Text
Dear Tribal Members,
It has been a tremendous honor serv
ing you over the past eight years. Thank
you for electing me.
I have truly enjoyed working for you
in the House of Representatives. It is a
time in my life I will never forget.
It made my decision not to seek reelection as the Tribal Representative a
very difficult one. I struggled with this
decision for months.
As you may or may not know I have
decided to run for the State Senate. I have
been a by-stander of sorts in the legisla
ture watching events unfold. After eight
years of advocacy I ’ve decided to take
the next step and run for the Senate. I
believe I have made a difference for
Native people in Maine. I would like to
take that experience and make a differ
ence for the people in my Senate Dis incumbent Republican, an Independent
trict as well as all of Maine. As a State and I. Win or lose it will be one more
Senator I will be the most knowledge barrier broken, one more step up the lad
able legislator on Indian issues. For those der of equality and one more trail to
of you who are curious about my Dis blaze.
It is my understanding that no Maine
trict it is District #19, Sagadahoc and one
town in Lincoln County (Dresden). It in Indian has ever run for a Senate seat. I
cludes the following towns: Richmond, plan to keep a journal and pass it on to
Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Topsham, Bath, those who will learn from my experi
W est B ath, P hippsburg, A rrow sic, ences.
Georgetown, Woolwich, and Dresden. Again, thank you for this opportunity.
They are all in the Merrymeeting Bay I will always be yours in the spirit of
area. I am running as a clean election unity and power.
Donna M Loring,
candidate meaning that I cannot take
Penobscot Nation Representative
contributions. It is a three-way race, an
Thoughts about the Next Tribal Representative
Whomever you choose to take my
place must be a person who thinks of the
tribe first and foremost.
A person who has an even temper, a
sense of humor and compassion.
A person who can put themselves
last and can empathize with the pain of
others.
A person you can count on to be
there when you need them.
A person who can communicate well
and often with people who are unedu
cated about your culture and your his
tory.
A person who is not afraid to stand
up and speak in front of 151 fellow leg
islators.
A person who does not respond in
anger when others say horrible things
about you or your community.(but rather
responds with dignity and control)
A person who has thick skin and can
take taunts and criticism not only from
outsiders but from tribal members and
council members who are suppose to be
supportive.
A person who will work for practi
cally nothing, will put in overtime and
who must sometimes pay their own way.
A person who does not expect to
have many thanks in return.
A person who works on a speech or
a poem for days but still cannot find the
right-words and then with the right words
awakening them at three o ’clock in the
morning.
A person who has vision and imagi
nation who will introduce the next bill
that will improve your lives for the next
one hundred years.
A person who truly cares.
A person who is touched by the an
cestors
woliwoni
Wabanaki News has been an excellent communication instrument and should be
continued by your next representative to the Maine State Legislature
Maine Indian Basketmakers’ Alliance
Director awarded International Prize
On October 15,2003, Theresa Secord Hoffman, a member of the Penobscot Na
tion, received a prestigious international prize in Geneva, Switzerland, for her work as
director of the Maine Indian Basketmakers’Alliance. The “Prize for Women’s Creativ
ity in Rural Life,” sponsored by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF),
was presented to Hoffman in a ceremony at the Palais Wilson, headquarters of the
United Nations High Commission for Human Rights.
Created in 1991, WWSF works primarily to empower rural women and women’s
organizations, as well as non-government organizations committed to prevention of
child abuse worldwide. The organization also seeks to mobilize citizens and organiza
tions toward building a better global human society by organizing regularly “Circles of
Compassion” training workshops.
This is the 10th anniversary o f the W W SF prize, and Ms. Hoffman is the first
United States citizen to garner the honor. Established in recognition of the roles of
women in grass roots development efforts, the prize goes to individuals whose efforts
demonstrate exceptional creativity, courage, and perseverancein improving rural life,
along with respect for and preservation of the environment, and continuing impact on
the community.
This year, the WWSF prize jury is awarding 33 women from 23 countries around
the world. Of these, five, including Ms. Hoffman, have been invited to attend the award
ceremony in Geneva and to personally present their work. The ambassadors of each
winner’s country will attend the event, along with other dignitaries. The keynote speaker
and award presenter was to have been Mr. Siergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights, but with his tragic death in the August bomb
ing of UN headquarters in Baghdad, that role will be filled by the Acting High Com
missioner, Bertrand Ramcharan (to be confirmed).
According to WWSF Executive Director Elly Pradervand, “The necessity of em
powering rural women remains undisputed and is a central objective in the strategies
for poverty alleviation and ending hunger. The very survival of the human species
depends on replacing old, tired, competitive Darwinian ‘male” models by more hu
mane, open, cooperative ‘feminine models. And for that women need to come into
leadership at all levels of society.”
Elly Pradervand’s sentiment fits well with Theresa Hoffman’s conviction that co
operative efforts strengthen communities and individuals at the same time. This is
evident in WWSF’s summary of Ms. Hoffman’s accomplishments, which begins with
this comment: “It behooves the Prize for Women’s Creativity in Rural Life that
the first laureate from the United States be an American Indian— of the Penob
scot Nation, one of four tribal groups living in Maine.” The commentary goes on to
mark out Ms. Hoffman’s leadership role in helping to found the Maine Indian
Basketmakers Alliance (MIB A)—an organization that many predicted would fail given
the independent mindedness of the four tribal groups in Maine, not to mention that of
basketmakers. However, thanks to the skills and dedication of the basketmakers and
Ms. Hoffman’s vision, persistence, political acumen, and first-hand knowledge of the
art form, the venture has blossomed.
please turn to page 4
Community Building
tszsinom, 72
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Wabanaki News page 2_____________________ ________________________________________
Summer 2004
LD 291 “An Act to Require Teaching Maine Native American History
and Culture in Maine’s Schools”
by Donna M. Loring,
Representative o f the Penobscot Nation
(M y greatest accomplishment!)
LD-291 is now Maine law. It was passed by the
House June 5, 2001 and passed in the Senate June 7,
2001. It was then signed into law by Governor Angus
King on June 14, 2001
I am extremely proud to have been the sponsor of
this bill. It is the high point of my legislative experi
ence to date.
I know it will make a difference in our future.
This bill is the most innovative and comprehen
sive piece of legislation in reference to the teaching of
Native American History in the
Country.
No other State has created a policy that requires
teaching Native American History in such detail and
also provides the means
to do it.
The bill is made up of four sections:
Sec 1 makes Maine Native American studies a re
quired component of Maine studies, addressing the
following topics:
A. Maine Tribal Government and Political Systems,
their relationship with local, State, National and Inter
national Governments.
B. Maine Native American Cultural Systems and the
experience of Maine tribal peoples throughout history:
C. Maine Native American Territories: and
D. Maine Native American Economic Systems
Sec 2 Creates the Maine Native American History
and Culture Commission to help prepare for the inclu
sion of Maine Native American History and Culture
into the required course in Maine Studies.
1. Membership consists of eight members se
lected by the Tribal Chiefs, six members appointed by
the Commissioner of Education including an elemen
tary school teacher, a middle school teacher, a high
school teacher, a curriculum director, a superintendent
or principal and an employee of the Dept of Education
and one member selected by the Chancellor of the Uni
versity of Maine System.
2. DUTIES: The Commission shall assist school
administrative units and educators in the exploration
of a wide range of educational materials and resources.
Identify resources
Involve other-knowledgeable organizations and
Individuals able and willing to assist with this work
including, but not limited to museums and educators.
** 3. Maine Indian Tribal State Commission will
convene the first meeting of the commission no later
than 30 days following the effective date of enactment.
4. REPORTING FINDINGS to the commissioner
of Education and a copy to MITSC The report shall
consist of educational materials, opportunities for pro
fessional development, training and technical assis
tance.
5. Staff assistance and Resources will be pro
vided by MITSC and each entity.
6. Preliminary Report to the commissioner of
Education for dissemination to educators in the State
by June 1,2003.
Sec 3 Report must include plan to assist school ad
ministrative units. Plan must include criteria to iden
tify school administrative units having difficulty meet
ing instructional components. The plan for assistance
must be established by July 30,2004 and implemented
by 2004-2005 School year.
Sec 4 School to implement Maine Native American
Studies subject to availability of funds. School admin
istrative unit must present
findings and support evidence to department of edu
cation that it cannot afford to implement the program.
The dept of Ed shall review findings and assist in plan
ning for implementation
This bill is the result of support from the House,
Senate, Governors office, the Maine Indian Tribal State
Commission, Department of Education, University of
Maine System, Tribal governments, grass roots orga
nizations, interested Individuals and students. It was a
tremendous effort and I thank you all.
The Prim ary Election will
be held on Tuesday,
A uqust 10, 2004.
The General Election will be held
Saturday, S eptem ber 11, 2004
Polls will open for both at 9:00 AM
and close at 8:00 PM.
Voting in both elections will take
place in the C onference Room at
the C om m unity Building.
M a in e’s Native A m ericans G ain P assage of LD 2418
A Salute to Rep. Soctomah’s groundbreaking b ill___ THANK YOU!
by Representative
Donald Soctomah
A.s we enter a new millen-
nium, I have Yiope for a better
tinually offended by the use of this
slang word.
