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Women of the Dawn
Women of the Dawn tells the stories of four remarkable Wabanaki Indian women who lived in northeast America during the four centuries that devastated their traditional world. Their courageous responses to tragedies brought on by European contact make up the heart of the book.
The narrative begins with Molly Mathilde (1665-1717), a mother, a peacemaker, and the daughter of a famous chief. Born in the mid-1600s, when Wabanakis first experienced the full effects of colonial warfare, disease, and displacement, she provided a vital link for her people through her marriage to the French baron of St. Castin. The sage continues with the shrewd and legendary healer Molly Ockett (1740-1816) and the reputed witchwoman Molly Molasses (1775-1867). The final chapter belongs to Molly Dellis Nelson (1903-1977) (known as Spotted Elk), a celebrated performer on European stages who lived to see the dawn of Wabanaki cultural renewal in the modern era.
The narrative begins with Molly Mathilde (1665-1717), a mother, a peacemaker, and the daughter of a famous chief. Born in the mid-1600s, when Wabanakis first experienced the full effects of colonial warfare, disease, and displacement, she provided a vital link for her people through her marriage to the French baron of St. Castin. The sage continues with the shrewd and legendary healer Molly Ockett (1740-1816) and the reputed witchwoman Molly Molasses (1775-1867). The final chapter belongs to Molly Dellis Nelson (1903-1977) (known as Spotted Elk), a celebrated performer on European stages who lived to see the dawn of Wabanaki cultural renewal in the modern era.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 10, 2010
This is the best book I have found to describe the lives of four extraordinary Abenaki women covering the past three and a half centuries. Between Joe Bruchac and Bunny McBride, a three-dimensional picture is finally emerging of the native people from the extreme northeast corner of America who are said to be extinct (and thus not entitled to a tribal identity and benefits).
"Funny, I don't feel extinct!" a friend of mine has told me.
There is nothing more gruesome to recount than the full impact of what was lost during our American colonial history. We mourn lost Rome, Egypt and Greece but don't even know enough about the lives of the natives on the American continent to know what we lost. At last Bunny McBride gives us many of the missing pieces.
The only difficulty I have with the book is knowing that pieces were "filled in" and so historical accuracy may be lost in order to gain a more sympathetic picture. For many, the cold facts are enough to understand the devastation wrought on the Abenaki and the poor choices that were available to them to ensure their survival. Even the Mohawk, their enemies to the west, had better options.
Today there is much to celebrate that Ms. McBride could have added: The return of the language and social gatherings for the people of the Ash who have been able to hide in plain sight for so long and a small mention or paragraph regarding this would have been a nice and uplifting addition.
"Funny, I don't feel extinct!" a friend of mine has told me.
There is nothing more gruesome to recount than the full impact of what was lost during our American colonial history. We mourn lost Rome, Egypt and Greece but don't even know enough about the lives of the natives on the American continent to know what we lost. At last Bunny McBride gives us many of the missing pieces.
The only difficulty I have with the book is knowing that pieces were "filled in" and so historical accuracy may be lost in order to gain a more sympathetic picture. For many, the cold facts are enough to understand the devastation wrought on the Abenaki and the poor choices that were available to them to ensure their survival. Even the Mohawk, their enemies to the west, had better options.
Today there is much to celebrate that Ms. McBride could have added: The return of the language and social gatherings for the people of the Ash who have been able to hide in plain sight for so long and a small mention or paragraph regarding this would have been a nice and uplifting addition.
May 18, 2022
This was beautiful and informative with very well defined aims and a clear storytelling rhythm, along with symbolism that was familiar and basic in and of itself, but which was quite beautiful and touching in its simplicity and honesty.
This is a historical account of the lives of four women who formed part of the Wabanaki tribes, narrated by the one who lived the most recently in the 20th century. These tribes were the ones who lived on the east coast, throughout Canada, Maine, and Massachusetts, where they fit their lives to nature’s rhythms by moving in between the coast and inlands depending on the season and needs of the human body. They adapted to the earth instead of vice versa and they knew it intimately, just as they knew the dawn intimately as their tribes were the first to be touched by the sun being in the northeastern most region.
All of the stories were pulled from historical documents that detailed either their lives or those around them. I appreciated the methodology and references the most as i could parse out what was grounded in truth and what had been assumed in order to fit the narrative, though I think the author tried her best to make her assumptions based on lived experiences, even if they were not the lived experiences of the women in question. Though it is important to note the writer is a white researcher. She communicated with the daughter of the narrator.
