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A llia n ce
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
August 1982
In te r tr ib a l ta lk s
on range of issues
INDIAN ISLAND — A total of 97
northeastern tribes, plus the Seminoles
in Florida, have been invited to attend
Wabanaki Conference D, which was
underway as this newspaper went to
press.
James Sappier, Penobscot Nation
director d real estate/demography,
said he expcted som e 55-60 percent of
those invited to atend. A similar con
ference took place five years ago, at
the Penobscot reservation, and was
said to be the first such regional m eet
ing in many decades. In early times,
northeastern Indians were united in
what was called the Wabanaki Con
federacy — from whence this paper
derives its name.
Sappier said the intertribal m eet
ings will focus on a range of issues,
including
economic
development,
constitutional rights, health educa
tion, alcoholism, U.S./Canada border
issues, federal recognition of tribes,
law, politics, Canada/U.S. reciprocity
of benefits, federal budget cuts to
Indians, land claims, and hunting,
fishing and trapping.
The conference sprang from dis
cussion by the Indian Task Force of
the Federal Regional Council of New
England, in Boston. Sappier, chairman
o f the taskforce, said he hopes resolu
tions drafted at the three-day session
will “
impact national, regional and
local affairs,”and that they will receive
international attention when they are
forwarded to the United Nations and
an assembly o f third world nations.
The Penobscot Nation has agreed to
host the event, and tribal members have
been invited to dinner, at a second
setting, July 14-16. Organizing has
been done by Sappier, with conference
coordinator Erlene Paul of Indian
Island. Mfldred Paul of Indian Island
has lent considerable clerical assist
ance. A $78 fee has been charged each
tribe, and Sappier said with enough of a
turnout, the conference will break even
on expenses.
Tribes asked to participate are
located from Quebec, Labrador and
Prince Edward Island, to southern
New England.
Woman named police chief
PLEASANT POINT — Pamela Bassett,
a recent graduate of the Maine Criminal
Justice Academy at Waterville and a
Passamaquoddy, has been appointed
chief of police for the reservation.
Bassett said she looks forward to her
new duties at Pleasant Point, where she
had worked as a police officer. She said she
hopes to offer consistent and reliable
leadership. She announced that Karl
Richter, who had been acting chief after
Bruce Francis resigned the top job, has
been named a sergeant with the tribal
police force, and Clifford Devoe has been
promoted from patrolman to lieutenant.
Bassett has attended Scottsdale Com
munity College, Arizona and Endicott
'Quoddys slate
17th Indian day
PLEASANT POINT — The 17th annual
Indian ceremonial day has been sched
uled here, for Sunday, Aug. 8, on the
reservation.
Joseph A. Nicholas, a Passamaquoddy
tribal member who originally helped re
vive and lead the traditional pageant, is
again organizing the event. “ e’
W re
doing it tomake our children more aware of
their heritage,”he said.
Nicholas is currently director o f a
Passamaquoddy bilingual project, and is
former director o f Project Indian Pride.
He has led numerous groups of Passa
maquoddy children on dance tours to
schools around the state.
The Passamaquoddy Indian Day is open
to the public without charge, and Indians
from other tribes and locations are w el
come to participate, Nicholas said.
College, Massachusetts. She joined the
Pleasant Point police force last October.
Indian sculptor
Tim Nicola, 27, a Penobscot who has com pleted the first of two years at Institute of
American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M., displays his recent alabaster sculpture, “
The
Penobscot Man.”
Beside him is an earlier work, carved in cedar, called “ o Feathers.”
Tw
Majoring in three-dimensional studies, Nicola wants to do original work that reflects his
heritage. He is currently doing an abstract symbolic work in mahogany, marble and
pipestone inlay. Nicola said the Institute “ a great school.”He will have a joint show
is
this fall, in Santa Fe, with Navajo friend and fellow artist, Mary Yazzie. He is the son of
Natalie Burns and Fred Nicola, Sr., both of Indian Island. His brother, Fred, Jr., 29, is
an Oklahoma carpenter who plays traditional drum with Sioux Indians.
$350,000 Mitchell suit on docket
BANGOR — A $350,000 lawsuit by a
Penobscot man claiming he was illegally
fired from an Indian alcoholism agency
may be scheduled for trial this month.
The lawyer for former Wabanaki Cor
poration director George Mitchell of
Indian Island, E ugene Coughlin of Bangor,
said the civil suit, filed several years ago,
may be on the docket this month or next
— it’up to the judge, he said.
s
Meanwhile, Wabanaki Corp., which
moved its offices from Orono to Bangor
several months ago, will quietly go out of
business, with services supposedly picked
up by Indian reservations. Current direc
tor is Steve Francis, a Micmac, who was
hired after Mitchell was fired.
In its civil counterclaim, Wabanaki
Corp., Inc. has accused Mitchell, who was
its executive director from April 1977 to
February 1979, of misusing and con
verting corporate funds.
Wabanaki’ legal counsel, Robert E.
s
Mattel of Portland, is asking Justice
Robert Browne to dismiss Mitchell’
s
complaint, which was filed in April 1980,
and also to order Mitchell to account for ail
money and property he allegedly con
verted and misspent.
In November 1981 Mittel had asked the
court to dismiss the complaint against
Wabanaki on the ground that all 10
defendants could be immune from lia
bility, as Wabanaki could be considered a
charitable organization. But Justice R ob
ert Clifford denied that motion, because
the corporation receives all its funding
from governmental sources.
Mitchell’ lawyer, Coughlin, asked Jus
s
tice Browne to dismiss Wabanaki’ coun
s
terclaim.
Both parties generally agree that
Mitchell was hired as executive director of
the Maine Indian Alcoholims Program,
administered by the Wabanaki Corp., Inc.,
Orono, from April 1977 to August 1S78,
when he resigned for approximately 12
weeks to run for Penobscot tribal gov
ernor.
He lost the election to Wilfred Pehrson
in September, and was reinstated as ex
ecutive director on Nov. 1, 1978, until he
received a letter on Feb. 23, 1979. The
letter which terminated his employment
that day accused Mitchell with “
excessive
involvement in tribal politics”and “
inef
ficient handling of staff employees.”
Mitchell challenged the charges, and a
hearing was held March 21, 1979 in which
the Wabanaki board of directors voted
that the charges w ere not strong enough
to support the termination requested by
the chairman of the board.
In its answer to Mitchell’ court com
s
plaint, Wabanaki denies that the board
then voted that the hearing was illegal,
because it felt there was no evidence of
political activity. Wabanaki also denies
there was a second hearing on March 29 in
which Mitchell’ termination was upheld,
s
and from which Mitchell and his attorney
at the time, Andrew Mead, were barred.
Wabanaki has informed the court that
from Nov. 29, 1978 to Jan. 15, 1979
Mitchell was a m em ber of the Council at
Indian Island, elected by the Penobscot
Tribe. Wabanaki Corp.’ by-laws prohibit
s
a person from being both an officer of the
corporation and a council member, it
states. Therefore, Mitchell may not be
entitled to receive compensation as execu
tive director during that time. Wabanaki
also claims Mitchell was not entitled to a
hearing under the circumstances.
Mitchell is suing Wabanaki and board of
directors m em bers Albert Dana, Francis
Sapiel, Richard Hamilton, Ralph Dana,
Terry Polchies, Ramona Stackhouse, and
AJlen Sockabasin individually and collec
tively for $100,000 in each of two counts
plus $150,000 in com pensatory and puni
tive damages in a third count, for his loss
of income, profits, mental anguish, and
humiliation. Mitchell seeks back pay since
Feb. 23, 1979, reinstatement, court costs
and attorney’fees.
s
By mutual agreement, opposing attor
neys have dropped board mem bers Russel
Socoby and Melvin "Tom ”Vicaire as de
fendants originally named.
For one year, ending in March 1976,
Mitchell served as commissioner of Indian
Affairs in the late Gov. James Longley’
s
cabinet. Prior to that he was Longley’
s
bodyguard, having served 10 years in the
Maine State Police.
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance August 1982
editorials
Questionable
The Penobscot Indian Nation recently invited a group of its leaders
— but not the press — to a western Maine ski resort for a convention.
Apparently, this was a follow-up to last year’ convention in
s
Rockport.
Both undertakings cost the tribe many thousands of dollars, but
we wonder about the benefit to rank and file tribal members. You.
the readers of this paper, what did you get out of the weekend
junket? It’OK for tribal officials to enjoy some R & R, have a few
s
drinks and appreciate their good works. But couldn’this be done
t
ve
closer to home? For that matter, we’ seen some fine functions put
on right on Indian Island, in the Community Building or in the
attractive meeting room of the health center.
An esprit-de-corps is valuable to Indian leadership, but these
junkets may be an expensive means to achieve it.
Fettered press
Even the oldest Indian newspaper in the country can’ be free.
t
The Navajo Times has a good reputation; at least until recently,
anyway. Now the Times appears to be the lackey of the oil sheik of
Indian country, Navajo Tribal Chairman Peter MacDonald.
MacDonald has formed his own Indian OPEC, called CERT, and
seems bent on taking oil and mineral rights out from under his
people. Apparently, Mother Earth is not so sacred when the fruits of
exploitation appear sweet enough.
You don’ step on MacDonald’ mocassins, the Navajo Times
t
s
editor has learned. MacDonald aides wanted Editor Duane Beyal to
print an inflated attendance figure for a political rally, to wit: 4,000
people rather than the estimated 1,500 persons. In other words,
MacDonald’ men wanted the editor to tell a lie. When Beyal
s
refused, he lost his job.
Beyal was suspended and demoted for trying to stick to the facts.
In defending the pressure applied to Beyal, MacDonald suid a hostile
and irresponsible press was damaging.
We believe Wabanaki Alliance to be a free press; not hostile, not
irresponsible, but free to stick to the facts. We have differing
opinions, room to disagree. We criticize, and we in turn are
criticized. But nobody’been fired or demoted around here, and we
s
will continue to speak out. Put that in your pipe and smoke it,
MacDonald.
u
Memo to MacDonald
“ Indian tribe in exercising the powers of self-government shall
No
make or enforce any law prohibiting the tree exercise of the press.
— The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968.
Wabanaki Alliance
Vol. 6, No. 8
SOAKING UP SOM E SUN is Indian Island resident, Jimmy Stevens, who well
remembers the days before the bridge to Old Town was erected in 1950.
Indians ask Japan for loans
WASHINGTON — Japanese indus
trialists have been approached by Ameri
can Indians for up to $100 million in lowinterest loans, according to a recent
report.
Spokesman for National Tribal Chair
men’ Association (NTCA) said the move
s
is an attempt to avoid being taken
advantage of, by American corporate in
terests. The U.S.-Asia Institute has said it
will take the Indian proposals to Japan for
further discussion.
E. M. Savilla, NTCA executive director,
said it was “
ironic”
that native Americans
had to turn to outside sources for help.
“
Over the past years, tribes in the
United States have become cynical and
wary of federal efforts toward reservation
development, especially since resources
such as coal and oil w ere ripped off by
shrewd corporate types,”
Savilla said.
He said many Indians have been
“
cheated” by energy producers leasing
their land to develop coal or oil, adding
“
the record is clear, but I won’ name
t
these companies because we don’ want
t
any lawsuits."
Savilla said American Indians own more
than 100 million acres of land from Maine
to California and from Florida to Alaska.
He said about 13 percent of the nation’
s
coal reserves are owned by Indian tribes
along with substantial oil and gas re
sources.
Federal authorities have “
neglected”
the Indians, Savilla said, and he blamed
high unemployment on reservations on
government policies. He said the average
jobless rate is about 45 percent, with the
figure approaching 95 percent on more
depressed tribal reservations.
“
American Indian tribes historically
have not had a real chance to develop
co m m e rcia lly S a v illa said.
August 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Times Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Member — Maine Press Association
Steven Cartwright, Editor
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone 827-6219
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: S10 per year [12 issues]; S15 Canada and overseas; $15 for institutions
[schools, government, business, etc.]
WHAT WAS TH E OCCASION? In this historical photo taken at former Maine Gov.
John Reed’ office, Penobscots present are from left, Arthur Neptune, Sr., tribal Gov.
s
Albert J. Nicola, state Governor Reed with peace pipe, Brace Poolaw [a W estern Indain
who lived on Indian Island], and tribal Lt. Gov. John Nelson. [Photo courtesy of
Penbobscot National Historical Society]
�letters
Looking forward
Warwickshire, England
To the editor:
I believe I mentioned when I subscribed
that I am pursuing a course in American
Studies at Warwick University. I have
been lucky enough to becom e involved in
the organization of a conference on Native
Peoples of the Americas which my de
partment is holding this spring.
For financial and other reasons, we
were unable to bring anyone over from
America, but we will be having some
Indian speakers from Europe. I thought
you and possibly your readers might be
interested in our information package,
which I enclose herewith.
I am very much looking forward to
receiving my first copy of Wabanaki
Alliance.
Jeremy Isaac
Township man
dies in crash
INDIAN TOW NSHIP - Horace M ead
er, 52, died last month as a result of
injuries suffered in a one-car mishap on
Rote 1, which crosses the Passamaquoddy
reservation.
Header was a passenger in the vehicle
that struck a tree and culvent, and who
was driving was not known, police said.
However, the identities of the others in
the car were listed as Joyce Tomah, 20,
Gordon Newell, 24, and Dina Levesque,
17, all of Indian Township. Levesque was
reported in fair condition with head
injuries. All of them w ere admitted to
Calais Regional Hospital.
The care was a total loss, and high
speed and alcohol w ere involved in the
accident, authorities said.
Meader was born in Pleasant Point,
Sept. 6, 1930, the son of Walter and Eva
(Nicholas) Meader Sr. He is survived by
five brothers, Stephen, Joseph, Bernard
and Donald, all of Princeton, and Fred
erick of Bethel; two sisters, Laura Loring
and Mary Mitchell, both of Indian Island,
Old Town.
A Mass of Christian burial was cele
brated at St. Ann’Catholic Church, Peter
s
Dana Point, with the Rev. Norman
Carpentier celebrant. Interment was in
the tribal cemetery, Peter Dana Point.
Public broadcasting
eyes Indian network
WASHINGTON - The Native A m erl
can Public Broadcasting Consortium has
contracted with the Public Service Satel
lite Consortium to assist with the planning
and design of an American Indian/Alaska
Native Satellite Communications Net
work.
PSSC will study the communications
needs of American Indian tribes and
Alaskan Native people.
Setting it straight
Piscataway, N.J.
To the editor:
I read your article, “ S. Attean Dies,”
J.
in the Wabanaki Alliance of June 1982.
One correction should be made, Joseph
Attean died at age 85, on March 2, 1982
not as printed “ April.”
in
And, here are som e additions: Joseph
Stan Attean is the Chief of the Penobscot
Nation of Maine. He left a wife, Anna
Attean and four grandchildren in Piscata
way, New Jersey. He also left a half sister
Ruth Davis in Old Town, Maine.
Other than these corrections and addi
tions the article is accurate.
Anna Attean
Appreciation
Orono
To the editor:
This is a letter of thanks to the Indian
people of Maine.
The Penobscot Tribal Council recently
approved a contribution to the film project
on Maine Indians, “ e Are Still Here!”
W
In
addition. G o v ern or N icholas o f the
Pleasant Point Passamaquoddies has indi
cated that his council will match the
Penobscot contribution.
This support will be complemented by
the Maine Humanities Council. It allows
us to finish this film on Maine Indian
identity and pride.
But tribal support is also a great boost,
for me personally. It means that not only
is the project guaranteed a successful
completion, but also that the film, a fouryear effort, is appreciated by the Indian
community.
Tm very grateful.
Jay Kent
TGI Film Project Director
Crow tribe
goes bankrupt
WASHINGTON - U.S. Interior Department official Ken Smith recently an
nounced a major step toward solving
administrative problem s of the bankrupt
Crow Indian Tribe of Montana. Current
long-term debts are $6 million.
According to a report issued by the
Interior Department’ inspector general,
s
problems had brought the tribe to a state
of “
technical insolvency.”
“ believe the agreement being signed
I
today will go a long way in restoring a
strong, stable tribal government to the
Crow Reservation from which effective
administration of tribal business affairs
will emanate,”
Smith said.
Following the inauguration of the
tribe’ newly elected officers, Smith’
s
s
deputy, Roy Sampsel, and the tribe signed
an agreement to provide a person to serve
on an intergovernmental assignment to
the tribe as its manager for fiscal,
personnel and property management sys
tems.
Lorette Ray and her horse, Stormy.
Woman seeks to learn her heritage
To the editor:
Enclosed is $5 for a year’ sub
s
scription. Thank you for letting me
know of an Indian paper in Maine. I
also subscribe to the Hardin Herald in
Montana; I was there last year.
I am Passamaquoddy and Micmac,
and I want to learn m ore about my own
tribes here in Maine: the art, language
and culture.
I do paint, and have five works, The
Indian Universe, Indian Moonlight and
th e H u nter C rired, Buffalo, and
Mother's Love.
I also make Indian bone and brass
chokers, and tile beed chokers. I am
making an Indian saddle used by the
Plains Indians, and I’ also learning
m
bead work.
I am interested in horses and have
owned ten. I do shows, and have won
many ribbons with my quarter pony,
Ace’Candy Doll (Gypsy Lee). I would
s
like to hold rodeos and horse shows in
the future.
Lorette Ray
— SCENIC PENOBSCOT RIVER TOURS —
By Reservation Only
Richard H. Hamilton, Tour Guide
Old Town, Maine — Telephone 207-827-7224
Tours Depart
Old Town Public
Boat Ramp
N. Fourth St. Ext
9:00 A .M .
11:00A.M .
1:00 P.M .
U.S.
Coast Guard
Approved
Equipment
Free Parking
CRUISE AMONG WILDERNESS ISLANDS ON
PENOBSCOT RIVER, NORTH OF OLD TOWN, M AINE
TEACHER VACANCIES
1/2-time Kindergarten Teacher
Full-time Migrant Teacher
T w years experience required and must have State of Maine Elementary
Certification.
Send resume to: Principal, Beatrice Rafferty School, Pleasant Point, Perry,
m f nafifi7
BLACK POWDER & SUPPLIES
Hours — Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat., Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
207-827-7032
*_*_*_ i l
T
V
Bennoch Road
HU Tnnm M-.V-
�The way we were'
Boston §3>unbap <§lobe
Indian
PICTORIAL
P o w -W o w
D ance
SEPTEMBER 25, 1949
Indian life as if was ■
for
the Penobscot tribe in
the old days is presented
in this gorgeous page**
held recently on the ifh letic field in Old Town,
Me. The Indians, who live
on the reservation at Old
Town, put it on this-year
for the very modern pur
pose c f raising funds for
a community recreation
center in the reservation.
There are about 600
members of the tribe or
the reservation.. Although
under the wardship of
the Maine Welfare De
partment they receive
no direct support and
make their living by trade
work — such as making
modern canoes for palefaces, and Indian souvenirs.
5
s
■
8
I
I
8
8
-1
MARRIAGE DANCE of the. Penobscots. An American flag waves above the fantastically-dressed Indians.
T he m u sic ?S d isso n a n t t o o u r C S r i
S o m e o f t h e m a n o u w K r«»mWo Y a b I p o u-uiare fi^ncinfl
MIC MAC — Both the
Pencbscot and the Passaguoddy tribes belonged
to the Mic Mac nations.
Here's a Mic Mac dance
CENTENARIAN Sabbatus Toma watches while Arthur Neptune, Gabriel Pc'chles
and Margaret Ranco give a children's dance. Beside' Toms., who knows how
to give moose calls, are the musicians.
CHIEF NEEDAHBEH, known to Boston Sports
man's Show fans, acts as narrator for the
pageant and teUj stories from Indian folk lore-
OFF T O TOWN goes a party cf Indians from the O ld Town Reservation.
Over yonder is Old Town, itself. The reservation is on an island, and fra nspcriaiion is by Indian pirogues.
stuao* * Richard Merrill
5
I
8
J
�Wabanaki Alliance August 1982
Vehicle, dog cases
dominate court action
INDIAN ISLAND — The following
cases were heard at Penobscot Tribal
Court, the Honorable Andrew M. Mead
presiding, during the period of March 22,
through June 21.
Theresa Eugenia Thompson, Thomp
son, Permitting a D og to Roam at Large,
February 23. Pleaded Nolo, Found Guilty.
Sentence: $60 fine (3rd offense).
Calvin Tomer, Failure to Comply With
Reservation on Permit on March 15.
Pleaded Guilty, Found Guilty. Sentence:
$20 fine and right to operate on the reser
vation suspended for 15 days.
John Love, Jr.. Criminal Trespass on
April 5. Pleaded Not
Guilty. Upon
Nation’Motion, case dismissed.
s
Richard Love, Criminal Trespass on
April 5. Pleaded Not
Guilty. Upon
Nation's Motion, case dismissed.
Eunice N. Baumann-Nelson, Passing a
Stop Sign, March 24. Pleaded Guilty.
Sentence: $15.
Robert C. Chase, Speeding 34-/20,
Radar, March 28. Pleaded Guilty. Sen
tence: $20.
Barbara J. Francis, two counts of
Permitting a D og to Roam at Large, April
1 Pleaded Not Guilty. Found Guilty.
.
Sentence: $15.
Sentence: $15. Defendant unable to pay
fine, requested work detail in lieu of fine.
Request granted, to work for the Penob
scot Nation not to exceed 40 hours.
Walter Meader, Operating Under the
Influence of Alcohol, May 11. Pleaded
Guilty. Sentence: $250.
Donald Francis, Operating after Sus
pension on April 29. Pleaded Guilty.
Sentence: $75.
Charles H. Stewart, Speeding 32/20 on
May 9. Pleaded Guilty. Sentence: $25.
Michael R. Paul, Speeding 35/20 on May
9. Pleaded Nolo. Sentence: $25.
Terence J. Lolar, Permitting a D og to
Roam at Large, May 11. Pleaded Guilty.
Sentence: $60. (3rd offense).
Carol Drinkwater, K eeper of Barking
Dog, May 31. Pleaded Not Guilty. Con
tinued for trial.
Brenda Fields, Permitting a D og to
Roam at Large, May 24. Pleaded Guilty.
By agreement of the Nation, sentence $25.
Eugene Loring, Jr., Criminal Trespass,
June 10. Upon Motion of Nation, case
dismissed.
Barbara Jean Francis, Theft, May/
June. Pleaded Not Guilty; continued for
trial.
Hearings
In Re: Francis Sapiel Glossian a/k/a
Francis Charles Sapiel, Petion for a name
change. Petition granted, name ordered
changed to Bobcat Glossian.
In Re: Edwina Olive Sapiel, Petition for
a name change. Petition granted, name
ordered changed to Edwin Olive Neptune.
. In Re: Mitchell William King, Petition
for a name change. Petition granted,
named ordered changed to Mitchell Wil
liam Townsend.
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Authority vs. Alice Fowler; Forcible
Entry and Detainer Action. Defendant’
s
Motions to Dismiss. Motions taken under
advisement by the Judge.
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Authority vs. James Sappier; Plaintiffs
Motion to Dismiss Defendant’ Counter
s
claim heard. Motion denied.
Elsie Lolar vs. John Davis, Small
Claims Action; Plaintiff's Motion to re
hear Disclosure Action; Defendant or
dered to pay plaintiff $10 on a bi-weekly
basis until bill is paid in full.
In Re: Ronald James Baer, Petion for
name change. Petition granted, named
ordered changed to Ronald James Bear.
During this period of time, seven
juvenile matters w ere handled.
book nook
Useful referen ce on Indian literature
By Robert Conkling
Special to the Alliance
ORONO — Dr. Eunice Baumann-Nelson
of Indian Island is the author o f a new
book called, “
The Wabanaki: An An
notated Bibliography.” contains descrip
It
tions of nearly three hundred books and
articles that have been written during the
last four hundred years on every aspect of
Indian culture and society.
If used as intended, this book will
change what is available to us in the
state’ libraries, what is taught in the
s
schools, and what we now think of as
Indian history.
The author, a Penobscot, has a Ph.D in
sociology and anthropology from New
York University; she has taught at
several universities in this country, as
well as abroad, and has been head
librarian at the Museum of the American
Indian in New York City. She is currently
director of the Penobscot Division of
Health and Human Services on the reser
vation. Whether one ju dges by these
qualifications, or by the uniformly excel
lent quality of the book under review, it is
hard to imagine someone who would have
been better qualified than Baumann-Nel
son to do such a book.
The Wabanaki is intended, in the
author’ words, to be used as “ guide to
s
a
the literature on Maine Indians which
cu rriculu m d e v elo p e rs, tea c h ers and
librarians would find useful, and which
would also be helpful to students or to the
general lay public interested in learning
about the aboriginal people of Maine.”
This book is not aimed at scholars;
rather, it is aimed at people such as
librarians and teachers who need access to
sources on the history of Indians in Maine
but, until now, have had no easy way to
find them or to ju dge their usefulness.
This book m eets a real need and is
unique in several ways. It is the first
listing of books and articles on Maine
Indian history to be made available to the
general public. It includes in one place
both fiction and non-fiction. It is the only
other times, and full time for emergencies, bibliography of its size — and this includes
according to health official Patricia Knox. those in private circulation — to contain
Sinclair helped train R itter in pediatrics such well-written and detailed annota
at Eastern Maine Medical Center, al tions. It indicates the reading level
though Ritter is the older of the two required for m ost items.
doctors. They are close friends. Sinclair is
For example, “
The Story of Maine for
a Washington, D.C., native who said he Young Readers”(first published in 1962),
was a “
street kid”in a ghetto, but was by Melvin C. Freeman and Estelle Perry,
lucky and “
got a break.” He graduated a text widely used in schools in the state,
from Harvard University.
is cited by Baumann-Nelson for presenting
the distorted stereotypes of Indians
“
The Penobscot Indian health clinic has “
com e an amazingly long way in the quality which characterized books of a far earlier
of care it offers, and the facility. It still has era. Not only is the book negatively
biased,”
Baumann-Nelson writes, “ it is
but
a ways to go,”
commented Sinclair.
also inaccurate. For example, ‘
they (In
His voice revealing a lot of emotion, dians) had no tools for cutting down the
Sinclair said, “
The Penobscot people are a large trees and clearing the woodlands’
.
most loving people to work with.” The Indian cut large trees with stone axes and
doctor said he will never forget the fire, cutting and firing alternately until
experience, which he described as the best
one o f his life.
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE, 95
Doctor bids farewell
to Island clinic
INDIAN ISLAND — After a three-year
association with the tribal health clinic,
Dr. Wayne Sinclair, 35, departed recently
for a fellowship slot with the National
Jewish Hospital/University of Colorado
Medical Center, in Denver.
Sinclair, who is married and has two
young sons, cited “
personal reasons”for
his leaving, after last fall moving from
visiting physician to the full time staff of
the federally funded health center. “ m
I’
filled with deep sadness,”
said Sinclair, as
he was honored by a potluck dinner and
going-away party at the clinic. Mildred
Akins organized Indian dancing for the
affair, and Dr. Stuart Corso, tribal dentist,
performed an English jig.
Dr. Christopher R itter of Old Town will
fill in, part time, in Sinclair’ absence. He
s
will be available at the clinic Mondays and
Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon, and will be on call
B e a tin g v ic tim
sues
f o r $ 1 . 5 m illio n
BANGOR — A suit filed in U.S. District
Court here asks $1 million in damages,
plus “
freezing" of $500,000 in Indian assets
two years after the Indian Township
beating of Allen A. Dorn, Sr., form er nonIndian husband of Sonja Dorn Dana, a
Passamaquoddy.
Dorn, now living in Kiel, Wisconsin,
suffered severe injuries, July 4, 1980,
when he was beaten with a baseball bat by
two Passamaquoddys, Jason and Renard
Levesque of Indian Township. The 5 a.m.
incident occurred on the reservation, after
Dorn allegedly had ousted the Levesques
from a house, while responding to a
domestic complaint. Dorn was apparently
a special tribal police officer. Dorn was
hospitalized in Bangor after the beating.
Paul F. Zendzian of Bangor is D orn’
s
lawyer on the case. Zendzian also repre
sents the Penobscot Indian housing auth
ority. The suit claimed Dorn suffered
permanent injury and disfigurement.
Page 5
the tree fell. Another method was
girdling, which they taught the early
Europeans.”
The existence of bias, or ehtnocentrism,
is not always grounds for dismissal, how
ever; in her Introduction, Baumann-Nel
son writes: “
There are works here anno
tated which, from today’perspective, are
s
strongly biased, buth which contain rele
vant and factual material. After the mid1950’ because of the widespread accept
s,
ance of the concept, there is little excuse
for ethnocentrism, and strongly biased
works are judged unsuitable, thus re
vealing, if you will, this writer’own ‘
s
bias.’
Some widely available or used items have
been included for the specific purpose of
warning against them, especially if they
are books for young readers.”
“ Wabanaki”
The
includes annotations of
a few general works that contain sections
on the Indians in this area, and it also
includes some of the major works on the
Indians in the Maritime Provinces of
Canada. As all these tribes w ere similar in
culture and social organization, the ma
terial on the Canadian Indians sometimes
fills important gaps in the historical
record for the Indians in Maine. “
The
Wabanaki”
ranges widely in order to focus
as sharply as possible on the history and
way of life of Indians in Maine. It covers
religion, politics, economics, ceremonial
life, myths, legends, art, crafts, and
games, and the works of eyewitness
observers from as long ago as 1611, and of
later historians and anthropologists, both
Indian and non-Indian.