The Thesaurus o f Slang iden-
tif'ies th e w o rd “ squaw ” as a sy n
relationship betw een the native onym for prostitute,, harlot, hussy,
p o p u la tio n an d th e S ta te o f and floozy. The dictionary identi
Maine. In order for us to achieve fies this w ord as one that is used
this im proved relationship, we to offend native females.
m ust end 400 years o f hurt and
A fter generations o f exposure,
discrimination. We m ust leam to the w ord squaw is seen as a neu
live together peacefully, by hon tral word to the general public. But
oring and respecting each other. to native females this word con
This hope was the m otivat tinues to be a slanderous attack
ing factor behind legislation that against them and th eir culture.
w ould end the use of a dem oral Violent incidents occur m ore of
izing and dehum anizing term in ten near the native com m unities,
the State of M aine.
where the clash betw een cultures
The passage o f this bill by still exists.
the M aine H ouse or R epresen
W hen native people nam e a
tatives and Senate will soon be geographic feature, such as a river
sig n ed into law by G overnor or a m ountain, the term used w ill
Angus S. K ing, Jr..
describe a specific location, for the
It w ill re m o v e th e w o rd ease of the traveler, or to denote
squaw from place nam es in the its s p iritu a l sig n ific a n c e . T h e
state.
nam e o f the Kennebec R iver de
This is not an issue of politi scribes the contours o f the river.
cal correctness.-It is about basic M ount K atahdin w as nam ed to
hum an decency and respect for signify the spirits o f the mountain
o n e ’s fellow citizens. The new and its geography.
law p ro te c ts an u n d e r re p re
The term squaw was not origi
sented group in our state,,native nally used for place names, as the
w om efi. O u r w o m e n -g ra n d -. w ord d id ‘ n o t e x ist b efo re the
m others, m others, and daugh 1600’s. It is not a linguist’s defi
ters, are all entitled to protection nition o f the original native word
against basic'hum an rights vio that is of concern, it is the way the
lations, such as th e use o f demor term lias Been used to define na
alizing language. T he driving tive womqn injts. current context.
force behind this bill is hundreds- ’ 'T hroughcom m unication and edu
o f native w om en, w ho are con cation we can rid the state o f of
fensive, derogatory words. Native
w om en have the right to define
themselves.
W e n e e d to grow an d u n d e r
stan d th a t th e u se o f the term
squaw shows a lack o f com pas
sion to hum an beings, it is hard
for the general population to imag
ine how hurtful a w ord can be un
less it is directed tow ard them,
their culture, or racial background.
R ep. G erald T albot w o rk ed
diligently in 1974 to rem ove the
”N ” w ord from place nam es in
M aine. He had to convince other
representatives how hurtful and
hateful this word is to M aine citi
zens and its visitors.
D uring that floor debate, the
offensiveness o f the word squaw
was questioned. Several represen
tatives stated that to the native
population, it w as an offensive
term. This is not a new issue to
M aine, it is a 400 year old issue
that needs to be stopped
Nationally, M aine now joins
three other states which have re
m oved the word squaw from name
places. In North Carolina, the U.S.
Justice D epartm ent was involved
in the rem oval o f the w ord from a
school system in M arch of 1999.
There is no other w ord used to
day which hurts native wom en as
m uch as the word squaw. The term
has been used as a slanderous as
sault in hate crimes; last year, a
native woman was being brutally
assaulted by two men, who con
tin u a lly y e lle d , “ y o u d irty
s q u a w ” as th e y r e p e a te d ly
k ic k e d Vver.
In 1998, there w as a high
sch o o l fig h t th a t e v e n tu a lly
turned into a racial incident. N a
tive girls w ere called squaws;
this resulted in death threats b e
ing painted on the walls.
T his new law sen d s, w ith
great effectiveness, a goodwill
message o f understanding to the
N a tiv e p e o p le o f th is state:
M aine w ill stop sanctioning the
use o f offensive words, w hich
dehum anize and exploit the n a
tive people.
T he native people and the
native com m unities o f M aine,
askd for the passage o f this bill
to end the perpetuation o f dehu
manizing language that has been
used to define our women.
It is never an aggressive act
for a p eople to exercise their
right to self determination. It is
an intrinsic right that is woven
into the fiber o f values that this
country w as founded on.
T h e fo llo w in g C heyenne
proverb sum m arizes the point of
this bill concisely, “A nation is
never conquered until the hearts
of its wom en are on the ground.”
Every time this defamatory
term is used, the hearts of our
w om en take another blow.
Wabanaki News page 3
Summer 2004
Chief Dana has vision for the Penobscot Nation
Strengthening the Penobscot Community is key
Chief Barry Dana is well aware
of having 10,000 years of history to
live up to as a member and leader of
the Penobscot Nation. It is what con
nects him to that past which makes
him the visionary leader the Nation
needs now to continue building on
its strength as a sovereign tribe in
Maine.
Chief Dana believes the best way
to strengthen the Penobscot Nation
is by strengthening the community.
The best way to strengthen the com
munity is to strengthen the family
and that is best done by strengthen
ing the individual. This is something
he works toward every single day as
the Nation’s elected leader.
Chief Dana has also worked with
many Tribal members to, among
other things, create a nationally rec
ognized Boys and Girls Club; create
tribal laws protecting elders; create
an Elder Advocate position; restruc
turing the Home Improvement Pro
gram which serviced 30 homes in
2003-2004 alone; create a cultural
preservation department which re
cently received a federal grant; be
gin major restoration work and dam
removal along the Penobscot River;
and increase the Tribe’s visibility
across Maine, New England and the
country.
He knows the future health of the
Tribe is linked to economic and so
cial health, and to that end Chief
Dana works tirelessly to foster a cre
ative and proactive environment that
will allow Tribal members to pros
per and live with dignity. He has
served on the board of the highly suc
cessful Four Directions Community
Development Financial Initiative and
has supported the development of an
Elder Care Facility both of which
have created jobs for Tribal mem
bers. Construction of the new elder
care facility begins later this summer
and, when complete, will employ six
additional people.
He is the first to say none of this
was accomplished on his own. In
fact, one of Chief Dana’s greatest
assets is his ability to recognize and
place his faith in the strengths and
abilities in others and his willingness
to give them the freedom to succeed.
Coupled with that is his refusal to be
satisfied with the status quo. He is
always looking for what the Tribe can
do to benefit each individual and the
Nation as a whole.
Chief Dana is a man who makes
people want to work harder and who
is willing to take chances and the ini
tiative. He will never ask anyone to
do more than he is willing to do him
self. His creativity and energy has
opened many different doors for the
Flat Stanley takes center stage at the Maine Legislature
Bids farewell to House Speaker Colwell and Senate President Daggett
Flat Stanley is a school project of a middle school in Indiana. One class in that school sent him to Maine so he
could visit new places. The object was that photos would record his adventure here. The photos would then be
sent back to the middle school class as a part of their project. Rep. Donna Loring moved him around to several
places in the Maine State Legislature, with a lot of fun.
Top left Flat Stanley was invited to be in a photo with the House Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary; top right, Rep. Donna
Loring shows Flat Stanley to House Speaker Patrick Colwell. Bottom left, Rep. Loring poses with Senate President Beverly
Daggett and Flat Stanley. Bottom right, Flat Stanley bids fairwell to Senate President Daggett.
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 4
Chief Barry Dana’s historic State of the Tribes Address to the Maine State
Legislature on March 11, 2002
TR IB U TE TO CHIEF DANA
man or Stateswoman has probably been
Kkwev. Hello
President of the Senate, Mr. Bennett,
Speaker of the Hoi ;se of Representatives,
Mr. Michael Saxl,
Madam Chief Justice,
Governor Angus King,
Distinguished members of the House,
Distinguished members of the Senate,
Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe,
Members of the Penobscot Nation and
Citizens of the State of Maine.
Kkwey
To all who are present here today and
to those who may listen on the radio out
side these walls and to those who may read
about this, I ask that your ears hear my
words so that you will know what I have
said. I ask for your minds to be open so
that you will understand my intent. I ask
that your hearts feel my commitment to bring
honor to my family, my tribe and to our state
that we all now share as our home.
Woliwoni. Thank you.
It is an honor and a privilege as
Saugama, the Chief of the Penobscot Na
tion, to be here on this historical day, ad
dressing the joint session of the 120th leg
islature.
Woliwoni. Thank you.
Today’s address symbolizes what I
truly believe to be anew era in Tribal/State
relations. Relationships are based on com
munication. Today’s forum allows for
direct communication. Perhaps our great
est days lay before us.
Nivan penawepskewi. I am Penobscot.
Nivan penawepskewi. I am a human
more responsible for bridging the gap of
misunderstanding between our two gov
ernments then anyone else of our time.
The dedication of this individual is appar
ent with the passage of such bills as:
*P.L. 625-where the tribes received
the extension on trust land acquisition.
*Co-sponsoring the efforts to include
portraits of outstanding Indians in the capi
tal, (When I first heard this I thought I
heard an Act to have famous Indians stand
ing outside the capital).
*Co-sponsoring P.L. 613, an act to re
move offensive place names and
*Being a primary sponsor of P.L. 403
L.D. 291, an act requiring the teaching of
Maine Indian history in primary and sec
ondary schools.
Please join me in honoring the Penob
scot Nation’s Representative to the legis
lature, DONNA M. LORING.
Before I discuss the current issues fac
ing my tribe, the Penobscot Nation, let me
first set the framework by which the Pe
nobscot Nation’s government operates.
Only through education can we ever hope
to eliminate stereotypes and put an end to
all forms of racism. The Penobscot Na
tion is a Tribe. Tribes here in this country
pre-date the creation of the States and the
Federal government. In the creation of
the U.S. Federal Govt., the founding fa
thers recognized the Tribes as distinct
forms of government, with inherent sov
ereign powers to ensure the birth given
rights to be self-determined.
The 1980 Settlement A ct recognizes
being from the Penobscot River.
