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‘Genius’ Fellow Kimmerer to visit Pitt-Bradford

Events planned to enhance reading of ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’

Robin Kimmerer in front of a nature scene, smiling
Photo credit to John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Robin Wall Kimmerer, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, scientist, author, mother and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, will share her insights on the intersection of Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in March.

Kimmerer will visit the campus in March 2025, but organizers are inviting Pitt-Bradford classes, community members and local schools to read the book or excerpts, take part in the conversation, and enjoy related events planned this fall and winter to enhance understanding.

The related events include three September nature walks and other events in advance of Kimmerer’s visit for students and members of the community to explore the landscapes Kimmerer talks about in her writing. Those wishing to attend the free walks are asked to contact Dr. Mary Mulcahy, associate professor of biology at Mary.mulcahy@pitt.edu.

On Sept. 5, a foraging walk and sumac lemonade will take place from 4 to 5:15 p.m. behind Blaisdell Hall on the Pitt-Bradford campus. Academic Coach Isaac Spaeth will introduce participants to some local plants that are edible and/or medicinal, helping them to recognize some of the gifts that local plants provide to people. Participants can also learn about how to make and sample sumac “lemonade.”

On Sept. 7 a goldenrod and asters nature walk with Pitt-Bradford students will be held 12:30 p.m. at the Pfeiffer Nature Center at 1974 Lillibridge Road, Portville, N.Y. Pitt-Bradford students will read from a chapter from “Braiding Sweetgrass” about “Learning from Asters and Goldenrod” and then use simple botanical identification keys to explore goldenrod and aster species diversity.

On Sept. 12, a “Braided Walk” of nature walk and readings from “Braiding Sweetgrass” will take place from 4 to 5:15 p.m., starting behind Blaisdell Hall. Pitt-Bradford botany students will lead the walk and find places with plants talked about in “Braiding Sweetgrass” and read a short passage about that plant.

In February, weaver and artisan Penelope Minner will show intricate black ash baskets and cornhusk dolls that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern styles in her show, “Weaving the Past Together for the Future” from Feb. 6 through March 20. Join Minner, an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Turtle Clan, to learn more about these ancient arts at the opening reception at noon, Feb. 6, 2025.

Kimmerer’s talk will take place at 7:30 p.m. March 18, 2025, in the Bromeley Family Theater. In addition to her talk, members of the Pitt-Bradford community are reading her New York Times best-selling book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants,” which this summer was named by Times readers as one of their 100 best books of the 21st century.

Copies of “Braiding Sweetgrass” will be for sale in The Panther Shop on campus. Kimmerer’s March talk and book signing event is free and open to the public. However, reservations are requested and can be made at upb.pitt.edu/TheArts.

Kimmerer lives in Syracuse, N.Y., where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.

She tours widely and has addressed the general assembly of the United Nations on the topic of “Healing Our Relationship with Nature.”

As a writer and a scientist, her interests in restoration include not only restoration of ecological communities but restoration of our relationships to land. She holds a Bachelor of Science in botany from SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, a Master of Science and doctorate in botany from the University of Wisconsin, and is the author of numerous scientific papers on plant ecology, bryophyte ecology, traditional knowledge and restoration ecology.

“Braiding Sweetgrass” is the latest Book in Common event organized by Dr. Nancy McCabe, director of the writing program. Other books have included “Just Mercy,” “Orphan Train” and “A Pearl in the Storm.”

Kimmerer’s visit is sponsored by University of Pittsburgh Library System and Hanley Library, Pitt-Bradford Spectrum Series, Division of Communication and the Arts and Pitt-Bradford Arts.

In addition to McCabe, Kimmerer’s visit and associated events were spearheaded by Courtney Mealy, director of arts programming and Jenelle Johnson, liaison librarian for equity, diversity and inclusion.

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