The author had the encouragement and
support of others; in particular fellow
Indians who helped with annotations on
books for young readers. The American
Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a
Quaker-sponsored group, provided finan
cial assistance. The AFSC Maine Indian
Program staff person, Mary Griffith of
Freeport, and committee member Nancy
St. John of Phippsburg (and others), set
guidelines and lent organizational and
editorial assistance.
The book’handsome cover was design
s
ed by two Indians, Diane Enos, a Pima,
and Deanna Francis of Pleasant Point, a
Passamaquoddy. Enos is a friend of
Francis, and spends part of the year at the
Passamaquoddy reservation.
The book is available from Orono
Friends Meeting, Box 286, Orono, ME
04473. The cost is $6.50, plus 75 cents for
handling. There is a 15 percent discount
for libraries and schools. Checks should be
made payable to American Friends
Service Committee.
EDITOR’ NOTE: Robert Conkling is
S
an anthropologist who is currently an
alternative housebuilder and medical fam
ily counselor. He and his wife live in the
Augusta area. Conkling assisted in com
piling the book he reviewed.
MAIN STREET, ORONO, MAINE 04473
WABANAKI ALLIANCE SUBSCRIPTION FORM
(Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance)
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�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance A ugust 1982
news notes
Three from Houlton
attend youth meet
By Brenda Polchies
H OULTON — Su zann e D e sid e rio,
Brenda Hardy and John Joseph, Jr. of
Houlton were invited to participate in a
four day UNITY leadership conference
held at the International Hotel in Wash
ington, D.C. April 28th to May 1st.
Sponsoring the eight annual Summit Con
ference, the United National Indian Tribal
Youth, Inc. has been in existence since
1976.
Ranging in age from 16-25, Indian
participants who possessed qualities of
leadership and achievement were invited
from five hundred tribes and villages from
across the nation.
Topics for in-depth discussion were
education, health, economic development,
careers, natural resources, and effective
leadership.
Desiderio, Hardy, and Joseph were
official youth representatives of the
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
SEBAYICK TRADING POST — Matthew and Joyce Bailey have opened a new store at
Pleasant Point, using part of an older shop that belonged to Billy Altvater. “ my life
All
I’ wanted a basket store,” said Matthew, a former reservation policeman and
ve
currently a security guard at a Calais department store. His wife is secretary at
Beatrice Rafferty School. Besides baskets, the Baileys sell Indian jewelry, carving and
beadwork, som e of which is made by Matthew. If a customer doesn't have cash, a swap
of goods can be arranged, as the Baileys encourage this sort of trading. The couple
hopes to add an “
arcade”with pool table and electronic gam es — a place for young
Pass&maquoddys to go.
Flashback
Migrant p r o g ra m thriving
INDIAN TOW NSHIP — The Maine
Migrant Education Program at Indian
Township School is com pleting its fourth
school year.
This program is aimed at working with
children whose families have participated
in some type of fishing, agricultural or
forestry related harvesting, away from
their home base. Many students currently
involved in the program receive enrich
ment activities which enable them to
m ove at a m ore rapid pace than they
otherwise would have been able to do
within the classroom setting.
Last fall, tw o Saturday swimming pro
gram s w ere conducted at the YMCA in
Bangor with many of the eligible program
students participating. This was a con
tinuation of the two sessions held in Spril,
1981. Since many of the children w ere
already families with the basics of
swimming, through the recreation pro
gram, they w ere able to use the diving
boards, which was a first time experience
for many.
In addition to school year funding, the
Migrant Program this year also was able
to give out free leisure reading books to
children across the state. This helps
education in two ways, the first being to
familiarize students with extra reading
materials and the second, to allow them to
take books home to keep and therefore
begin to build up on their own collection of
books.
A five week summer school is also being
planned for the upcoming summer. Details
have not been completely finalized at this
point, but expected plans call for both high
school and elementary pupils from grades
5-12. If anyone has children interested in
attending or questions involving summer
school, please call Allen Doherty at Indian
Township School, 796-2362.
Money for school explained to students
CALAIS — Financial aid is a topic of
much concern in these days of federal cut
backs. It is important that students be
aware of all phases of aid application and
steps that can be taken to assure a
complete financial aid package.
H igh er ed u cation gra n ts funded
through the Maine Indian Scholarship
Committee for Penobscot and Passamaquoddy students are supplemental to the
financial aid package at the attending
university. Therefore, it is very important
that students take advantage of all
assistance available to them, scholarship
official Jeanne Guisinger said.
Once a student has received notice of
aid from an aid officer, we examine it very
carefully to make sure the budget reflects
his needs, and that the student contri
bution can be met with his resources. If he
finds problem s in the package, it is
important to remember that many items
are negotiable, it is equally important that
he work with the reservation counselor
who is trained to act as advocate in
dealing with financial aid people.
Be sure that a budget reflects a
student’real needs, as the committee will
s
be addressing this need when making
award considerations. This action must be
started as soon as a student receives his
aid notification, to avoid delay in pro
cessing the application for a higher
education grant.
The following counselors are available
to help:
Chris Altvater, Pleasant Point, 8534110; Rick Kelley, Indian Township, 7962362; Dick Hewes, Indian Island, 827-7696.
For m ore information, contact Gui
singer, coordinator for Maine Indian
Scholarship Committee, at P.0. Box 412,
Calais, Maine 046l£ (207-454-2127). -
ISLAND BEAUTY - Eunice Lewey/Attean Crowley of Indian Island is pictured
here, near the rapids on the Penobscot
River, in a photo taken May 24, 1940.
[Photo courtesy of Theresa Love Guimond
of Bristol, Ct.]
Training program
Prize offered
for child's poem
LAMOINE — A prize of $20 will be
presented to the winner of a childrens
poetry contest. The money has been
contributed by Mrs. Joseph Wythe of
Sandpoint, Idaho, and Mrs. Carlton
Larrabee, care of Agnes Beckwith of
Lamoine.
The only rules are that each entrant
should submit only one poem, and the
entrant should be a high school age
student or younger. Entries must be
mailed to Wabanaki Alliance Poetry
Contest, by August 31.
The address is 95 Main St., Orono,
Maine 04473.
Indian council slates m eet
OXFORD, Mass. — Nipmuck Indian
C oun cil o f C hau bu nagu ngam au g has
scheduled its second annual powwow
here. Sept. 11-12.
Obituary
SEBASTIAN J. MOORE, SR.
PLEASANT POINT - Sebastian J.
Moore, Sr. died May 22,1982 at the Calais
Regional Hospital. He was born in
Pleasant Point, April 19, 1935, the son of
Frederick and Mary (Neptune) Moore.
A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he
served in the United States Marine Corps.
He was active in the Passamaquoddy
Little League, serving as co-manager. He
was a eucharistic minister and member of
the St. Ann’ Catholic Church at Pleasant
s
Point.
An outdoorsman, he worked for many
years as a woodsman. In 1980 he
graduated from W CVTI school of com
mercial fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Christina
(Francis) Moore; tw o sons, Sebastian J.
Jr. and Percy, all of Perry; four brothers,
Andrew, Frederick, Raymond and James,
all of Perry; one sister, Bertha Mitchell of
Perry; several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at
the St. Ann’Catholic Curch with the Rev.
s
Louis M. St. Onge officiating.
Interment was in the tribal cemetery,
Pleasant Point.
INDIAN CRAFT
SUPPLIES
pays tuition, stipend
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — “
Educa
tion for Indians by Indians” the focus of
is
the Native American Leadership Training
Program at The Pennsylvania State Uni
versity. The program is now accepting
applicants for admission for the 1982 fall
term.
Now in its 12th year, the program pre
pares Native Americans for leadership
roles in schools, colleges and universities,
tribal organizations and government.
Established in 1970, the program is now
funded through the Office of Indian
Education in the U.S. Department of
Education.
Students in the program are granted
tuition, a monthly stipend and additional
support money for each dependent.
Persons interested in learning m ore
about the program should contact Dr.
Grayson B. Noley, director, Native
American Leadership Training Program,
403 Rackley Building, University Park,
Pa., 16802. Noley’ telephone number if
s
814-865-1489.
e d g e 148
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�Wabanaki Alliance A ugust 1982
A tale of Old West Indians
..
ARTHUR “
JUNIOR” BARTLETT, left, stroUs with friend, Hodgie Meservey.
Friend of the Island
copes with blindness
OLD TOWN — It started about a year
ago. First there was pain, and trouble
focusing. Then, intensely bright light, “
like
a lightbulb when it’about to go.”
s
The pain in Arthur Bartlett’ eyes
s
became unbearable last spring. And then it
was over. He lost his sight. Today, he
knows if it’daylight outside, but that’the
s
s
extent of his vision.
Known to his friends as Junior, he is a 32year-old diabetic who also suffered from
glaucoma. He said if it wasn't for friends, he
wouldn’have made it.
t
After quitting school 17 years ago,
Bartlett — with the onset of blindness —
began studying with cassettes from the
state department of education. He has
maintained a B- average, he said proudly.
A year ago. Junior Bartlett’eyes hurt so
s
much that he was rushed to the hospital.
There was really nothing to do at that stage
to save his sight. There was a critical period
— he grew depressed, stayed home, smoked
cigarettes continuously. He still smokes a
lot, but his attitude has changed.
“ s something to accept, it’ something
It’
s
you have to get used to,”he said. By June,
strain as he might, his vision was gone. Now
a resident of Penobscot River House,
Bartlett has been volunteering as a dis
patcher for Robert M eservey of Old Town,
owner of North Main Street Cab Company.
It’ a start for Bartlett. H e’ back in
s
s
circulation, and he’ got his sense of humor
s
back. “ can fish from my window (over the
I
Penobscot River),” said. “ if a warden
he
But
saw me I’ have to say I was drowning
d
worms, since I haven’got my license yet."
t
Bartlett is a registered Democrat, even
though “
Dad was a staunch Republican.”
But Junior picks his man. He worked for
President Gerald Ford's campaign, for
instance.
Bartlett is best known around Old Town
as a coach. He coached Little League
baseball for 11 years, and would love to find
a way to work with youngsters again, pref
erably in sports. He’ also known as a fire
s
fighter. Junior Bartlett and Alan Stormann
started the first Old Town junior fire de
partment in 1965, while the two young men
w ere in high school. Orono had a junior
force at the time, and Bartlett liked the
idea. Bartlett has been a call fireman for
years, and Stormann is a regular Old Town
fireman.
Along with coaching and firefighting,
Bartlett loves the Penobscot tribe at Indian
Page 7
Island, and by all accounts, they love him.
He has worked as assistant building
manager at the tribe’ Community Build
s
ing; he has worked as senior citizens
activities coordinator at the tribal health
clinic, and he has worked for the Bingo
Committee during the packed-house gam es
held each Sunday on the island.
“
Those people treat me better than any
one,”Bartlett said of the Indians. Bartlett
said he has to credit faith in God for much of
his success so far. He believes faith will
keep him going. His father belonged to the
Indian Island Baptist Church. Last Novem
ber 20, at the second annual Indian Island
Firemen’ Ball, Bartlett was surprised to
s
find he was the guest of honor at the
banquet (he belonged to the Island fire*
department).
Bartlett was presented with a “
talking"
clock, that announces the time at the press
of a button, in a computerized voice that
Bartlett says is a “
Spanish lisp.” So he
named the clock Pedro.
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be t rained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are ft to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we’ also help you
ll
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
—in the Portland area—775-6313
—in the Auburn area—786-4190
—in the Bangor area—945-9431
—or toll free anywhere in Maine
at 1 800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
(Continued from page 8
)
The Indians were fully apprised of the
scene that was to be enacted, and the
result was a panorama such as is seldom
witnessed. North and south of the agency
are two long, gently sloping hills. On the
northern hill were gathered all of the
Cheyenne tribesmen, women and children
— the women crouched on the ground, the
men standing stolid but bright-eyed,
waiting for the outcome of the tragedy. A
quarter of a mile from the base of the
northern hill and facing it obliquely w ere a
hundred troopers waiting for the appear
ance of the challengers and for the order
to fire.
The sun was just sinking over the Crazy
mountains, thirty miles away, and the
bright costumes cf the waiting Indians
were set off in a picture such as was never
before seen on the American continent,
while the glint of the gun barrels in the
hands of the troopers told that it was not
altogether a holiday gathering. Suddenly
on top of the northern hill appeared two
gaily bedecked Indians, dressed in full war
panoply, each riding a fiery horse and
swinging his gun wildly around his head.
For an instant they paused, then, bringing
their rifles to bear, they dug the spurs into
their horses and with a wild cry started
down the hill. Half way down they began
the death song and opened fire. The
troopers stood immovable until the In
dians reached the level, when the order
rang out, “
Ready! Fire!”When the crack
of rifles was heard one of the Indians
rolled off his horse to the ground. Almost
at the same instant the horse of the other
Indian fell, but his rider was on his feet in
an instant. He had scarcely uttered one
defiant cry, however, when the order was
again given to fire^ and he, too, dropped.
Immediately there rose from the south
ern hill the most discordant cries — the
women of the tribe were mourning for
their dead. The braves turned sullenly
away and strode from the scene, filled
with a desire to avenge the death of theij
tribesmen, but fully aware of theninability to cope with the men in blue.
The country they occupy is a beautiful
one, abounding in great stretches of
rolling tablelands, interspersed with miles
of woodland and many swift-running
streams. Years ago it was a game country,
but now it is almost barren of wild animals
and is fit only for stock. Along the streams
are, many well-cultivated ranches, and
some of the wealthiest men in Eastern
Montana have their demesnes within
touch of this last remnant of the ideal type
of the uncivilized American Indian.
Paper raises
annual rates
ORONO — Subscription rates to
Wabanaki Alliance have been increas
ed, and the new schedule is effective
immediately.
The new rates are $10 per year for
individuals, and $15 annually for insti
tutions, such as schools, libraries and
businesses. Subscriptions outside the
U.S. will also cost $15 per year.
These increases are brought on by
rising production costs at the news
paper, and cutbacks in charitable fin
ancial support.
NOTICE OF DEADLINE FOR
COPY, ADVERTISING
Wabanaki Alliance announces that
all advertising and editorial copy
should be submitted to the newspaper
offices by the 15th day of the month
preceding the issue in which you wish
your copy to appear. For example,
June 15 is the deadline for the July
issue of Wabanaki Alliance. Mail all
copy to Wabanaki Alliance, 95 Main
St., Orono, ME 04473.
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Owned Homes For Sale
t = l
Equal Housing
OPPORTUNITY
BEING
TRANSFERRED?
Contact the VA for
information about
properties available
throughout the State.
in Washington County
These homes are available to veterans or
non-veterans without preference.
Rt. 1 Woodland
,
$40,000.
Rt. 1,39 Dublin St., Machias
$36,500.
$500 DP.
18 Freemont St.. Machias
$25,500.
Main Street, Baring
26,800.
9 Academy Street, Calais
25,900.
8 Chapel Street, Calais
12,500.
1 Temperance Street, Calais
1
26,000.
Summer Street, Calais
19,000.
Route #1—Houlton Road. Woodland 27,500.
31 Chapel Street, Calais
19,000.
FINANCED FOR 30 YEARS BY VA
NO DOWN PAYMENTS REQUIRED
SE E YOUR LOCAL
REAL ESTA TE BROKER
All VA financed
A t p r e v a ilin g in te re s t ra te s
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433
�Page 8
Wabanaki Alliance August 1982
A flashback to the Old West
THE
E X A M IN E R .
SA N
F R A N C IS C O :
SU N D A Y
M O R N IN G -,
JU N E
13,
1897.
NO INDIANS OUTSIDE OF FICTION, THESE A E THEY.
BLE
R
HELENA (Mont.), June 10 — These are
the fighting Reds of America — the
Cheyennes. No ignoble tribe they, mixed
of blood and degenerate after the manner
of half-breeds, but straight from the
parent stock, with much of the pristine
virility and vitality of their savage fore
bears. Proud of their traditions, proud of
themselves as types of the American
Indian at his best, they bear with ill-ease
the yoke of peace. Now and again,
impelled by motives that are traceable to
this pride of race, to which is conjoined an
equally potent scorn of the paleface, they
break through the barrier of the white
man’ law and then there is trouble. Just
s
now some of their young men are under
the ban for the murder of a sheepherder,
and for a time it seemed as though the old
racial hatred would devastate some of the
fairest portions of Montana. Happily, this
has been averted, and the braves who at
the first alarm took to the hills with their
rifles and cartridge belts are returning to
the reservation. Unfortunately, these
recurring alarms have spread the convic
tion in this region that there never will be
peace between the whites and the
Cheyennes so long as there remains one of
the tribe with a'rifle and strength to pull a
trigger.
Of ail the aboriginal clans of the North
west to-day, not one can rank in courage,
savagery, hatred of everything that
makes for civilization, and utter loathing
of the white man, unless, indeed, he wears
the army uniform, with the Cheyenne.
Unlike many other tribes of American
Indians, the Cheyennes have never been
drunkards or beggars. Physically, they
are to-day probably as fine a body of men
as could be found anywhere. Tall and built
like gladiators, they are distinguished
among Montana red men for the zest with
which they pursue athletic sports, and the
boys of the tribe are disciplined as
severely to-day as they were twenty years
ago to fit them for the chase or for war.
The women of the Cheyenne tribe have
a reputation for chastity which is never
disputed, and while the nearest neighbors
of the Cheyennes, the Crows, have been
decimated by disease contracted from the
abandoned frontier whites they have
taken into their fold, the Cheyennes arc
grow ing in number and retain to-day all
the characteristics that made them more
feared than ever the Sioux were by the
pioneers.
An outline of the history of the tribe for
twenty years will illustrate what sort of
people are the Cheyennes. They are one of
the numerous offshoots of the Sioux tribe.
In the sixties they roamed over Southern
Montana and Northern Wyoming, and
were among the most feared of all the
redskins on the plains. Early in 1870 a
considerable portion of the tribe was
captured and sent to Indian Territory.
They became restless, broke away a n d 1
started for the Northwest. Troops were
sent after them, but the Indians fought
their way back into Montana, crossing two
trunk lines of railways and landing on
their old stamping grounds.
General Nelson A. Miles was the officer
in command of the pursuing troops, and he
finally cornered them at Lame Deer. This
was in the spring of 1877. The Indians
were joined by the remnant of the tribe
that had not been captured at the time of
the transportation to Indian Territory,
and all told they numbered over 2,000
fighting men, under the command of Chief
Lame Deer, who had led the fight from the
southern country and had met and
defeated, or else eluded, the Government
troops a number of times during the
chase. The fight was a desperate one, and
only ended in a victory for Miles after
Chief Lame Deer had been killed and half
his band with him. Miles himself narrowly
escaped with his life while leading his
troops over the dry bed of a creek. A
bullet grazed the General’head and killed
s
his aide, who was close behind.
The remnant of the Cheyennes who
survived the battle were surrounded and
captured. The problem then arose what to
do with them. They refused to go on the
Sioux reservation, owing to the Chief of
that tribe being an enemy of Lame Deer.
The Crows and the Cheyennes had long
been enemies, and the prisoners could not
be put on the Crow reservation. For
several years they w ere left in charge of
the soldiers and rations were issued to
them.
When the Indians surrendered at Lame
Deer, there were twenty or thirty settlers
located in the country, and while the
Indians w ere in charge of the soldiers
others came in, so that when the Indian
Department made up its mind to locate
the Cheyennes in the Lame Deer country,
there were four or five hundred white
settlers there. About 1882 the Cheyennes
were told they might remain where they
were, and an agent was appointed to look
after their wants. The reservation, how
ever, was not defined, and it is to-day
impossible to tell what portion is strictly
the property of the Indians and what the
property of the whites. The latter are
engaged in stock raising and their cattle
roam over a thousand hills.
So long as the soldiers w ere with the
Indians, there was no trouble, but when
the civilian agent came on the scene the
situation changed. Either the Government
did not issue sufficient rations, or the
Indians did not get all they w ere entitled
to. To make the situation m ore intolerable
there was no game in the country. In this
combination of untoward circumstances
the Indians, following the ^universal law
of self-'preservation, took action of
tiieir own and made up for short rations
by killing the stockmen’ cattle. For
s
several years the whites bore the burden,
but finally they grew tired of it and
warned the agent that unless he kept his
Indians from preying on their herds they
would open war and kill all Indians caught
killing stock. The Indians w ere told of this
Badger is one of the men concerned in the
murder of Sheepherder Hoover, which led
to the uprising of the Cheyennes in
Eastern Montana.
warning, but the only effect was to make
them m ore careful.
The feeling between the whites and
reds grew more and m ore strained, until
the summer of 1890. In that year a cowboy
named Ferguson was killed on the range
by the Cheyennes, whom he caught killing
a steer, five Indians — Little Eyes, White
Buffalo, Scalp Cane, Bull Sheep and Black
Medicine — were arrested for the crime
and taken to Miles City, 105 miles north of
the agency.
After the arrests the Cheyennes b e
came restless and threatened vengence.
The fear of strife and bloodshed, with all
the horrors of Indian warfare, then caused
just such an exodus of citizens as has been
witnessed this year. The people became
aroused and called on Governor Toole for
assistance. He sent the Hon. Charles D.
Curtis to the scene to collect all the facts
in regard to the troubles, which w ere to be
embodied in a report to the Federal
authorities. The Governor also sent with
Colonel Curtis, 1,500 rifes and sufficient
ammunition, with instruction to arm and
lead the settlers against the Cheyennes if
he found it necessary.
It is the boast of the Cheyennes that not
one of their tribe ever died on the gallows.
Two of the Indians who were arrested for
the murder of Ferguson, and who has
confessed to the crime, knew they would
be hanged if they stood trial. One of them.
White Buffalo, managed to get hold of a
stout piece of cord while in jail, with which
he strangled himself. When he had fin
ished the job, Scalp Cane took the cord off
White Buffalo and put it around his own
neck, and when the guard visited the cell
he found both the Indians dead. The other
three w ere afterwards liberated.
Major Carroll of the regular army.
Colonel Curtis, Deputy Sheriff W. F.
Smith and an “
Independent" correspon
dent made the trip to Lame Deer
together. After a talk with the Indians, it
was found the trouble was more deepseated than the Army or Interior Depart
ments had reason to believe.
Among the Cheyennes was an Indian
named Porcupine. He was a young fellow,
a perfect specimen of manhood and a
fanatic of the pronounced sort. He had
been away from the agency for nearly a
year, and after his return the agent had
noticed numerous powwows of the In
dians, at all of which Porcupine was
present. Early in the spring the Indians
had begun dancing the ghost dance. After
these weird caperings the Indians would
be sullen, and defiant as well, and
appeared to be possessed of the idea that
it would only be a short time when they
would hold undisputed possession of the
country. Porcupine attended a powwow
with the white men, among whom were
Major Carroll, Colonel Curtis, the Indian
Agent and the correspondent. Bear Ridge
and Big Beaver were the other two red
men of prominence at the talk. After much
questioning. Porcupine said that during
the previous autumn he had made a long
journey with the two Indians. He could
not make clear to his inquisitors just
where he had been, but from his
description it was judged he had visited
the Walker Lake Indians in Nevada.
There he said he met a person he called
Christ, who, he said, had reappeared on
earth. Porcupine declared he had found
the holes in this Messiah's hands, and
otherwise followed the Biblical story most
conscientiously. He said the Christ had
taught them the ghost dance and told
them all to be good; that in the spring, if
they were good, he would make them all
young again, and that they would never
die.
For three hours the powwow lasted at
Lame Deer, and before it closed Porcupine
W ild Hog. a leader of the Cheyennes. He
stands firmly for peace.
had worked not only himself, but also the
Indians clustered about the tent opening,
into a religious frenzy.
The great body of Indians was en
camped fifteen miles from the agency,
near a little hamlet called Ashland, and it
was determined to go there and save the
storekeeper and the sisters of the Jesuit
school, all the white people having
deserted the country. To get to the valley
in which the Indians were camped it was
necessary to go through a deep ravine,
flanked on each side by abrupt hills. After
the conference at Lame Deer, it was
reported that the Indians had sent
runners out to Ashland. Major Carroll did
not think this had any significance, though
he had informed the Indians that the
representative of the Governor of Mon
tana was going to visit the Cheyennes at
Ashland. It proved afterwards that the
powwow with Porcupine was a fortunate
thing and probably saved the lives of
many people.
Arriving at Ashland it was found that
the Indians had built on both the hills
commanding the defile immense breast
works, while all the way through the
define were ambuscades which had held
only twenty-four hours before the arrival
of the party from twenty to fifty
Cheyenne fanatics, each determined to kill
a white man. Porcupine had been sent
word that the time was not come, and that
the Indians must meet and talk with the
man sent by the Little Father; that the
white men would see that they got enough
to eat, and that they must not harm him.
After m eeting the Indians at Ashland
and assuring them they would receive
more rations (many of them were really in
a half-starving condition), receiving in
return their promise that they would not
molest the settlers. Colonel Curtis re
turned to Helena and three companies of
troops w ere left at the reservation and
were kept in camp there until 1893.
In July of the same year two young
Indians who had killed two sheepherders
were wanted. They eluded the troops and
posses sent after them, but one day they
dispatched word to the commanding
officer at the reservation that at a certain
hour on a specified day they would appear
at a stated point, mounted and would
attempt to run the gauntlet of the troops.
(Continued on page 7
)
�
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (August 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
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1982-08
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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Document
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pdf
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https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/854a43dbf1d6a1e39da897d1c2de2a7e.pdf
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PDF Text
Text
Juiy 1982
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Micmacs rally to
cry of recognition
By Bunny McBride and Harald Prins
Special to the Wabanaki Alliance
U.S. Olympian Sockalexis, 1912.
Indian Day,
race slated
INDIAN ISLAND — The classic four
mile Andrew Sockalexis memorial foot
race is scheduled here, July 24, starting at
9:30 a.m.
Race organizer Michael Ranco, a Pen
obscot, said he expects a tremendous
turnout for the popular race, as well as for
the tribal Indian Day, to which the public
is invited. Indian Day usually includes
children’ and adults’games, food, con
s
tests, exhibits and so forth. A canoe race
and pie-eating contest are highlights,
followed by a fireworks display in the
evening. For information call 827-7776.
The Indian Island Beano Committee has
sponsored these events for several years.
The race, is Ranco’ project, and 70
s
percent of proceeds will be handed over to
the Bangor TB & Health Association.
Interestingly, the association was able to
locate records of Andrew Sockalexis, a
Penobscot Indian, who died from TB.
A tall man, with straight black hair
slapped across his head, approached the
podium with quiet confidence. “
Tuladadooltimkawa’ he began, welcoming his
,”
people. The audio system squealed;
“
White man machine,”
teased the tall one.
He spoke to some 100 Micmac Indians:
children, oid ladies, dark-haired beauties,
hoary-headed gentlemen and eager young
men, who filled the room with hubbub,
curiosity, excitement. Many had traveled
nine hours in jam-packed run-down cars to
be here. But what was a little discomfort
in the birthing of a unified cause? Faces
were sleepy, but anticipation shone
through m ost of them.
The gall man was Tom Battiste, Micmac
and a Program Specialist for the Admin
istration for Native Americans (ANA).
The occasion was the coming together of
New England organizations representing
Micmacs, for the purpose of planning a
joint effort to gain federal recognition for
Micmacs in the United States. "W e’
re
embarking on a journey,”
said Battiste. “
It
will be a bumpy road, but together we can
take those bumps. I don’ know where it
t
' will lead, but hopefully when we reach the
end, all Micmacs of the United States will
be standing there together."
At that moment they w ere very much
together, rubbing elbows, sitting shoulder
to shoulder around four long tables in the
Boston Indian Council gymnasium. Lifesize Native American renderings of ani-
mals paraded brilliantly across one wall;
the words SKY, SOUL, LOVE, GRASS,
AIR and SUN shouted from another,
Canoes hung from the ceiling. Unquestionably this was an Indian affair. It was
the second Micmac Issues meeting, following on the heels of a March meeting, of just
two dozen Micmac representatives on
Indian Island. At this second go-round,
almost ten dozen Micmacs and representatives from near and far w ere participating: from Connecticut’ American Ins
dians for Developm ent (AID), the Association of Aroostook Indians (AIA), the
Boston Indian Council (BIC), Central
Maine Indian Association (CMIA) and the
W orcester Inter-tribal Indian Center
(WITIC). In addition, staff from ANA, the
National Indian Lutheran Board and the
American Friends Service Committee,
along with attorney Tom Tureen (of Maine
Indian Land Claims Settlement fame) and
other concerned people, joined in the day-
long conference. Before nightfall, an
ad-hoc U.S. Micmac Council and a group
committee to m eet next July would be
established.
Despite the fact that Micmacs are one of
the two largest groups of Native Americans within Maine {1,000 individuals or
more), they w ere the only Maine Indian
“
tribe”not included in the Maine Indian
Land Claims Settlement Act of October,
1980. As a result of that Act was the
shutting down of one of their service
resources — the State’ Department of
s
Indian Affairs. Consequently, Micmacs of
Maine not only failed to gain through the
Settlement: they were actually set back.
In the Micmac Issues meeting. Tureen, a
slight, sandy-haired, bespectacled man.
dressed in ubiquitous navy sportsjacket
and grey flannels of attorneys, commented on this issue: "A most critical
aspect of any Recognition effort is
(Continued on page 6
)
Indians: 52 percent live on reservation
WASHINGTON — A recently updated
report on the - population of American
Indian reservations, shows a total of
734,895 Indians living on or near reserva
tions, including the former reservation
areas of Oklahoma and 64,047 Eskimos,
Indians and Aleuts in Alaska.