M y grandfather, as his before him w as
th e se p ro tec tio n s o f in h eren t so v e re ig n
a pack basket maker, ariver guide, ahunter
and worked on the Penobscot log drive.
My grandmother, along with raising a
large family, tended a garden, was a sweetgrass braider for the fancy basket makers.
In my youth, I was fortunate enough to
have spent many hours in their presences,
hearing the stories of the “old days.” From
my grandparents, as well as other tribal
elders, is where I learned my culture.
Though these elders have joined our an
cestors, their values, their love for our cul
ture, memories of the old days and their
passion for preserving our traditions live
on in the pride of my people.
Nevan Penawepskewi. I am Penobscot.
I am thankful for my mother, a proud
Penobscot woman. In her 60 plus years
of living on the Penobscot River, she has
witnessed many changes for our people.
From facing the bitter winds of winter,
while walking across the ice, paddling
across the quick spring currents to go to
and from school, to driving her first car
across the infamous one lane bridge. My
mother has worked as hard as any man in
the Old Town Shoe factories to becoming
the Penobscot Nation’s Tribal Clerk, she
has stood in the cold November rains at
my High School football games (inciden
tally, she could never understand why 22
young men would fight over one funny
shaped ball). She has strived to make a
better life for her family and her people.
Please join me in honoring a proud Pe
nobscot woman, (Recognize my mom,
Lorraine Dana).
Nevan Penawepskewi. I am Penobscot.
I would like to recognize another out
standing Penobscot, who in keeping with
our proud history of being talented States
powers. The Senate Committee on Indian
Affairs, in their review of the 1980 agree
ment recognized and ratified our retained
sovereign powers and sited the 1st Cir
cuit Courts decision, “that the Maine
Tribes still posses inherent sovereignty to
the same extent as other tribes in the
United States.” Thus, rather than destroy
ing the sovereignty of the tribes, by rec
ognizing the power to control their inter
nal affairs and by withdrawing the power
which Maine previously claimed to inter
fere in such m atters, the settlem ent
strengthens the sovereignty of the Maine
Tribes.
The very essence of Tribal Sover
eignty is the ability to be self-governing
and to protect the health, safety and wel
fare of our people, within our own terri
tory. We are a distinct people with a unique
history. Though it has been a struggle to
retain these powers of self-government,
that preserves our distinctiveness, we have
done so. Despite how people outside our
tribe perceive us, we are first and fore
most an Indian tribe. From thousands of
years ago, the bones of our ancestors still
lie on the shores of Maine’s rivers and
ocean frontage. We still carry on their
dreams, their pride and the traditions of
self-determination and these we all hold
sacred. We will continue to fight to safe
guard these rights, in honor of our ances
tors and in order to preserve a future for
our children. Failure to do so would mean
surrendering the very essences of who we
are as Indian People. We are proud of our
place in history and the many contribu
tions we have made to the larger society
by assisting in common goals. We are still
here.
It has been a privilege and an
honor to work with Chief Barry
Dana. I have seen the Penobscot
Nation make tremendous progress
Chief Dana was first elected in
2000.
The Nation at that time was stag
nant and basically just marking time
until it would disintegrate into history.
Chief Dana is a leader who is not
afraid to take control and get out in
the public eye and fight for our rights
and for our survival. He continues to
do this. Since Chief Dana has taken
office progress has been started in the
areas of environmental protection,
housing for the elderly, youth pro
grams, economic development, edu
cation, cultural preservation, commu
nication and more. We cannot afford
to be set back twenty years. We must
look to the future.
Theresa Hoffman
Chief Dana is the strong, ener
getic and aggressive leader we need.
It is my hope that he continues to be
our Chief.
Thank you Chief Dana for your
vision, creativity and your past four
years of service to the tribe.
Donna M. Loring, Representative
o f the Penobscot Nation
from page i
MIBA is credited with reviving an imperiled art—so effectively that over the last
decade the number of trained tribal basketmakers has grown from 50 to 120. More
over, the average age of MIBA members has dropped from 63 to 43 (which means
more young people are making baskets). Members offer periodic workshops on the
reservations and MIBA also sponsors a demanding year-long basketry apprentice pro
gram. In addition the organization is also fueling language preservation efforts by
encouraging elders who teach basketry to do so in their Native languages—Maliseet,
Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot. Ms. Hoffman, with the support of MIB A’s
board of directors and staff, spearheaded effective marketing efforts that have included
opening an elegant gallery/shop, publishing an 86-page guide to basketry and other
traditional Native American crafts in Maine, and collaborating with the Abbe Museum
in Bar Harbor on the annual Native American Festival and the Maine Indian
Basketmakers Market at the Hudson Museum on the University of Maine’s Orono
campus. Such efforts have given Maine Indian basketmakers a high profile throughout
the state and nation. T h e result is aneariy tenfold increase in the safes value of baskets,
making basketry a viable livelihood. According to Rebecca Cole-Will, head curator of
the Abbe Museum, “ThroughTheresa’s leadership, MIBAhas developed into a vitally
important organization that continues to cultivate a vibrant and growing Wabanaki
crafts community. In addition to the economic benefits of MIB A’s work, the strength
ening of the crafts tradition has proven critical to preserving the cultural identity of the
Wabanaki and to raising the self-esteem of craftspeople.”
According to another Penobscot leader, Donna Loring, who serves as tribal
representative to the Maine state legislature, “Two years ago, I initiated legisla
tion, the Maine Indian History Act, requiring all public schools in Maine to in
clude in their curriculum lessons concerning the culture and history of the state’s
original inhabitants. That bill passed, and Theresa’s work is playing a vital role in
its implementation. Her efforts have been, and continue to be, tireless and self
less. They have increased the self-worth of Native people, fostered cross-cultural
interaction and understanding, prodded people to think in terms of sustainable
development, and made a very tangible difference in the economic livelihoods of
many rural Indian families across the state.”
A small sampling of the other winners of this year’s Rural Creativity award:
A Betty Makoni from Zimbabwe established empowerment programs for
sexually abused girls.
A Byatshandaa Jargal of Mongolia setup various programs to counter
malnutrition.
A Marta Benavides of El Salvador works for peace, justice, and economic
opportunity for indigenous peoples
A Haoua Baraze from Niger led a fight for educating girls.
A N ’Dw Sene of Senegal mounted an effective challenge to unauthorized
tourism development.
A Victoria Adetona established a micro-credit organization for women.
A Wang Fengyan of China set up an angelworm-breeding network
for rural women. (Angelworms improvel soil fertility.)
A Khalida Bibi Awan of Pakistan created a local seed bank and also opened
a small vocational center in her home.
A Francisca Eugenia of Cuba transformed a garbage dump into an organic garden.
A Aurora Carmona of Columbia launched many projects, including
community and family gardens that greatly increase food security.
A Neela Thangavelu of India organized some 140 women’s self-help
groups representing over 3000 women and led a successful struggle
to regain peasant land.
For more information, visit the WWSF website www.woman.ch where profiles of
prize winners past and present are posted. Mailing address: Women’s World Summit
Foundation, PO Box 2001,1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland. (Phone: +41 22-738.66.19)
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 5
Chief Barry Dana speaks out on TV after stunning defeat of casino vote
Statement from Barry Dana, Chief of
the Penobscot Nation
Wednesday, Nov. 5,2003
Nothing has changed. Maine on
Nov. 5, 2003 is the same as Maine
yesterday, and the day before that, and
the day before that.
A Maine which is home to thou
sands of hardworking people and
families - Native and non-Native alike
- who want nothing more than to stay
here, to work here, and raise their
families here. A desire that has become
more and more difficult with each
passing year even as our state govern
ment promises economic opportunities
for all.
Nothing has changed. My people
have lived with these hollow promises
for 500 years. Promises from state
leaders combined with lies, scare
tactics and intimidation to keep a
majority of the state’s wealth, power
and resources in the hands of a select
few.
On Nov. 5 there are still two
Maines. Two Maines delineated not by
any geographic boundaries, but drawn
along straight economic lines. The
wealthy minority wanted to stay just
that. A minority in a state with thou
sands of residents living near or below
the poverty level. Thousands of
residents facing each day with no
health insurance. Thousands working
two or three jobs to cobble together a
weekly wage equivalent to a day’s
salary for the wealthy elite.
Once again this elite used all the
power and influence their money
could buy to keep Maine the way they
want it to be.
The Penobscot-Passamaquoddy
Casino was a good deal for Maine.
And everything that made it a good
deal made it a bad deal for the big
business status quo. An abundance of
good paying jobs and benefits. A huge
influx of cash into the state’s coffers
over which they had no control. The real
hope and opportunity for economic
prosperity for some of Maine’s poorest
residents living in its poorest regions.
Now, thanks to the efforts of a
group who never looked beyond what
was good for them, those poorer
residents can stay right where they are.
They can continue to collect welfare
and work multiple jobs.
Casinos No! is celebrating a
victory today. They have a lot to
celebrate. Thanks to them, hundreds of
thousands of textile and manufacturing
jobs which have left Maine in the last
five years will go un-replaced for the
foreseeable future. They can congratu
late themselves on a fight in which
lies, media manipulation and the
exploitation of children in advertising
were all used to further their smallminded agendas. They are joined in
this celebration by our current and
former governor. Two elected officials
who used their political clout to pull the
economic rug out from under so many
needy people - the very people who put
them in office in the first place.
I am saddened that so many
people were drawn into the
opposition’s lies. This ought not to
have been, but they had our own state
governor doing much of the work for
them; leading them from the back of
the pack in speaking out against what
we were offering.
