Braelyn Cyr
Background
Braelyn Cyr was born in Campbellton, New Brunswick. She is a self taught aboriginal artist who works primarily with oil paint. She is currently studying at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in the aboriginal visual arts program. Cyr is focusing on bridging the gap between her heritage and modern day society through writing and illustrating children’s books. She not only teaches aboriginal youth to seek out their culture for guidance but gives a glimpse at the mentality of aboriginal people to non aboriginal youth. Through language and imagery she hopes to spread a basic understanding of not only her Mi’kmaq culture but that of other tribes within the province she resides. Her first book, “Mahtoqeh’s Journey”, was published in 2018 by Monster House Publishing, and her second will be published in early 2020.
Publications
Mahtoqeh’s Journey – Monster House Publishing 2018
What I Offer
Braelyn can offer multidisciplinary workshops in which she encourages students to create their own short story and illustrate it. Braelyn can also perform readings of “Matoqeh’s Journey”, her children’s story that follows a young rabbit as he tries to find his way to the Great Gathering. The story uses indigenous language to teach not only Mi’kmaq vocabulary, but traditional teachings & values.