This is 52 percent of the 1.4 million total
Indian population counted in the 1980
census. The data, compiled from informa
tion provided by the BIA field offices, also
shows an unemployment rate of 31
percent on the reservations.
The reservations with the largest popu
lations are: Navajo, Arizona, New Mexico
and Utah, 160,722; Pine Ridge, South
Dakota, 13,417; Papago, Arizona, 10,610;
Gila River, Arizona; 9,592; Rosebud,
South Dakota, 9,484; Turtle Mountain,
North Dakota, 8,656; Yakima, Washing
ton, 8,502; Hopi, Arizona, 8,439; and Fort
Apache, Arizona, 8,010.
'When the Lord's ready for me. I'll go'
Penobscot woman packed sardines 75 years
Living in a small yellow house, on a hill
overlooking the sea, is a 90-year-old Pen
obscot Indian woman who threatens,
good-humoredly, to outlive her eight sur
viving children. Her four sisters and one
brother are gone.
Hattie Gordius of Bass Harbor isn’
t
about to move to a nursing home. Not as
long as she can get around a bit. In fact,
she’ still be working at the sardine
d
cannery if it weren’for glaucoma — “
t
the
pain took me,”
she said, “
everything is like
seeing in the fog. I’ still be working if it
d
weren’for that.”
t
Hattie spent three quarters of a century
at the cannery — canning sardines, clams,
shrimp or whatever William Underwood’
s
Bass Harbor factory was packing. “ didn’
I
t
retire; I was forced to retire,” she said
emphatically. For years, widowed and
bringing up nine children, Hattie walked
from her Bass Harbor job to work another
shift at Addison’ cannery in Southwest
s
Harbor.
She worked until a year ago last Sep
tember. To say that Hattie Gordius was
never a welfare case is gross understate
ment. Looking back on life, Hattie, who
needs no hearing aid or cane, observed, “
I
don’ know if I ’ do anything different.
t
d
Hard work never killed anybody. ‘
Long as
anyone can work, I think they ought to.
“ ve had two homes burn out from
I’
under me, and I had to start over."
Hattie has always spoken her mind. Her
eyes are kind, her face wrinkles in merri
ment as she jokes about her age. “ tell
I
’ I’ going to be like Methusela. I’ live
em m
d
that long if I could. But when the Lord
gets ready for me, I’ go.”
ll
Hattie is far from lonely. Some family
lives nearby, and a daughter, Frances
Olsen, recently m oved in with her to help
out. “
She tells us she’ outlive us,”
ll
Frances said.
“ ll still take her axe and go out to
She’
chop kindling if I don’ watch her.”
t
“
Yes, I do,”Hattie added, with a touch
of pride. She said her health has been good
(Continued on page 8
)
Hattie Gordius, age 91, at home in Bass Harbor.
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance July 1982
Supt. DiCenso won't comment
editorials
Indian Education
ow es City $42f000
A question
Dear Indian Island School Board and Wabanaki Corporation:
We would like to know why the following advertisements were not
placed in Maine’ only Indian newspaper, seeing as you would be
s
interested in hiring Indian people.
uDility TO o.
.ng.
nead
Mrs
- care
:neral
.. Pre
>. Ref
er Box
M ac.
l
■
plus
Jticai
i and
BO*
--gm
and
- gP .
Turing sy stem s, at.,
knowledge helpful. C k \.
ROPE, PO Box 3 5 Warren. Mt
X,
0 8 4 EOE.
46.
TEACHING POSITIONS - Ap
plications are being accepted at
Indian Island School for the posi
tion of teacher in grades 3, *. t.
early childhood. A pplicants
should have classroom teaching
experience and should send re
sumes. transcripts, and letters of
reference immediately to.
Principal
Indian Island School
Box 5 6
6
Old Town, Maine 0 4 8
46
Telephone 8 7 2 5
2 -4 8
TELEVISION ENGINEER immediate opening as assists*
j0 tne cl,:'' ~ “ v
arc
h
Op
ACCC
Service s.
business o
eluding prt
turns. Call.
800-323-9C
BusinesBAKr
pi'
V r u
.light. Bar HatRoad, Brewe,. Call 989-5 9 .
15
WANTED — Alcoholism Coun
selor. An individual to serve Na
five Americans and others in the
Southern Maine area (York.
Cumberland. OxTord, Androscog
gm, Sagadahoc, and Lincolr
Counties) with emphasis on the
greater Portland Metropolitar
area. Native American back
ground and Maine State Regis
tration will be considered sfronc
application assets. Salary plus
m ileage reimbursement, in
teresfed person should submit e
resume to: Stephen Francis} Ex
ecutive Oirector, Wabanaki Cor
porafion. One Kenduskeag Plaza
Room 0 0 Bangor, Maine 0 4 1
2.
40
WANTED E X P E R T CED part time cashier
-tv
ar
Sincerely,
Wabanaki Alliance
A vacancy
Indian Island school board member Michael Ranco resigned from
that position the first week in February.
That is five months ago. We wonder why his position has not been
filled. There has been no election, nor is one scheduled, to our
knowledge.
Is something sinister going on, or is this a case of neglect? We see
no reason why an elective position should remain vacant for this
length of time. The school board chairman and other tribal officials
must take responsibility for this regrettable situation.
Wabanaki Alliance wishes to express its tremendous gratitude to
The Onaway Trust of West Yorkshire, England, for a grant of
$ 10,000.
Vol. 6, No. 7
July 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Tim es Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Education. “ s W ashington’ problem,”
It’
s
Grady said.
At this point, Grady assured the
Alliance, Indian parents need not fear that
their children will not have a place next
fall in Old Town schools. Old Town has
grown to depend on the roughly $65,000
tuition contribution to the school budget
by Maine Indian Education.
In a related matter, Elliott Mitchell,
business manager for Maine Indian Edu
cation, w rote a memo to "suppliers”
stating, “ e w ere prom ised an early
W
decision by the U.S. Office of Education,
and it was not received. W e still have a
sizeable amount due us for fiscal year
ended Septem ber 30, 1981 but cannot
determine whether funds will com e from
the Federal or State Government. This
causes a serious cash flow problem.
“
We do appreciate your patience, and
we assure you w e are doing everything
possible to resolve this problem and get
current on all our accounts.”
Penobscot listed
in resource book
By Brenda Polchies
NORWICH, Conn. — R ose Mason
Scribner has been chosen to be listed in
the “
Resource Book on Minority Women."
She is one o f 500 working minority
women who are in public service, from
different backgrounds across the country,
who was selected. The publication is from
Fiske University in Nashville, Tenn.
Scribner is mentioned in Ohoyo Women,
an Indian wom en’publication.
s
Scribner, who is attending a community
college, has been involved in Indian affairs
for som e years.
Scribner is originally from Indian
Island, and she ran for lieutenant gover
nor o f the Penobscot Nation in the fall of
1981.
PENOBSCOT NATION
DEPARTM ENT OF EMPLOYMENT
TRAINING AND YOUTH PROJECTS
A thank you
Wabanaki Alliance
OLD TOWN — The Maine Indian
Education department owes this city
$42,000 for tuition of Penobscot students,
and payment is overdue.
Maine Indian Education Supt. Edward
DiCenso, who maintains an office in
Calais, has repeatedly ignored requests
that he return phone calls to Wabanaki
Alliance. At press time, he had made no
public comment on the money owed Old
Town, or similar monies owed Eastport
and Calais, where Passamaquoddy stu
dents attend high schools.
The problem appears to originate with
the federal government, which a few
years ago took over funding of Indian
education as part of newly-won federal
status of Maine Indians. Previously, the
state paid the bills.
Now, with money overdue, the state has
agreed to help Old Town, Eastport and
Calais by dipping into state coffers to pay
some bills on a temporary basis.
In Old Town, city officials discussed the
possibility of suing the Indian Island
school board for non-payment on junior
high and high school tuitions, covering
40-50 Penobscot students in the Old Town
school system.
But Old Town Supt. John Grady has
tried to de-fuse the situation. “ m not
I’
terribly concerned about it," he told this
newspaper. “ e’ handling it as an
W re
account receivable.”
Grady said the state has made several
payments on the Indians’
behalf, and that
U.S. Senator George Mitchell’ office
s
“
keeps telling m e everything is fine."
Other mem bers of the Maine Congres
sional delegation have not responded to
Grady’appeal for help, he said.
s
The lateness in federal payments seem s
to be tied to confusion in Public Law 874,
under which education of military de
pendents has been moved to the Defense
Department, and Indian education re
mains under the U.S. Department of
Phone 827-6219
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: $10 per year [12 issues]; $15 Canada and overseas; $15 for institutions
[schools, government, business, etc.]
Information on Adult Vocational
Training
[Financial] Assistance
1. Applicant must com e into the
D.E.D. Office and establish/update
their tribal files. Applicant will then
apply for financial assistance and at
that time he/she can be administered
the Strong-Campbell Interest Inven
tory (voluntary). This reinforces the
student's area of interest. Applicant
must apply well in advance. Ail A.V.T.
meetings will be held on the second
Thursday of each month (unless of a
change in agenda). Deadline for appli
cations is July 8,1982 for the fall term.
Any application received after that
date will be treated as late and only
considered if funds are available.
can be obtained at the D.E.D. Office,
Indian Island School or by writing to
Maine Indian Scholarship at Box 412River Road, Calais, Maine 04619, at
tention to Jeanne Guisinger. Financial
Aid forms can also be obtained at these
locations.
3. Out-of-state travel to schools are
limited.- If they are awarded, they are
limited to one round trip. Any intersem ester trips will b e at the expense of
the student. The A.V.T. Committee
reserves the right to limit such trips
dur to budgetary constraints.
4. Student m ust maintain a C
average (2.0) and remain in good
standing with the school. Class attend
ance is mandatory and repeated
absences will not be tolerated. Stu
dents can b e put on probation until the
following sem ester which would tem p
orarily or com pletely halt the stipend
monies he/she may be receiving. Rein
statement of such funds is strictly upon
review by the A.V.T. Committee.
5. All applications must be presented
to the A.V.T. Committee. There will be
no exceptions. Applicant may attend
these m eetings on their behalf, how
ever, it is not mandatory.
2. All applicants must apply for a Pell
Grant (BEOG). You must specify on
your application if it is a two or four
year degree granting program. If it is a
tw o or four year degTee granting pro
gram, applicant must then apply to
Maine Indian Scholarship in Calais,
Maine. W e cannot intermingle funds
between Maine Indian Scholarship and
A.V.T. programs. Remember, A.V.T.
only handles certificate granting pro
gram s on the vocational level. Appli
cations for Maine Indian Scholarship
Applicants m ust be enrolled
Penobscot tribal members.
LOG CABIN BUILDING
INDIAN ISLAND
Tel.: [207] 827-6366/Ext. 232
�Page 3
Wabanaki Alliance July 1982
letters
Indians write
from clinic
W est Germany
To the editor:
On May 4 of this year I had the
pleasure of traveling to W est Germany
at the invitation of The Good Templars,
in regard to alcoholism treatment
where it pertained to Indian people of
the State of Maine.
You may recall that Mr. Wolfgang
Ritter, a second world war prisoner,
came back to visit Princeton; upon
learning he had a son by a Passamaquoddy lady, he immediately became
interested in the problems of the
Indians of Maine.
Being a recovering alcoholic, I follow
ed the developments very close, and
when I was asked if I’ be interested in
d
joining the treatment program in W est
Germany, of course I said yes.
Since I’ been here at the Good
ve
Templars, I have experienced the most
caring people I have ever met. The
German Good Templars are no doubt,
(as I see it) the answer to positive
treatment for the Indian people that
have alcohol problems, which is the
number one killer of my people today.
The program is six months long, the
first eight w eeks of which is solely for
the purpose of detoxification, which I
believe to be the right time to make the
transition into serious work of this
dreadful problem that faces my Indian
people today.
It may be noted at this point that all
expenses are being paid by the German
Good Templars and Mr. Ritter; our
appreciation for this cannot be put into
words, we can only learn and grow and
to help other Indian alcholoics when we
complete our treatment in November
of this year.
It is most gratifying that we four are
the first to take part in this most
innovative alcohol treatment program.
They have a success rate of 85 percent
which speaks for itself.
So at this time we wish all the people
of Maine good greetings, and thanks
for letting us use this format for this
most important task that the German
Good Templars have taken in the
interest of the problem s of Indian
people.
Maynard P. Stanley, Sr.
Howard Stevens
Eugene Francis
Elwin Sapiel
Unable to afford it
Waterville
To the editor:
I am very sorry, but I must ask you to
discontinue sending m e the Wabanaki
Alliance. I have found it interesting and
informative reading but I am unable fin
ancially to keep up my subscription. Con
tinue your own fine efforts to be an effec
tive means of communication and informa
tion for the Indian people of Maine and so
many others. God bless you. Thanks for
helping me to becom e m ore open.
Sister Gladys Morrell
Sisters subscribe
Peter Dana Point
To the editor:
Enclosed you will find a check in the
amount of $5.00 for a one year sub
scription to the “
Wabanaki Alliance."
Please send the subscription to the
above address.
Thank you.
Sister Elizabeth
A warm word
from England
W est Yorkshire, England
To the editor:
Many thanks indeed for your letter
of thanks to Onaway for the donation to
Wabanaki Alliance. I am pleased that
the money reached you safely. Thank
you, too, for the wonderful surprise in
the shape of the lovely book “
Maine
Dirigo”which I note from the invoice
has been sent to us from Wabanaki
Alliance. It is a beautiful book with
first class pictures and will make a
grand addition to our reference library
as well as helping us to know m ore of
the people in your area. It was a lovely
gesture and much appreciated by all of
us here.
We w ere all further thrilled at
receiving a very kind letter from
Timothy R. Love, the Governor of the
Penobscot Nation, expressing the per
sonal thanks of the Nation for the help
Onaway has given to Wabanaki Alli
ance.
Thank you for keeping a lookout for
any books on Wabanaki language. Here
I must insist that you bill the Trust for
any such books otherwise I shall feel
guilty accepting them. I know that you
need all the m oney you can get to keep
the newspaper going and the Trust has
budgeted to cover the cost of books for
our library.
From everyone here, all good wishes
for a successful year to everyone con
cerned at Wabanaki Alliance.
John Morris
Founder
Two Penobscots use
IHS scholarships
Maine Indians at clinic.
INDIAN ISLAND — Two Penobscot
students are among 22 other eastern
Indians receiving scholarship aid from the
U.S. Indian Health Service (IHS). They
are Neana Neptune, attending Eastern
Maine Vocational Technical Institute, and
Natalie Mitchell, attending the University
of Maine at Orono. The remainder of
scholarship recipients were identified as
Lumbee Indians.
THE BIKER & FR IEN DS - Roger Newell, 11, oi Pleasant Point, sits astride his new
Honda trail/dirt bike, with Elizabeth Farrell, 10, left, and Alberta Sockabasin, 15.
Penobscot elder claims
clinic ignores her needs
Scarborough
To the editor:
This letter is to voice my extrem e
displeasure in the way the off-reserva
tion Indians of the Penobscot Nation
are treated at the Penobscot Indian
health clinic.
W e received flyers in our mailboxes
telling us of their services, but, please
do not inconvenience them by asking
for a service or take for granted that
traveling all the way up there will get
that service, because you will be
refused, or be told there is no money
available.
I am a m em ber of the Penobscot
Nation and a senior citizen. I was led to
understand that senior citizens w ere to
be given special consideration in all
ways. I am in need of medications for
two incurable diseases, which are too
expensive for me to have filled, as I live
on limited funds; I have tried for seven
months to get this problem taken care
of, and have been given the biggest
run-around by the clinic; told to send
my prescriptions up there only to have
them returned, with a sad tale of woe;
no drugstore around here will accept
credit on the clinic’behalf because the
s
bills won’ ge t paid. What is an offt
reservation tribal m em ber to do in this
situation? If not our own people, who
prom ised us so much in the beginning?
Who may I ask?
I am very disappointed in our health
care facilities, and their very limited
services. I do not like being told to
move back to the tribal land, so I would
be cared for with no problem. Since
when did we com e under such a dicta
torship? I am just as much a Penobscot
Indian off-reservation, as on. Ask those
who use our census numbers to get
those programs for the reservation
people, which we can’have.
t
I still contend that off-reservation
people should be given help and
consideration ju st like the on-reserva
tion ones. W e count too.
H. M. Gray
Retired judge to .head Indian panel
AUGUSTA — Retired Maine supreme
court judge Charles Pomeroy, 76, has
been chosen to head the Indian tribal-state
commission, created to oversee fishing
regulations and other matters on Indianheld lands.
The commission chairman, who serves a
four-year term, must be a retired judge
living in Maine.
Pomeroy, who was appointed to the
state supreme court by former Gov.
Kenneth Curtis in 1969, retired in 1980.
He was a Superior Court ju dge for 15
years, having been appointed in 1954 by
former Gov. Edmund Muskie, who later
became the nation’secretary of state.
s
The Tribal-State Commission is com
posed of four people appointed by the
governor, two appointed by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and two by the Penobscot
Nation.
Pom eroy lives in North Windham.
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance July 1982
Francis-Gelimas
nuptials set
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Delora Ann
Francis, formerly of Mars Hill (Maine) will
become the bride of Gerry Gelimas, July
10, in this city.
Delora Ann is the daughter of Irene
Augustine and the late Joseph Leo
Francis of Mars Hill. Irene is on the staff
of Central Maine Indian Association of
Orono, and plans to attend the wedding.
Delora is employed in Fairbanks as a
teacher's aide.
Long walk to Hopi/
Navajo lands planned
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A long walk,
expected to take three months, was to
depart this city last month, en route to
“
sacred lands" of the Navajo and Hopi
Indians.
Spokesman Dona Peters of Trenton,
N.J., said the walk will wind up at Big
Mv.... ui, Arizona, where Peters claims
8.000 Navajo and 100 Hopi are resisting
forced relocation by the federal govern
ment. The government has been attempt
ing to resolve a century of conflict
between the Navajo and Hopi, but Peters
claims the real motive for relocation is
uranium mining.
Summer camp
seeks campers
ORONO — Another summer is here,
and the Maine Indian Camp at Mud
Lake in Sinclair, will be operating this
year from July 5 through August 13.
There will be two sessions, July 5
through .16, for ages 8-11, and July 26
through August 13, for ages 12-15.
Summer camp can help children learn
new skills, m eet new friends, and
develop self-confidence. Some of the
camp activities are arts and crafts,
swimming, soccer, hiking, canoeing,
basketry, baseball, basketball, Porcu
pine quilling, Indian medicines, canoe
building, Indian dancing, field trips,
camping, and more.
The summer camp is sponsored by
the Quebec Labrador Foundation of
Ipswich, Mass. There is a fee for the
first session and a fee for the second
session. If you are interested in going
to camp, contact Sally Mitchell, at
Central Maine Indian Association,
Orono, for applications.
Many children would like to go to
Maine Indian Camp, but cannot afford
the required fee. If anyone would like
to contribute to a child’camp tutition,
s
he or she should contact Sally Mitchell
at C.M.I.A., 95 Main Street, Orono,
Maine, (207) 866-5587.
Sum m er sch o o l slated
for pre-engineers
ORONO — The Dylan A. Thomas
memorial preface program at Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute is offering a two
week, expenses-paid program for aca
demically talented high school minority
and women students to explore engineer
ing jobs.
The program is limited to 28 minority
students in grades 10 and 11, in secondary
school. Students should have successfully
completed courses in mathematics and
science in each of their secondary school
years. Participants will be selected on the
basis of academic promise. Transportation
to and from Rensselaer, will be paid by the
program.
If interested, please contact Rene
McDougall, VISTA Indian youth worker,
at Central Maine Indian Association,
Orono.
Choctaws go with
greeting card firm
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw In
dians recently concluded a $2.6 million
financing arrangement for a new industry
to be located on the reservation.
Tribal chief Phillip Martin described the
arrangement as “
historic,”
since it was the
first instance of state industrial bonds
being used to finance industry on an
American Indian reservation.
Martin, expressing appreciation for the
cooperation of state and local officials, said
the tribe utilized state industrial bonds
issued by the City of Philadelphia,
Mississippi, to finance the construction of
a 120,000 square foot building being leased
to American Greetings Corporation.
The building will be owned by the city
during the life of the bond issue. Rental
payments from the greeting card company
will retire the bonds and the building will
then revert to tribal ownership. A joint
business venture between the American
Greetings Corporation and a tribal busi
ness entity, Choctaw Greetings Enter
prise, will form the basis for the hiring of
employees and operation by the tribal
enterprise under management of Ameri
can Greetings.
The tribe anticipates full employment of
about 350, most of them Choctaw, at the
new business.
Pleasant Point team
takes bowling honors
PLEASANT POINT - A Passamaquoddy bowling team called Soul Brothers
em erged on top in a contest between
seven Indian teams, each consisting of 5-6
members.
A banquet took place May 30, in Calais,
according to Clayton Cleaves, a Soul
Brother. Other Brothers are Francis (Red)
Sapiel, John Nicholas, Jack Nicholas and
Gene Wayne Francis. The Winchesters
took second place.
There w ere tw o teams from Pleasant
Point, and five teams from Indian Town
ship reservation, for a total of 40 persons
who participated consistently.
Cleaves said the basic purpose of the
bowling league was to “
unite with each
other” good, clean fun.
in
Paper raises
annual rates
ORONO — Subscription rates to
Wabanaki Alliance have been increas
ed, and the new schedule is effective
immediately.
The new rates are $10 per year for
individuals, and $15 annually for insti
tutions, such as schools, libraries and
businesses. Subscriptions outside the
U.S. will also cost $15 per year.
These increases are brought on by
rising production costs at the news
paper, and cutbacks in charitable fin
ancial support.
I_____________________________________ -
SANDRA W ATSON of Bangor, a regular bingo player at Indian Island, recently won a
1982 Pontiact T-1000 sedan. It was a door prize at the Sunday evening game. Handing
her the keys and a check for the sales tax are, left to right, Howard Wilson, Irving
Ranco, Miles Francis, and Joe Francis, all bingo com mittee members. Watson has never
driven in her life, but plans to learn. The car is valued at $7,200. Another auto will be
given away in the future. [Diane Wilson photo]
No probe after gambling charge
BANGOR — In early 1980, Assistant
U.S. Attorney William Browder an
nounced his office would investigate
charges the Penobscot tribe was involved
in illegal gambling activities a f Indian
Island.
Browder at the time had jurisdiction
over reservation land as a result of the
1979 Sockabasin-Dana “
test case” which
in
the Maine supreme court ruled the federal
government had jurisdiction on Maine’
s
Indian territory.
But the Maine Indian land claims settle
ment ended the federal jurisdiction, and
Browder’ investigation was apparently
s
dropped. Wabanaki Alliance was attempt
ing to reach Browder for comment at
press time.
The Browder action followed a visit to
Indian Island by temperance clergyman,
Rev. Benjamin C. Bubar, who came at the
invitation of Francis C. Nicolar, a Penob
scot. Bubar was called “ jerk”by tribal
a
officials when he toured the game room
and slot machines.
Nicolar and Bubar alleged the tribe was
operating the largest bingo game between
Massachusetts and New Brunswick, and
that the operation was illegal.
Later that year, according to the
Bangor Daily News, Bubar complained
that “
the state said they will ‘
study the
BIA to slash $16 million
WASHINGTON - Assistant Secretary
of the U.S. Interior Department for Indian
Affairs Ken Smith has announced a re
organization of the BIA’ administrative
s
structure that will create a $16 million
annual saving and “ ove the Indian
m
agency a long way toward its goal of
making as much of its budget as possible
available for funding of programs at the
reservation level.”
W INDIAN CRAFT 4
jM k-
SU PPLIES
e d g e ^48 Page
•™c Catalog
Petit sings at
T » world * larg«*i
1b
Indian Craft* Catalog.
Mors than 4.000 itami
to chooss from I
Trade Beads, Tin Cones.
Brass Beads, Moire Taffata
Ribbon, Ermine Skins,
Bone Elk Teeth, Shawl
Fringe and Yam
high school
INDIAN TOW NSHIP — Regina Petit, a
Passamaquoddy singer who accompanies
herself on guitar, sang af a Cabin Fever
Festival at Calais High School. She will
perform again in Calais, Aug. 7-8. Petit
has written som e of her own material.
AmERO’ SPORT SHOP
S
GUNS & ACCESSORIES
FISHING EQUIPMENT
BLACK POWDER & SUPPLIES
Hours — Mon., Tues., Wed.. Thurs., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bennoch Road
Old Town, Maine 04468
situation' and the federal government
says that it will ‘
study the situation,’
but
their reaction is an excuse to do nothing.
Some of the Indians envision their reser
vation as becoming the Las Vegas of
Maine.”
But bingo committee president Miles
Francis of Indian Island replied at the
time, “
The State of Maine has no juris
diction here and the federal government
sees the gam es as being no different than
they are in other states.
“ s our sovereign right.”
It’
207-827-7032
Ask for A1 or Dave
Foi free cataloj
.m e Dept. ■,
.
£R£Y OWL |
113-15 Springfield Blvd.
Queens Village, N.Y. 11429
NOTICE OF DEADLIN E FOR
COPY, ADVERTISING
Wabanaki Alliance announces that
all advertising and editorial copy
should be submitted to the newspaper
offices by the 15th day of the month
preceding the issue in which you wish
your copy to appear. For example,
June 15 is the deadline for the July
issue of Wabanaki Alliance. Mail all
copy to Wabanaki Alliance, 95 Main
St., Orono, ME 04473.
�Page 5
Wabanaki Alliance July 1982
Sheriff takes on
Seminole bingo
HOLLYWOOD. Florida - It’ County
s
Sheriff Robert Butterworth versus the
Seminole Indian tribe here, in a con
troversy over the legality of the Indians’
giant bingo games held on their Ever
glades reservation.
Butterworth said the seven-day-perweek, S60.000 Seminole bingo games
violate state law that sets jackpots at $100
or less, and limits games to twice weekly.
Tribal lawyer Stephen Whilden says the
Seminoles have unique, federal status as a
sovereign nation. He says they are at least
partially exempt from Florida gambling
laws.
Butterworth argues that mostly nonIndians attend the recently built 1,2 0
0seat bingo hall, and Seminole Manage
ment Associates, a non-Indian firm, gets
close to 40 percent of the take.
"Generating money is the name of the
game," said tribal chairman James E.
Billie.
"The real issue is a whole lot of people
are making a lot of money on bingo and it’
s
not the Indians," the sheriff said.
“
You have non-Indians operating a
bingo parlor on Indian land in violation of
state law and giving Indians a portion of
the profits. What you have basically is
unregulated gambling.”
An uneasy truce has been called with
the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
considers the arguments. Broward County
is appealing a federal ju dge’ruling made
s
when Butterworth first moved against
Seminole Bingo before it opened in
December 1979.
In that decision, U.S. District Judge
Norman Roettger in Fort Lauderdale
ruled in favor of the tribe, issuing an
injunction forbidding Butterworth to in
terfere with the bingo hall.
Roettger said his decision was “ close
a
one" because of the sovereign rights
question. He noted a case in Washington
state, where Indians were convicted of
violating a state law by selling fireworks,
even though they were on tribal land. The
federal courts classified the law pro
hibiting fireworks as criminal, not civil,
and said it was intended to “
promote the
safety and health of all citizens."
Because Florida permits some bingo
playing, Roettger said, it “
has acknow
ledged the benefits of bingo and has
chosen to regulate, not prohibit."
Meanwhile. Seminole Bingo is booming.
The games draw busloads of Floridians,
it's a tour stop for groups from the North
and Gold Coast condominiums often re
serve tables for residents.
Counselor begins
duties at Township
INDIAN ISLAND - Rick Kelley, 30, a
Boston native, says he likes his job as
reservation elementary school guidance
counselor here. He was hired last August.
Kelley, who holds a masters degree in
counseling from University of Massa
chusetts at Amherst, has worked five
years as a vocational counselor with com
munity programs. He worked on an Indian
study at Amherst called “
Unlearning
Indian Stereotypes." He is certified to
counsel K-12th grade.
Kelley works with a Passamaquoddy
counselor, Sam Dana. “
We work well
together,”
Kelley noted. He added, “ feel
I
I’ accomplished a lot this year, but I’
ve
m
still feeling my way around. I think we
have a very good school board now, and if
that can stay in place, w e’ have some
ll
continuity.”
Kelley said the majority of students are
interested in careers in education.
Kelley is single and lives in Princeton.
Each night hundreds of people pay $15
to S25 to play as many as two dozen cards
at a time, hoping to be the first to cover
five numbers in a row.
Understandably, the people who come
to play bingo oppose Butterworth’ ef
s
forts.
“ think it stinks," said Dorothy Sena. “
I
I
think the Indians are entitled. They’
ve
been done out of so much, they deserve a
break."
“
Why do they bother the poor Indians?”
demanded a woman from Venice, Fla.,
who wouldn't give her name. “ least
At
they’ not on welfare — they're out
re
trying to make a living."
The Seminoles get 55 percent of the
profits. For the fiscal year just started,
they expect that to be $1,263,500.
The money goes into a $5.7 million
operating fund that next year will pay for
two new gymnasiums and fund dozens of
programs on four Florida reservations —
employment, social services, hot meals for
senior citizens, a tribal newspaper and
police force and financial help for needy
Seminoles. In the early 1970s, says Billie,
the fund was only $600,000.
Billie defends the involvement of the
management company by explaining that
the Indians couldn't have started the
operation without expert help. He said
that when the tribe had little money and
no credit rating, Seminole Management
was willing to take the risk, helping build
the $900,000 hall on the Indians' un
developed land.