Having traveled to Maine, this was enlightening and an introduction into the complex history of that region and the people who lived on that land long before it was wrongfully claimed and violated.
I dont know what else to say about this except that it felt like a nonfiction work that had adapted itself into a narrative, similar to oral histories that document truths but which are made easier to remember when formatted into a story.
Some quotes i liked:
“She was beginning to see that each life is but part of the River of Life, and that someone always follows to carry on what others have started.”
“The goal in any portage is to reunite with the river”
(I liked this one especially for when I feel lost.)
This is a historical account of the lives of four women who formed part of the Wabanaki tribes, narrated by the one who lived the most recently in the 20th century. These tribes were the ones who lived on the east coast, throughout Canada, Maine, and Massachusetts, where they fit their lives to nature’s rhythms by moving in between the coast and inlands depending on the season and needs of the human body. They adapted to the earth instead of vice versa and they knew it intimately, just as they knew the dawn intimately as their tribes were the first to be touched by the sun being in the northeastern most region.
All of the stories were pulled from historical documents that detailed either their lives or those around them. I appreciated the methodology and references the most as i could parse out what was grounded in truth and what had been assumed in order to fit the narrative, though I think the author tried her best to make her assumptions based on lived experiences, even if they were not the lived experiences of the women in question. Though it is important to note the writer is a white researcher. She communicated with the daughter of the narrator.
Having traveled to Maine, this was enlightening and an introduction into the complex history of that region and the people who lived on that land long before it was wrongfully claimed and violated.
I dont know what else to say about this except that it felt like a nonfiction work that had adapted itself into a narrative, similar to oral histories that document truths but which are made easier to remember when formatted into a story.
Some quotes i liked:
“She was beginning to see that each life is but part of the River of Life, and that someone always follows to carry on what others have started.”
“The goal in any portage is to reunite with the river”
(I liked this one especially for when I feel lost.)
December 18, 2023
Invaluable research on Wabanaki culture, life history through the lives of Indigenous women. A rare chance to view history from the perspective of Penobscot women, Brava!
December 20, 2014
This book, published in 1999, profoundly moving. I challenge you to read the last few pages of the account of Molly Dellis' life without tears! This book is profoundly sad…on so many levels. On the level of how xenophobic & prejudiced many of our forebears in the United States of America were from the formation of our country & remain so to this day. On the level of how women generally have been relegated to the shadows when it comes to any record of their part in the history & development of this country. On the level of the immense suffering which people, women & men, throughout history undergo, yet still manage to learn from that experience & continue to move forward in hope.
Bunny McBride is masterful in what she calls -- an devotes a whole section to -- her "Methodology and References". She deals essentially with four exceedingly strong Native American -- Wabanaki/Penobscot -- women: Molly Mathilde, Molly Ockett, Molly Molasses, & Molly Dellis. She presents Molly Dellis as narrating all their stories as each move through what McBride calls a "spiritual pilgrimage from innocence to shrewdness to bitterness to wisdom", and linking each story to one of the seasons of the year. The key question which each women faces, in her unique time & circumstances, is: "What of the past will be carried into the future?" It's a question which has probably occurred to many of us, especially as we face the end of our lives. This book will certainly give one much to ponder!
Bunny McBride is masterful in what she calls -- an devotes a whole section to -- her "Methodology and References". She deals essentially with four exceedingly strong Native American -- Wabanaki/Penobscot -- women: Molly Mathilde, Molly Ockett, Molly Molasses, & Molly Dellis. She presents Molly Dellis as narrating all their stories as each move through what McBride calls a "spiritual pilgrimage from innocence to shrewdness to bitterness to wisdom", and linking each story to one of the seasons of the year. The key question which each women faces, in her unique time & circumstances, is: "What of the past will be carried into the future?" It's a question which has probably occurred to many of us, especially as we face the end of our lives. This book will certainly give one much to ponder!
