Amanda Peters, a writer of Mi’kmaw descent, has returned to the stories of her people in her second novel, *The Birthing Tree*, published by Catapult. Building on the acclaim of her 2023 debut, *The Berry Pickers*, Peters continues to explore the experiences of the Mi’kmaq, whose traditional homelands extend from Nova Scotia to Maine.

The new novel draws inspiration from a poignant moment Peters shared with her grandmother, who was living with dementia at the time. During a visit, her grandmother pointed to a tree near the water and remarked that it was once a place where births took place. Peters was left without further explanation, and no other family members provided details, but the remark lingered for decades. Seeking to bring the untold story to life, Peters crafted a narrative rooted in this evocative image. However, she emphasizes that the grandmother figure in the novel—a midwife who practices traditional Mi’kmaw birthing customs—is distinct from her own grandmother, who was known for her modern style and appearance.

*The Birthing Tree* is structured along two timelines, one set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, following the protagonist Aliet from childhood through early adulthood, and the other in the late 1990s, focusing on her middle age. The novel addresses themes of family, loss, violence, first love, and identity. Aliet’s story is marked by her mixed-race heritage, as she was born to a teenage mother who died in childbirth. Navigating a community where white residents hold systemic power presents challenges, particularly when Aliet’s grandmother, the midwife, becomes a target of the authorities.

Peters, who is herself of mixed heritage—her father Mi’kmaw and her mother non-indigenous—reflects on the complexities of identity that run through her work. She acknowledges ongoing struggles linked to mixed backgrounds and channels some of her personal insecurities into her characters.

Beyond storytelling, Peters hopes her work fosters greater understanding and respect for Indigenous traditions. “Traditional practices are beautiful and they’re useful and they’re important,” she said, expressing a desire for readers to approach such practices with curiosity and respect.

Peters is scheduled to read from *The Birthing Tree* on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. at Brookline Booksmith in Massachusetts. The event is co-sponsored by the North American Indian Center of Boston.