“ s a lot more than beads for Man
It’
hattan — we've got bucks in our pockets.
“
Why should the Indian live the way he
used to live . . . this is a modern world.
Why can’he live in it?”
t
"People can allege any way they want
to. Sheriff Butterworth never once came
to our door to give me any million-dollar
proposals,”
Billie said.
Overview of a typical Sunday bingo game at Indian Island Community Building.
•• •• •%
•• ••
to fax mining
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme
Court has ruled the Jicarilla Apache tribe
of New Mexico has the “
inherent power”
to impose a tax on mining taking place on
tribal lands.
The high court said “ power to tax is
the
an essential attribute of Indian sov
ereignty because it is a necessary in
strument of self-government and terri
torial management."
The recent ruling also said, "this power
enables a tribal government to receive
revenues for its essential services." The
court pointed out that companies doing
business on the reservation benefit from
public services, police protection and a
“
civilized society.”
Skitikuk ^
•• ••
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in Washington County
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LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE, 95 MAIN STREET. ORONO. MAINE 04473
WABANAKI ALLIANCE SUBSCRIPTION FORM
(Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance) y ENCLOSE-
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�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance July 1982
Micmacs begin journey for new status
(Continued from page 1
)
organization. The reason Micmacs w ere
left out of Land Claims was not only that
their aboriginal territory was in Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick, but that they
were not organized.”To this question of
whether Micmacs had aboriginal claims in
the U.S., there is debate. Scholars have
not reached agreement on the exact
nature of the early whereabouts of the
various northeastern Algonquian tribes,
including the Micmac. Clearly, intrusion
by white invaders in Indian country
severely upset tribal boundaries and
caused enormous population movements.
There is considerable evidence that Mic
macs have made their homes in Maine and
other parts of New England throughout
recorded history. The question, then,
becomes, what point in time do you take
as a reference for determining the
“
aboriginal”
territories of a tribe?
In contrast to the currently m ore geo
graphically confined northeastern tribes,
such as the Maliseet, Penobscot and
Passamaquoddy, Micmacs live widely
dispersed through the Maritimes and New
England. While some 9,000 Micmacs
reside in Canada, between 4,000-5,000 live
within the U.S., and comprise one the
biggest tribal groups of the northeastern
region. Micmacs were and still are a
migratory people. Seasonal movements
have always been a necessity for their
survival. For centuries these Native
Americans have wandered in search of the
best place to make a living at a particular
point in time — from the pre-Europeancontact days when they w ere independent
tribal people hunting and gathering for
subsistance, through the days when
dominant white society began to devise
roles for them — first as trappers and
fishers, then as artisans, later as farm
laborers and recently as cheap unskilled
urban proletarians. The Canadian-U.S.
borderline has never had much to do with
these people and their way of life. Like
indigenous migratory people in other
parts of the world, Micmacs w ere victims
of newcomers, colonizers, who took over
the wide-open aboriginal “
Dawnland” of
the northeastern Algonquians and drew
irrelevant boundaries right through hunt
ing territories and seasonal m igratory
routes. Micmacs, who have no reserva
tions in the U.S., continue to be “ the
on
road,”but their system ic wandering for
survival has caused them to cross paths
with one another at frequent intervals
throughout history. It has created a kind
of “
network community,” which people
in
share a common lot and language despite
the miles between them. But in the past
dozen years, while other North American
Indian tribes were increasing their politi
cal activism and self determination, the
geographic scattering of the Micmac
thwarted the formation of a unified
Micmac front in the U.S. The recent
Micmac Issues meetings are breaking
through the hindrances of distance, and
working toward a coordinated collabora
tion among Indian organizations having
Micmac constituencies.
At the Boston conference, attorney
Tureen sketched several potential legal
strategies for a unified Micmac R ecog
nition effort. Nudging at his pale-framed
eyeglasses, he dismissed the often talked
about adoption of Micmacs into the
recetnly Recognized Houlton Band of
Maliseets (“ is the Houlton Band of
It
Maliseets, and it would be tough to get the
Department of the Interior to permit
adoption of Micmacs into that Band.”, and
)
suggested three other avenues:
•Filing a Federal Acknowledgement
Project (FAP) Petition: In 1972, Tureen
filed a lawsuit for the Passamaquoddy
who weren’ then Recognized. At that
t
time there was no way for tribes without
historical treaty relationships with the
U.S. government to gain services. “
The
case established that the government
It was an important day. And as that
as to press federal services and resources
cannot arbitrarily ignore Indians just
for Micmacs beyond the informal realm of day wore on, the excitement somehow
because they always have," quipped
charity to that of established right, federal held on. By mid-afternoon, styrofoam
Tureen. “ a group of people are a tribe,
If
Recognition is necessary. For only through coffee cups w ere scattered atop the tables
and can prove it, the government •
now
Recognition can there be a formal and and sticky donut boxes had stopped
must treat them as a tribe and serve them
guaranteed “
government to government” flapping open and shut. The enthusiasm
as they do other Recognized tribes.”The
relationship between the United States lasted long enough for a planning work
government put out a set of regulations
shop, in which Micmacs spent two hours
and the Micmac people.
for determining if a group was a tribe or
More than a paper war is needed to gain pooling information, desires and ques
not, and based on these criteria, groups
can file for Federal Acknowledgement Recognition. Beyond legal strategizing tions, and signing up for several R ecog
(Recognition). Apparently it will be diffi there has got to be a hearty does of self nition support committees, including an
cult for Micmacs to m eet the particular
recognition and unified community action. ad-hoc U.S. Micmac Council. The group
FAP standard of clear tribal authority,
Said Tureen, “ can’ stress enough how agreed that for now the newly formed
I
t
due to the dispersed nature of their
important unity of purpose is. You all have Council would serve as the coordination
population in the U.S., which has created a to be together.”
Being together, broaden center for Micmac Research in the United
rather autonomous network community in
ing the base of grass roots interest and States, and would act as mediator among
which there is no clear tribal authority
involvement in Micmac Recognition, is New England Indian organizations with
over the actions of individuals.
what the Issues Meetings are all about. Micmac constituencies. In July, 1982, at
•
Working the Political Route: Lobbyin
Prior to the first two Issues Meetings, the Micmac Issues M eeting III (which will
Micmacs in Aroostook County, acting on be held at Indian Island), the Micmac
the Senate Select Committee for Indian
Affairs (now headed by Maine Senator,
the IRA strategy, had already mobilized general assembly will elect its Board of
Bill Cohen) is another potential avenue.
popular participation for Recognition Representatives, creating a formal U.S.
According to Tureen, “ Micmacs are
If
among the Micmacs in its region. With the Micmac Council.
And so began the journey.
well-organized, if they can pull together
help of an Institute of Cultural Affairs
legal arguments such as their Indian blood
(ICA) community development specialist,
quantum data, the Committee might be Tim Crane, who was contracted by AAI,
able to push for a clarifying settlement act the first Micmac Recognition committee
to show that the Micmacs, who w ere left
was formed in Presque Isle last August.
out of the Land Claims, are at least
Between then and the April Issues
eligible to claim Recognition and some
Meeting, nine additional local committees
were established in the various Micmac
service programs.”
•The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) population pockets throughout Aroostook.
of 1934 seem s to offer the more promising In October 1981, the Presque Isle Com
approach, said Tureen. The Act, which mittee began publishing a monthly news
Tureen called “ centerpiece of Roose letter, “
the
The Journal of Maine Micmac
velt’New Deal for Indians,”states three Unity,”edited by Micmac Marline Morey
s
definitions of “
Indians” "all persons of and financed by AAI. That same month,
:
Indian descent who are members of any Ms. Morey, with funds provided by Legal
recognized Indian tribe now under federal Services and channeled through Pine Tree
jurisdiction; all persons who are descen- Legal Assistance and AAI, began doing
dents of.such members who were, on June blood quantum research to determine the
1, 1934, residing within the present degree of “
Indianness”of Micmacs in her
boundaries of any Indian reservation; all county. Then AAI contracted two anthro
other persons one-half or more Indian pologists to research and write a Micmac
blood.” is the last definition which might Recognition R esource Manual (more fond
It
Redbook”,
)
have relevance for the Micmacs in the ly and briefly known as the “
United States. Among the benefits of the intended as guidebook for those partici
IRA is the right for Native Americans to pating in the Recognition effort. The
gain individual Federal Recognition by 120-page manual, which was presented at
proving (through birth certificates and the April m eeting focuses on and de
other genealogical records) that he/she is scribes the “
four pillars" of Recognition:
MICMAC TRUCKER - Dick Fraser, al
at least a “
half blood”Indian. Filing for
•Ethno-historical Research and Docu ready a veteran long-hauler, poses with
individual Recognition results in certain mentation: research on the socio-econo- his girlfriend. A Millinocket native, he has
minimal rights for a Micmac (such as mic/cultural-historical and demographic a sister, Bridget W oodward of Bangor,
employment preference within the BIA, situation of the Micmac community, past who is associated with Central Maine
scholarships, perhaps housing assistance, and present — to provide legal and Indian Association.
and the possibility of gaining direct social community development workers with
services through a Recognized tribal strategy planning tools.
•
Legal Research and Action: discussing
organization, such as the Houlton Band of
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Maliseets or the Penobscot Nation). In the how-to’ of gaining legal assistance;
s
dividual Recognition appears to be the mapping out and implementing the plaus
first step toward gaining tribal R ecog ible legal strategies.
nition for the collectivity of Micmacs
• Genealogical Research: the manual
through the IRA — for the Act gives a
s
s
community of individually Recognized touches on the how-to’ of verifying one’
“ blood”
half
Native Americans the right to Indian blood percentage — providing
samples of genealogical charts and other
petition the Secretary of the United
s
States Department of Interior to establish documents needed to establish one’
a“
reservation.”It is questionable wheth Indian blood quantum.
Would you like to be trained as a ...
• Grass R oots Community D evelop
er a highly independent and migratory
Bookkeeper
U.S. Micmac “
community” would ever ment: stressing the importance of popular
Secretary/Stenographer
wish to live within the confines of a U.S. participation, offering examples of how to
Clerk Typist
get it going, discussing how to generate
reserve. However, there are several
Nursing Assistant
levels of Recognition, not all leading well-timed publicity and maintain the
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
toward life on a reservation: from tribal essential cross-flow of information. In
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
land claims, to establishing a reserve short: how to keep many hands in the pot
training programs which may be of
community under local tribal authority, to without spoiling the stew.
interest to you.
The “
Redbook”
also contains a Resource
tribal Recognition resulting in certain
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
rights and privileges for a group of people Section, which lists names/addresses/
provides all trainees with a place to
phones of resource individuals and organi
headed by a tribal council, to individual
live, meals, health care and a cash
zations, and cites relevant books, films
Recognition based solely on one’ bloods
monthly stipend while you learn. And
quantum. “ oes Recognition mean I have and videos.
D
when you finish, we ll also help you
During the Issues meeting, it was
to give up my Canadian Indian status
find a job.
quickly evident how many individual and
card?" asked one Micmac who was born in
SOUND GOOD?
organizational resources were gathered in
Canada but has lived most of his life in the
IT IS GOOD.
U.S. “
No,” responded Tureen. “
For ex that BIC gymnasium. Representatives of
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
ample, you can be a member of the each of the Indian organizations stood
—in the Portland area—775-6313
spontaneously and gave unrehearsed talki
Houlton Band of Maliseets in Maine even
—in the Auburn area—786-4190
if a member of a Canadian band; but if about their particular Indian communities.
—in the Bangor area—945-9431
you’ receiving benefits from Canada, The words they uttered were honest,
re
—or toll free anywhere in Maine
touching, searching. “ ve spoken to all
I’
you’ not supposed to simultaneously get
re
at 1-800-432-7307
kinds of groups before,”said one Micmac
them from the U.S. As long as you don't
ASK FOR
duplicate services, you can keep your woman whose hands and vocie shook as
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
But s
membership on both sides of the border.” * she talked, “ it’ hard speaking to your
own people because it seem s so im
To establish the tribal sovereignty of
the Micmacs in the United States, as well portant.”
Try the
JOB CORPS
�Wabanaki Alliance July 1982
Page 7
Funding OK'd for
'Quoddy health center
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - A proposed
two-level health and social services build
ing here has received initial approval for
funding from federal authorities.
A spokesman for the Department of
Housing and Urban Development said the
Passamaquoddy Tribe's application —
turned down in previous years, had been
approved, although final approval follows
a review period that could take up to 75
days to complete.
Tribal health and social services Direc
tor Wayne A. Newell said he would
provide full details of the planned center
at a later date.
Richard Madison, a HUD official in
Chicago, said the Passamaquoddy clinic
construction co sts are bu dgeted at
$510,000; with $290,000 coming from
HUD, and $220,000 pledged by a Passa
maquoddy tribal resolution — money that
would presumably come from land claims
settlement income.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe was ap
parently fortunate to be approved for
funding, as HUD’ budget was recently
s
slashed by 33 percent under the Reagan
Administration, Madison said. “ et’ say
L s
it limits our capacity to fund good pro
jects,”he said. This year, HUD funded
half the number of Indian projects it
funded last year.
An official for the Indian Health
Service, the federal agency the funds
services for the tribe, said the Passama
quoddy project was “
just about a shoe-in
for funding.” But he said “
it's rather
exceptional”to start a new project this
year.
Health centers at Pleasant Point and
Indian Island reservations have been con
structed and in service for several years.
But at Indian Township, the programs
operate from two trailers and offices in a
public safety building.
The new building will be located on
Peter Dana Point Road, near the public
safety building. One side will be bordered
by a new lane to be called Wayne Newell
Drive. Architects for the project are
Webster, Baldwin, Day and Rohman of
Bangor.
J.H. Nicholas won't seek
reelection at Point
PLEASANT POINT — Passamaquoddy
tribal Gov. Joseph Hartley Nicholas has
decided he will not seek reelection.
The Governor told Wabanaki Alliance
that although “ would’ liked to do
he
ve
more,” believes he has “
he
accomplished a
lot”in two years. Nicholas won the top
tribal post in a close special election race
with Deanna Francis, who is expected to
seek the governorship in Sept. 30 elec
tions.
The election took place after Gov.
Robert Newell resigned half way through
his four-year-term. At the time, tribal
members were petitioning for his re-.
moval, but Newell denied he was pres
sured out of office.
Some reservation sources believe
Nicholas could not win if he ran for re-
election, but others maintain he has broadbased support. Deanna Francis and her
political ally, Ralph Dana, have consistent
ly opposed the Nicholas administration,
and Nicholas said he has often been frus
trated in attempting to rally tribal council
support.
Among the achivements Nicholas points
to, are establishment of a Digital com
puter company workshop employing sev
eral tribal members — with planned
expansion — and a favorable vote to
purchase the Eastport Water Company.
The waterworks is expected to create
several jobs for tribal members, Nicholas
said.
Nicholas is especially proud of his
successful efforts to pay off the T ribe’
s
many debts to a variety of creditors.
Law project fights for Indian rights
INDIAN ISLAND - “
There are still
organizations out there fighting for our
rights," says Penobscot, Dana Mitchell.
Mitchell has publicly opposed the 1980
Maine Indian land claims settlement act,
which he branded as unjust compromise
that is a blow to the Penobscot Nation’
s
sovereign rights.
Mitchell cited an organization headed
by Robert (Tim) Coulter in Washington,
D.C., as a group he supported. Coulter
testified against the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy settlement before the Senate
Select Committee on Indian Affairs, prior
to Congressional approval of the act.
Coulter also spoke at Indian Island, a
couple of years ago, to a group of
Penobscot tribal members who were
dissatisfied with the proposed settlement.
He heads the Indian Law Resource
Center, which periodically mails out
information on its activities. The Resource
Center co-sponsors Indian Law Project,
with the National Lawyers Guild.
Alcoholism meeting set
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - A North
American Indian Alcoholics Anonymous
•
conference is scheduled here, August
20-22, at Astor Hotel. The meeting is
sponsored by United Indians of Mil
waukee, Inc.
The Law Project, according to Coulter,
is committed “ the struggle of native
to
peoples for sovereignty, self-determina
tion and democratic rights.”
tion and democratic rights." Coulter said a
lot of his work involves analysis and
"reinterpretation” federal Indian law.
of
CRAZY HORSE Sculptor Korczak Ziolowski, 73, on the left, and Asst. U.S. Postmaster
General Eugene C. Hagburg with the new 13c Crazy Horse regular postage stamp
released Jan. 15th at Crazy Horse Memorial. It was sketched from Korczak’large scale
s
model for the Crazy Horse mountain carving now in progress.
Scholarship would honor
former tribal leaders
INDIAN ISLAND — A proposed Indian
student scholarship fund would be a
continuing memorial to four former Pen
obscot Nation tribal governors.
Lt. Gov. Joseph Francis said he wanted
to do something in memory of the late
Edwin Mitchell, Nicholas Sapiel, Wilfred
Pehrson and John Mitchell. “
They were all
good personal friends of mine; very dear
friends,”
Francis said.
In fact, the four governors had many
friends both within and outside the tribe.
Mitchell died of a heart attack; the others
died of cancer.
Francis said the planned “
Penobscot
Tribal Leadership Award” would be
presented annually to an outstanding
Indian graduating high school student. He
said $2,500 is already “
obligated”for the
proposed scholarship, and a bank account
will be set up for the fund.
Appointed officers of the scholarship
fund were Sadie Mitchell, widow of Edwin
Mitchell, and Deanna Labossiere, daught
er or Wilfred Pehrson. For further
information contact Mitchell at 827-2428,
or Labossiere, at 827-6346.
Vicaire paddles hard
MATT AW AMKE AG — Tom Vicaire,
Central Maine Indian Association direc
tor, and his brother, paddled the recent
Mattawamkeag River Run canoe race, and
placed sixth in their class, Tom said. The
canoe sustained some damage, but can be
repaired.
WHAT CAN WE DO
TQGfiTHUft
Island man
lands salmon
INDIAN ISLAND - Jim Labosiere of
Indian Island, a teacher with Old Town
schools, caught a IOV2 pound Atlantic
salmon recently, in the Penobscot River at
Veazie. The angler said the salmon was a
fighter, and “
played” some 15 minutes
for
before he could be reeled in.
Flashback identified
INDIAN ISLAND — A flashback photo
appearing on the back page of the May
issue of Wabanaki Alliance has been con
firmed as a photo of Penobscots Frank
Mitchell of Indian Island, and Catherine
Belair, now of Connecticut, who is the
daughter of Edna Becker of Indian Island.
Her identity was a mystery to many
readers.
The Merrill Family of Banks
M E R P IL L :
BANK
HOULTON
FEI D E R A L
A \A
BANK
___________
BANK
i
F IR S T
J m\
BANK
M errill Banks in: B a n g o r (5 )/B e lfa s t (2 )/B re w e r B ro w n v ille J u n c tio n
B u c k s p o r t ’Calais (2) C a stm e D e x t e r /D o v e r - F o x c r o ft Eastport
G a r d in e r / H a m p d e n / J o n e s p o r t L m c o ln / M a c h ia s M illin o c k e t Milo
N e w p o r t / O ld T o w n /O r o n o 'S e a r s p o r t■ 'W in te r p o r t/W o o d la n d (2)
Federal Banks in: W a te rville (3) B m g h a m / M a d is o n S k o w h e g a n Unity
W in s lo w W ashburn Banks in: W a s h b u rn A s h la n d M a p le to n Van Buren
P o rta g e Lake. Houlton Banks in: H o u lt o n M ars Hill
Firslbanks in: F a r m in g t o n / K in g f ie ld N o rth A n s o n / S t r o n g W ilton
M e m b e r s F D lC
�Page 8
WahsB&ki Alliance July 1982
Hattie Gordius
remembers . . .
scot River, about 14 miles above the
(Continued from page 1)
Indian Island reservation. She reached the
for about 90 years, but age does creep up:
sixth grade in the one-room Oiamon school
“ course, I get winded when I go up
Of
"I felt as if I had enough if I could read and
hill,”
she said, a little apologetically.
write." Today, there isn’ a trace of the
t
Hattie’ oldest daughter, Doris, moved
s
Olamon Island community, although Hat
into a small home next door. But other
tie still owns a share in land there.
family lives in California and Washington
An early memory is of a pot of
state! That is why Hattie flies out to see
simmering sweetgrass, harvested along
them most winters. This winter maybe
not, but Hattie won’ rule it out. “ e’ the coast, that could then be braided for
t
W ll
basketmaking. The braid sold for two to
see, w e’ see,’
ll
’ mused.
she
three cents per yard.
Sadly, the glaucoma, even after four
“ father used to com e down and give
My
operations, prevents Hattie from playing
swimming lessons to the summer people
bingo, an activity she loves. She can read
at Bar Harbor, and take them out in canoe
large print magazines and books, but a
rides. I was only 14 when my father died. I
special treat is "those talking books from
started on my own,” Hattie recalled
Bangor. Especially one about the m ystery
matter-of-factly.
ship — that was Bar Harbor in the early
She’not sure, but thinks sardines sold
s
days. I like the W esterns sometimes. Then
I had ‘
The Smiling Stranger,’
that was a for about five cents per bushed at the
time.
good one.’
’
“ was only about 16 when I got
I
HaLtie likes to crochet. “ can practicaUy
I
married. Just that foolish age. My
do that with my eyes closed," she said.
husband was 28.”Hattie paused. “ don’
I
t
She can knit, but "I'd probably drop too
think girls should get married so young.”
many stitches.”
Her husband was Nelson Gordius, whose
She sums up her philosophy: “ good
Oh
father, a Frenchman, arrived as a stowa
ness, I like to live! I get discouraged
way from his native country. After
sometimes, but I don’let it bother me.
t
fathering nine children. Nelson died at an
“
And she doesn’
t,” said daughter
early age. Before he died, he was adopted
Frances.
into the Penobscot tribe. Frances recalled
Hattie continued, “ feel that the Lord
I
that the family would “ up to Indian LAST CHIEF — Frank Loring of the Penobscot tribe, also known as Big Thunder, is
go
has got me here for a purpose, and when
said to have been the last heriditary chief. An elective governor and council system
He gets through. H e’ take me. Hattie, a Island in the fall, when the factory was
ll
finished.” At the time, she said, tribal followed, at the Indian Island reservation at Old Town. Loring, grandfather of Hattie
charter member of the local Baptist
members had to return every five years to Gordius, is seen here in traditional garb, in a photo taken in 1907.
Church, hopes He isn’through yet.
t
remain on the census. In those days, there
The interview went on for hours, but
was no bridge to Indian Island, and
Not all traces of being Indian have been
Hattie showed no signs of tiring. W e w ere
I’ not sorry I did,”
m
she said.
Indians took canoes, a bateau, or walked
interrupted by a Mother’Day delivery of
s
Hattie has her opinions about work and washed away by the years, however.
across the frozen Penobscot River.
Hattie remembered her father used to
flowers from one of her daughters in
today’ morality. “
s
Young people should
W ere times hard*? “ e had plenty to
W
California. “ got quite a few Mother’Day
I
s
have to learn to take care of themselves,’ gargle with goldenseal for a sore throat.
eat," Frances recalled. “ e didn t have
W
drive out the measles,
cards,”she said. Just for the record, one
she said, indicating that the Army often Dried tansy will “
any meat. Plenty of vegetables and
I
son, Mitchell, has died at age 70. She still
teaches useful lessons. She said a civil she said. “ wish someone would use my
tansy (a yellow flower with fern-like leaf);
biscuits.”
has eight living children, 45 grand
service of some kind might make more
“ always raised hens, had a garden,
I
ve
children, 18 great-grandchildren, and
sense. "They used to have those CCC I’ got a whole field o f it.”
Hattie said. “ you have nine children,
If
In case you didn’ know, “ s grease
t
hen’
eight great-great-grandchildren.
camps. They ought to have those now,”
you have to do something.
and molasses will keep back a cold, and
“
The Bible said, ‘ forth and multi
go
“ e had our ups and downs,” Hattie she said.
W
loosen the chest.” Frances remembered
ply,’” Hattie said. “ don’ believe in
I
t
“ boy, when he was young, worked
My
said, her voice revealing a firmness that
those, what do you call them, abortions.
for the CCC camp right on this island. her mother administering this medicine.
must have run an orderly household.
Pennyroyal, too, will drive out a cold.
Hattie was the daughter of a fullThey put som e good roads in.”(Hattie can “
“
There’fish in the ocean, the clam on the
s
blooded Penobscot, J. Mitchell Loring.
remember when people mostly traveled Those w ere the old remedies."
shore, and the potato in the field," she
Last year, Hattie, Frances and other
Her grandfather was Chief Big Thunder
by boat, horse and buggy, and train.)
said.
s
(also know as Frank Loring), reputed to
“ ll tell you one thing. I’ like to see family visited J. Mitchell Loring’grave at
I’
d
Frances said sometim es it was ju st fish
Olamon cemtery. Finally, the whitebe the last heriditary chief of the Penob
these young boys go into the service. I
heads. There was no bathroom, “
just a big
painted wooden cross was replaced with a
scot Indian Nation. Hattie’ m other was
s
think it would do them good. I think there
tub for baths,”and an outhouse.
Phoebe Manchester of Tremont, who
wouldn’ be so much deviltry in them,” gravestone.
t
“ ve seen lots of the old-style living, as
I’
Hattie brightened. Frances had re
came from a family that was shipwrecked
Hattie said. She is a former VFW
well as the modern," Hattie said, without
member, and reached the sixth degree in minded her about the time she told her
in Ship Harbor.
saying which she thought was better.
doctor she was 68.
As a young girl, Hattie lived on Olamon
“ worked for what I’ got. Still and all, the Grange.
I
ve
“ was fooling around,”
I
Hattie said, and
Island, an Indian community in the Penob
She became a Baptist, although her
father joined the Congregational Church. I told Dr. (Edward B.) Gilmore (of Bar
Harbor) I was 68, when I was 86. I
A non-Catholic Penobscot Indian was rare,
You could’ fooled me,’
ve
but J. Mitchell Loring had his reasons. switched them. “
“ father never let us join the Catholic he said.”
My
“ s the picture of health,”Frances
She’
Church, but I studied the catechism in the
said.
Catholic school,”
Hattie said.
Hattie has never smoked. “ far as
As
Her father was bitter, because the
I
Catholic Church insisted his mother, who liquor is concerned,” she said, “ don t
indulge too much. I have a whiskey sour if
had been divorced, be buried outside the
I’ out at a luncheon. I sometim es have a
m
tribal cemetery. “ he turned away,
So
glass of wine before I go to bed. That’
s
Hattie said.
“ ve never been afraid to speak up another thing the Bible tells you: have a
I’
glass for your stomach.”
about what I believe in. I guess I ’ too
m
FIVE GENERATIONS - Matriarch Hattie Gordius, left, was 87 when this family
portrait was taken. May 30, 1978. Beside her, left to right, .s daughter Frances Olsen,
granddaughter Faith Mracek. great-grandson Billy Mracek, and great-great-granddaughter Holly Mracek.
plain-spoken, sometimes.”
Hattie keeps abreast of the times. On
the threat of nuclear war, she declared,
“ long as they think w e’ prepared for
as
re
it, they won’try it.”
t
Hattie doesn’ think often about being
t
Indian, and she never learned the lan
guage _ which is no longer spoken at
Indian Island. But she still votes in tribal
elections by absentee ballot, “ I know the
if
person running.”
Hattie said she believes being Indian is
secondary to being a human being. “ m
I’
not prejudiced. The Lord made us all. I
think the same of a colored, or a redskin or
a white.”
Indian pupils receive
incentive awards
CALAIS — The Maine Indian Scholar
ship Committee has announced that 13
students w ere granted incentive awards
for their academic performance during the
Fall sem ester of 1981. Under the terms o f
the 1982 fiscal year higher education
contract, a 10 percent provisional fund
was set aside for recognizing those
students achieving academic excellence. It
is hoped that funds will be available to
continue this provision, said Jeanne
Guisinger of Maine Indian Education.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (July 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1982-07
Contributor
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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Document
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pdf
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DV-436
-
https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/e8569b88b3d88d95419bde89a0d430a5.pdf
899801f633a736139c3617ab2e0e8384
PDF Text
Text
SUSAN M. STEVEN3
3812 MONROE H.E.
AMjjQUERQUE, Ha 87110
M
AY 33
Wabanaki
mm
m
All
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
_
June 1982
Will State honor settlement?
Love cites
legal limits
0R0N0 — The Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land claims act has definite limita
tions, says the Penobscot tribal governor.
Speaking at the University of Maine,
Gov. Timothy Love talked about som e of
the things his people gave up in the
compromise settlement reached in 1980.
Tribal courts. Love said, have a very
limited jurisdiction under term s of the
federal/state settlement. Courts are limit
ed to Class E crimes — minor violations —
and civil matters. M ore serious crimes
must be handled in state or federal courts.
The two tribes who shared in the
settlement must pay sales, income and
county taxes, although reservation resi
dents continue to be free of any property
tax.
Gov. Tim Love
Hunting, trapping and fishing juris
diction for the tribes applies only to “
trust
lands." Trust lands are specially desig
nated areas the tribe may purchase with
its share of the $81 million settlement.
Love said. The Penobscots, however, have
bought thousands of acres of land that is
not designated trust land. It is called fee
lands, and all taxes must be paid, as would
be the case with non-Indian property
owners.
The limits to the Penobscots’
rights are,
in Love's words, a “
very deep gou ge to
any Indian nation’sovereignty."
s
After the settlem ent act was approved,
according to Love, “
people said, ‘
Gee, why
didn’ you rejoice?’It’ hard to rejoice
t
s
when you see what you had to give up.”