July 5, 2022
so i read this sitting on the deck looking over seal cove on mount desert island, maine. reading the descriptions of the land and life and movement in the region while hearing birds chirping, animals scurrying, water splashing, and the wind blowing through the trees and the tall grass was very powerful.
having come up here every summer since i was born, i enjoyed connecting the dots of the names of regions, mountains, rivers, and trails that i thought i knew so well.
the stories of these women were interesting to dive into. i’m also a “mary” who goes by “molly” and i always find it a little strange reading my name so many times over. i appreciated that the book focused on the interactions between the wabanaki and the invading europeans spanning four centuries. i think this book really drove home how selfish and devious the europeans were, but also emphasized the womens’ responses. the focus on how to preserve their way of life, their traditions as their world disappeared around them was often hard to read but also helped fill in the gaps of how we got here today.
the descriptions of the dwindling animal populations and thinning forests were sad to read. on long drives, i always try to imagine what the area looked like before the highway was put in or even before any europeans set foot on the land. so much has changed since then, and it changes even more rapidly now. in the last 5-10 years alone, the animals population just around seal cove has dropped - no more mussels to be found at low tide, no seals sunbathing on the rocks on the point, but plenty of new houses being built all around the island.
i found reading through the “methodology and references” section helpful in contextualizing what i read. the author was thorough in noting where she made inferences or filled in holes with her own best guesses.
i marked a few places and names to look into more, but i’ll enjoy knowing but more about the namesakes for the mountains, rivers, trails, etc. that i’ve visit so often.
having come up here every summer since i was born, i enjoyed connecting the dots of the names of regions, mountains, rivers, and trails that i thought i knew so well.
the stories of these women were interesting to dive into. i’m also a “mary” who goes by “molly” and i always find it a little strange reading my name so many times over. i appreciated that the book focused on the interactions between the wabanaki and the invading europeans spanning four centuries. i think this book really drove home how selfish and devious the europeans were, but also emphasized the womens’ responses. the focus on how to preserve their way of life, their traditions as their world disappeared around them was often hard to read but also helped fill in the gaps of how we got here today.
the descriptions of the dwindling animal populations and thinning forests were sad to read. on long drives, i always try to imagine what the area looked like before the highway was put in or even before any europeans set foot on the land. so much has changed since then, and it changes even more rapidly now. in the last 5-10 years alone, the animals population just around seal cove has dropped - no more mussels to be found at low tide, no seals sunbathing on the rocks on the point, but plenty of new houses being built all around the island.
i found reading through the “methodology and references” section helpful in contextualizing what i read. the author was thorough in noting where she made inferences or filled in holes with her own best guesses.
i marked a few places and names to look into more, but i’ll enjoy knowing but more about the namesakes for the mountains, rivers, trails, etc. that i’ve visit so often.
December 19, 2024
This is a wonderful book focusing on the lives of 4 real Native American women named Molly from the area which is now the state of Maine, spanning 312 years (1665 to 1977). It was written in a unique way, which the author describes in her excellent Methodology and References section as “creative nonfiction,” using the most recent of the women as the narrator. She explained her use of this method as follows: “One thing seems clear. If we limit ourselves to documented records alone, the life histories of Native American women — especially those who lived prior to this century — will remain largely unwritten.” It took me a little while to get into the style of the book. It starts and ends with “Portage” sections, and puts one between each of the women’s stories as well, helping the reader to bridge the historical time gaps between their lives. Once I was into the stories, I thoroughly appreciated what this author had done as well as the lives of these four women. Here’s a quote in the last section which to me sums up the meaning of this book: “She was beginning to see that each life is but part of the River of Life, that someone always follows to carry on what others have started, that the beautiful in life really does remain to heal the wounds of sorrow.” This is a sentiment which resonates with me and which I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
June 2, 2024
Starts out saying there are no descriptions of Molly Mathilde, other than to say she was beautiful, then starts her chapter by describing in detail what made her beautiful for some reason.
This was far too narrative for my tastes. There were no pics or descriptions of two of these people, but the author described them, as well as quite a few other people, physically, in detail. I don't get it.
I did enjoy parts of these stories, but even in attempting to write the stories of these women, the chapters often veered hard into the stories of the men involved in these womens' lives. I know there was next to nothing written about historic women, esp Indigenous women, but like, just don't pad the book then.
I personally found the interlude chapters irritating, and in the end, repetitive, since the final chapter is about the person telling the interludes. I did appreciate the details in the back of the book, about where the author chose to insert her own voice into the story, as well as the biblio.
