The Heart of the Three Village Community
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Explore the stories of how Native communities use plants and ecological consciousness for the betterment of our world.
The History of Native Plants (In-Person)
Monday, November 9, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn how native plants were used by Native Americans & the early settlers of Long Island and discover how they are still used by Native Americans today. Presented by Kimberly Simmen, CNLP. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register for The History of Native Plants here now.
Evening Book Discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (In-Person)
Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
An inspired weaving of indigenous knowledge, plant science, and personal narrative from a distinguished professor of science and a Native American whose previous book, Gathering Moss, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as “the younger brothers of creation.” As she explores these themes she circles toward a central argument: the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Pick up a copy of the book at the Circulation Desk in the Library Lobby starting 10/14. No registration required.
Local Exhibit on Long Island’s Native American Communities
Don’t forget, we have a Museum Pass for free admission to The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook! The Museum currently has an exhibit, Enduring Heart: Native American Long Island, on view now through December 20, 2026.
View and reserve a Museum Pass here.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
The Heart of the Three Village Community