Today, these same politicians will
resume their promises of amorphous
economic opportunity zones and tax
incentives as solutions to Maine’s
joblessness. None of it puts real
Mainers back to work. But maybe it
allows the governor to sleep at night.
The casino was a real solution
offered by the Tribes to all of Maine.
Something we - as a minority - were
ready to share with the 97 percent
white/non-Native population of the
state. We had hoped the governor
would hear the message that people
need to work, they need jobs, they
need hope. This was to be our gift to
Maine.
That, too, has not changed. As a
people, my tribe is accustomed to the
snubs and affronts from state officials.
There are many in Maine - in and out
of government - who are best served if
we stay quietly on our reservations
weaving baskets. While we are a
proud people with proud traditions, we
are also a people of lawyers, doctors,
teachers, therapists, builders, farmers
and students. People who would like
to stay in Maine but who are finding
fewer and fewer opportunities to do
so.
If it was simply a gaming issue,
not even our governor could have
spoken against it. Not as the leader of
a state which welcomes and sponsors
gaming in a state-run lottery, scratch
tickets and multiple venues for off
track betting.
During this campaign I have
spoken to people from all parts of the
state. I have looked into the eyes of
elders who no longer have jobs or
homes thanks to the industries which
have left. One thing I have learned even in the face of the hatred and
ignorance from the opposition - is that
there are good, proud people in Maine.
People who understood this was about
more than gaming. Along with eco
nomic freedom for all Mainers, this
referendum was also about sover
eignty and Native self-reliance.
I have seen the unification of
Natives and non-Natives behind this
crucial issue and this campaign
brought it into the living rooms and
coffee shops of Maine.
So maybe something has changed,
after all. People are starting to see a
lack of integrity and honor in our
political leaders and their methods in
getting their way. People are starting
to see that Maine lacks real leadership
and there are some very ugly realities
in Maine government.
In the end, we did not get a Casino
or the 10,000 jobs and $100,000,000
for education and property tax relief.
There are no positive changes on the
economic horizon. But maybe we did
get something as important: the
unification of a number of diverse
groups working for tribal sovereignty
for Maine’s Native citizens and
economic hope for all.
My people have been here for
10,000 years and we will be here for
another 10,000. We are used to
fighting for all that we have. But we
are also used to extending our hands in
friendship. We will continue to offer
our gifts and our hope to all who can
see beyond lies, deception and fear.
We walked a long road on this
campaign and made many good, true
friends on the way. To all of them and
all of those who supported us I extend
my sincerest gratitude and say thank
you. In the words of my people,
Wuliwoni.
Barry Dana,
sagama penawapskewi
Moving
on after defeat
letters@TimesRecord.Com
11/14/2003
Chief Barry Dana’s sharp re
sponse to the 2-1 defeat of the
Penobscot-Passamaquoddy ca
sino question was unfortunate
(Nov. 6, “Penobscot chief: ‘There
are still two M a in es’”). But
th e r e ’s som eth in g everyon e
should realize.
The two leading casino pro
moters made an amazingly quick
exit and weren’t around to help
the tribes navigate the political
fallout. Lawyer Tom Tureen who
spearheaded the campaign and
Think About It’s spokeswoman,
Erin Lehane, both left for vaca
tions 36 hours after the election,
The Associated Press reported.
Not that they didn’t deserve
rest from their labors, but they
left the tribes to face the aftermath of a highly charge race with
no assistance and that seems cold.
If they’d stayed around a few
more days, they could have eased
the disappointment and tempered I
Chief Dana’s remarks.
I
¥ ortuivateVy, most \ » e o a r v d
groups castigated by the tribal
leader’s remarks will be gracious
enough to move on. In fact, Gov.
John Baldacci hasn’t wasted any
time in reaching out.
Wednesday he met with the
leaders of four Maine tribes: the
P en ob scot, Passam aquoddy,
Micmac and Maliseet. He has di
rected the state Department of
Economic and Community De
velopment and his staff to meet
with tribal leaders within the next
30 days to work up an economic
development strategy, The Asso
ciated Press reported. Also, mem
bers of his staff will attend up
coming tribal council meetings
for that purpose.
Equally good news is the fact
that Chief Dana said he now re
alizes that the casino question was
not defeated because Mainers are
prejudiced toward the tribes. He
understands that it was defeated
based on issues raised during the
campaign.
In the year long discussion of
the casino question on these Opin
ion pages, some contributors la
mented that it was difficult to vote
“No” without having an alterna
tive to offer M ain e’s N ative
Americans. We commend Gov.
Baldacci and the tribal leaders for
setting out toward that goal so
quickly.
We may have lost
the battle but we
have not lost the
war
by Donna M. Coring
As the Penobscot Nation’s Repre
sentative to the State Legislature I would
be remiss in my duties if I did not re
spond to your editorial “Moving on Af
ter defeat” published in your paper on
Friday November 14, 2003.
The photo chosen for use by the
Times Record was the same Associated
Press Photo the Portland press selec
tively chose and clearly misrepresented
the tenor of the meeting. The Bangor
Daily News photo by Kevin Bennett at
the same event on Thursday November
13th would have been more accurate. It
showed Chief Dana seriously speaking
to the news media. Governor Baldacci
touted the meeting as one to strategize
for economic development for the tribes.
The truth is the Chiefs and Tribal Rep
resentatives agreed to attend this meet
ing not because of wind mills or any
other economic project but because the
Governor of the State, who represents
the people of the State, requested a meet
ing. We simply agreed to attend out of
respect for the people of Maine. We went
to listen to what he had to say and no
promises were made from either side.
Further move I strongly disagree
with your comm entary about Chief
Dana’s “Sharp response to the 2-1 de
feat of the Passamaquoddy and Penob
scot Casino question.” You called the
statement he issued after the November
2nd defeat “unfortunate”. I call it cou
rageous and commendable.
For the first time in history, a Pe
nobscot Sagama (Chief) stood up pub
licly to those in power in this State and
represented his people. Chief Dana put
words to the wounded spirits of his
people. The Penobscot people were hurt
deeply by the tone and tactics of the elec
tion.
Chief Dana was only expressing the
deep heart felt feelings and beliefs of his
people. As Sagama he could do no less.
For you to say that Tom Tureen or Erin
Lahane would have had any influence
over him in this regard is paternalistic,
ludicrous, and m arginalizes Native
people.
The Penobscot will move on from
this learning experience as we have for
the past five hundred years. We have
made many friends during this journey
and we will look to them for help in the
future. We will survive as a people and
as a culture.
In conclusion, I restate; your view
of Chief Dana’s “sharp response” is
completely and totally opposite from
mine and as the Representative of the
Penobscot Nation it is with great pride
and honor that I call Chief Barry Dana,
Sagama.
Woliwoni
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 6
MEMORIES
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 7
Wabanaki News page 8________________________________________________________________________________________________ Summer 2004
Taking a Stand: March on the State House for Water Protection
“Tribal members and supports gather at the steps of the statehouse to deliver the court ordered tribal paperwork to the paper companies. The Tribal Governors of the
Passamaquoddy Tribe and the chief of the Penobscot Nation lead the march to Augusta to deliver the court ordered papers. After a two year battle in the Maine courts and
a rejected hearing in the Federal courts the Tribes had to deliver paperwork concerning environmental issues, so the paper companies can review them. This was a very
sad day in State and Tribal relations. The people of Maine sided with the tribes on the issue of clean w ater, as supporters followed the tribe to the statehouse steps. This
was a long walk, 40 miles, starting at the 1724 Norridgewock village site, an area of another disaster...... ” Rep. Soctomdh
From the birchbark canoe, the
Passamaquoddy people trav
eled the coast of Maine and
New Brunswick Canada, har
vesting just enough food for
the families and leaving the
rest for nature to consume. On
a successful hunting trip the
canoeist uses the moose call
ing horn to sign his return.
Here on Grand Manan Island
the invisible line between the
United States and Canada has
divided the traditional lands of
the Passamaquoddy tribe.___
MARCH FOR TRIBAL
,
SOVEREI GNTY
r \
M
T
P
F
WA TER PROTECTION
Rep. Loring speaks out
Rep. Soctomah with his sister
Madonna after the March
A m essage from Penobscot Nation Governor Barry Dana
on W ater P r
May 23rd, Norridgewock, Maine on the shores of the
Kennebec River, we gathered at 5 a.m. to begin our March to
Augusta. This was a civil rights style march to bring public
awareness to our struggles to have the State of Maine recog
nize our sovereign status. This peaceful march helped us educate
the people of the State as to who we are and our status as a tribe.
Fifty people, both Indian and non-Indian completed the march
covering 39 miles. News media reporters joined us, interviewed
us and helped spread the message. We concluded the walk at the
Augusta Civic Center.
The next morning we met at the Civic Center but this circle
included 150 people. We all walked the remaining three miles
from the Civic Center to the steps of the Capitol. On the steps
we delivered our speeches to the audience, which again in
cluded the media. Our message was clear, that the State, its
courts and paper industry has violated the 1980 Settlement
Act by invading internal tribal matters by requesting to in
spect tribal documents. On those steps we were joined by
members of the Coalition to Support Tribal Sovereignty, the
Chair of the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission, the Presi
dent of the United Southern and Eastern Tribes, the co-founder of the
the 42 mile route we received many horns and thumbs up in support.
Maine Peoples Alliance, all who gave eloquent speeches in support o f our
„
efforts.
This event brought much needed attention to our struggles. A ll along
People across the State are drawing the conclusion that the fight for sovereignty as well as the efforts for a casino are all about desire to be self.
. . .
reliant, self-governed and independent.
