made available to support colleagues from across the United States and Canada, and beyond, as they guide students in their journey through The Gatherings. While the book and the teacher's guide draw on experiences and examples from Wabanaki territory, we feel that the lessons are universal, not only in service to Indigenous-settler relations but to all relations, as we strive toward a more just and equitable world for all.
What People Are Saying
“The Gatherings offers perspectives that are largely unheard and underrecognized. Hearing from real people on their experience in gathering is inspiring. As a young professional and student, I look forward to returning to the teachings offered in the book such as patience, understanding, and collaboration.”
Leanne Hudson, Mi’kmaw Bachelor of Arts Student and Aspiring Educator, St. Thomas University
“The Gatherings is a powerful book with much-needed lessons for the fostering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations. The wisdom shared by Shirley N. Hager and all of Mawopiyane has the ability to not only help reconcile these groups but offers ways to foster better relationships with all groups in these increasingly divided times.”
Michael Young, Social Studies Teacher, Cape Elizabeth (Maine) High School
"Reading and working with the book, The Gatherings: Reimagining Indigenous-Settler Relations, has helped me realize a more authentic and experiential relationship with the land, both personally and professionally. In it, I have found actionable language to use with students and colleagues to address the dangers of appropriation, the abuses of power and romanticizing culture."
Christiane Cullens, MSEd, NBCT
English Teacher, Mount Desert Island High School, Bar Harbor, Maine
“The Gatherings is an inspiring and hopeful account of trust-building and knowledge-sharing across cultures over several decades. The stories and the voices shared in The Gatherings are more vital today than ever before. Shirley N. Hager and Mawopiyane bring curious, compassionate, and authentic perspectives to complex and challenging issues.”
Matt DeLaney, Director, Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor, Maine
"As a professional meeting facilitator and author of a book about understanding across differences, this book is a gem. The real deal. The author takes us deep into the stories of people who were at first afraid but then discovered first-hand the magic that happens when we walk through our fears and really listen to each other. This book has made that magic available to us all and has provided inspiration for stepping through our own discomforts."
Craig Freshley, Author of Together We Decide, An Essential Guide for Making Good Group Decisions
"The Gatherings is the extraordinary recounting of the coming together of people who shared some of their most personal experiences to create greater understanding between the Wabanaki and settlers. The book reminds us that culture is lived and the diminishment or the loss of any people’s culture is a tremendous loss for humanity."
John Dieffenbacher-Krall, Executive Director, Wabanaki Alliance