Other problem s
Love said besides limited jurisdiction,
tribal leaders are troubled because the
state is apparently not holding up its end
of the land claims bargain. L ove listed
Indian scholarship funds; m ortgage insur
ance; hunting, trapping and fishing rights;
and certain contractual obligations as
prom ises on which the state has reneged.
Love said the state’ obligations — on
s
which he says the state is backing down —
are “
very little considering what we gave
up.”
Asked about the purchase of fee lands.
Love said swaps are possible, because the
tribe has bought “ e damn good land.”
som
Comparing the Penobscot’ future with
s
the success of timber operations by
Oregon and Washington Indian tribes.
Love commented, “
money talks, land
talks,” and with som e 140,000 acres
already purchased, “ will have some
we
leverage.
(Continued on p age 2 )
FEATHER IN HAND, G eorge [Skipper] Mitchell, a Penobscot from Bucksport,
expresses the mood of commencement at the University of Maine at Orono. See story
inside.
Phillips places in canoe race
APPLETON — Neil Phillips, a Penob
scot native of Indian Island, paddled over
the finish line in third place, in a recent
six-mile race on the St. G eorge River,
between Searsmont and Appleton.
The river was reported high and fast.
and Phillips’
time was 44:08, in the “
OC-1”
division. The April race, in its sixth year,
was sponsored by the Belfast YMCA.
Phillips has won many races, and has been
involved in national whitewater canoe
organizations.
Poll shows Penobscots care about land
INDIAN ISLAND — A recent land use
survey among Penobscot Nation tribal
members reveals a sincere desire among
many to see careful planning and wise
development of resources.
For example, nearly 80 percent of those
surveyed think a “
comprehensive plan”
should be initiated “ soon as possible."
as
Per capita paid
every 3 months
INDIAN ISLAND — In a front page
story last month, we incorrectly re
ported per capita income as monthly. It
is quarterly, with average quarterly
income about $235. Average annual
income is estimated at close to $1,000
per individual tribal member.
The question was in reference to some
140,000 acres acquired by the tribe, thus
far, under provisions of the 1980 Maine
Indian land claims settlem ent act.
Only three percent disagreed that a
comprehensive plan should be adopted,
but 20 percent w ere “
uncertain.”
C. B. Mitchell, the tribal land use
planner who drafted, organized, conduct
ed and collated the survey last month,
said he is pleased with the number of
returns, and the quality of the responses.
He said the information gained will be a
useful tool in a long range planning
process for the tribe — which will include
social and economic development as well.
Mitchell said 241 questionnaires w ere
sent to on-reservation adults, and 715 to
off-reservation adults. There w ere 335
com pleted returns, or 35 percent who
responded. “ though the number is a good
I
response. Of course, any surveyor would
like more. I was very pleased with som e of
the comments. It covers the range,”
Mitchell said.
“
The purpose of the survey is to provide
background data to formulate specific
plans,” said.
he
Respondents, who remain anonymous,
made comments such as:
— “ would be advantageous to use the
It
land for ski resorts and holiday resorts. I
do not think it would be w ise to build
homes or apartments because I fear that
they would end up as disgraceful as the
reservation has become.”
—“
Any real estate ventures should be
considered only with 99 year leases.”
—“
The land should be enjoyed, shared
by all, not exploited as a money-making
venture.”
— “ a time such as this, we as Indian
At
people should set an example and not
disturb the land. W e have the pow er to be
rich with not much money.”
— “
Should benefit all tribal members,
not just Indian Island.”
— “
Hire at least two consulting firms
with expertise in land use, real estate, and
economic development. Should present
plans to tribe for approval before any
action is taken to initiate plans.”
— “ for sea-side lands; could get into
Go
commercial fishery. If land is sold, sell
land on our ed ges of land, and not land
here and there all over the place. Ski lodge
is big bucks, g o for it. Campsites with
electricity and good shower and modern
rest rooms, big bucks. Allright.”
Other comments w ere not precisely
relevant to the survey, but w ere never
theless revealing of attitudes:
— “
Don’ touch m y per capita (indi
t
vidual portion of money earned as interest
on a land claims trust fund.)”
— “ reservation Indians should have
Off
the same benefits as reservation Indians.
(Continued on page 7)
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance June 1982
They scoffed
The Passamaquoddy Tribe earned several hundred thousand
dollars on their blueberry barrens, acquired through the recent
Maine Indian land claims settlement.
Penobscot officials derided the purchase o f blueberry fields, saying
there was no money in the business; that the Passamaquoddys were
foolish to think they could turn a profit.
Well, the Passamaquoddys laughed all the way to the bank. No
doubt they will make another profit this summer, and meanwhile,
the Penobscots must look to other ways of earning income from
newly acquired lands. Chalk one up for the Passamaquoddys.
SPEAKING OUT — Melvin [Tom] Vicaire of Mattawamkeag, left, and Owen [Sonny]
Young of Bangor, address southern Maine area Indians at a recent conference in
Portland. Vicaire is a board member and acting executive director of Central Maine
Indian Association, Young is president of the CMIA board. They explained services of
the Orono-based organization.
H ou sing: b etter m o u se tra p ?
WASHINGTON — Interior Depart
ment Assistant Secretary Ken Smith,
testifying before the Interior and Insular
Affairs Committee, said a task force on
Indian housing, which he chairs, is looking
for a more efficient way to get houses built
on Indian reservations.
He said the group was looking at
various options, including som e that
would involve private financing. Som e al
ternatives being studied are a housing
block grant program; a general block
Quotable
The Nation should become financially independent as soon as
possible. Continued dependence on BIA and federal government
programs must stop. Failure to do this will result in a permanent
welfare state for the Penobscot Indian Nation.
— Comment on recent tribal survey.
Quotable
On the land claims act: “ least we know we have something. We
At
can build our own future. We can make our own mistakes. W e’ got
ve
our chance now.”
— Penobscot Nation Gov. Tim Love
grant program to include housing; a loan
guarantee program; a direct loan pro
gram; and a housing voucher system,
which Smith said would probably not
benefit most reservations because of the
general lack of housing on the reserva
tions.
Congressman Morris Udall, chairman of
the committee, expressed concern that
HUD funding for Indian housing was
being rescinded in 1982, and not included
in the budget request for 1983.
Gov. Love on jurisdiction
(Continued from page 1
)
In the meantime, the tribe remains
dependent on federal grants to m eet its
payroll, d e liv e r health and w elfare
services, and function as a government.
“
Right now, w e’ dependent; w e’
re
re
feeling Reaganomics,”
Love said.
Love would like to see tribal members
take over wood harvesting and marketing
operations from Dead River Company of
Bangor, currently under contract to
provide these services for the tribe. Some
of the newly acquired lands contain
valuable peat bogs.
Wabanaki Alliance
Love would like to see tribal members
ge t private sector jobs, as “
most of our
people are employed by tribal govern
ment,”and “
you nqver know what will
happen."
The Penobscot Nation faces the chal
lenge of “
decreasing the .100 percent
dependency,” Love told interested stu
dents and faculty at UMO.
Despite the settlem ent act's drawbacks,
Love said, “ least we know we have
at
something. We can build our own future.
W e can make our own mistakes. W e’
ve
got our chance now.”
Vol. 6, No. 6
June 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Times Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Quotable
“
The Senate, with full knowledge of what it was doing,” recog
nized the Houlton Band of Maliseets. “ e’ made history up here.
W ve
For the first time in history, Indians have a service area that extends
into Canada.”
—James Wherry, former Houlton
Band staffer
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: $5 per year [12 issues]; $6 Canada and overseas; S10 for institutions [schools,
government, business, etc.]
�Page 3
Wabanaki Alliance June 1982
letters
Rather m isleadin g
Portland
To the editor:
The March, 1982 issue regarding the
change of the priest at Indian Township is
rather misleading. First, the reader is
allowed to peek into a door which sup
posedly exposes a host of problem s and
differences of opinion regarding “
Father
Joe.”
Then the last statement erroneously
identifies Father Raymond Picard as a
member of the Jesuit Community. He is a
diocesan priest.
If the reporter could not ascertain that
little fact, then one must seriously
question the validity and reliability of the
rest of the story.
Perhaps the Editor would wish to be
more selective and factual in articles and
limit “
extemporaneous descant” to his
editorials on page two.
Neil D. Michaud
Diocesan Director
EDITOR RESPONDS: The Alliance
stands behind its article as factual report
ing.
W ick eeg a n
Bangor
To the editor:
We saw ‘
Wickeegan’
tonight, and would
like to subscribe to the Alliance for one
year.
John J. Halloran
Another year
Indian Island
To the editor:
I am writing to say that I have enjoyed
reading the Wabanaki Alliance this past
year. I am enclosing a check for another
year.
Annie Paul
Enjoyed TV sh ow
Falmouth
To the editor:
I enjoyed watching Mr. Cartwright on
TV, Monday, May 3rd, concerning the
Indians. I would like to receive the news
paper he spoke about.
Frederick E. Jones
Still her h o m e
Connecticut
To the editor:
I was so happy when they started to
send m e the paper about the Island, and
all the people up there.
I only know the older crowd, as I’
ve
been down in Connecticut since 1942. But
the Island is still my home. I hope to get
up there this summer for a visit, if my
health permits. Thanking you so much.
Eleanor Tom er Lajila
M ak e no mistake
Indian Township
To the editor:
It’ election year at Indian Township,
s
and hopefully this community woun’
t
make the same mistake it did four years
ago.
Maybe this letter will open som e eyes
and maybe a few minds. Our community
needs improvements, especially starting
at the Tribal Office, and Police Depart
ment.
Before you decide who you want as our
chief, keep in mind that this person is
representing “
you” Washington, as our
in
local government. W here is our constitu
tion? Why is our local government
dragging its feet? Do we have any laws? It
is my conclusion that our chief of police
makes his own laws as he goes along, and
his continuous harassment of our com
munity mem bers has to stop. W e are not
criminals, and we shouldn’be treated as
t
such. I have tried talking to our chief of
police, but was asked to remove myself
from his office, or be removed.
Here is the thought: What are we doing
with him as chief of police? I mean, with
the land case settlement, we are mil
lionaires; we can afford the best. What are
we doing with someone who works against
our community. A few community mem
bers, are running for our chief position.
W e should keep in mind what their
platform is, and what he or she has to offer
to our community.
Harry Stevens
subscribe!
JUMP! Rachel Sockabasin, captain of the Indian Township junior high girls basketball
team, displays her form in a recent gam e against Eastport.
Brother Smith ordination set
PLEASANT POIN T — Brother Law
rence (Larry) Smith, a Jesuit who became
the first deacon at the Passamaquoddy
reservation, is scheduled to be ordained
into the priesthood, June 19.
The Roman Catholic ordination cere
mony will be performed by Bishop Law
rence Burke, of the Diocese of Nassau in
the Bahamas, at St. Joseph’ Chapel at
s
C ollege of the Holy Cross, W orcester,
Mass.
A special mass of thanksgiving, in
Smith’honor, will take place at Pleasant
s
Point, on the Fourth of July, at 11 a.m.
That event will be held at St. Ann's
Church on the reservation, where the
Rev. Joseph Mullen is resident priest.
Brother Smith has been studying for
the priesthood in Berkeley, California, and
will move to Spokane, Washington, by
August, according to a letter received by
this newspaper.
A Brockton, Mass, native. Brother
Smith entered the New England Province
of the Society of Jesus in 1962, taking his
first vows as a Jesuit Brother in 1965.
Smith held various posts at both Fairfield
University, and at Holy C ross College,
before continuing his own studies. H e
attended Quinsigamond Community Col
lege in W orcester, and Boston University,
graduating in 1972 with an AB degree in
Art History.
After graduation Smith was appointed
temporary administrator of the Jesuit
Novitiate in Boston's Back Bay, and
served as staff photographer for the
Jesuit newspaper, S. J. News. From 1973
to 1976 he was assistant chaplain at St.
Ann’ Indian Mission, Pleasant Point. He
s
left the reservation in 1976 to begin
studies for the newly restored Permanent
Diaconate.
While maintaining close contacts with
the Indian Mission and Indian people.
Smith studied theology at the Jesuit
W eston School of Theology, Cambridge,
Mass. He also studied at Episcopal
Divinity School and Harvard Divinity
School, taking summer courses at Boston
University. He took his vows as a Jesuit
Brother in October 1977.
For troubled youth
Orono
T o the editor:
My name is Rene McDougall and I
have recently started a position as a
VISTA Volunteer working the with
C.M.I.A. education staff. I graduated
from the University of Maine at Orono
in 1981 with a B.S. D egree in Education
and am presently enrolled in a Master’
s
Program in Counselor Education at the
UMO campus. I am a member of the
Penobscot Indian Nation presently
living on Indian Island, Old Town,
Maine and have five children and two
grandsons.
My position as a VISTA Volunteer
will involve setting up a support
system for troubled youth, specifically
high school drop-outs and potential
high school drop-outs. My duties will
include tutoring and linking up stu
dents to alternative educational pro
grams.
During the first month of service, I
will be contacting schools and agencies
to become familiar with existing edu
cational programs in the area.
If you, or som e one you know, has
need o f these services, please feel free
to contact me at Central Maine Indian
Association 866-5587 or evenings at
home 827-2386.
Rene McDougall
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE, 95 MAIN STREET, ORONO, MAINE 04473
WABANAKI ALLIANCE SUBSCRIPTION FORM
(Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance)
j ENCLOSE:
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Ruined business
An April snowstorm delineates the ruins of Lola’ Store at Peter Dana Point, Indian
s
Township. The business, located in a form er state-built residence, burned recently.
,_
Donation (Amount)
City/Town and S t a t e ............................................. ' ---’
Zip Code
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance June 1982
TGI future uncertain
ORONO — A ray of sunshine has
reached the funding agency here. Tribal
Governors, Inc. (TGI). But the future of
the half-million dollar annual budget
agency is still clouded.
Things got so overcast recently, that
director Denise Mitchell, a Penobscot, was
making plans to close down TGI, which for
several years has rented a form er convent
at 93 Main St., Orono.
However, at a recent board meeting,
TGI directors decided — without a formal
vote — to support the agency for an un
specified period of time. This gives TGI a
new lease on life. Otherwise, Mitchell said,
the TGI would have folded April 30.
Mitchell sees som e signs of encourage
ment: "The fact of the m atter is,”
she told
Wabanaki Alliance, “ Reagan Adminis
the
tration is moving m ore into consortium
efforts because of such small pots of
money.”She said the U.S. Department of
Labor wants so-called consortium funding
plans, whereby one agency coordinates a
number of programs grouped together.
Still, Mitchell said “
money’ going to be
s
thin, we’ running a skeleton crew.”
re
TGI is awaiting word on an application
through federal Title VII, for $247,000, or
about half the annual budget. If approved,
funds would be available in October. In
that application, TGI seeks 15 job slots for
“
forestry inventory technicians,” which
has jokingly been referred to as “
counting
trees." Presumably, these jobs would
assist the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy
tribes in coping with newly acquired
lands, bought with land claims settlement
money.
Mitchell said Charles Tetro, director of
the Penobscot Consortium in Bangor, has
pledged his support of TGI’plans.
s
Meanwhile, TGI continues to sponsor
several federal program s for Indians, such
as Summer Youth Employment Program
(SYEP), Youth Employment Training
Program (YETP), Home E nergy A ssist
ance Program (HEAP), Em ergency Crisis
Intervention Program (ECIP), and a
C om m unity S e rv ice s A d m in istration
(CSA) food and nutrition program.
Current board mem bers of TGI are
tribal governors J. Hartley Nicholas of
Pleasant Point, Harold J. Lewey of Indian
Township and Timothy Love of Indian
Island; Mary Isaac of Millinocket, for
Central Maine Indian Association (CMIA);
Terrance Polchies of Bangor, for Houlton
Band of Maliseets; and Clair (Al) Sabattis
of Houlton, for Association of Aroostook
Indians (AAI).
Students attend Dartmouth powwow
INDIAN TOW NSHIP — Eight students
from Indian Township attended the 10th
annual Native American Pow W ow at
Dartmouth College, last month.
The trip was coordinated through the
Native Americans at Dartmouth (NAD)
office, and through Don Hebert, Narragansett, an admissions counselor at the
college. The students and four chaperones
were given a tour of the campus and
provided with rooms and meals during
their stay. On Saturday, May 15, students
were invited to watch the pow wow dance
contest all afternoon and evening. Some
Passamaquoddys plan to dance in next
year’event.
s
Dartmouth College was founded in 1769
as an Indian college. Today there are
about 80 Native Americans attending the
school.
Islander attends
Indian institute
INDIAN ISLAND - Bill McDougall of
Indian Island has enrolled at the Institute
of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New
Mexico. He is working toward a two-year
associate degree in creative writing. He
began his studies in March. He has pub
lished poetry in this newspaper.
Joining the trip w ere Township seniors
Franny Neptune, Carla LaCoote, David
Nicholas and Judy Stevens of Lee Aca
demy. Seniors from Calais High School
w ere Dawn Fitch and Belinda Tomah.
Kathy Mitchell and Janet Neptune also
attended, and are currently juniors at Lee
Academy. The chaperons included Sam
Dana, Sonia Dana, Sandy Newell and Rick
Kelley.
Blanche's 'special'
INDIAN TOW NSHIP - E ver had the
“
game warden special” It's moosemeat
?
stew, available from time to time at
Blanche’Take Out, on the Strip here.
s
Blanche Sockabasin is owner of the
former Maxine’ Take Out, m oved from
s
Peter Dana Point where Maxine Tomah
operated the business. Cooking and serv
ing is done by Sockabasin’ daughter,
s
Laura Nicholas, and pies are baked by
Kathy Tomah. There are pinball machines
to while away the time.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., five days
per week. Daily specials are featured. “
My
mother always wanted a place like this,”
Nicholas said. Ed Sockabasin helps out,
bringing in wood for the stove.
Kids' testimony effective in D.C.
WASHINGTON — Tw o Penobscot
pupils from the Indian Island element
ary school used plain talk to tell the
federal government a new building is
needed.
As part of a Penobscot tribal effort
to convince C ongress and federal
bureaucrats that a new school should
be funded, Amanda Francis, seven, and
Renee Francis, nine, told of how crowd
ed and limited the old school can be.
It worked, everyone agreed, al
though the final word on funding has
not been heard at the reservation. And
it was fun, said Renee and Amanda,
who are the daughters of S. C. and
Cheryl Francis of Indian Island. Ac
companying the girls, and also part of a
delegation to sell the government on
the new school, was principal Sr. Helen
McKeough. Although a new school
could not include Catholic instruction,
the Sisters of Mercy could apparently
continue to supply teachers and prin
cipals.
Religious instruction is currently
offered in the St. Ann’ Church parish
s
hall, a building separate from the aged,
wood frame school.
Proposed is a $3.5 million school
complex that could open its doors to
Indian students by Sept. 1, 1984.
Junior high grades would be added to
the present kindergarten through
sixth-grade program. Graduates of the
Penobscot school would probably con
tinue to attend Old Town High School.
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) has indicated the new Indian
Island school, planned for a site near
the existing Community Building, is
top priority for funding.
It would be twice as big as the
Community Building.
CUTTING TH E CAKE is fun at a recent Easter party at the Penobscot Nation daycare
program at Indian Island. Daycare Director Matthew O’
Donnell says special thanks are
due Genevieve LaFranee of Indian Island for baking delicious cakes for many occasions.
book nook
Medicinal plants book valuable
INDIAN ISLAND — “
Medicine Plants”
is the title of an attractive, slim booklet
printed last year by the Penobscot Indian
D ep a rtm en t o f H ealth and Human
Services.
Author Debra Mitchell, listed as re
search associate, is a tribal member who
has executed pleasing sketches of plants
— from Blue Flag to Yarrow — to
accompany her informative text.
Lest anybody get carried away with
herbal medicines, there is a somewhat
frightening “
disclaimer” the front of the
in
booklet, noting, “
the use of any of the
information in this booklet for the purpose
of self treatment, without consulting a
physician, can be dangerous." Some edible
and medicinal plants look a lot like
poisonous varieties.
Once past the disclaimer, the book has
lively explanations of the Indian uses of
certain plants, plus other pertinent data.
Lady Slipper, for example, is a sedative
J.S. Attean dies
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey — Joseph
Stanley Attean, a Penobscot tribal mem
her who had retired here after years with
the railroad, died in April.
Details were not available at press time,
but it was learned that Attean worked for
the New York, New Haven and Hartford
Railroad as an engineer. At one time, he
modeled for a popular Levi’ rye bread
s
advertisement that proclaimed, “
You
don’ have to be Jewish to love Levi’
t
s.”
and nerve medicine, as well as cure for
insomnia. “ seem s also to quiet spasm s of
It
voluntary muscles, and hysterical attacks,
especially in women. The Penobscots
prepared a tea of a related species, and
drank it to calm the nerves,” author
Mitchell reports.
The Lady Slipper should be in bloom
about now, by the way.
Constipated? Try Milkweek, or Blue
Flag. Milweed is also good for fighting
dropsy, dysentery, asthma, warts, ring
worm and tapeworm. Not only that, it’
s
supposed to be good for catarrh, rheu
matism and “
secondary syphilis,”should
you be so unlucky as to have that.
If you’ suffering a coughing spell, try
re
Sarsparilla. Penobscots traditionally com
bined it with Flagroot for an effective
cough remedy. “
The Indians ate the roots
during the wars or hunts, because they
were able to subsist on them for long
periods of time. Penobscot women cut up
the roots, tied the pieces on a string, and
kept them in their lodges until needed,”
Mitchell states.
All in all, this is a worthwhile book, and
Mitchell is to be commended for under
taking the project.
One question that lingers is, why
doesn’ the health center prom ote use of
t
herbal medicine as bona fide treatment? If
Penobscots truly benefited from these
plants, and this information isn’a batch of
t
silly old myths, then why not take
advantage of traditional knowledge?
Instead, the book warns you not to m ess
with this stuff. Yet it is a nifty booklet.
Tw o Indians
g r a d u a te at UMO
ORONO — Am ong the graduating class
last month at the University of Maine at
Orono were G eorge (Skipper) Mitchell, a
Penobscot, and Jackie Precourt, a Choc
taw.
Mitchell earned a BS in education, and
Precourt com pleted requirem ents for a
BA in political science. Both students
w ere active in Native Americans at
Maine, a student club, and both of them
assisted this newspaper in a benefit
concert held at UMO, with proceeds
shared between the club and the paper.
M
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�Page 5
Wabanaki Alliance June 1982
Chief Orono theme
of town festival
ORONO — An 18th century Penob
scot Indian chief will be the central
theme of an Orono town festival, June
26-27.
Chief Joseph Orono is something of a
legend, and scholars and others dispute
exactly who he was, and his Indian
genealogy. He was said to be fair
skinned. In 1911, the Knights of
Columbus in Orono erected a granite
monument to their town’ namesake,
s
calling him a Catholic Indian Chief.
(That monument stands in front of this
newspaper’offices, at 95 Main St.)
s
In any case, the festival, Orono’
s
third annual summer weekend event,
will feature an Indian crafts fair on
Saturday, and an ecumenical service,
Sunday. Festival organizer Lois LaBeau of Orono said she thought the
town of Orono should honor Chief
Orono “
because it had never been done
before,”and as a gestu re of friendship
with the Penobscot Nation at Indian
Island, and other Maine Indians.
LaBeau and Teri Morrow, another
Orono resident, have discussed plans
with tribal officials at Indian Island,
including Philip Guimond, administra
tive assistant to Gov. Timothy Love.
LaBeau said the Rev. John Civiello of
St. Ann’ Catholic Church, Indian
s
Island, has agreed to participate in the
ecumenical service, as have other area
clergy. “ will not be religious per se,
It
but to honor the mem ory of Joseph
Orono.” Organizers hope the service
can be held outdoors, on land between
the town offices and Asa Adams
School.
Talent of any kind is being sought,
and any Indian people who wish to
sing, dance or display arts and crafts
may contact LaBeau at 866-2126, or
Morrow at 866-4876. The exhibit fee
has been waived for Indian people.
A display of Indian artifacts is
planned at the United Methodist
Church on Oak Street, and the loan of
items is requested.
M. E. Gridley, in a 1974 book called
“
American Indian Tribes,”writes that
Chief Joseph Orono “
was once an im
portant historic figure. He became
prominent after he reached the age of
fifty, and he did not becom e head chief
until he was seventy-five. At the
beginning of the French and Indian
War against the English, Orono strong
ly advocated peace. At the beginning of
the Revolution, he offered his services
to the Massachusetts colonists and
proved to be a faithful ally during the
struggle for independence. When he
was 108 years old, he entered into
treaties with Massachusetts, which
fixed the permanent title to the Penob
scot reservation.”
School chief to decide if he stays on
INDIAN TOW NSHIP - Forest Os
good, a native of Carroll Plantation, has
been hired as acting principal at the
Passamaquoddy reservation elementary
school.
He replaces Edmund F. Vandall of
Lincoln, the first Indian principal the
school ever had, who resigned a couple of
months ago.
Osgood is only the second principal of
the school who is not a member of the
Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy. The
sisters have partly or fully staffed the
school since its founding 100 years ago.
O sgood has been principal of Smithfield
elementary school in the Skowhegan area.
A graduate of Washington State Teachers
College (now University of Maine at
Machias), he holds a masters degree in
elementary principalship from University
of Maine at Orono, and a Certificate of
Advanced Study from UMO. He and his
wife have four children, the eldest of
whom graduates from Skowhegan high
school.
Osgood said he will decide soon if he
wishes to commit himself to take the
Passamaquoddy principalship on a perm
anent basis. One drawback is that he does
not wish to relocate his family from
Skowhegan. He currently stays during the
week with his father, in Carroll.
Oakes hired
BOSTON — Bruce Oakes, a planner
with Boston Indian Council (BIC) was
selected from am ong a large number of
applicants, for the job of coordinator,
Indian Task Force, of the Federal R e
gional Council of New England. He
succeeds Barbara Namias, a Mohawk.
James G. Sappier, a Penobscot from
Indian Island, is co-chairman of the task
force.
POOL SHARK — This Penobscot youngster at the Indian Island Community building
looks like she’ ready to take on anybody. Stripes or solids?
s
New health boss lost
case for same job
INDIAN ISLAND - Dr. Eunice Baumann-Nelson was selected by tribal of
ficials to head the Penobscot Health &
Human Services Department, from a field
of at least five candidates, but she lost a
tribal court case seeking reinstatement to
that job.
Baumann-Nelson and her deputy health
director, Denise Mitchell, were fired from
their jobs in 1980, by then Gov. Wilfred
Pehrson. Mitchell and Baumann-Nelson,
both Penobscots, claimed their dismissal
was groundless. Informed sources said
t here was a personality clash between the
late Governor Pehrson and BaumannNelson and Mitchell. The Maine Human
Rights Commission found that the direc
tor and her deputy were relieved of their
jobs because they had filed sex discrimina
tion charges after they w ere at first
suspended from work.
The tribal administration said the two
officials were fired for refusing to acknow
ledge the ultimate authority of the gover
nor and council. Baumann-Nelson said
Pehrson wanted certain records which
w ere confidential, and she refused to
release those records.
Mitchell and Baumann-Nelson took their
grievance to tribal court, but recently, an
appellate tribal court ruled that the tribe
is protected by the doctrine of sovereign
immunity. Tribal court cannot handled
charges against the administration, the
ruling said.
After Baumann-Nelson was dismissed,
Timothy Love, now tribal governor,
assumed the role of acting health director.
Alan Sanborn, a Penobscot who recently
resigned to take a post with the Episcopal
Church, succeeded Love.
Baumann-Nelson com peted for the job
against applications from Penobscots,
Irene Pardilla, Richard Hamilton and Pat
ricia Knox. Form er Indian Island welfare
agent, Larry Finch, also applied for the
job, but one source said his application
was not competitive because he is a nonIndian, and the tribe exercises Indian
preference in hiring.
Baumann-Nelson, who holds a PhD from
New York University, recently taught a
course on “
Native American Studies in the
Northeast" at College of the Atlantic, Bar
Harbor. She has completed work on a
bibliography on Indian literature, pub
lished by American Friends Service Com
mittee, a Quaker-sponsored group. Her
AFSC job was paid through a federal
CETA grant.
Denise Mitchell has been employed as
executive director of Tribal Governors,
Inc., in Orono, an agency that channels
federal funds to Maine Indians.
Sanborn looks ahead
Alan Sanborn, who held the top health
post two years, had been a hairdresser in
Milo for 15 years. He holds a degree from
University of Maine in substance abuse
counseling, and recently accepted the job
of executive director, National Committee
on Indian Work of the Episcopal Church,
in New York City. He is a former board
member of that committee, and is on the
board of the Native American Theological
Association.
Sanborn plans to take courses at
General Seminary in New York, toward
ordination as a priest.
Describing his new job, Sanborn said,
“ s talking to the Indians, getting down
it’
and listening. What we’ trying to do is
re
incorporate the native American into
Christianity — what we can interface
between the two.
“ first call to the ministry came from
My
the public; people said ‘ d make a good
you’
priest.' I said no. It’funny; what I wanted
s
when I was 10, I’ getting now.
m
“ m still going to be working with
I’
Indians; that was my goal when I went
back to school,” said Sanborn, adding,
“ ve done all I can here. W e haven’been
I’
t
cut (in federal funds). Things seem to be
going pretty smoothly . . . I’ really
m
excited about the new job.”
