• Age: 10 to 18
• Grade: 5 to 12

Mahtoqehs is heading to the Gathering - all on his own! His forest friends try to guide him, but each follows their own path. The salmon swims upstream, the owl flies above the trees, but how does the rabbit get to the Gathering? Mahtoqehs needs the help of the four sacred medicines, so he can perform his special dance for all the creatures of the Gathering!

Braelyn Cyr was born in Campbellton, New Brunswick in 1995, and is a status member of the Listuguj Mi'kmaq band. Braelyn began as a self-taught artist, but later graduated from the Wabanaki Visual Arts Program at the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design. Braelyn is hopeful that her work, which includes writing and illustrating First Nations themed children's books, oil painting, woodwork, and wampum weaving, will help bridge the gap between traditional ways of knowing and modern day society. Eventually, Braelyn plans to help both First Nations and non-First Nations youth to broaden their appreciation of Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Peskotomuhkati cultures through the power of art.

Braelyn Cyr's profile page