It has been a tremendous honor serv
ing you over the past eight years. Thank
you for electing me.
I have truly enjoyed working for you
in the House of Representatives. It is a
time in my life I will never forget.
It made my decision not to seek reelection as the Tribal Representative a
very difficult one. I struggled with this
decision for months.
As you may or may not know I have
decided to run for the State Senate. I have
been a by-stander of sorts in the legisla
ture watching events unfold. After eight
years of advocacy I ’ve decided to take
the next step and run for the Senate. I
believe I have made a difference for
Native people in Maine. I would like to
take that experience and make a differ
ence for the people in my Senate Dis incumbent Republican, an Independent
trict as well as all of Maine. As a State and I. Win or lose it will be one more
Senator I will be the most knowledge barrier broken, one more step up the lad
able legislator on Indian issues. For those der of equality and one more trail to
of you who are curious about my Dis blaze.
It is my understanding that no Maine
trict it is District #19, Sagadahoc and one
town in Lincoln County (Dresden). It in Indian has ever run for a Senate seat. I
cludes the following towns: Richmond, plan to keep a journal and pass it on to
Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Topsham, Bath, those who will learn from my experi
W est B ath, P hippsburg, A rrow sic, ences.
Georgetown, Woolwich, and Dresden. Again, thank you for this opportunity.
They are all in the Merrymeeting Bay I will always be yours in the spirit of
area. I am running as a clean election unity and power.
Donna M Loring,
candidate meaning that I cannot take
Penobscot Nation Representative
contributions. It is a three-way race, an
Thoughts about the Next Tribal Representative
Whomever you choose to take my
place must be a person who thinks of the
tribe first and foremost.
A person who has an even temper, a
sense of humor and compassion.
A person who can put themselves
last and can empathize with the pain of
others.
A person you can count on to be
there when you need them.
A person who can communicate well
and often with people who are unedu
cated about your culture and your his
tory.
A person who is not afraid to stand
up and speak in front of 151 fellow leg
islators.
A person who does not respond in
anger when others say horrible things
about you or your community.(but rather
responds with dignity and control)
A person who has thick skin and can
take taunts and criticism not only from
outsiders but from tribal members and
council members who are suppose to be
supportive.
A person who will work for practi
cally nothing, will put in overtime and
who must sometimes pay their own way.
A person who does not expect to
have many thanks in return.
A person who works on a speech or
a poem for days but still cannot find the
right-words and then with the right words
awakening them at three o ’clock in the
morning.
A person who has vision and imagi
nation who will introduce the next bill
that will improve your lives for the next
one hundred years.
A person who truly cares.
A person who is touched by the an
cestors
woliwoni
Wabanaki News has been an excellent communication instrument and should be
continued by your next representative to the Maine State Legislature
Maine Indian Basketmakers’ Alliance
Director awarded International Prize
On October 15,2003, Theresa Secord Hoffman, a member of the Penobscot Na
tion, received a prestigious international prize in Geneva, Switzerland, for her work as
director of the Maine Indian Basketmakers’Alliance. The “Prize for Women’s Creativ
ity in Rural Life,” sponsored by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF),
was presented to Hoffman in a ceremony at the Palais Wilson, headquarters of the
United Nations High Commission for Human Rights.
Created in 1991, WWSF works primarily to empower rural women and women’s
organizations, as well as non-government organizations committed to prevention of
child abuse worldwide. The organization also seeks to mobilize citizens and organiza
tions toward building a better global human society by organizing regularly “Circles of
Compassion” training workshops.
This is the 10th anniversary o f the W W SF prize, and Ms. Hoffman is the first
United States citizen to garner the honor. Established in recognition of the roles of
women in grass roots development efforts, the prize goes to individuals whose efforts
demonstrate exceptional creativity, courage, and perseverancein improving rural life,
along with respect for and preservation of the environment, and continuing impact on
the community.
This year, the WWSF prize jury is awarding 33 women from 23 countries around
the world. Of these, five, including Ms. Hoffman, have been invited to attend the award
ceremony in Geneva and to personally present their work. The ambassadors of each
winner’s country will attend the event, along with other dignitaries. The keynote speaker
and award presenter was to have been Mr. Siergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights, but with his tragic death in the August bomb
ing of UN headquarters in Baghdad, that role will be filled by the Acting High Com
missioner, Bertrand Ramcharan (to be confirmed).
According to WWSF Executive Director Elly Pradervand, “The necessity of em
powering rural women remains undisputed and is a central objective in the strategies
for poverty alleviation and ending hunger. The very survival of the human species
depends on replacing old, tired, competitive Darwinian ‘male” models by more hu
mane, open, cooperative ‘feminine models. And for that women need to come into
leadership at all levels of society.”
Elly Pradervand’s sentiment fits well with Theresa Hoffman’s conviction that co
operative efforts strengthen communities and individuals at the same time. This is
evident in WWSF’s summary of Ms. Hoffman’s accomplishments, which begins with
this comment: “It behooves the Prize for Women’s Creativity in Rural Life that
the first laureate from the United States be an American Indian— of the Penob
scot Nation, one of four tribal groups living in Maine.” The commentary goes on to
mark out Ms. Hoffman’s leadership role in helping to found the Maine Indian
Basketmakers Alliance (MIB A)—an organization that many predicted would fail given
the independent mindedness of the four tribal groups in Maine, not to mention that of
basketmakers. However, thanks to the skills and dedication of the basketmakers and
Ms. Hoffman’s vision, persistence, political acumen, and first-hand knowledge of the
art form, the venture has blossomed.
please turn to page 4
Community Building
tszsinom, 72
fie
*
.
Sy/m
Zf fH
Wabanaki News page 2_____________________ ________________________________________
Summer 2004
LD 291 “An Act to Require Teaching Maine Native American History
and Culture in Maine’s Schools”
by Donna M. Loring,
Representative o f the Penobscot Nation
(M y greatest accomplishment!)
LD-291 is now Maine law. It was passed by the
House June 5, 2001 and passed in the Senate June 7,
2001. It was then signed into law by Governor Angus
King on June 14, 2001
I am extremely proud to have been the sponsor of
this bill. It is the high point of my legislative experi
ence to date.
I know it will make a difference in our future.
This bill is the most innovative and comprehen
sive piece of legislation in reference to the teaching of
Native American History in the
Country.
No other State has created a policy that requires
teaching Native American History in such detail and
also provides the means
to do it.
The bill is made up of four sections:
Sec 1 makes Maine Native American studies a re
quired component of Maine studies, addressing the
following topics:
A. Maine Tribal Government and Political Systems,
their relationship with local, State, National and Inter
national Governments.
B. Maine Native American Cultural Systems and the
experience of Maine tribal peoples throughout history:
C. Maine Native American Territories: and
D. Maine Native American Economic Systems
Sec 2 Creates the Maine Native American History
and Culture Commission to help prepare for the inclu
sion of Maine Native American History and Culture
into the required course in Maine Studies.
1. Membership consists of eight members se
lected by the Tribal Chiefs, six members appointed by
the Commissioner of Education including an elemen
tary school teacher, a middle school teacher, a high
school teacher, a curriculum director, a superintendent
or principal and an employee of the Dept of Education
and one member selected by the Chancellor of the Uni
versity of Maine System.
2. DUTIES: The Commission shall assist school
administrative units and educators in the exploration
of a wide range of educational materials and resources.
Identify resources
Involve other-knowledgeable organizations and
Individuals able and willing to assist with this work
including, but not limited to museums and educators.
** 3. Maine Indian Tribal State Commission will
convene the first meeting of the commission no later
than 30 days following the effective date of enactment.
4. REPORTING FINDINGS to the commissioner
of Education and a copy to MITSC The report shall
consist of educational materials, opportunities for pro
fessional development, training and technical assis
tance.
5. Staff assistance and Resources will be pro
vided by MITSC and each entity.
6. Preliminary Report to the commissioner of
Education for dissemination to educators in the State
by June 1,2003.
Sec 3 Report must include plan to assist school ad
ministrative units. Plan must include criteria to iden
tify school administrative units having difficulty meet
ing instructional components. The plan for assistance
must be established by July 30,2004 and implemented
by 2004-2005 School year.
Sec 4 School to implement Maine Native American
Studies subject to availability of funds. School admin
istrative unit must present
findings and support evidence to department of edu
cation that it cannot afford to implement the program.
The dept of Ed shall review findings and assist in plan
ning for implementation
This bill is the result of support from the House,
Senate, Governors office, the Maine Indian Tribal State
Commission, Department of Education, University of
Maine System, Tribal governments, grass roots orga
nizations, interested Individuals and students. It was a
tremendous effort and I thank you all.
The Prim ary Election will
be held on Tuesday,
A uqust 10, 2004.
The General Election will be held
Saturday, S eptem ber 11, 2004
Polls will open for both at 9:00 AM
and close at 8:00 PM.
Voting in both elections will take
place in the C onference Room at
the C om m unity Building.
M a in e’s Native A m ericans G ain P assage of LD 2418
A Salute to Rep. Soctomah’s groundbreaking b ill___ THANK YOU!
by Representative
Donald Soctomah
A.s we enter a new millen-
nium, I have Yiope for a better
tinually offended by the use of this
slang word.
The Thesaurus o f Slang iden-
tif'ies th e w o rd “ squaw ” as a sy n
relationship betw een the native onym for prostitute,, harlot, hussy,
p o p u la tio n an d th e S ta te o f and floozy. The dictionary identi
Maine. In order for us to achieve fies this w ord as one that is used
this im proved relationship, we to offend native females.
m ust end 400 years o f hurt and
A fter generations o f exposure,
discrimination. We m ust leam to the w ord squaw is seen as a neu
live together peacefully, by hon tral word to the general public. But
oring and respecting each other. to native females this word con
This hope was the m otivat tinues to be a slanderous attack
ing factor behind legislation that against them and th eir culture.
w ould end the use of a dem oral Violent incidents occur m ore of
izing and dehum anizing term in ten near the native com m unities,
the State of M aine.
where the clash betw een cultures
The passage o f this bill by still exists.
the M aine H ouse or R epresen
W hen native people nam e a
tatives and Senate will soon be geographic feature, such as a river
sig n ed into law by G overnor or a m ountain, the term used w ill
Angus S. K ing, Jr..
describe a specific location, for the
It w ill re m o v e th e w o rd ease of the traveler, or to denote
squaw from place nam es in the its s p iritu a l sig n ific a n c e . T h e
state.
nam e o f the Kennebec R iver de
This is not an issue of politi scribes the contours o f the river.
cal correctness.-It is about basic M ount K atahdin w as nam ed to
hum an decency and respect for signify the spirits o f the mountain
o n e ’s fellow citizens. The new and its geography.
law p ro te c ts an u n d e r re p re
The term squaw was not origi
sented group in our state,,native nally used for place names, as the
w om efi. O u r w o m e n -g ra n d -. w ord d id ‘ n o t e x ist b efo re the
m others, m others, and daugh 1600’s. It is not a linguist’s defi
ters, are all entitled to protection nition o f the original native word
against basic'hum an rights vio that is of concern, it is the way the
lations, such as th e use o f demor term lias Been used to define na
alizing language. T he driving tive womqn injts. current context.
force behind this bill is hundreds- ’ 'T hroughcom m unication and edu
o f native w om en, w ho are con cation we can rid the state o f of
fensive, derogatory words. Native
w om en have the right to define
themselves.
W e n e e d to grow an d u n d e r
stan d th a t th e u se o f the term
squaw shows a lack o f com pas
sion to hum an beings, it is hard
for the general population to imag
ine how hurtful a w ord can be un
less it is directed tow ard them,
their culture, or racial background.
R ep. G erald T albot w o rk ed
diligently in 1974 to rem ove the
”N ” w ord from place nam es in
M aine. He had to convince other
representatives how hurtful and
hateful this word is to M aine citi
zens and its visitors.
D uring that floor debate, the
offensiveness o f the word squaw
was questioned. Several represen
tatives stated that to the native
population, it w as an offensive
term. This is not a new issue to
M aine, it is a 400 year old issue
that needs to be stopped
Nationally, M aine now joins
three other states which have re
m oved the word squaw from name
places. In North Carolina, the U.S.
Justice D epartm ent was involved
in the rem oval o f the w ord from a
school system in M arch of 1999.
There is no other w ord used to
day which hurts native wom en as
m uch as the word squaw. The term
has been used as a slanderous as
sault in hate crimes; last year, a
native woman was being brutally
assaulted by two men, who con
tin u a lly y e lle d , “ y o u d irty
s q u a w ” as th e y r e p e a te d ly
k ic k e d Vver.
In 1998, there w as a high
sch o o l fig h t th a t e v e n tu a lly
turned into a racial incident. N a
tive girls w ere called squaws;
this resulted in death threats b e
ing painted on the walls.
T his new law sen d s, w ith
great effectiveness, a goodwill
message o f understanding to the
N a tiv e p e o p le o f th is state:
M aine w ill stop sanctioning the
use o f offensive words, w hich
dehum anize and exploit the n a
tive people.
T he native people and the
native com m unities o f M aine,
askd for the passage o f this bill
to end the perpetuation o f dehu
manizing language that has been
used to define our women.
It is never an aggressive act
for a p eople to exercise their
right to self determination. It is
an intrinsic right that is woven
into the fiber o f values that this
country w as founded on.
T h e fo llo w in g C heyenne
proverb sum m arizes the point of
this bill concisely, “A nation is
never conquered until the hearts
of its wom en are on the ground.”
Every time this defamatory
term is used, the hearts of our
w om en take another blow.
Wabanaki News page 3
Summer 2004
Chief Dana has vision for the Penobscot Nation
Strengthening the Penobscot Community is key
Chief Barry Dana is well aware
of having 10,000 years of history to
live up to as a member and leader of
the Penobscot Nation. It is what con
nects him to that past which makes
him the visionary leader the Nation
needs now to continue building on
its strength as a sovereign tribe in
Maine.
Chief Dana believes the best way
to strengthen the Penobscot Nation
is by strengthening the community.
The best way to strengthen the com
munity is to strengthen the family
and that is best done by strengthen
ing the individual. This is something
he works toward every single day as
the Nation’s elected leader.
Chief Dana has also worked with
many Tribal members to, among
other things, create a nationally rec
ognized Boys and Girls Club; create
tribal laws protecting elders; create
an Elder Advocate position; restruc
turing the Home Improvement Pro
gram which serviced 30 homes in
2003-2004 alone; create a cultural
preservation department which re
cently received a federal grant; be
gin major restoration work and dam
removal along the Penobscot River;
and increase the Tribe’s visibility
across Maine, New England and the
country.
He knows the future health of the
Tribe is linked to economic and so
cial health, and to that end Chief
Dana works tirelessly to foster a cre
ative and proactive environment that
will allow Tribal members to pros
per and live with dignity. He has
served on the board of the highly suc
cessful Four Directions Community
Development Financial Initiative and
has supported the development of an
Elder Care Facility both of which
have created jobs for Tribal mem
bers. Construction of the new elder
care facility begins later this summer
and, when complete, will employ six
additional people.
He is the first to say none of this
was accomplished on his own. In
fact, one of Chief Dana’s greatest
assets is his ability to recognize and
place his faith in the strengths and
abilities in others and his willingness
to give them the freedom to succeed.
Coupled with that is his refusal to be
satisfied with the status quo. He is
always looking for what the Tribe can
do to benefit each individual and the
Nation as a whole.
Chief Dana is a man who makes
people want to work harder and who
is willing to take chances and the ini
tiative. He will never ask anyone to
do more than he is willing to do him
self. His creativity and energy has
opened many different doors for the
Flat Stanley takes center stage at the Maine Legislature
Bids farewell to House Speaker Colwell and Senate President Daggett
Flat Stanley is a school project of a middle school in Indiana. One class in that school sent him to Maine so he
could visit new places. The object was that photos would record his adventure here. The photos would then be
sent back to the middle school class as a part of their project. Rep. Donna Loring moved him around to several
places in the Maine State Legislature, with a lot of fun.
Top left Flat Stanley was invited to be in a photo with the House Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary; top right, Rep. Donna
Loring shows Flat Stanley to House Speaker Patrick Colwell. Bottom left, Rep. Loring poses with Senate President Beverly
Daggett and Flat Stanley. Bottom right, Flat Stanley bids fairwell to Senate President Daggett.
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 4
Chief Barry Dana’s historic State of the Tribes Address to the Maine State
Legislature on March 11, 2002
TR IB U TE TO CHIEF DANA
man or Stateswoman has probably been
Kkwev. Hello
President of the Senate, Mr. Bennett,
Speaker of the Hoi ;se of Representatives,
Mr. Michael Saxl,
Madam Chief Justice,
Governor Angus King,
Distinguished members of the House,
Distinguished members of the Senate,
Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe,
Members of the Penobscot Nation and
Citizens of the State of Maine.
Kkwey
To all who are present here today and
to those who may listen on the radio out
side these walls and to those who may read
about this, I ask that your ears hear my
words so that you will know what I have
said. I ask for your minds to be open so
that you will understand my intent. I ask
that your hearts feel my commitment to bring
honor to my family, my tribe and to our state
that we all now share as our home.
Woliwoni. Thank you.
It is an honor and a privilege as
Saugama, the Chief of the Penobscot Na
tion, to be here on this historical day, ad
dressing the joint session of the 120th leg
islature.
Woliwoni. Thank you.
Today’s address symbolizes what I
truly believe to be anew era in Tribal/State
relations. Relationships are based on com
munication. Today’s forum allows for
direct communication. Perhaps our great
est days lay before us.
Nivan penawepskewi. I am Penobscot.
Nivan penawepskewi. I am a human
more responsible for bridging the gap of
misunderstanding between our two gov
ernments then anyone else of our time.
The dedication of this individual is appar
ent with the passage of such bills as:
*P.L. 625-where the tribes received
the extension on trust land acquisition.
*Co-sponsoring the efforts to include
portraits of outstanding Indians in the capi
tal, (When I first heard this I thought I
heard an Act to have famous Indians stand
ing outside the capital).
*Co-sponsoring P.L. 613, an act to re
move offensive place names and
*Being a primary sponsor of P.L. 403
L.D. 291, an act requiring the teaching of
Maine Indian history in primary and sec
ondary schools.
Please join me in honoring the Penob
scot Nation’s Representative to the legis
lature, DONNA M. LORING.
Before I discuss the current issues fac
ing my tribe, the Penobscot Nation, let me
first set the framework by which the Pe
nobscot Nation’s government operates.
Only through education can we ever hope
to eliminate stereotypes and put an end to
all forms of racism. The Penobscot Na
tion is a Tribe. Tribes here in this country
pre-date the creation of the States and the
Federal government. In the creation of
the U.S. Federal Govt., the founding fa
thers recognized the Tribes as distinct
forms of government, with inherent sov
ereign powers to ensure the birth given
rights to be self-determined.
The 1980 Settlement A ct recognizes
being from the Penobscot River.