Sanborn, 42, is married and the father
of three sons and a daughter.
nmERO’S SPORT SHOP
GUNS & ACCESSORIES
FISHING EQUIPMENT
Potters at work
S. C. Francis of Indian Island has been teaching pottery to young people aged seven to
17, in weekday afternoon classes, 3:30-4:30, at the Drop-In Center, on the reservation.
Interested persons should simply “
drop in,” and S.C. says adult classes will be
scheduled, and a small fee will b e involved. He has a kiln and potters wheel ready to go.
BLACK POWDER & SUPPLIES
Hours — Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bennoch Road
Old Town, Maine 04468
207-827-7032
Ask for A1 or Dave
�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance Jane 1982
Cancer study set
for Indian Island
INDIAN ISLAND — The Penobscot
Nation will participate in a national cancer
research study, according to tribal health
official, Maynard Krieder.
Krieder, who is coordinating the study,
commented, “
cancer is a real fear, it’ a
s
fear everywhere.”But on Indian Island,
where Kreider has kept his own records
between 1976 and 1980, ten of 32 deaths
were identified as caused by cancer of one
kind or another. (Ten w ere due to heart
disease, 12 to “
other causes.” In the year
)
1978, 22 percent of Indian Island deaths
were due to cancer.
Among recent Penobscot victims of
cancer w ere form er tribal governors
Wilfred Pehrson, Nicholas Sapiel and
John Mitchell.
The American Cancer Society sponsor
PASSAMAQUODDY — The tribal forestry department’ good morale is represented ed study — which will stretch over six
s
here by, from left, Raphael Sockabasin, Audrey Socoby, Joe Socobasin. Bruce Francis, years — will involve 85,000 volunteers and
cost upwards of $12 million. Krieder said
not shown, is in charge.
“ overall purpose of the study is to find
the
out what factors in lifestyle and environ
ment contribute to the development of
cancer.”
Wherry cited for work
FREDERICTON, N.B. — James
Wherry, who earned a M asters degree
in anthropology from the University of
New Brunswick in 1979, is the winner
of the Praxis Award presented by the
Washington (D.C.) Association of Pro
fessional Anthropologists.
The prestigious annual award was
given in recognition of Wherry’ “
s out
standing example of the translation of
anthropological knowledge into action.”
Anthropology is the study of mankind’
s
origins, development and customs.
While a graduate student at UNB,
Wherry focused on the social organiza
tion of northeastern Indian tribes,
particularly the Eastern Algonquians.
After completing his program, he was
employed by the Association of Aroos
took Indians to aid them in the settle
ment of the Passamaquoddy Land
Claim. Through his efforts, the pre
viously unrecognized Houlton Band of
Maliseets was certified as a tribal
group and became eligible for benefits
under the land claim.
According to William Dalton, chair
man of UNB’ anthropology depart
s
ment, W herry’ achievement is evi
s
dence of the success of UNB’ “
s social
approach to anthropology" which pre
pares students for meaningful work in
society. Dalton says U.S. organizations
tend to take advantage of this training
more than Canadians do.
W herry did his undergraduate work
in anthropology and archeology at
California State College of Pennsyl
vania, and came to UNB because he
was interested in the practical applica
tion of anthropological theory.
He currently lives in Lawrence,
Kansas, and works with Native Ameri
can Research Institute.
STANDPIPE TO COME DOWN — The old Indian Township wooden standpipe and
water main on The Strip will be replaced, tribal officials say, with a new tank and main.
There are reportedly only two firms in the U.S. that make this kind of tank. The new
one will hold 200,000 gallons: the old one [above] holds 75,000 gallons. Low bidder was
Stetson, of East Holden, at $157,565. The only other bidder was Pine Tree of Augusta,
at $165,227.50.
Chavaree in Spain
GRANADA, Spain — Mark Chavaree of
Indian Island, a Penobscot attending Dart
mouth College, will return home this
month, after ten weeks in this Spanish
community.
As part of Dartmouth’ language study
s
abroad, Chavaree has been living with a
host Spanish family that speaks no
English. His parents, Francis and Jean
Chavaree of Indian Island, recently spent
ten days in Granada.
Chavaree, com pleting his sophom ore
year, has received an award from Maine
Indian Scholarship Committee, for aca
demic excellence.
Also attending Dartmouth is Tina
Farrenkopf, a Passamaquoddy from Ban
gor.
Obituaries
CHRISTOPHER ERIC BLANEY
W O O D L A N D — C h r isto p h er E ric
Blaney, 5, died May 13, 1982, at his home
as the result of a structural fire.
He was born in Bangor, March 12,1977,
the son of George and Pamela (Nicholas)
Blaney. Surviving besides his parents are
one brother, Harold, of Woodland; his
maternal grandparents, Edward and
Blanche Sockabasin of Indian Township;
his paternal grandparents, Lloyd and
Mazie Blaney of Princeton; several aunts,
uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles; two
great-great-aunts and uncles. A Mass of
Christian Burial was celebrated at St.
Ann’ Church, Peter Dana Point, with the
s
Rev. Norman Carpentier celebrant.
Interment was in the tribal cemetery.
PAUL E. TOMAH
HOULTON — Paul E. Tomah, 56, died
May 12,1982, in a Bangor hospital.
He was born in Houlton, Feb. 4, 1926,
the son of Charles and Minnie (Clark)
Tomah. He was a member of the St.
Mary’Church. He is survived by his wife,
s
Catherine (Gravel) Tomah of Houlton; two
daughters, Janice Ellis and Caroline
Young, both of Florenceville, N.B.; four
brothers, Leroy, John, and Dean, all of
Houlton, William of Hartford, Conn.;
three sisters, Mary Kelley and Gloria
Tomah of Houlton, Debra Haley of
Presque Isle; three grandchildren; eight
foster children. Mass of Christian Burial
was held Friday, May 14 at St. Mary’
s
Church with the Rev. Coleman P. O’
Toole
officiating. Interment was in St. Mary’
s
Cemetery, Houlton.
On the Island, he said, “ don’think it
we
t
would be very hard to ge t maybe 100
people.”
In a letter to Gov. Timothy Love of the
Penobscot Nation, an American Cancer
Society worker wrote, “
Information re
garding cancer in the American Indian is
limited; through this study, w e would like
to learn more. This can only be done if we
survey a sampling of the American Indian
population.”
A press release from the Society
declared:
“ large-scale study of this kind is
A
needed to help us find out, as well as t o ,
help get the answers to questions about
such things as long-term exposure to low
level radiation; the health effects associat
ed with air and water pollution; risks
associated with nutrition, drugs, and
various occupational exposures; the pos
sible interplay of multiple cancer-causing
substances which m ight not independent
ly cause cancer, and the possibility of
increased vulnerability to cancer in cer
tain racial, religious, geographic or genetic
groups.”
BIA sifts 1,700 claims
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Bureau of
Indian Affairs has com pleted the pro
cessing of m ore than 95 percent of ap
proximately 1,200 Indian claims for dam
ages still considered active.
Sam St. Arnold, head of the bureau’
s
rights protection division, said the bureau
was winding up its work on a few
remaining claims and the remainder were
in the solicitor’ office for review, before
s
being sent to the Justice Department by
the June 1 target date. This would give
the Justice Department six months to
review the claims, obtain any further
needed information and file suits before
Decem ber 31.
In testimony before the Senate Select
Committee on Indian Affairs, April 1,
Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary Roy
Sampsel reported that of the original
17,000 claims, som e have been reviewed
and rejected, some resolved administra
tively, some are considered appropriate
for legislative settlem ent and some in
volved titled claims, rather than damages,
and will not be subject to the statute of
limitations.
Sampsel said that nearly 4,000 of the
claims involved unapproved rights-of-way
which have been determ ined to be
beneficial with little or no damage to the
property. He said the Bureau would seek
to validate these rights-of-way adminis
tratively. Sampsel said the Bureau would
recommend legislation to reim burse In
dian trust estates whose funds w ere
diminished without the consent of heirs to
repay state or county welfare agencies for
Old A ge Assistance payments. These
claims totaled approximately $1.5 million.
The 1,200 claims remaining active,
Sampsel testified, involved such things as
damage to tribal fisheries and other
natural resources, or diversion of water.
NOTICE OF DEAD LIN E FOR
COPY, ADVERTISING
Wabanaki Alliance announces that
all advertising and editorial copy
should be submitted to the newspaper
offices by the 15th day of the month
preceding the issue in which you wish
your copy to appear. For example,
June 15 is the deadline for the July
issue of Wabanaki Alliance. Mail all
copy to Wabanaki Alliance, 95 Main
St., Orono, ME 04473.
�Wabanaki Alliance June 1982
Page 7
Penobscots polled
Don and Becky Daigle
(Continued from page 1
)
Coastal lands
An overwhelming 65 percent of those
Many off reservation Indians often aren’
t
responding want the tribe to buy som e of
involved or aware of certain things.”
—“
Did not approve of settlem ent but the Maine coast,' while only 13 percent
said “
no.” date, the tribe has bought no
To
now must live with it.”
— “
The Nation should becom e finan coastal property.
About half of those responding said the
cially independent as soon as possible.
Continued depepdence on BIA and federal tribe should en gage in real estate, as the
very sluggish.”
government program s must stop. Failure timber/wood market is “
to do this will result in a permanent But members have mixed feelings about
welfare state for Penobscot Indian Na real estate ventures. They are split over
land swaps, subdivisions, ski lodges,
tion.”
— “
There should be no individually hydro power, camping areas, etc.
If a profit is turned from land uses, most
owned, lands. Those tribal mem bers
owning land should donate their holdings respondents want the money forked over
and take a tax deduction or simply have as per capita payments. One suggestion,
however, is to place such income in a trust
the land taken.”
—“
Housing ON the reservation should fund.
take priority.”
Sixty-five percent of respondents live
— “
Money for fire department should off reservation; 22 percent make less than
not be taken from per capital funds. They $5,000 per year, while 12 percent report
should ju st have a contract with the Old making m ore than $20,000.
Town fire department.”
Mitchell pointed out that personal
—“
God created the land and created us income is a concern for many respondents.
to enjoy the land.”
Based on the 1980 census figure of $21,020
Mitchell said the survey project has as median U.S. family income, 77 percent
taken about four months, but full scale of respondents are below average, while
planning will involve several years. He 43 percent are below $10,000 ... less than
thanked all mem bers who participated, half the median family income.
with special thanks to help provided by
Postmarks on returned questionnaires
Millie Paul, Alison Sapiel, the Penobscot included California, New York, Florida
Nation land committee, and staff of the and New England states.
tribla real estate and demography de
Meanwhile, Daigle said the old, asphalt
partment.
sided (to look like bricks) Baptist church
A majority of those surveyed think land
“ in tremendous need of a pastor.”He
is
said an area pastor will fill in, on a use should be a combination of tribal and
temporary basis. Stained glass windows in individual interests, not wholly one or the
the church apparently came from an older, other. As for land use, timber and natural
SANTA FE, N.M. — The Institute of
coastal church, as a nautical anchor is a resource development ranked highest, at
about 70 percent, with agriculture running American Indian Arts will hold a first
centerpiece.
annual literary festival.
second choice. Forty-two percent said
Daigle said a new roof, and new furnace “
The festival will feature four U.S.
preserve”
the land first.
have been installed at the church during
Respondents easily favored having the native American authors: N. Scott Momahis tenure, and the Sunday school hall has tribe’ own comprehensive plan replace day, Duane Niatum, Wendy Rose, and
s
been fixed up. But there has never been a state Land U se Regulation Commission Ray A. Young Bear. The festival will take
living wage from the church. “
Sixty (LURC) jurisdiction over “
trust (non-tax- place from July 13-16, in Santa Fe, New
percent of our living came off the land, and able) tribal lands.
Mexico at the College of Santa Fe campus.
the other 40 percent we’ worked for”in
ve
various other jobs, Daigle said.
Daigle takes post
with Arizona church
INDIAN ISLAND — After a four-year
hitch as pastor of the Indian Island Baptist
Church, the Rev. Donald Daigle, a Penob
scot, is leaving this month to assume
similar duties with an independent Indian
church in Arizona.
Daigle, his wife Becky, and their
children, Chris and Michele, will m ove to
Verde Valley, where they hope to live on
an Apache reservation. The valley is
about 40 miles from Flagstaff, where the
Daigles previously lived. Don Daigle has
preached throughout Arizona Indian
country, and some of the Apaches re
member him, he said.
“ e really felt that our work here was
W
completed, and that the Lord was calling
us," explained Daigle, adding that the
independent Indian church “
has a good
sound doctrine.
“
The work that I’ going into is
m
basically what I do here on the Island.
W e’ going to be missionaries,”Daigle
re
said, explaining that his wife is part of the
“ team.”
the
Commenting on his years with the
Penobscot Baptist Church, Daigle said,
“ s been a blessing. We got a lot accom
it’
plished. When we first came here, there
were only three to five people attending.
It’been as high as 33; we’ in a low right
s
re
now, about 13-15.”Almost all Penobscots
have been raised as Roman Catholics, al
though many do not attend the Island
church on a regular basis.
Daigle said the Island priest, the Rev.
John Civiello, has been a good friend. The
two of them presided together at tradi
tional inauguration cerem onies for tribal
Gov. Timothy Love. Civiello told Daigle he
would galdly help out with moving.
Indian authors
on event agenda
He is picking fiddleheads to raise money
for moving expenses, he said. 'The
struggle to make a living has not bothered
the Daigles. “ ve enjoyed my work out
I’
here.” Daigle said with his customary,
friendly grin.
Perhaps the most personal accomplish
ment for Daigle has been the trust and
respect he has earned from his fellow
tribal members, including the elderly. In
his youth, Daigle had a reputation for
being in trouble, but all that is a thing of
the past — and he thanks God for the
change.
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As for Becky Daigle, she is looking
forward to the long grow ing season and
the warmer winters, plus the spectacu
larly scenic countryside of Arizona.
And as for the Baptist church, Daigle
observed, “ will go through trials and
it
tests, but it’ been through them before,
s
and it will survive.”
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�Page 8
Wabanaki Alliance June 1982
news notes
Flashback
State of Alaska anti-sovereignty
The state of Alaska is challenging the
authority of Native villages to organize as
sovereign entities under the Indian Re
organization Act, and is challenging the
constitutionality of the Indian Child
Welfare Act.
In a letter to Interior Secretary James
Watt, Alaska Governor Jay Hammond
questions the right of Alaska villages to
re-organize because of a provision of the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of
1971 which, Hammond contends, ex
tinguished forever any aboriginal claims
to the land.
Hammond noted in his letter that the
Bureau of Indian Affairs recently ap
proved a tribal constitution for the Village
of Circle and that 17 other villages have
applied for constitutions under the Indian
Reorganization Act.
Spud Williams, the president of the
Tanana Chiefs Conference, commented:
“
Part of the problem with the state
government is they don’understand . . .
t
the trust relationship Natives have with
the federal government. They have a state
rights attitude.”
The state has also filed a suit contesting
the applicability of the Indian Child
Welfare Act to Alaska. An attorney for
the Tanana Chiefs Conference said the
state’ contention is apparently based on
s
two reasons: 1) That Alaska Natives have
never been treated legally as political
entities as are the Indians in the lower 48
states; and 2) the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act terminated any political
status Alaska Natives might have had.
Details of the suit w ere not revealed
because it involved a minor child.
Hopi-Navajo dispute topic of TV special
ORONO — Maine Public Broadcasting
Network (MPBN) will broadcast a special
radio program on the historic Hopi-Navajo
land dispute, June 2, at 1 p.m., over its
Maine stations.
The special was announced by Robert P.
Robinson, program manager of the MPBN
station based at the University of Maine
at Orono campus.
Robinson explained that the program
deals with relocation of a handful of Hopi
Indians, and thousands of Navajos, as a
result of federal legislation to reconcile
the two tribes.
In 1882, 2.5 million acres of land in the
southwest were set aside for the Hopi and
“
such other Indians as the secretary of the
NACIE meets
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A full council
meeting of the National Advisory Council
on Indian Education (NACIE) was sched
uled here, at a hotel near Harvard Square,
April 17-20. Part of the m eeting — by the
executive committee — was closed to the
public, a Federal R egister announcement
said. Michael P. D oss is NACIE executive
director, and head offices are in Washing
ton.
interior may see fit to settle there." Since
that time, a series of widely debated
government rulings have led to the
Navajo/Hopi land settlem ent act of 1974,
legislation which equally divided the con
tested land between both tribes.
The legislation requires the resettle
ment of 100 Hopi and an estimated 9,000
Navajo by 1986, som e of whose ancestors
have lived on the land even before 1882.
P e n o b s co ts take hon ors
in ph oto s h ow
ORONO — The photographs of two
Penobscot men are included in a current
exhibit of the Marsh Island Photography
Contest, at University of Maine at Orono’
s
Memorial Union.
The grand prize was awarded to George
(Skipper) Mitchell of Bucksport, for a
subtle-toned color photo entitled, “
Fog.”
Also selected for exhibit w ere color photos
by C. B. Mitchell o f Indian Island, who
received an honorable mention for a photo
called “
Fall’ fading splendor.” Another
s
C. B. Mitchell photo showed the Old Town
hydro-electric plant. Skipper Mitchell’
s
work on display, along with “
Fog,”con
sisted of a black and white photo, entitled
“
Barn,”
and a color work, “
Pushaw Pond.”
YOUNGEST BASKETWEAVER, at Indian Island, was Vivian Polchies, at about age
four, here shown at a somewhat younger age, with her mother, Frances Sappier
Polchies. The photo was taken 50 years ago, in front of the St. Ann’convent boathouse,
s
no longer standing. [Lent by Janet [Minnie] Polchies Donado, Norfolk, Va.]
C o l l e g e h osts s u m m e r Indian pr ogr a m
COLORADO SPRINGS, C olo .- E n erg y
and power are the them es of an eightweek summer educational program on the
Colorado College campus, which will run
June 13 through August 16, for Indian
students. The program is jointly spon
sored by Colorado C ollege and the Council
of E nergy Resource Tribes (CERT).
The Tribal Resource Institute in Busi
ness, Engineering, and Sciences (TRIBES)
is designed to enhance the academic skills
of recently graduated American Indian
high school students interested in careers
in business, engineering, and science.
Students successfully com pleting the
courses offered in mathematics, physics,
research, and computer science will
receive ten and one-half sem ester hours of
college credits. In addition to pursuing
academic courses, the students will visit
industry in the region and m eet American
Correction
INDIAN ISLAND — A front page story
in the May issue of this newspaper in
correctly identified a man who chose not
to vote on the 1880 census question. He
should have been identified as James
Peter Francis, not Manfred Francis.
Manfred is James’
father.
Skitikuk «j * Outfitters
.
Specialists in wilderness travel.
Cohen's wife gets into 'act'
Diane Cohen, center, wife of U.S. Sen. William S. Cohen of Maine, discusses a recent
Washington, D.C., benefit called “
Night of the First Americans,”with Jeanie Smith,
left, wife of BIA chief Ken Smith, and Ella Udall, wife of Rep. Morris Udall of Arizona.
Senator Cohen is chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs.
Sales - Rentals - Guide Service
Home of Igas Island custom-made
packs and equipment
38 Main St.
O ro n o
866-4878
Indian professionals w ho work in the
fields of energy and power. During the
eight-week period students will be able to
assess their academic backgrounds and
receive guidance toward entering the
college or university of their choice.
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would yob like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/ Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we'll also help you
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
—in the Portland area—775-7225
—in the Auburn area—786-4190
—in the Bangor area—947-0755
—or toll free anywhere in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
�
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (June 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
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1982-06
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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pdf
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PDF Text
Text
Wabanaki
Alliance May 1982
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Tribe OKs
1880 census
INDIAN ISLAND — In one of the most
dramatic actions in tribal history, mem
bers of the Penobscot Nation voted
recently to accept an 1880 census as
defining “ blooded”Indians, rejecting
full
the previously used 1860 census.
The vote carried by a mere seven votes,
and in passing, ensured that an estimated
200 Penobscots would not be removed
from the census. If the 1880 version had
been turned down, those members would
have lost their status, and all benefits of
being a tribal member — such as per
capita payments from land claims that
average S250 per month.
To say feelings ran high at the general
meeting is an understatement. Gov. Timo
thy Love, chairing the m eeting that was
closed to all non-members, decided this
was too serious an issue for simply a
“
raised hand”
vote. He ordered those who
favored the amendment to the 1880 census
to one side of the room, and those who
opposed it — and wanted to retain the
I860 census — to the other side.
Whole families and their relatives
moved to one side or the other, and
Manfred Francis, unwilling to take either
side, stood right in the middle of the two
separated groups. Love, who favored the
amendement, conceded later it was one of
the more tense moments in his life.
The final vote to approve the amend
ment was 71-64. A first vote yielded 72-64.
Immediately following the vote, dozens
of members left the meeting, acknow
ledging that the census vote was their
reason for attending. Relief showed on
many faces, anger on some others.
To some, the amendment allows people
who are “
too white” to be Nation
members. It will be the end of the tribe,
someone predicted. The “
real Indians
voted against the amendment, others said.
But to those who favored the amend
ment, it was the only fair thing to do, they
said. And in some cases, they were voting
to keep their own children on the tribal
census. They said those opposed were
(Continued on page 5
)
Workfare starts at island
INDIAN ISLAND — The Penobscot vation policy now resembles the policies of
m ost Maine towns and cities.
Nation's new welfare (general assistance)
As Strnad points out, off reservation
rules deny services to tribal mem bers not
Indians may seek assistance from the
living on tribal land.
The changes took effect April 1, accord community in which they live, and Strnad
advocate”for
ing to Carolyn Strnad, deputy director of said the tribe will be an “
anyone needing help. She said Penquis
the tribal health and human services
Community Action Program, Bangor, and
department. Strnad said the state has
Central Maine Indian Association, Orono,
been putting pressure on the Indian Island
administration to revise and clarify its could also offer guidance.
The welfare caseload for Indian Island
welfare regulations, and the tribe has now
has been lower than in years past, with
done so. Under the land claims settlement
about 125 cases on the reservation, and 35
act, the reservation has “
municipality
cases off the Island. Those 35 cases have
status” in terms of providing welfare,
been dropped by the tribe.
Strnad said.
Workfare starts
In the first few days of the changes,
In other action, Strnad’ department is
s
there have been no major complaints from
initiating a workfare program, whereby
on or off reservation tribal members, she
able-bodied welfare recipients will be
said.
asked to do some work.
The Penobscot Nation’regulations now
s
Strnad said those persons on welfare
conform with State of Main^. law, rather
cannot, under the law, be required to
than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
(Continued on page 6'
(BIA) policy formerly in force. The reser
ELDEST R ESID EN T of Indian Island, Sadie Ranco, Penobscot, celebrated her 86th
birthday, April 2. Her senior citizen friends threw a party, but Sadie said, “ wish they’
1
d
forgotten. I'm too old!”
She w orked many years at a children's home in Bangor, retiring
about ten years ago. With her is Jimmy Stevens and Eunice Crowley. Sadie had just
signed a petition being circulated to retain Stevens as senior citizens coordinator. His
job is jeopardized by funding cuts. Seniors’
chef Gerry Francis praised Stevens' work.
Sioux lose Sand claims appeal
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme
Court has refused to hear an appeal from
the Oglala Sioux tribe of South Dakota,
seeking the restoration of Black Hills land
taken from the Sioux Indians in 1877.
The supreme court had rules in 1980
that the seizure of som e 7 million acres of
land from the Sioux was unconstitutional.
As a result of this decision the Sioux were
to receive more than $100 million in com
pensation — but no land.
The Oglala, one of eight Sioux tribes
involved in the 58-year-old suit, split off
from the other seven before the 1980
decision, and refused to renew its contract
with the lawyer who had handled the case
for 24 years. They said they would not be
bound by any monetary settlement with
out restoration of land.
Editor TV g u e s t
ORONO — Wabanaki Alliance Editor
Steve Cartwright will be the guest of host
Kim Mitchell, Penobscot, on ‘
Wickeegan,’
airing Monday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. on TV
stations of the Maine Public Broadcasting
Network (MPBN).
FBI probes Passamaquoddy records
Gov. J. H. Nicholas
PLEASANT POINT — Tribal Gov.
Joseph Hartley Nicholas has confirmed
an unofficial report that the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been
investigating Passamaquoddy financial
records.
“
The FBI did take quite a few
records," Nicholas said. “ told them
I
they could take whatever they want. I
told them, ‘ can have anything you
you
want to. I don't have anything to
hide.’
”
Nicholas said the investigation may
relate to an estimated tribal expendi
ture of $43,000 in federal funds, some
six years ago. He said that expenditure
was “
disallowed”by the federal gov
ernment. Nicholas’
brother, Francis J.
Nicholas, was tribal governor at the
time.
“ there’ any dirty linen, we’ air
If
s
ll
it,”said Governor Nicholas. However,
he said he did not anticipate any prob
lems. Nicholas said government of
ficials and two FBI agents have visited
both Pleasant Point and Indian Town
ship. Indian Township is a sister Passa
maquoddy reservation near Princeton.
Harold J. Lewev is currently Township
governor.
Assistant U.S. District Atty. William
Browder, contacted at his Bangor
office, confirmed the FBI investigation.
He refused to release any information,
but was eager to know what this news
paper had learned. Rumors on the
reservation indicated certain current
or former tribal officials could face
indictments by a grand jury.
Browder reluctantly acknowledged
this was a possibility, but would
neither confirm nor deny the rumors.
He said the investigation may take a
couple of months.
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance May 1982
editorials
Gov. Love
Penobscot Nation Gov. Tim Love took a week’vacation in Florida
s
last month. He and his family deserve at least that much.
Love works much overtime, works very hard, and has a job that
follows him home. You can ’ leave the office and say to someone,
t
“
Sorry, it’ after five, I’ not governor now.” We believe Love has
s
m
guided the tribe through turbulent times, including much friction
over land claims money, the tribal census and the availability and
delivery o f services.
The job has turned L ove’ hair gray, just as the Presidency aged
s
Jimmy Carter.
On top o f all this. Tim Love’ mother, Polly, died. Then, a half
s
year later, his father, John, passed away. This is not an easy time for
Love, who must decide if he will seek reelection this fall to a second
two-year term.
Love has made a few mistakes, but so what. On balance, as one of
the youngest governors in tribal history (still under 30). he has done a
splendid job.
Workfare
A workfare program has been launched at Indian Island, and we
wonder if it will get up to speed.
For those who don ’ know, “
t
workfare” is a version o f welfare
where the recipient does some actual work in exchange for the
welfare vouchers or payments, known on the reservation as general
assistance.
In fact, welfare has been called many things in recent years. It
seems people are unwilling to admit welfare for what it is, calling it
instead “
human services” and other euphemisms. Welfare is
handouts for the poor, the needy. Sometimes welfare is abused, when
underserving people receive it, and sometimes the very system o f
government handouts is an abuse.
The cycle o f dependency created by welfare leads to generations o f
welfare recipients. It almost becom es an inherited trait. The grand
mother is on welfare; her daughter gets a monthly check; the grand
children will sign up as soon as they are able. How do we break this
vicious cycle, especially in times o f high joblessness?
Workfare strikes us as an idea with potential, good and bad. As a
letter sent to Penobscot welfare recipients states, “
This program will
be designed for all employable applicants.”Obviously, not all people
can work, so there may be exceptions. But certainly a lot o f people
can do some sort o f odd job. chore or task.
While participating in workfare will not bring the welfare recipient
a fatter check, it will provide him a measure o f self-esteem in the
community. And it may sharpen some o f his skills, making him more
employable.
Probably the biggest flaw in the Indian Island workfare program is
that welfare people cannot be forced to participate. There is no legal
requirement that able-bodied persons work for their government
check, paid in full by taxpayers. So if somebody doesn ’ want to
t
work, he can thumb his nose at workfare, and still get his welfare
check.
In all honesty, we don ’ have very high expectations for Indian
t
Island workfare. People who live on welfare do so for deep-seated
reasons. There is no instant cure for social and econom ic ills. But we
say. give it a try.
With about 125 welfare cases on the Island — and this shows
marked progress — something should be done.
Alison Sapiei and friends, inspecting seedlings at Indian Island greenhouse.
Garden needs helpers
INDIAN ISLAND - Due to funding,
shortages the tribal community garden
will have to rely on volunteer labor this
year.
Anyone willing to lend a hand (or
shovel) is encouraged to come to the
garden between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.,
Monday through Friday starting. May 5.
In August, at the peak of the harvest
season there will be a garden pot-luck-
supper for all those who have helped with
the garden. The meal will feature all the
tasty fresh vegetables grown in the
garden, according to Alison Sapiei, in
charge of the garden project.
“
Come heip plant, weed, and water to
get your tummy ready for fresh peas, snap
beans, zucchini, beets, carrots, sweet
corn, cabbage, tomatoes, green peppers,
melons, etc.,”
Sapiei said.
Alliance's future in doubt
INDIAN ISLAND — As noted in a
seperate story in this issue, the Pen
obscot Nation has defeated a proposal
to pick up the larger share of funding
for this newspaper.
Last year, the Penobscots con
tributed $16,350 to Wabanaki Alliance,
and this funding is now just about ex
hausted.
In March, members voted 31-13 to
reject a proposal that sought $23,500
from the Penobscot Nation. But in a
unanimous vote immediately following
the rejection, members voted 46-0 to
ask that a revised budget be submitted
to the tribe. The second vote came
after Wayne Mitchell, a tribal member.
Wabanaki Alliance
stated the newspaper is important for
communication, and should not be
abandoned after five years of success
ful publication.
Over the years, Wabanaki Alliance
has attempted to enlist Passamaquoddy, Micmac and Maliseet financial
support, but to no avail.