All in all, this isn't really a bad book, just slim and not really to my taste. The women themselves, for what we can now know of them, seemed quite interesting. Also Molly Mathilde may also have been two people, Molly and Mathilde. 2.5
This was far too narrative for my tastes. There were no pics or descriptions of two of these people, but the author described them, as well as quite a few other people, physically, in detail. I don't get it.
I did enjoy parts of these stories, but even in attempting to write the stories of these women, the chapters often veered hard into the stories of the men involved in these womens' lives. I know there was next to nothing written about historic women, esp Indigenous women, but like, just don't pad the book then.
I personally found the interlude chapters irritating, and in the end, repetitive, since the final chapter is about the person telling the interludes. I did appreciate the details in the back of the book, about where the author chose to insert her own voice into the story, as well as the biblio.
All in all, this isn't really a bad book, just slim and not really to my taste. The women themselves, for what we can now know of them, seemed quite interesting. Also Molly Mathilde may also have been two people, Molly and Mathilde. 2.5
May 15, 2017
"If we make no effort to research the stories of Native American women and incorporate them into the wider historical picture, our images of the past will remain incomplete and therefore inaccurate." Author Bunny McBride has succeeded brilliantly in offering modern readers a compelling glimpse into the Native foremothers of Maine's Wabanaki country.
March 19, 2017
My 87 year old grandma sent me this book after reading it for a book group being so shocked and dismayed at how the U.S. Government has treated the Native Americans and that information is never shared or taught. Of course, I agree, and this book was an interesting and very accessible history of Native American women across several generations.
February 22, 2023
The Wabanaki Native American tribal groups lived in the New England area as well as the areas of Canada to the north of that. This book is the story of four Wabanaki women and covers four centuries of time, generally from the first contact with Europeans. Like all stories of Native American contact with Europeans, it is a story of war, betrayal, lies and a struggle to maintain cultural heritage.
In the early years, the Native American tribes were caught in the global struggle between Britain and France. Tribes were recruited by both sides to pick a side to fight on when there was war. Those that chose a side generally lost independent of which side won. For, the winning side was just as land hungry as the losing side, so the Native Americans would lose land either way.
Once the British side took final control of what became the United States and Canada, the land loss became relentless. There were treaties signed by both sides guaranteeing the Native Americans vast tracts of land, but those treaties were generally ignored by the Europeans in their relentless pursuit of lumber and land. It was a familiar story, but it is a bit different from what happened in other sections of the United States. There were no forced migrations for hundreds of miles and no major massacres of the Native Americans.
This is a story that combines history with the personalities of four Wabanaki women over an extended period of time. It is very interesting, for while there was strong pressure to assimilate, there were also whites that tried to learn the Wabanaki language and culture and actively worked to help them maintain their heritage and land
In the early years, the Native American tribes were caught in the global struggle between Britain and France. Tribes were recruited by both sides to pick a side to fight on when there was war. Those that chose a side generally lost independent of which side won. For, the winning side was just as land hungry as the losing side, so the Native Americans would lose land either way.
Once the British side took final control of what became the United States and Canada, the land loss became relentless. There were treaties signed by both sides guaranteeing the Native Americans vast tracts of land, but those treaties were generally ignored by the Europeans in their relentless pursuit of lumber and land. It was a familiar story, but it is a bit different from what happened in other sections of the United States. There were no forced migrations for hundreds of miles and no major massacres of the Native Americans.
This is a story that combines history with the personalities of four Wabanaki women over an extended period of time. It is very interesting, for while there was strong pressure to assimilate, there were also whites that tried to learn the Wabanaki language and culture and actively worked to help them maintain their heritage and land
January 11, 2020
A must-read if you reside in or visit Maine, this chronicle of four Wabanaki women draws a detailed picture of the lives of the people we usurped when colonialism hit the state of Maine. McBride is excellent at focusing the reader on the humanity beneath the stereotypes and broader societal misconceptions of American Indian culture. She also carefully reveals the unique role of the women in Wabanaki life, and particularly the effect of their loss of family, lifestyle, and land. If anything, seeing that someone quite different from myself (and the average Mainer) in terms of ethnicity and era, still feels the same urges for love and family, nature and connection, fame and success, as anyone else on the planet is a hopeful connection. And the strength of will and body exhibited by the 4 Mollys (Molly Mathilde, Molly Ockett, Molly Molasses, and Molly Dellis) is awe-inspiring. I was left with one question, however, and that is: how is the Maine educational system fulfilling the 2001 legislature requiring the incorporation of Wabanaki history into the k-12 curriculum?