M y grandfather, as his before him w as
th e se p ro tec tio n s o f in h eren t so v e re ig n
a pack basket maker, ariver guide, ahunter
and worked on the Penobscot log drive.
My grandmother, along with raising a
large family, tended a garden, was a sweetgrass braider for the fancy basket makers.
In my youth, I was fortunate enough to
have spent many hours in their presences,
hearing the stories of the “old days.” From
my grandparents, as well as other tribal
elders, is where I learned my culture.
Though these elders have joined our an
cestors, their values, their love for our cul
ture, memories of the old days and their
passion for preserving our traditions live
on in the pride of my people.
Nevan Penawepskewi. I am Penobscot.
I am thankful for my mother, a proud
Penobscot woman. In her 60 plus years
of living on the Penobscot River, she has
witnessed many changes for our people.
From facing the bitter winds of winter,
while walking across the ice, paddling
across the quick spring currents to go to
and from school, to driving her first car
across the infamous one lane bridge. My
mother has worked as hard as any man in
the Old Town Shoe factories to becoming
the Penobscot Nation’s Tribal Clerk, she
has stood in the cold November rains at
my High School football games (inciden
tally, she could never understand why 22
young men would fight over one funny
shaped ball). She has strived to make a
better life for her family and her people.
Please join me in honoring a proud Pe
nobscot woman, (Recognize my mom,
Lorraine Dana).
Nevan Penawepskewi. I am Penobscot.
I would like to recognize another out
standing Penobscot, who in keeping with
our proud history of being talented States
powers. The Senate Committee on Indian
Affairs, in their review of the 1980 agree
ment recognized and ratified our retained
sovereign powers and sited the 1st Cir
cuit Courts decision, “that the Maine
Tribes still posses inherent sovereignty to
the same extent as other tribes in the
United States.” Thus, rather than destroy
ing the sovereignty of the tribes, by rec
ognizing the power to control their inter
nal affairs and by withdrawing the power
which Maine previously claimed to inter
fere in such m atters, the settlem ent
strengthens the sovereignty of the Maine
Tribes.
The very essence of Tribal Sover
eignty is the ability to be self-governing
and to protect the health, safety and wel
fare of our people, within our own terri
tory. We are a distinct people with a unique
history. Though it has been a struggle to
retain these powers of self-government,
that preserves our distinctiveness, we have
done so. Despite how people outside our
tribe perceive us, we are first and fore
most an Indian tribe. From thousands of
years ago, the bones of our ancestors still
lie on the shores of Maine’s rivers and
ocean frontage. We still carry on their
dreams, their pride and the traditions of
self-determination and these we all hold
sacred. We will continue to fight to safe
guard these rights, in honor of our ances
tors and in order to preserve a future for
our children. Failure to do so would mean
surrendering the very essences of who we
are as Indian People. We are proud of our
place in history and the many contribu
tions we have made to the larger society
by assisting in common goals. We are still
here.
It has been a privilege and an
honor to work with Chief Barry
Dana. I have seen the Penobscot
Nation make tremendous progress
Chief Dana was first elected in
2000.
The Nation at that time was stag
nant and basically just marking time
until it would disintegrate into history.
Chief Dana is a leader who is not
afraid to take control and get out in
the public eye and fight for our rights
and for our survival. He continues to
do this. Since Chief Dana has taken
office progress has been started in the
areas of environmental protection,
housing for the elderly, youth pro
grams, economic development, edu
cation, cultural preservation, commu
nication and more. We cannot afford
to be set back twenty years. We must
look to the future.
Theresa Hoffman
Chief Dana is the strong, ener
getic and aggressive leader we need.
It is my hope that he continues to be
our Chief.
Thank you Chief Dana for your
vision, creativity and your past four
years of service to the tribe.
Donna M. Loring, Representative
o f the Penobscot Nation
from page i
MIBA is credited with reviving an imperiled art—so effectively that over the last
decade the number of trained tribal basketmakers has grown from 50 to 120. More
over, the average age of MIBA members has dropped from 63 to 43 (which means
more young people are making baskets). Members offer periodic workshops on the
reservations and MIBA also sponsors a demanding year-long basketry apprentice pro
gram. In addition the organization is also fueling language preservation efforts by
encouraging elders who teach basketry to do so in their Native languages—Maliseet,
Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot. Ms. Hoffman, with the support of MIB A’s
board of directors and staff, spearheaded effective marketing efforts that have included
opening an elegant gallery/shop, publishing an 86-page guide to basketry and other
traditional Native American crafts in Maine, and collaborating with the Abbe Museum
in Bar Harbor on the annual Native American Festival and the Maine Indian
Basketmakers Market at the Hudson Museum on the University of Maine’s Orono
campus. Such efforts have given Maine Indian basketmakers a high profile throughout
the state and nation. T h e result is aneariy tenfold increase in the safes value of baskets,
making basketry a viable livelihood. According to Rebecca Cole-Will, head curator of
the Abbe Museum, “ThroughTheresa’s leadership, MIBAhas developed into a vitally
important organization that continues to cultivate a vibrant and growing Wabanaki
crafts community. In addition to the economic benefits of MIB A’s work, the strength
ening of the crafts tradition has proven critical to preserving the cultural identity of the
Wabanaki and to raising the self-esteem of craftspeople.”
According to another Penobscot leader, Donna Loring, who serves as tribal
representative to the Maine state legislature, “Two years ago, I initiated legisla
tion, the Maine Indian History Act, requiring all public schools in Maine to in
clude in their curriculum lessons concerning the culture and history of the state’s
original inhabitants. That bill passed, and Theresa’s work is playing a vital role in
its implementation. Her efforts have been, and continue to be, tireless and self
less. They have increased the self-worth of Native people, fostered cross-cultural
interaction and understanding, prodded people to think in terms of sustainable
development, and made a very tangible difference in the economic livelihoods of
many rural Indian families across the state.”
A small sampling of the other winners of this year’s Rural Creativity award:
A Betty Makoni from Zimbabwe established empowerment programs for
sexually abused girls.
A Byatshandaa Jargal of Mongolia setup various programs to counter
malnutrition.
A Marta Benavides of El Salvador works for peace, justice, and economic
opportunity for indigenous peoples
A Haoua Baraze from Niger led a fight for educating girls.
A N ’Dw Sene of Senegal mounted an effective challenge to unauthorized
tourism development.
A Victoria Adetona established a micro-credit organization for women.
A Wang Fengyan of China set up an angelworm-breeding network
for rural women. (Angelworms improvel soil fertility.)
A Khalida Bibi Awan of Pakistan created a local seed bank and also opened
a small vocational center in her home.
A Francisca Eugenia of Cuba transformed a garbage dump into an organic garden.
A Aurora Carmona of Columbia launched many projects, including
community and family gardens that greatly increase food security.
A Neela Thangavelu of India organized some 140 women’s self-help
groups representing over 3000 women and led a successful struggle
to regain peasant land.
For more information, visit the WWSF website www.woman.ch where profiles of
prize winners past and present are posted. Mailing address: Women’s World Summit
Foundation, PO Box 2001,1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland. (Phone: +41 22-738.66.19)
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 5
Chief Barry Dana speaks out on TV after stunning defeat of casino vote
Statement from Barry Dana, Chief of
the Penobscot Nation
Wednesday, Nov. 5,2003
Nothing has changed. Maine on
Nov. 5, 2003 is the same as Maine
yesterday, and the day before that, and
the day before that.
A Maine which is home to thou
sands of hardworking people and
families - Native and non-Native alike
- who want nothing more than to stay
here, to work here, and raise their
families here. A desire that has become
more and more difficult with each
passing year even as our state govern
ment promises economic opportunities
for all.
Nothing has changed. My people
have lived with these hollow promises
for 500 years. Promises from state
leaders combined with lies, scare
tactics and intimidation to keep a
majority of the state’s wealth, power
and resources in the hands of a select
few.
On Nov. 5 there are still two
Maines. Two Maines delineated not by
any geographic boundaries, but drawn
along straight economic lines. The
wealthy minority wanted to stay just
that. A minority in a state with thou
sands of residents living near or below
the poverty level. Thousands of
residents facing each day with no
health insurance. Thousands working
two or three jobs to cobble together a
weekly wage equivalent to a day’s
salary for the wealthy elite.
Once again this elite used all the
power and influence their money
could buy to keep Maine the way they
want it to be.
The Penobscot-Passamaquoddy
Casino was a good deal for Maine.
And everything that made it a good
deal made it a bad deal for the big
business status quo. An abundance of
good paying jobs and benefits. A huge
influx of cash into the state’s coffers
over which they had no control. The real
hope and opportunity for economic
prosperity for some of Maine’s poorest
residents living in its poorest regions.
Now, thanks to the efforts of a
group who never looked beyond what
was good for them, those poorer
residents can stay right where they are.
They can continue to collect welfare
and work multiple jobs.
Casinos No! is celebrating a
victory today. They have a lot to
celebrate. Thanks to them, hundreds of
thousands of textile and manufacturing
jobs which have left Maine in the last
five years will go un-replaced for the
foreseeable future. They can congratu
late themselves on a fight in which
lies, media manipulation and the
exploitation of children in advertising
were all used to further their smallminded agendas. They are joined in
this celebration by our current and
former governor. Two elected officials
who used their political clout to pull the
economic rug out from under so many
needy people - the very people who put
them in office in the first place.
I am saddened that so many
people were drawn into the
opposition’s lies. This ought not to
have been, but they had our own state
governor doing much of the work for
them; leading them from the back of
the pack in speaking out against what
we were offering.