The newspaper has thus found it
necessary to seek the bulk of its
support from the Penobscot Nation. It
should be emphasized that for years,
the Roman Catholic Diocese of Port
land has sustained and sponsored the
newspaper, and continues to support it
today. Without tribal heip. however,
Wabanaki Alliance will cease publica
tion.
Vol. 6, No. 5
May 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207j 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Times Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring. Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: $5 per year [12 issues]; $6 Canada and overseas; $10 for institutions [schools,
government, business, etc.]
�Page 3
Wabanaki Alliance May 1982
General meeting vote unjustified
Teens still
1
drunk or stoned1
Pleasant Point
To the editor:
I am writing in hope that you will print
this letter in the Wabanaki Alliance news
letter column.
I am writing mainly to the Pleasant
Point tribal leaders. I would like to be
assured that they know of my concern
with the drug and alcohol problems on the
reservation.
About two years ago, I wrote a letter
expressing my feelings about the drug and
alcohol problems on the reservation. I
gave my idea of what I felt could prevent
some of the drug and alcohol problems. I
suggested a recreation center with billiard
tables, pinball machines, etc. For the past
two years I have been assuming that the
tribal leaders, of Pleasant Point, didn't
think that was a good idea. I say this
because since my last letter; I have not
seen a recreation center or any other
plans to give people fun, constructive
things to do. I also have not seen a change
with the drug and alcohol problems on the
reservation.
I, as a teenager recognize our problem
with drugs and alcohol. I really believe if
we had a place like the recreation center,
things would be different. I realize a
recreation center won't totally take away
the drug and alcohol problems. I do
believe, though, that it will prevent and
give people an alternative to drinking and
taking drugs.
We teenagers are the future leaders of
Pleasant Point. I would hate to see a
bunch of "burn outs” our future leaders.
as
Let's try and prevent the problem before
it’too late.
s
I must also assure you that I realize
drug and alcohol problems are every
where. If I thought there was a way to
solve it for everyone, I would surely give
my suggestion. Of course, I have no
suggestion. So for now, let's think of our
selves. From there we can work our way
up the ladder.
Since these two years have passed, I
believe the drug and alcohol problems
have become greater. It seems to be an
everyday thing for many people. They
believe there is nothing else to do but to
get “
drunk or stoned.”From the looks of
things, I can see why that is a usual
excuse. There simply is nothing to do on
the reservation.
During the night hours many teenagers
are out getting “
stoned or drunk.”
This is
why I suggest a place to hang out. A place
to have fun and enjoy each other. That is
all I ask. Please remember that we are the
future leaders of Pleasant Point. What we
are today is our tomorrow.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Teenager
To the editor:
I would like to express my feelings
regarding the last General Meeting
held on Thursday, March 18th. I was
very disappointed that the Investment
Committee's budget was turned down,
mainly because of the importance of
this committee. I don’believe anyone
t
realizes what we are doing or trying to
do and I would like to explain.
When we were to receive our settle
ment, it was decided that an Invest
ment Committee be appointed to
monitor our account with the govern
ment and recommend to the people our
investment procedure. A committee of
seven was formed and from the begin
ning, Deanna LaBossiere, has been
doing an excellent job monitoring our
account. She has discovered errors
made by the government and these
have been rectified by them. She has
spent time in Albuquerque learning the
process by which their system is set up
and has become known to all the people
there. We should be proud we have
someone who is capable of this job. The
most important part of this job is
keeping track of our investments which
are in many banks across the country,
from Maine to California. This is how
the government uses our money, which
is fine. But we do need someone to keep
track of these investments. As you can
see, our money is not invested by the
government in one lump sum, but in
many smaller investments, thereby
making it a full time job keeping our
eye on these to be sure we are getting
the correct return of interest and that
the amounts coincide with what we
F o r me r l e a d e r
s p e a k s out
Indian Island
To the editor:
As your former chief and governor,
who had served you for four terms, “
8
years”now presently serving a four
year term as your councilman, I want
to thank you for your letters and your
phone calls. It shows you still have an
interest in your tribe.
The most often asked question by
your letters and calls is am I satisfield
with our present system of governing.
In answer to you all, I am going ta-.be
frank wjth you, as you asked my
opinion, my answer is no I am not
satisfied.
Our tribal election is but a few
months away, September 1982. I am
looking forward to some changes for a
better system in our government. I am
concerned for our security for the
future. If some changes are not made.
I appreciate your letters, keep them
coming as I have no working capital, if
you wish an answer to your letters
please enclose stamps.
We hope to come up with some plan
to save our paper the Wabanaki which
I am sure you enjoy.
Francis J. Ranco
English interest
< •.
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Owned Homes For Sale
in Washington County
CMIA to elect
ORONO — Two new directors will be
elected at a Central Maine Indian Asso
ciation (CMIA) membership meeting, May
13, at 7 p.m., at CMIA offices, 95 Main St.,
Orono.
Acting CMIA director Melvin (Tom)
Vicaire said in addition to filling the two
vacancies, a proposed by-law revision
would set a "majority age" of 18, meaning
that CMIA members must be of age to
vote. This has never been stipulated in the
past, Vicaire said.
$5 for one year
(Individual—U.SJ
Name
156
l
t . / "“
.
v
i
V
i
I
ii
m B n S D In N
OPPORTUNITY
These homes are available to veterans or
non-veterans without preference.
Rt. 1 Woodland
,
$40,000.
Rt. 1 39 Dublin St., Machias
,
$36,500.
$500 D.P.
18 Freemont St., Machias
$25,500.
Main Street, Baring
26,800.
9 Academy Street, Calais
25,900.
8 Chapel Street, Calais
12,500.
1 Temperance Street, Calais
1
26,000.
Summer Street, Calais
19,000.
Route # —Houlton Road, Woodland 27,500.
1
3 Chape! Street, Calais
1
19,000.
FINANCED FOR 30 YEARS BY VA
NO DOWN PAYMENTS REQUIRED
SEE YOUR LOCAL
REAL ESTATE BROKER
All VA financed
At
p r e v a i l i n g i n t e r e s t ra te s
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
tor one v
vear
Tf?
\
y
Equal Housing
BEING
TRANSFERRED?
Contact the VA for
information about
properties available
throughout the State.
(Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance • - ENCLOSE:
- tu .
June Ranco Lane
Investment Committee Member
To the editor:
Free e a g l e post er
Thanks very much for swift reply to my
letter, and for the copies of the Wabanaki
asking from National Wildlife Federation,
WASHINGTON — A poster stating
Alliance, for which I am most grateful.
1412-16th St., NW, Dept. FM, Washing
“
We care about eagles,” depicting the
I found the paper very interesting and American bald eagle, is available for the ton, D.C. 20036. Send a postcard only.
informative, and enclose $6 for subscrip
tion and $4 as a donation. I realize this is
not very much, but do hope it will be of
use to you.
I would very much like to know more
about the Indian people and townships in
your area, and the languages spoken. My
best wishes to ail at Wabanaki Alliance.
Jeremy Isaac
WABANAKI ALLIANCE SUBSCRIPTION FORM
u n ;
have. Included in the budget was a
request for one full time person and
one part time person to work on these
accounts and do whatever paper work
needs to be done regarding these. This
request was denied. Lord knows what
will happen when our function ceases.
I have heard comments like, “
What
do we need an Investment Committee
for.”As you can see, if we want to
know what our money is doing and
where it is, we need an investment
committee. Our honesty and ability has
been questioned. All investment com
mittee members are volunteers and I
am proud to say I have worked for one
year with this group and am one of the
originals, along with Deanna LaBos
siere and Irene Pardilla. There are now
four committee members and Deanna
is being temporarily employed by the
Administration for the job she is doing
as Trust Dept, head and works along
with the committee.
There were comments made at the
meeting to hire a financial expert. A
financial expert is going to charge
thousands of dollars for the same infor
mation we are getting now, and this
will come out of the payout.
If we do not want to fund the Invest
ment Committee for the amount they
need, how will we pay a financial
expert?
Please write your comments to Gov.
Love if you feel this committee is
needed.
Warwickshire, England
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE, 95 MAIN STREET, ORONO, MAINE 04473
^
Wells
' - ."r«5»“ eW
LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
i? o
TOGUS, MAINE * 330
M *
r a |
o f l 7
■ *%
e
T
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance May 1982
Maliseet land bill enacted
CHANGING OF THE GUARD — Or, m ore correctly, the directors: Dr. Eunice
Baumann-Nelson has been appointed head of the Penobscot Nation Department of
Health and Human Services, succeeding Alan Sanborn, who has taken a job as executive
director of the Episcopal Church’ National Committee on Indian Work, in New York
s
City. He had been in charge of the clinic two years. Baumann-Nelson is a form er clinic
director, who recently taught a course on northeastern Indians at College of the
Atlantic in Bar Harbor. Both Sanborn and Baumann-Nelson are Penobscot tribal
members.
By Brenda Polchies
Special to Wabanaki Alliance
AUGUSTA — A governor’ bill, titled
s
An Act to Amend the Maine Implement
ing Act with R espect to the Houlton Band
of Maliseet Indians, and presented by
Senator Michael Carpenter of Aroostook
County and co-sponsored by Representa
tive Genette Ingraham of Houlton, was
passed in the 110th Legislature.
The legislative approval came during
the final week of proceedings and the bill
was signed into law April 13, by Governor
Joseph E. Brennen and Houlton Band of
Maliseets Chairman Terry Polchies. A
19-13 vote in the Senate and an over
whelming vote in the H ouse of R epresen
tatives enabled the bill to pass handily.
Briefly, the "Statement of Fact”reads,
“
The Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act
of 1980, Public Law 96-420, enacted by
Congress, created a $900,000 Land A c
quisition Fund for the Houlton Band of
Maliseet Indians. Under the provisions of
that federal act, the Secretary of Interior
of the United States cannot use funds to
acquire land for the Houlton Band of
Maliseet Indians until the State enacts
appropriate legislation approving such
land acquisitions.”
This bill is the product
of negotiations between the state and the
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
Under the provisions of this act, the
lands acquired by the secretary for the
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, to be
called “
Houlton Band Trust Land,”
will be
subject to the general laws of the state
with certain limited exceptions; they will
be subject to make payments in lieu of
property taxes, and they will be subject to
certain special restraints on alienation.
This act provides for the creation of a
special trust fund of $100,000 to assure the
satisfaction of tax obligations owed to
Maine governmental entities.
The act will become effective 90 days
after adjournment of the legislature, as
required by the Constitution of Maine, and
the act shall be effective only upon enact
ment of legislation by the federal govern
ment ratifying and approving this Act
without modification.
Island men want camping
program for Indian youth
INDIAN ISLAND — Two men here
who work with tribal youth in sports think
a camping trip might be as good as a
basketball game.
Red Bartlett and Dennis Pehrson say
that a wilderness experience can teach an
An All-Star
Miles Francis Jr. from Indian Island in
Old Town has been selected to play for the
Maine State Squirt Hockey All-Stars in
Rhode Island, one of 15 players chosen in
the state to represent Maine at the New
England Spring Festival Hockey Tourna
ment.
Gordon Wakelin from Casco Bay will be
the Maine All-Stars coach for the tourna
ment.
Miles, 10, played for the Old Town Rotary
Squirts and the Old Town Pee W ees in the
Penobscot Valley Hockey Conference.
Miles has been playing hockey since age 6
and has attended the National Hockey
School in Montreal, St. Andrews Hockey
School in New Brunswick, and Sussex
Hockey School in New Brunswick. He plans
to attend Exeter Hockey School in Exeter,
New Hampshire this year.
Miies is the son of Miles and Donna
Francis of Indian Island.
Indian youngster self-confidence, initia
tive, self-reliance, cooperation, and other
basic human values. They believe trips,
and possibly permanent woods camps,
should be organized to help instill these
values, and “
open the minds” of young
people, whether Penobscot or from other
tribes.
The concept has been tried before, in
Wabanaki W ilderness Pursuits of Orono,
but despite some success, the program
foundered a couple of years ago from lack
of interest, commitment and leadership.
Bartlett and Pehrson call their project
“
back to life,” and think it can be done
with a minimum of money. Already.
Pehrson said, he has a group of about 15
parents willing to volunteer their time.
Besides survival in the wild, youth can
learn-to simply enjoy the outdoors, becom
ing aware of nature's balance and beauty,
Bartlett said. “
Not everyone's interested
in going out for sports,”he said. “
This
gives them an alternative.”
Some of the activities Bartlett and
Pehrson hope would be taught are wood
carving, pottery, sw eetgrass gathering
for basketry, split ash basketry, and
medicinal and edible plant identification.
If trips are organized, each young
person will be responsible for bringing his
own food and clothing, Bartlett said. This
will keep costs low, he explained.
Pehrson and Bartlett are exploring the
possibility of acquiring the leftover
Wilderness Pursuits equipment, which
includes four canoes, backpacks and other
paraphernalia. All of it is currently held
by Wabanaki Corporation, a Bangor-based
Indian alcoholism agency.
Watt d e e d s land
to native Alaskans
WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of
the Interior Secretary James Watt award
ed 23,000 timbered acres on Admiralty
Island off southeast Alaska to the Sitkabased Shee-Atika Native Corporation.
The land had been selected by the
village corporation under the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act but the
selection had been delayed because of
opposition by the Sierra Club.
The island is famous for its Sitka
Spruce, other old-growth forest resources,
bears, eagles and other wildlife.
Passamaquoddy champs
The Indian Township Passamaquoddy girls basketball team took 4th place, recently, in
the Washington County Junior High Girls Basketball Tournament. From left, [front
row], Amy Tomah. team captain Rachel Sockabasin, Lilly Sockabasin; [back row, 1
-r]
Myra Mitchell, Bethany Gabriel, Laura Sockabasin, Amy Tomah, Dottie Newell, Tonya
Socoby. With them is coach Donna Allen.
Richter completes police training
WATERVILLE - Karl A. Richter of
Pleasant Point, a Passamaquoddy, was
among 39 law enforcement people grad
uating March 26, from Maine Criminal
Justice Academy here.
Ceremonies w ere held at Thomas
College, with a commencement address by
state Atty. Gen. James E. Tierney. The
Academy marks its 42nd session of
municipal and county basic police school.
“
With the training these officers have
received, they are now prepared to per
form their functions and tasks for the
citizens they serve,” said Maurice C.
Harvey, Director, Maine Criminal Justice
Academy.
The 485-hour curriculum includes sub
jects in Accident and Criminal Investi
gation, Firearms, First Aid, Maine Crim
inal and Motor Vehicle Law, News Media
R elations, P atrol P rocedu res, P olice
Ethics, Police and the Public, Specialized
Subjects (e.g., youth control, crisis inter
vention and conflict management, police
records, etc.).
Maine law requires that all full-time
municipal police officers and deputy
sheriffs successfully complete the 12-week
municipal/County Basic Police School
within one year of their employment.
Richter works with the Pleasant Point
Police Department.
RITIERO’S S P O R T S H O P
GUNS & ACCESSORIES
FISHING EQUIPMENT
BLACK POWDER & SUPPLIES
Hours — Mon., Tues.. Wed., Thurs.. Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bennoch Road
Old Town, Maine 04468
207-827-7032
Ask for A1 or Dave
�Wabanald Alliance May 1982
Page 5
Close vote on census
(Continued from page 1
)
protecting their per capita from any de
crease due to increased membership.
One young Penobscot man marched out
of the meeting smoking a cigar purchased
at the tribal snack bar. “ m a full blood
I’
now," he said sarcastically. (Most Penobscots agree that there are few if any fullblooded Penobscots alive today.)
For months, the elected tribal census
committee struggled to come to grips with
the dilemma of the 1860 vesus 1880
census. The matter is one of the most
controversial ever addressed, at Indian
Island. If the 1860 were kept, then many
Penobscots were by definition less than
one quarter blood Indian. “
Quarter blood”
is the standard federal as well as local
Indian definition of the minimum require
ment for bona fide tribal membership.
Some Island residents have accused
prior tribal administrations of “
padding”
the roils of Penobscots for a bigger popu
Dana Mitchell, left, and Barry Nelson, both of Indian Island, chat with Tom Brown after lation, thus enhancing applications for
state and federal grants and services.
lecture at University of Maine at Orono.
Love had denied that his, or previous ad
ministrations. engaged in such activity.
In any case, the recent vote of the
general meeting, with less than one eighth
of total membership participating, has
ensured that membership will top 1,500.
Several census committee members
voted to oppose the amendment, even
at Orono, sponsored by Native Americans though m some cases, it could hurt the
ORONO — As a boy of seven, Tom
s
Brown was already a rebel, or perhaps a at Maine, the Indian student group on member’own family.
'
More census matters
campus.
throwback, in the New Jersey society
In other actions at the five hour
He said he was pleased to see an
around him. He began exploring the wild
audience that looked “
rugged enough”to meeting, tribal members voted, after
Pine Barrens near his home.
be forestry students, unlike the paler much acrimonious debate, to reinvest 22.7
Later, after attending college for two
counterparts he recently addressed at percent of interest earned on the $12.5
weeks, he lived in those woods for a full
million Penobscot share of the land claims
Princeton University.
year, walking away from civilization stark
Brown spoke with conviction and pas trust fund. That vote carried, 44-7.
naked, without so much as a knife. Any
way, his local draft board had rejected him sion about what he believes is his calling.
He showed some slides of his wilderness
for physical reasons, and he figured it was
survival training trips, and told some
a good time to lay low.
anecdotes — such as when a grizzly bear
What really confirmed Brown as a man
of the woods was a chance encounter — a mauled his rented jeep while he cowered,
“
most incredible coincidence” calls it — unharmed, under the vehicle. He said the
he
with an Apache “
grandfather,” who bear tore out the rear end, and mangled
the entire jeep. He worked three years to
as Brown tell it, taught him the wisdowm
and lessons of Indians and the ages. He pay for the jeep, he said.
"Grandfather’ most admired wild
s”
spent a number of years living and learing
creature is the chickadee. Brown said he
with his “
grandfather.”
Later, at 27, Brown married, took a couldn't understand why, until one frigid
meniai job, and was dissatisfied. He day, hiking in high winds, he noticed there
thought he ought to repay the Apache for wasn't a sign of wildlife anywhere ... until
chiek-a-dee-deesome of what he learned, and in the he heard the cheerful “
dee-dee.” The bird is always cheery,
process do what he could to halt pollution
looking on the bright side and celebrating
and other violations of natural resources.
nature and its own small life. This is whySo he started a wilderness survival school
based at his New Jersey farm. Today, at he is so admired. Brown said.
The lecture included a demonstra! ion BOSTON MARATHONER Jeannette La33, Brown operates three such schools,
by one of Brown’ associates of how to Plante, 44, a Wabanaki Alliance board
s
one of them on the west coast.
bow drill.’A bow is member, completed the famous course
’
Despite his allegience to wilderness, he start a fire with a “
finds himself jetting from place to place to mo 'ed back and forth, spinning a stick last month in less than four hours — she is
speak; he has joined the lecture circuit. very -api'dly until smoke appears. You the first Penobscot woman to run the
His latest stop was at University of Maine then tv!->w into the smoke until a flame Boston Marathon since famed runner
leaps up from some dry tinder. Unfortu Andrew Sockalexis, more than 70 years
nately, the demonstration didn't work, but ago. She is the first Penobscot woman to
everyone applauded anyway.
enter the race. “
Heartbreak Hill didn’
t
The audience included many Indian bother me at all. I was up to mile 20 before
JOHN J. LOVE, SR.
people, both Penobscot and Passama- I knew it,”
LaPlante said. She said the 70INDIAN ISLAND - John J. Love, Sr.,
quoddy, plus a couple of Maliseets and plus degree weather was oppressive, but
50, of 22 Center St., died March 28, 1982.
others. A drawing was held for a benefit she has no regrets. Will she do it again?
He was born at Old Town, May 11, 1931,
raffle for the Indian student club, and a Probably not.
«
the son of Richard and Emily (Mitchell)
$100 first prize, and pack basket second
To qualify for the Boston Marathon,
Love. He was a member of St. Ann’ prize, were awarded.
s
LaPlante ran 3 hours, 29 minutes, in the
Catholic Church. He had been employed
Probably one of the more intriguing over age 40 class. In the Casco run,
by the Cianbro Corp. He served in the
aspects of Brown’ schools is that, for LaPlante trimmed 37 minutes off the time
s
U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Indians, the courses are free.
it took her to run the Paul Bunyan
He was predeceased by his wife,
marathon, held every summer in Orono.
Pauline (Francis) Love. He is survived by
Child abuse a
To prepare for Boston, LaPlante had
three sons, Timothy, John Jr. and
conference topic
been running 60-70 miles per week, often
Richard, all of Indian Island; two daught
ers, Paula and Emily, both of Indian
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Innovations after dark, on weekdays.
Island; four sisters, Theresa Guimond of
in computer education and new techniques
Connecticut, Ann Breau of Orono, Edna
for dealing with child abuse will be among ir *
m
■
M
TRI-CHEM
Becker of Indian Island and Christine
featured workshops at this year’National W
s
m
LIQUID EMBROIDERY
Doucette of Old Town; seven grand Indian Child Conference.
&
&
TRY IT! GREAT RESULTS.
.5
5:
children; several nieces and nephews.
The annua! conference is scheduled for
<
:*
Classes and instructor-training
A Mass of Christian burial was cele September 12-16, at the Hyatt Regenc}'
available.
brated at St. Ann’ Catholic Church,
s
I
Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. NICC Chair
CONTACT DEBBIE MITCHELL
Indian Island, with the Rev. John Civiello
man, Jerry Bread, expects delegates
827-7608
officiating. Interment will be in the Tribal nation-wide with an increased representa
Cemetery.
:L
;:
tion from the northwestern states.
Tom Brown describes his
wilderness survival school
Obituary
'. v . v v . v
v X
X v
In regard to a $1 million trust fund setaside for senior citizens, the tribe voted
46-4 that the elderly have a right to the
entire amount of interest earned, without
any withholdings. In a related decision,
seniors were given the right, by a 46-7
vote, to decide the fate of their land claims
earnings.
In a vote with no opposition, the
members at the meeting decided to give
themselves the right to appeal their status
on the tribal census; in a less over
whelming vote, members gave "the power
of removal” the census committee. That
to
item carried, 87-48.
In an unrelated matter, “
dangerous
building ordinances" for the tribe were
passed, 56-32. Tribal Lt. Gov. Joseph
Francis estimates there are seven to eight
buildings “ least” on the reservation
at
that pose a “
threat to the community”
through possible fire or personal injury.
Also, vacant buildings are sometimes used
as hang-outs for youngsters, and this is
considered unsafe.
No to newspaper
Finally, at the bottom of the agenda and
with less than 50 persons present, a
proposed budget for the Wabanaki Alli
ance newspaper, seeking $23,500 for a
fiscal year starting July 1 was soundly
,
rejected. The vote was 31-13.
The proposal stated that should voters
turn it down, the newspaper would cease
publication. However, tribal member
Wayne Mitchell introduced a motion,
which passed 46-0, asking Wabanaki Alli
ance to revise its budget and submit
another proposal to the Nation.
Micmac named
runner of year
BOSTON — Patti Catalano, a Micmac,
has set new records in footraces.
The Boston resident finished second in a
recent Boston marathon, and then won
nine races consecutively, setting a U.S.
record of 49:33 in the Jacksonville River
Run 15-kilometer race.
She was recently named Road Runner
of the Year by RRCA, the Road Runners
Club of America.
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Indian Island
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�Wabanaki Alliance May 1982
Page 6
Alcoholism agency to
close doors in August
Sipsis [Eugenia Thompson] of Indian Island leads a group of anti-nuclear marchers
through Old Town, after departing the reservation for the first leg of a peace walk to
the United Nations [see story].
BA.NGOR — The six-year-old joint
tribal alcoholism agency known as Wabanaki Corporation will be dissolved as of
Aug. 31. But the services it provides
through counselors are expected to con
tinue.
Corporation Director Steve Francis, a
Micmac, said Penobscots, Passamaquoddys and Maliseets will probably take
over the financial and administrative
responsibilities of the programs, on a local
basis.
Francis said not all Indian officials
favored decentralizing alcoholism serv
ices, but that with federal recognition of
most Maine Indians and increased federal
funding, the shift was inevitable. Francis
said he thought it might have occurred a
year earlier, and he has been preparing
for the orderly transition.
Wabanaki employs ten counselors, who
serve Indians at Pleasant Point, Indian
Township, Indian Island and certain off
reservation areas. The office staff consists
of Francis, a secretary, and a bookkeeper.
The corporation's budget this year was
$266,496. and for the first time, the federal
Indian Health Service (IHS) funded the
bulk of that figure. Other federal funds,
channeled through state offices, account
for 34 percent of the budget.
In the past, the budget has been larger,
Francis said, and funding was obtained
through National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and xAkoholism (NIAAA).
As programs and the counselors them
selves are picked up by local Indian
government, “ theory, services will be
in
the same,”
Francis said. “
They (tribes are
equpped to do it now."
For several years Wabanaki Corpora
tion was located in a former Catholic con
vent at 93 Main St., Orono, but for some
months has been located at 1 Kenduskeag
Plaza, Bangor.
Asked about his future, Francis pointed
out, “ may work here beyond August to
I
phase down the corporation.”He said he
plans to form his own photography lab
business.
Off for a long walk
INDIAN ISLAND — In a scene
reminiscent of 1960’anti-war activism,
s
a group of about 30 people — including
several Penobscots — departed Indian
Island recently on a peace march to the
U.N. in New' York City.
Penobscot poet, Sipsis, led the
way. Most of the group planned to join
only for the day . . . James Neptune of
Indian Island marched as far as Orono,
for example.
With the blessing of tribal govern
ment. the peace marchers left the
reservation a day before the long w'aik
officially began in Bangor, xApril i.
Actually, it’ called World Peace
s
March, and began one year ago in
Japan. Groups will march from various
points in the U.S., converging on New'
York.
The groups are led by Jananese
Buddhist monks, who also walked with
The Longest Walk in 1978, an Indian
protest march across the nation.
Sipsis provided room and board,
overnight, for the Rev. Hiromitsu Kizo,
Sister Masai Tashiro, and the Rev.
Eiichi Kawana, at her Indian Island
home. They enjoyed a meal that
included Penobscot fry bread, and
Sipsis said her children were thrilled
with the visitors, w'ho speak through a
translator.
The purpose of the march is broadly,
to support a “
nuclear free w'orid.'' The
groups hope to reach New York City
prior to the United Nations special
session on disarmament, scheduled for
June.
On their first day, the marchers
walked under cloudy skies to the
University of Maine at Orono. where
they lunched and met with interested
people. By afternoon, the group had
shrunk to some two dozen people or
less, and walked in a downpour to
Bangor.
The next day. a much larger group
assembled for the formal departure.
Addressing that group on behalf of the
City of Bangor was Paul Zendzian, city
councilor and march supporter. Zend
zian is legal counsel to the Penobscot
tribal housing authority.
Several days later, the marchers
reached Augusta, where their effort
was praised by Gov. Joseph Brennan.
A workfare program is currently pend
ing in the city of Augusta, but Indian
Island may have the first workfare
program in the state to be already in
P i? PC I
\it hough the workfare program
is
hare regulations make seeking em■ rn n rnnnnat<>rv
• pf
to the
j•
,
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Rvtvll A
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WINNER — Susan Judson, 11, a fifth grader at Indian Island elementary school, took
first place recently in an essay contest on “
what her family means to her. She received
a trophy for her efforts, which took her two weeks, she said. She wrote, in part, “
My
family isn’perfect, whose is? But my family is very special to me. And to me, our love
t
for each other means ‘
forever’ Essay contest judges were special education teacher
.”
Glen Norris, counselor Richard Hewes, and principal Sr. Helen McKeough. As is selfevident, Susan is involved in gymnastics.
A chancy idea
An Indian stood on a street corner.
Whenever a woman went by he said
“
Chance.”
Finally, one lady walked up to the
Indian and said: “ always thought that
I
Indians said ‘
How.’ Why do you say
‘
Chance?’
”
The Indian replied: “
Lady. I know how.
ment Security Commission (the "unem All I want is a chance."
ployment office") in Bangor twice a
month, and to register with the Depart
ment of Employment Training and Youth
NEW ENGLAND COASTAL
Programs on Indian Island once a week."
SCHAGHTICOKE INDIAN
The regulations state that failure to
POW WOW
register will mean denial of assistance.
Date: May 1st & 2nd, 1982
Recently adopted regulations set guide
13th Year of annual Indian Pow Wowlines for the welfare budget on the Island,
Place: Avon Baptist Church Hall,
stipulating certain amounts for food,
Avon. Mass. — No. Main St., Rt. 28
clothing, housing and miscellaneous ex
Open: Saturday —9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
penses. Copies of new regulations are
Sunday — 11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
available from the health and human
REFRESHMENTS. ALSO INDIAN
services department on request.
FRY BREAD - DOOR GIFT PRIZES
Inrian representation from several
^.EN TA^ "HEALTH D IR E C T O R ’
different tribes
"or growing. T rib & ':iv -c ^ ra t& :
Show Time: Sat. 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
commtinKv fteoifo program in
' 'v v • i
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^w
Sion yf D fO fO S -G SfoH
Q P feS tO
i
| H0 ME r*: ADE INDIAN ABTIFICATS j
orovislon of inCM
dua1
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ood experience* Send resurre
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Workfare tried . . .
(Continued from page 1
)
work, but she hoped that goodwill and
peer pressure would make the program
effective. Those persons who work will
not get any more or less on their vouchers
than those who do not.
