Matthew loves to play games with his friends and share his toys with them. But most of all he loves to share the special treasures that remind him of his First Nations culture. Perhaps his favourite treasure is the medicine pouch that his grandfather made especially for him. This is where he keeps many of his other treasures, including the sacred herbs his mother gave him. Matthew uses the herbs to remind him to be grateful for everything that nature gives us. Another special gift is the eagle feather from his father. Matthew knows that the eagle is a symbol of the spiritual strength of his culture. But there is one other gift that has a special place in Matthew's heart. It is the dream catcher that Matthew gave to his friend Dustin to help him not have bad dreams. The Sharing Circle is a collection of seven stories about First Nations culture and spiritual practices: The Eagle Feather, The Dream Catcher, The Sacred Herbs, The Talking Circle, The Medicine Wheel, The Drum, and The Medicine Pouch.

Researched and written by Mi'kmaw children's author Theresa Meuse-Dallien, and beautifully illustrated by Mi'kmaw illustrator Arthur Stevens, this book will engage and inform children of all ages.

Theresa Meuse was raised in L'sitkuk (Bear River) Mi'kmaw community. She left in 1986 to attend Dalhousie University as a mature student. Since graduating, she has been employed with several Mi'kmaq organizations including the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq, The Atlantic Policy Congress, and the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Along with being privileged to serve a two-year term as Chief in her community, Theresa also spent many years working as an Indigenous Educator & Advisor, and continues to be a Knowledge Sharer. She presently operates an online craft business called Mi'kma'ki Craft Supplies, and is the author of four published children's books. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of four.

Theresa Meuse's profile page

Arthur Stevens is a Mi'kmaw community member from Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia. Throughout his professional and personal life, Arthur has worked with and for Indigenous peoples and organizations across Atlantic Canada. As a published artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, Arthur is an award-winning Indigenous professional who takes pride in sharing his creative works, and is always looking for artistic opportunities that engage and promote connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Arthur Stevens' profile page