Consider viewing the documentary Dawnland, addressing the removal of Wabanaki children from their homes by child welfare workers.
Consider viewing the documentary Dawnland, addressing the removal of Wabanaki children from their homes by child welfare workers.
October 19, 2018
“They wanted information about the past, they said, because they needed it to build a better future.”
Part biography, part novelization, McBride tells the stories of four Penobscot women called Molly. In her own words, the book is “an interpretation of Wabanaki Indian history grounded in historical and ethnographic documentation.”
Women, particularly Native American women, are too often missing from the historical records which makes telling their stories more challenging. I appreciate McBride’s approach to this problem and the result in Women of the Dawn is a series of compelling stories about four remarkable women.
Part biography, part novelization, McBride tells the stories of four Penobscot women called Molly. In her own words, the book is “an interpretation of Wabanaki Indian history grounded in historical and ethnographic documentation.”
Women, particularly Native American women, are too often missing from the historical records which makes telling their stories more challenging. I appreciate McBride’s approach to this problem and the result in Women of the Dawn is a series of compelling stories about four remarkable women.
January 3, 2018
The lives of four Native American women spanning 300 years told speculative at times but with as much historical research and care to accuracy to make it seem like an interview was done with each of them. Each was strong women struggling to be independent and hold on to their culture while more of the land and their way of life changed. She did a good job of making them live again.
December 10, 2019
A story of four Mollys who lived in different times, two of whom married white men, French in both cases. Both women were closely attuned to nature, the history of their people and often the natural medicines found in the woods. A pleasure to read about 4 native women who were strong of mind, hard working, and nurturing mothers.
January 1, 2020
This was important for me to read. I know very little about the indigenous populations of North America in general, and even less so about the Wabanaki tribe in particular. It’s novelized, so there’s an air of fiction to it, but the information is based in solid research and it puts me in mind of how I’d like to write a book like this of my own, someday.
October 4, 2021
I picked this book up while in Maine. This imagined story of 4 real Wabanaki women from the initial settlement of 30 pilgrims to the complete overtaking of native lands by the next generations. The story is well researched and based on as much factual data as possible. Told from the women's perspective, this is an excellent look at history from the "invaded" viewpoint. Very well done.
May 6, 2021
Shelved as US History at my library, the author describes the book as creative nonfiction, in that factual information is spotty for the two earlier women and the author filled gaps by using information about tribal members and lifestyle and critiques by current tribal members. Often times, the women's lives feel distinctly shaped by the men in their lives and by politics, but each woman strived to stay true to herself.
March 16, 2022
There where parts of this book I really enjoyed, but the there where parts I couldn’t find myself involved and it almost felt like reading a history book. Glad I read it, it taught me some things, but wouldn’t want to read again.
August 6, 2018
Found this one in the campground bookshelf and read it in a few days. Really interesting though sometimes moves through the history a bit fast.
June 12, 2020
Set in Maine so I could relate to all the places. Makes you feel sick about what white people did to Native Americans. Great story about powerful women!
May 16, 2021
A wonderful book that have great insight into the lives of Wabanaki women over time. I wish it was something I had read earlier in life.
December 2, 2022
Wonderful book.
October 13, 2023
Beautiful poignant informative
December 10, 2024
Fascinating and heartbreaking story of Native American women, making the turmoil of their lives all too real.
November 28, 2018
Interesting historical information about Indian tribes . . .
August 30, 2013
It was uplifting to read about the decisions the Indian women made when their lives changed dramatically. The book talked about portages (both actual and virtual) -- "What will you take with you, and what will be leave behind?". Game me insight into how I might adjust to overwhelming changes in my life.
It was depressing to read about the travesty of how the Abenaki Indians were basically "ethnically cleansed" from colonial America. What the English colonists did to them was devastating.
It was depressing to read about the travesty of how the Abenaki Indians were basically "ethnically cleansed" from colonial America. What the English colonists did to them was devastating.
August 28, 2015
This was a very interesting read, well written and thought provoking. At the end, the author has taken time to explain her methodology and research. I found this part fascinating. I think it would be a good book for high school or college history students.
July 4, 2012
Each chapter chronicles one woman in history. Interesting true stories. This book was a gift. I felt obliged to read it and may have been not in the right frame of mind when reading it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews