The Mohican Writers Circle has been going strong since 2011, but the tribe’s concept of sharing writing dates back to the end of the 19th century, mostly from the pure enjoyment of sharing creativity but also to stave off attempts to erase the Mohican culture.
Several writers meet regularly on the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation, eager to talk about what they’ve written. Whether it’s at the Mohican Family Center or on the top floor of the North Star Casino, those writers love to see their various worlds take flight.
The purpose of the writers circle varies from person to person, but the mission statement tasks the group to work as mentors for any tribal members or their descendants who want to share their stories or history.
“We started meeting to try to get some writing going of our own,” said JoAnn Schedler, one of the founding members who currently serves as secretary for the group. “It’s been amazing because of Misty (Cook) and Bonney (Hartley) and our younger people that have been a part of the group. Our circle has grown.”
So far, the group has published two books. One is “Reflections on the Waters that are Never Still: Literary Journal of the Mohican People,” which featured 26 writers and was published in 2015. Following in 2023 was “Along the Many Trails: Literary Journal of the Mohican People,” with 27 tribal members telling their stories. Schedler said the books were made possible because of a pair of grants the writers circle was able to receive from the Wisconsin Arts Board.
Now, the group is working on a third book, which members hope to publish by the time the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe’s annual pow wow rolls around in August.
“We’ve had workshops, and we’ve had several elder workshops,” Schedler said. “Through that, that’s how…