Today, these same politicians will
resume their promises of amorphous
economic opportunity zones and tax
incentives as solutions to Maine’s
joblessness. None of it puts real
Mainers back to work. But maybe it
allows the governor to sleep at night.
The casino was a real solution
offered by the Tribes to all of Maine.
Something we - as a minority - were
ready to share with the 97 percent
white/non-Native population of the
state. We had hoped the governor
would hear the message that people
need to work, they need jobs, they
need hope. This was to be our gift to
Maine.
That, too, has not changed. As a
people, my tribe is accustomed to the
snubs and affronts from state officials.
There are many in Maine - in and out
of government - who are best served if
we stay quietly on our reservations
weaving baskets. While we are a
proud people with proud traditions, we
are also a people of lawyers, doctors,
teachers, therapists, builders, farmers
and students. People who would like
to stay in Maine but who are finding
fewer and fewer opportunities to do
so.
If it was simply a gaming issue,
not even our governor could have
spoken against it. Not as the leader of
a state which welcomes and sponsors
gaming in a state-run lottery, scratch
tickets and multiple venues for off
track betting.
During this campaign I have
spoken to people from all parts of the
state. I have looked into the eyes of
elders who no longer have jobs or
homes thanks to the industries which
have left. One thing I have learned even in the face of the hatred and
ignorance from the opposition - is that
there are good, proud people in Maine.
People who understood this was about
more than gaming. Along with eco
nomic freedom for all Mainers, this
referendum was also about sover
eignty and Native self-reliance.
I have seen the unification of
Natives and non-Natives behind this
crucial issue and this campaign
brought it into the living rooms and
coffee shops of Maine.
So maybe something has changed,
after all. People are starting to see a
lack of integrity and honor in our
political leaders and their methods in
getting their way. People are starting
to see that Maine lacks real leadership
and there are some very ugly realities
in Maine government.
In the end, we did not get a Casino
or the 10,000 jobs and $100,000,000
for education and property tax relief.
There are no positive changes on the
economic horizon. But maybe we did
get something as important: the
unification of a number of diverse
groups working for tribal sovereignty
for Maine’s Native citizens and
economic hope for all.
My people have been here for
10,000 years and we will be here for
another 10,000. We are used to
fighting for all that we have. But we
are also used to extending our hands in
friendship. We will continue to offer
our gifts and our hope to all who can
see beyond lies, deception and fear.
We walked a long road on this
campaign and made many good, true
friends on the way. To all of them and
all of those who supported us I extend
my sincerest gratitude and say thank
you. In the words of my people,
Wuliwoni.
Barry Dana,
sagama penawapskewi
Moving
on after defeat
letters@TimesRecord.Com
11/14/2003
Chief Barry Dana’s sharp re
sponse to the 2-1 defeat of the
Penobscot-Passamaquoddy ca
sino question was unfortunate
(Nov. 6, “Penobscot chief: ‘There
are still two M a in es’”). But
th e r e ’s som eth in g everyon e
should realize.
The two leading casino pro
moters made an amazingly quick
exit and weren’t around to help
the tribes navigate the political
fallout. Lawyer Tom Tureen who
spearheaded the campaign and
Think About It’s spokeswoman,
Erin Lehane, both left for vaca
tions 36 hours after the election,
The Associated Press reported.
Not that they didn’t deserve
rest from their labors, but they
left the tribes to face the aftermath of a highly charge race with
no assistance and that seems cold.
If they’d stayed around a few
more days, they could have eased
the disappointment and tempered I
Chief Dana’s remarks.
I
¥ ortuivateVy, most \ » e o a r v d
groups castigated by the tribal
leader’s remarks will be gracious
enough to move on. In fact, Gov.
John Baldacci hasn’t wasted any
time in reaching out.
Wednesday he met with the
leaders of four Maine tribes: the
P en ob scot, Passam aquoddy,
Micmac and Maliseet. He has di
rected the state Department of
Economic and Community De
velopment and his staff to meet
with tribal leaders within the next
30 days to work up an economic
development strategy, The Asso
ciated Press reported. Also, mem
bers of his staff will attend up
coming tribal council meetings
for that purpose.
Equally good news is the fact
that Chief Dana said he now re
alizes that the casino question was
not defeated because Mainers are
prejudiced toward the tribes. He
understands that it was defeated
based on issues raised during the
campaign.
In the year long discussion of
the casino question on these Opin
ion pages, some contributors la
mented that it was difficult to vote
“No” without having an alterna
tive to offer M ain e’s N ative
Americans. We commend Gov.
Baldacci and the tribal leaders for
setting out toward that goal so
quickly.
We may have lost
the battle but we
have not lost the
war
by Donna M. Coring
As the Penobscot Nation’s Repre
sentative to the State Legislature I would
be remiss in my duties if I did not re
spond to your editorial “Moving on Af
ter defeat” published in your paper on
Friday November 14, 2003.
The photo chosen for use by the
Times Record was the same Associated
Press Photo the Portland press selec
tively chose and clearly misrepresented
the tenor of the meeting. The Bangor
Daily News photo by Kevin Bennett at
the same event on Thursday November
13th would have been more accurate. It
showed Chief Dana seriously speaking
to the news media. Governor Baldacci
touted the meeting as one to strategize
for economic development for the tribes.
The truth is the Chiefs and Tribal Rep
resentatives agreed to attend this meet
ing not because of wind mills or any
other economic project but because the
Governor of the State, who represents
the people of the State, requested a meet
ing. We simply agreed to attend out of
respect for the people of Maine. We went
to listen to what he had to say and no
promises were made from either side.
Further move I strongly disagree
with your comm entary about Chief
Dana’s “Sharp response to the 2-1 de
feat of the Passamaquoddy and Penob
scot Casino question.” You called the
statement he issued after the November
2nd defeat “unfortunate”. I call it cou
rageous and commendable.
For the first time in history, a Pe
nobscot Sagama (Chief) stood up pub
licly to those in power in this State and
represented his people. Chief Dana put
words to the wounded spirits of his
people. The Penobscot people were hurt
deeply by the tone and tactics of the elec
tion.
Chief Dana was only expressing the
deep heart felt feelings and beliefs of his
people. As Sagama he could do no less.
For you to say that Tom Tureen or Erin
Lahane would have had any influence
over him in this regard is paternalistic,
ludicrous, and m arginalizes Native
people.
The Penobscot will move on from
this learning experience as we have for
the past five hundred years. We have
made many friends during this journey
and we will look to them for help in the
future. We will survive as a people and
as a culture.
In conclusion, I restate; your view
of Chief Dana’s “sharp response” is
completely and totally opposite from
mine and as the Representative of the
Penobscot Nation it is with great pride
and honor that I call Chief Barry Dana,
Sagama.
Woliwoni
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 6
MEMORIES
Summer 2004
Wabanaki News page 7
Wabanaki News page 8________________________________________________________________________________________________ Summer 2004
Taking a Stand: March on the State House for Water Protection
“Tribal members and supports gather at the steps of the statehouse to deliver the court ordered tribal paperwork to the paper companies. The Tribal Governors of the
Passamaquoddy Tribe and the chief of the Penobscot Nation lead the march to Augusta to deliver the court ordered papers. After a two year battle in the Maine courts and
a rejected hearing in the Federal courts the Tribes had to deliver paperwork concerning environmental issues, so the paper companies can review them. This was a very
sad day in State and Tribal relations. The people of Maine sided with the tribes on the issue of clean w ater, as supporters followed the tribe to the statehouse steps. This
was a long walk, 40 miles, starting at the 1724 Norridgewock village site, an area of another disaster...... ” Rep. Soctomdh
From the birchbark canoe, the
Passamaquoddy people trav
eled the coast of Maine and
New Brunswick Canada, har
vesting just enough food for
the families and leaving the
rest for nature to consume. On
a successful hunting trip the
canoeist uses the moose call
ing horn to sign his return.
Here on Grand Manan Island
the invisible line between the
United States and Canada has
divided the traditional lands of
the Passamaquoddy tribe.___
MARCH FOR TRIBAL
,
SOVEREI GNTY
r \
M
T
P
F
WA TER PROTECTION
Rep. Loring speaks out
Rep. Soctomah with his sister
Madonna after the March
A m essage from Penobscot Nation Governor Barry Dana
on W ater P r
May 23rd, Norridgewock, Maine on the shores of the
Kennebec River, we gathered at 5 a.m. to begin our March to
Augusta. This was a civil rights style march to bring public
awareness to our struggles to have the State of Maine recog
nize our sovereign status. This peaceful march helped us educate
the people of the State as to who we are and our status as a tribe.
Fifty people, both Indian and non-Indian completed the march
covering 39 miles. News media reporters joined us, interviewed
us and helped spread the message. We concluded the walk at the
Augusta Civic Center.
The next morning we met at the Civic Center but this circle
included 150 people. We all walked the remaining three miles
from the Civic Center to the steps of the Capitol. On the steps
we delivered our speeches to the audience, which again in
cluded the media. Our message was clear, that the State, its
courts and paper industry has violated the 1980 Settlement
Act by invading internal tribal matters by requesting to in
spect tribal documents. On those steps we were joined by
members of the Coalition to Support Tribal Sovereignty, the
Chair of the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission, the Presi
dent of the United Southern and Eastern Tribes, the co-founder of the
the 42 mile route we received many horns and thumbs up in support.
Maine Peoples Alliance, all who gave eloquent speeches in support o f our
„
efforts.
This event brought much needed attention to our struggles. A ll along
People across the State are drawing the conclusion that the fight for sovereignty as well as the efforts for a casino are all about desire to be self.
. . .
reliant, self-governed and independent.