POLAND — In February, the Poland Community School and the Ricker Memorial Library hosted renowned Native American storyteller, author and actor John Bear Mitchell.

Mitchell is a member of the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island in Maine. He presently serves as the outreach and student development coordinator for the Wabanaki Center at the University of Maine in Orono. Recently his story, “Espun and Grandfather,” was featured in, Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection. In addition, he served as a major catalyst in the creation of this unique book. It was a winner of the 2011 Aesop Award and was nominated for best comic novel for the Comic-con award.

In addition to his work as a storyteller and author, he has worked in theater and participated as an actor in the movie, “The Anatomy of the Tide.” As for his past work in television, he is notably linked to the PBS show “Colonial House.”

Mitchell began his day in Poland with several presentations at the Poland Community School. Students in third, fourth and fifth grade were treated to several traditional Wabanaki stories, including the story of “Espun and Grandfather.” He also talked to students about his involvement in “Colonial House.” Students gained further knowledge pertaining to the early interactions that occurred between New England tribes and settlers.

Later on in the evening he presented a program titled, “Colonial House Revisited: John Bear Reminisces” at the Ricker Memorial Library. The evening program was generously sponsored by the Friends of Ricker Memorial Library with well over 50 people in attendance. The program began with a book signing of the book “Trickster,” made possible by Books N’ Things of Norway.

Those in attendance enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Colonial House,” which included personal stories, an up close look at some of the materials used in the show, as well as a slide show.

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