The exact nature of the jobs to be per
formed under workfare was not spelled
out. but Strnad said the jobs would not be
those that would otherwise be done by
paid tribal employees.
■
W
'--VVLT-.*
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would vou like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secret ary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 1 to 21 and not in school,
6
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, well also help you
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
799
—in l he Port land area
—ill < < , ilUHii it it*vli
1
*
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�Wabanaki Alliance May 1982
Page 7
Woodstove safety
means a snug home
various sections together are solid and
By Joe MacIntyre
Now that winter is winding down, (we holding. Then scrape the creosote out of
hope), and the need to keep the wood the pipe, make sure it is clean and sturdy,
stove roaring all day and most of the night and then reassemble.
is ending, it is very tempting to ciose it off,
The chimney itself should then be
perhaps give it a coating of stove polish cleaned. From the roof a length of chain,
for the summer, and forget it until next such as tied-together tire chains or
whatever, can be lowered into the
fall.
This is the wrong thing to do.
chimney and swing around so that they hit
Most of us think, if we think of safety all sides as you lower them little by little
very much at all, that now that the down the chimney, knocking all the
heating season is about over and we creosote loose. If chains are not available,
haven't set fire to something, our homes another device that works well is a burlap
or ourselves, that the problem is over. It bag filled with stones or bricks and tied at
the end of a rope.
isn't. There is always next year.
When the chimney is thoroughly clean
Take the time now when you can shut it
down on a warm day, one of the ones we ed, then you'll have to get all the creosote
are starting to have, and spend some time out of the chimney at the bottom. There is
a cleanout door for this. Be sure and look
with your stove.
During the past winter your stove and in the creosote and see if there are any
stove pipe-has been building up a thick small chunks of masonry mixed with the
layer of creosote on the inside. Creosote is creosote. If there are, it may be that your
the black kind of tar-like deposit that chimney is starting to loosen. The mortar
results from having burned wood. It is the between bricks will, with age, dry out and
incomplete combustion product of wood, loosen and fall out. These must be
the moisutre and sap in the wood. It is replaced. Call a chimney man and have
more pronounced in green wood than him look at it for you.
Now you are ready to tackle the stove
wood that is well seasoned.
This creosote is flammable and is the itself. Again, clean out the creosote in the
cause of many stove fires and most stove, (there shouldn't be quite as much of
chimney fires. It has to be cleaned out it), and also check very carefully the fire
every year and often in the middle of the brick inside the stove. Make sure all are
still solid and still cemented firmly in
year.
There are chimney cleaning firms listed place. Take hold of them and try to move
VISTA [Volunteers In Service to America] worker, Alex Smith, helps a youngster with in the yellow pages of the phone book who them. They should be firmly in place. Look
her roller skates, on a visit to Indian Island. A Hartford, Ct., native, she is a Williams do a good job of cleaning chimneys. Cal! inside with a flashlight and see that none
of them are cracked or broken. These
College graduate who spent time on an Ojibway [Chippewa] reservation. She is living in one soon.
If you decide that you want to tackle the bricks are what contains your fire and
Bangor.
job yourself and save the cost, here are a prevents it burning through the side of
the next stove.
few suggestions:
Next, check the legs and base of the
First, it is a dirty, messy job so wear old
clothes. And inside of the house it might stove and the platform upon which it sets.
not be a bad idea to check the whole Make sure that these are all solid and
As a VISTA volunteer working will speak to the general public of
project out first with your wife so that you secure.
through Tribal Governors, Inc. I am Native American history and culture.
If you haven’done it this winter, when
t
don't do it soon after she’ just finished
s
Anyone who is interested should
trying to organize and fund a silkscreen
you put everything back together,
cleaning.
printing project. I am looking for contact me at 866-5526, Monday
Remove the stovepipe to the chimney, assemble things so that your stove is
members of the Penobscot, Passama- through Friday, 8 to 4. You need not be
and while you have it down, check the about thirty (30) inches out from the wall.
quoddy, Micmac, and Maliseet tribes experienced in the arts as there will be
entire length of the pipe to see if there are Not only is this a very good safety precau
living in the Bangor/Old Town area all kinds of work from designing and
any burn-out spots. A stove pipe does not tion, but you will also get 25% to 35%
who would be interested in becoming printing to actual distribution. These
last forever. The burn-out places will not more heat from the same amount of fuel.
involved in such a project. Using the will, for the most part, not be paid
And last, but not least, check all around
necessarily be all the way through the
knowledge and experience of some of positions; although you will have the
pipe, but rather will have a very thin kind the walls, sides and back of the stove and
the older members of the tribes and the opportunity to get valuable experience
of crinkled rusty appearance. Take a make sure that your insulation protectors
energy and artistic ability of the in print-making as well as marketing,
screwdriver or some similar tool and try are still in good shape. Notice if there are
younger members, we would design and especially for students interested
putting some pressure on the pipe in any badly scorched places. It may mean
and hand-print six or eight different in applying to art school, this project
different places. If the metal gives easily that it should be replaced or that your
sets of note cards to be sold in arts and will be a great addition to your port
to the pressure, it is thin and without stove was too close to the wall.
crafts stores, galleries and Indian craft folio. Once we do get a group of people
When you are finished and the mess is
doubt needs replacing. If it does, do not
stores throughout the state. Each together, we will set up a loose
take any chance — replace it, and make cleaned up, then give the stove a good coat
design would represent some aspect of schedule that will be dependent on
sure that the metal screws holding the of stove polish.
Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, when the members of the group are
or Maliseet culture and on the back of free to work. Please give me a cal! if
each card, an explanation of the design, you are at all interested and we can
as well as the origin of the screened talk more.
I look forward to hearing from you.
cards, would be printed. In this way
Sincerely,
different members of the tribes would
Alexandra Smith
pul! together to create a product that
Letter from VISTA worker
A
Clinic needs more dental patients
INDIAN ISLAND — Dr. William Burns
of the U.S. Indian Health Service (IHS) in
Nashville, came to observe at the Dental
Program here, March 15. He commented
that the Dental Clinic is seeing more
patients than in the past.
However, he made it clear that unless
the tribe can increase the number of
patients in the program, the dental
program is in danger of being cut.
The IHS needs data to show the federal
government that at least 60% of the
Indian population in the service area have
been examined. The federal government
has been shown data to prove that there is
a need for dental services, but not that
there is a demand for those services.
“
Funding,” Burns said, “ based on
is
demand for services as shown by service
use.”
Burns said that IHS is mainly inter
ested in primary care, “
which they define
as oral examinations, hygiene instruction,
X-rays (when needed), diet counseling,
needed fillings, and needed extractions.”
"It is important for you and your
children to have a dental check-up and
cleaning every six months. We can then
tell you if you need further treatment,”
said Dr. Stuart V. Corso. tribal dentist. “
If
you have dentures, it is important that
you have an ora! examination once a year
to see how your mouth is reacting to the
dentures. Call us today for an appoint
ment. You don't have to have toothaches,
if you care for your teeth. Also it is
important that you show the IHS that you BEST OF FRIENDS — Five-year-old Passamaquoddy Chad Soeka** isin of Indian
are using the program. It’ your Dental Township, isn ’one little bit scared of these two big buddies, who
s
t
him on a walk
Clinic, support it!"
near his reservation house.
�Page 8
Wabanaki Alliance May 1982
news notes
Vicaire takes
helm at CMIA
ORONO — Melvin (Tom) Vicaire of
Mattawamkeag, tw ice director of Central
Maine Indian Association (CMIA) in the
past, has again assumed that role.
Acting Director Vicaire takes over from
James Sanborn, Bangor, who was hired in
August 1981. Sanborn left his post by
mutual agreement with the CMIA board
of directors. He said there are no hard
feelings, and he will miss a fine staff. “
I
learned a whole lot. I got a lot out of the
experience,”
Sanborn commented.
Vicaire told this newspaper he is
pleased to help an organization with which
he has long been associated. He is pro
prietor of Mattawamkeag Hardware &
Gun Shop.
Newel! n otes health
service cutbacks
MHO IS SHE — This sunny photo of Frank Mitchell, a Penobscot, was taken nearly two
decades ago. But who is the lass seated beside him? And is it really Frank Mitchell, and
where are they? [Photo courtesy of Florence Mitchell Herskind]
Ranco takes post with publisher
INDIAN ISLAND — Michael Ranco. a
Penobscot who has been a planning
consultant to the tribe here, has accepted
a position as regional director for adver
tising and sales with a Portland firm.
Ranco, a sports enthusiast who contem
plated starting his own sports newspaper,
will be involved in production of various
sports publications. The first project, he
said, is the 1982 Maine Runners Guide, to
be published by Material World, the
Portland company. Material World also
publishes Maine Law Review, and other
journals, Ranco said.
Ranco, interviewed for the job in
Augusta, was selected from two dozen
applicants. He is part of a staff of 17, and is
responsible for eastern Maine. He has
hired Craig Miller, a sportsman and
realtor, to work under him in advertising.
Ranco will receive a salary and commis
sion.
For several years, Ranco has organized
and managed the Andrew Sockalexis
Track Club at Indian Island. The club has
produced some topnotch runners. Ranco
has also organized track meets, including
the annual Sockalexis Memorial 4 mile
road race at Indian Island, held in July.
Ranco and his family reside on Indian
Island*
Houlton adds staff
HOULTON - The Houlton Band of
Maliseets, a recently formed group that
shared in the Maine Indian land claims act,
is expanding its staff at its Putnam
Arcade headquarters here.
According to Houlton Band director
Terrance Polchies, a resident of Bangor,
the following positions will be filled:
director, department of real estate; direc
tor of vital statistics; home/school liaison
worker; and tribal planner.
Polchies said Indian preference will be
used in hiring, although in other respects
the band is an “
equal opportunity em
ployer.”
Polchies has advertised the positions in
the Bangor Daily News.
Corrections
A story in the April issue of Wabanaki
Alliance was incorrectly headlined “
Tribe
buys water works.”Actually, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point voted
to purchase the Eastport Water Company,
but the sale was contingent on several
federal agencies providing money through
grants, loans, or a combination thereof.
A photo caption about a Passamaquoddy student tour of University of
Maine at Orono should have included Sam
Dana and Rick Kelley, both counselors at
Indian Township. Both men helped or
ganize the first visit to the campus by
Passamaquoddy high school students.
Roiling Thunder
P enobscot
1892-1981
POSITION AVAILABLE
Coordinator for the Indian Task Force
of the New England Federal Regional
Council. Serves as only staff person for
a task force working for and represent
ing all the New England Indian Tribes
and groups. Salary in $20s. This is not a
federal job. Send resume to M. Osolnik,
HHS, Room 2411, JFK Federal Bldg.,
Boston, MA 02203, by May 7,1982.
INDIAN TOW NSHIP — Medical expenses allowed under contract health care
have been curtailed here, health director
Wayne A. Newell has announced.
Under revised priorities, Newell said,
the federal Indian Health Service will no
longer pay for “
elective hospital and/or
outpatient care (care that can safely be
deferred for more than 60 days).”
Nor will
IHS pay for luxury procedures, such as
cosmetic surgery.
These measures w ere taken “ order to
in
stay within our contract budget during
the remainder of this contract year,”
Newell said. “
This reduced level of
services will remain in effect until at least
Aug. 1.”
Still covered by IHS is urgent and
emergency care, and care needed within
30-60 days.
'Prevention' th e m e
of health m eetin g
DENVER, Colorado — The practice of
preventive health and its role in improv
ing the health care status of Indian people
was the focus of the fifth National Indian/
Alaska Native Health Conference held last
month in Tucson, Arizona.
The conference theme, “
Preventive
Medicine — The Key to the Future,”
illustrated the increasing emphasis placed
on preventive health measures in treating
problems such as diabetes, heart disease,
poor nutrition, alcoholism, and other
major health-related problems in Ameri
can Indian and Alaska Native communi
ties.
“
We need to look at why certain
diseases occur so frequently among Indian
people,”said Muriel Ortegas, a Papago
Indian who was instrumental in the
conference planning. “
And we need to find
out what Indian people can do for them
selves to help prevent these diseases.”
AA is 24 years old
INDIAN ISLAND — A potluck supper
and guest speakers brightened the occa
sion of the 24th anniversary of the Indian
Island Alcoholics Anonymous group.
The first official AA chapter in the area,
the Indian group that welcomes non-In
dians was founded by Clarence and Violet
Francis. More than 100 people turned out
for the evening program, organized by
Bobcat Glossian (Francis Sapiel).
Plans are already being discussed for a
gala 25th anniversary next year.
Bibliography set
for publication
ORONO — The American Friends
Service Committee's Maine Indian
Program will publish: “
The Wabanaki:
A Selective, Annotated Bibliography,”
this month.
It contains som e 300 works about
Maine Indians, annotated by Eunice
Baumann-Nelson, a Penobscot, who
holds a PhD. in Anthropology. It is
especially recommended for teachers
and librarians and as a resource for
college students and anyone interested
in Indian people of Maine. Retail price
is $6.50, pius handling, 75c. A 15
percent discount is offered to libraries
and schools. Send order with check
made out to AFSC, to Box 286, Orono,
Maine 04473.
Bi-lingual ed. en d in g?
AUGUSTA — Recent news reports dis
close that Passamaquoddy bilingual edu
cation projects — in place at Indian
Township and Pleasant Point reservations
— may see heavy budget cutbacks in the
future.
Much will depend on the Reagan ad
ministration and Congress, as they work
out a federal budget. Also uncertain is the
future of French, Indo-Chinese and Span
ish bilingual programs in Maine, according
to Barney Berube, state education con
sultant.
■ ' I N D SUA N C R A F T l
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Trade Beads. Tin Cones.
Brass Beads, Moire Taffeta
Ribbon, Ermine Skins.
Bone Elk Teeth, Shawl
Fringe and 'tern.
_
•■* UREY OWL m
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Queens Village, N. Y. 11429
T-SHIRT OFFER
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Receiving •
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Blue Tips of Feathers:
Sky and Water •
Brown Petals: Beauty and Earth
THE WHOLE OF LIFE IS ONE OF SHARING R ESOURCES AND IDEAS
WITH INDIVIDUALS AND ALL PEOPLES.
Central Maine Indian Association now has T-shirts for sale in small, medium,
large and extra large sizes. Price: $7 each.
CALL OR W RITE TO
CARLENE MITCHELL AT 866-5587
C.M.I.A.
95 NORTH MAIN STREET
ORONO, MAINE 04473
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (May 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1982-05
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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Document
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pdf
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DV-434
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https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/11c3812c75deeb5098b2f20a8e152b2f.pdf
21347f4b389bcdd64248aea46f07e532
PDF Text
Text
W aban aki
A llia n ce
t ol the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
1982
Augusta bill killed
Phillips saves tribes'
free hunting, trapping
AUGUSTA — Successful lobbying by compromise, not to charge non-Indians
a Penobscot representative to the state any additional fees [above the required
legislature caused a bill that would have state license] for hunting on Indian lands
ended free Indian hunting to be withdrawn — including 140,000 acres of newlyacquired territory.
before it got to the floor.
Rep. Bonnie Post, an Owls Head Demo
Reuben E. Phillips, non-voting tribal
representative to state government, said crat who sponsored the bill to repeal free
that if the bill had been introduced on the licenses for Indians, was reportedly furious
floor, to the Legislature, “ it would have that the committee reversed itself and
withdrew her proposal. Ironically, Post
been passed so fast it would have made
was on a land claims legislative committee
your head spin.”
For years, Maine Indians have enjoyed that was closely involved with the settle
ment. Phillips said the Indians “ clearly
free hunting, trapping and fishing privi
understood” during negotiations, that
leges, but following the recent S85 million
federal settlement awarded the Penobscots they would keep free hunting, trapping and
and Passamaquoddys, some legislators fishing privileges.
However, Phillips explained that he be
sought to stop the practice. Phillips called
lieves “ constituents have been rattling
it a land claims “ backlash.”
the cages of the legislators,” and that
Another idea, also dropped, was to have
“ reciprocity,” whereby if non-Indians had there will be attacks on programs and
to buy permits to hunt on tribal lands, policies that benefit Indians. Phillips’
then Indians would have to pay the . > « mcre*c with_tbe committee will benefit
P:\ssamaquoadys, eve-- uro>.
amount for a permit to hunt on non(Continued on page 5)
Indian territory.
Phillips said he had to work fast with the
Legislature’
s Fisheries and Wildlife
Committee to overturn the bill, on which
the committee had already voted an oughtto-pass. “ I’ very satisfied I got the bill
m
killed,” Phillips told Wabanaki Alliance.
“ It was a victory, but we had to give som e
There is clearlv no generation gap here, between the Rev. John CmeHo, P ^*0'° f S ' thing up,” he said.
See page 4.
Ann’s Church at Indian Island, and Carissa Norwood, daughter of Edie and Vincent
Killing the bill had its price. Phillips
said the Penobscots have agreed, as a
Norwood of indian Island. Carissa just turned two years old.
Will tribe own
this paper?
All smiles
Indians fry German
booze treatment
INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Three members
of this Passamaquoddy community, plus a
Penobscot from Indian Island, have volun
teered to join a “ pilot project” that in
volves six months of intensive alcoholism
treatment at a W est German clinic. They
will fly to Germany later this month.
Kevin, Howard and Charles Stevens of
Indian Township, and Elwin [Al] Sapiel of
Indian Island, have all acknowledged a
drinking problem, and hope to not only
conquer their own alcoholism, but intend to
return and counsel others addicted to
booze. Sapiel said for him, it’s a “ once in a
lifetime opportunity . . . I had 15 minutes
to decide, ana I said I’d go.”
The man behind these unusual develop
ments is Wolfgang Ritter, 62, a German
citizen and former POW during World
War II, at a camp located on the Indian
Township reservation. Ritter discovered
(Continued on page 9)
Per capita goes smoothly
INDIAN ISLAND — Although not fully
understood by some tribal members,
the distribution of quarterly per capita
payments — earned from the land claims
trust fund — is apparently going smoothly
here.
“ Everything is going real well,” com
mented Deanna Labossiere, who is in
charge of the operation at the office of
tribal Gov. Timothy Love. The Penobscots
have the use of half o f a $27 million trust
fund; the Passamaquoddys earn proceeds
from the other half. All of the funds are
invested, and are supervised by the U.S.
Interior Department. The senior citizens of
each tribe have a set-aside of SI million,
benefits o f which go directly to the elderly.
There are about 1,500 Penobscots
eligible for payments, and 2,000 Passa
maquoddys. The Penobscots voted to
return about 30 percent of their earnings
for tribal use (such as reinvestment and
funding the fire department), but the
Passamaquoddys voted to distribute 100
percent of the interest earned oh trust
funds.
(Continued on page 7)
Frauds [Bobcat] Sapiel, left, a Penobscot, presents W olfgang Ritter with ceremonial
carved war club.
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Off-reservation impact
It’ a touchy topic: the old-timers on the reservation versus the
s
newcomers — those who, in greater and greater numbers — are
returning to the Island, or the Point, or the Township,
Things didn’ change for so many decades and then, pow, some
t
drastic changes occurred, many due to the decade of Maine Indian
land claims work, and the resulting settlement.
Not that tension between reservation and off-reservation Indians
is anything new. It's been going on for generations. Some say the
smart ones got out, went away and made money. Others say the
true Indians didn’ abandon their homeland, they stayed and
t
worked very hard for their people. Those that moved away didn’
t
give a damn about their own people.
These are extremes, although there is probably some truth in
all of the statements. What is certainly true is that people —
Penobscot and Passamaquoddy people — are moving home to
the reservation, even if it’ a home they never knew.
s
Besides the strain on services such as roads, sewer, school and
so forth, there is the psychological strain on the existing com
munity.
It’ not uncommon to hear a longtime resident of the Island say
s
they don’ know people anymore, as strangers drive by, to the new
t
housing. Used to be you knew everybody. If a stranger appeared
on the
word gin around pretty fast on who it was.
Of course, the biggest influx of strangers occurs every Sunday
night, for the state’ biggest bingo game. But those folks drive on,
s
and drive off. They are not tribal members.
The newcomers who come to live on the reservation are indeed
tribal members, although for some it’ a recen t1discovery. ’’
s
‘
Some are, you might say, “ bom again Indians.” But before
anybody gets hot under the collar, let’ call for some understand
s
ing. These newcomers all have some sort of roots on the reserva
tion, else they w ouldn’ be allowed to return. One must, the law
t
says, be at least quarter-blood Penobscot.
The influx of newcomers is a price of progress, of improvements
to the community such as a health clinic and the new housing,
and it is the price of resolving the land claims case for $81 million.
There is no reason why newcomers shouldn’ find a warm
t
welcome, unless they themselves reject it, or reject the com
m unity’ already established standards of conduct.
s
But what of planning? What does the future hold for a com
munity that is rocked by change, by growth and many conflicts?
Community leaders would be wise to sit down and carefully
plan for the future. Growth should be controlled. There may be an
optimum population on Indian Island, for example.
People still wave to one another [and to strangers] on the reser
vations in Maine. Goodwill seems to prevail, but there are mutterings, grumblings. If people stop waving, watch out.
Q u o t a b le
“Such action would carry a simple but shameful message: when
the law gives Indians a substantial claim to land taken by white men
which the regular courts of justice may sustain, the white men will
change the rules rather than permit a decision according to existing
law. A broader message would be inferred: Indians cannot obtain
justice even in the white man’ courts.”
s
— Prof, Archibald Cox of Harvard taw School, commenting on
proposed bill to limit eastern tribes’ land claims to money damages
only.
'Sorry, boss, I'm g o n n a b e Safe foday'
Guest column
Love chides Bangor paper
by Timothy R. Love
Penobscot Tribal Governor
For the second time in four months the
Bangor Daily News has made the big push
to revoke a negotiated term of the Land
aims Settlement Act — in this instance,
state hunting, trapping, and fishing li
censes provided eligible Indian people
within the State o f Maine.
To refresh your memory . . . we did pay.
There are numerous terms in which the
tribes conceded to the State o f Maine for a
few concessions in return. And even before
the ink had a chance to dry on the docu
ment the News and its “ clones” came
wagging their forked tongues to attempt a
rewrite o f the good faith terms that were
negotiated.
Let me clarify a few points:
(1) Contrary to the poor memory of some
state officials and the News, it is in black
and white that any legislation altering the
terms o f the negotiated settlement must be
reviewed by the Tribal State Commission
for a recommendation to the legislature.
This is basic to the future relationship of
the tribes and the State o f Maine.
(2) Concessions made by the state and
agreed to by the tribes, attorney general,
governor’ office and Legislature included:
s
Wabanaki Alliance
(a) continued scholarship assistance to
tribes. Status? Governor’ office did not
s
make a request to the legislature — good
bye?
(b) continued funding for operations of
the Tribal Reservation Housing Authori
ties. Status? Governor’ office submitted
s
a request for funding with som e language
in fine print which said something like,
“ Here is my request, but you don’ have to
t
fund it if you don’ want to.” State welches
t
. . . now in federal court.
(c) Continued hunting, trapping, fishing
licenses for resident Indian people of
Maine. Status? Out o f the dark came
slithering a bill to repeal the license, but
was caught in the “ nick o f time” and was
referred to the Tribal State Commission
where it should have gone in the first
place.
(d) Not all is lost though because the
Mortgage Insurance Program which
guarantees standard housing loans for
Indian residents on the reservation is
about to be cranked up again after a threeyear lull. Fortunately, this does not require
an appropriation.
The Penobscot Nation has, to date, kept
its end of the bargain. The question is,
when is the state goin g to do so?
Vol. 6, No. 4
April 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Times Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone827-6219
Phone532-9442
Indian Island
Old Tow s
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax puip&sesf.
Rates: $5 per year [12 issues]; § 6 Canada and overseas; S10 for institutions [schools,
government, business, etc.]
�Page 3
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Misleading
Parker, Ariz.
To the editor:
W e are writing in regard to an article in
your newspaper’ February edition en
s
titled “Indian Paper Bites the Dust.” The
article is most misleading and inaccurate.
The Manataba M essenger did not
“cease regular publication.” It has simply
changed its format from a weekly fullsized edition to a regularly scheduled
tabloid newspaper. The staff was not
“fired” but some were laid-off due to a
reduced need in personnel.
The article further states that “Costs
were prohibitive, and the M essenger’
s
quality deteriorated after LaCourse left
the paper, and Joan Travis took over as
editor.” We take great exception to your
inference that Joan Travis is responsible
for spiraling costs and has caused a de
terioration in the quality of the news
paper. You are entitled to your opinion;
however, the fact is that the circulation of
the Messenger continued to grow under
the leadership of Joan and many letters
commending her for the quality of the
newspaper have been received. Further
more, not only newspapers but many
other businesses are having a difficult
time financially in these days of growing
inflation. However, Joan Travis is not the
cause.
Travis Nopah
Juanita Phelps
Will answer all
Norway
To the editor:
My name is Gloria Martens and I am
interested in writing to anyone from Old
Town. My great-grandfather, Sockalexis
Newell, was a chief of the Penobscots and
lived in Old Town. Anyone who might
have known him, please write. Anyone
else who would like a pal, please write. I
am 29, a divorced mother with four
children. Will answer all.
Gloria Martens
155 Main St.
Norway, Maine 04268
Irresponsible
Parker, Ariz.
To the editor:
I received the February issue of the
“Wabanaki Alliance” and was quite sur
prised to note that under the headline —
“Indian paper bites the dust” — that you
were referring to the “Manataba M es
senger."
I find the headline very misleading and
irresp on sible journalism . Th e “M es
senger” has not bit the dust, but is very
much alive and kicking. The major change
was the format, from a weekly full-sized
newspaper to a monthly tabloid size. The
last weekly issue was Jan. 1 and the
monthly will be out every third week of
the month.
Another point to clear up was the
“M essenger” staff was never FIRED —
LAID OFF — if you will. There is quite a
bit of difference between those terms,
‘
laid off and ‘
fired.’
It is true I will remain on staff as well as
graphic designer, Travis Nopah. I find it
quite interesting that you feel the quality
of the “M essenger" deteriorated after
founding editor, Richard LaCourse left.
We received reports quite to the contrary.
Everyone is entitled to his opinions.
Joan M. Travis
Editor
Rising Sun
To the editor:
I am writing this letter of request to be
placed on your mailing list. I am the editor
of our newsletter, Rising Sun, for United
American Indians of Delaware Valley,
Inc., located in Philadelphia, Pennsyl
vania. We like to include news about other
Indian groups or organizations. I have
enclosed a copy of our newsletter for your
enjoyment.
We thank you for your consideration in
this matter.
Anthony W. Edwards
Unhappy people
Indian Island
To the editor:
The Concerned Citizens Committee
was rooted from the Community Task
force. As they met, they learned there
were a lot o f unhappy people that had
grievances and questions, dealing with
our tribal matters. They, the Concerned
Citizens Committee, had no answers, so
they were determined to learn just
about everything concerning Penobscot
tribal business — through the tribal,
state and federal laws, guidelines and
procedures, so they could provide the
best possible answers and avenues to
the people concerned.
This became our first priority, as
this was what the people were con
cerned with, at this time. Some griev
ances were left in limbo, through the
system, and they had no other recourse
but to seek outside assistance.
These meetings are open to all, on
and off the reservation, to Penobscots
and families. The meetings are pub
lished, time and place, in the flyer.
Watch for the next meeting and
come. All are welcome.
Alice Fowler, Chairman
Irene Pardilla, Vice Chairman
Does anyone know?
LaHabra, Ca.
To the editor:
I’ doing the genealogy of my hus
m
band’ family, and find that his real
s
mother died when he was four years old,
and he was put up for adoption.
We heard from a real uncle (now
deceased) that his mother was a pretty,
Indian girl from Old Town, Me. We know
she was born Dec. 1,1894 in Londonderry,
Nova Scotia.
Does the name, Virginia Arlene Rushton mean anything to any of your sub
scribers? I will gladly return the postage
to anyone who can help me.
Catherine Truelsen
641 W oodcrest Ave.
LaHabra, Ca. 90631
Only news pa per
Fort Kent
To the editor:
First, I would like to thank Sarah Lund of
Fort Kent for introducing me to Wabanaki
Alliance. This is the first and only news
paper that I subscribe to.
I am of Maliseet descent — my family
being from the Sept-Iles, Maine area
(head waters of the St. John River north
western part o f the state).
Would it be possible for the paper to
include something on Indian family trees?
Keep up the good work, and good luck.
E. D. Nicolas
CAPABLE COLLECTORS — A new enterprise is underway on Indian Island, operated
by David Hamilton, right, and John Love. Hamilton signed a year-long S5,200 contract
with the Penobscot Nation to collect trash from homes on the reservation. He said he
invested $2,500 in his 1971 Chevy track; he has also bought the former Love’ Amoco
s
garage. Hamilton and Love will perform auto repairs and reconditioning by request.
Pearson to challenge Sewall for Senate
beginning with his election to the Old
OLD TOWN — Rep. Michael Pearson
has announced he will seek election to Town city council in 1969. He held that
seat for six years, serving as chairman of
State Senate District 27, which runs from
the Island Falls-Sherman area of southern the council in 1972.
Pearson attended Higgins Classical
Aroostook County to include MattawamInstitute in Charleston, but graduated
keag, Lincoln, Howland, Glenburn, Cor
from both Old Town High School, and
inth, Old Town and Indian Island.
Pearson is a four-term member of the later, University of Maine at Orono,
where he received a BS in history and
Maine House of Representatives, is serv
ing his second term as chairman of the government.
legislature’ appropriations and financial
s
A teacher, Pearson has taught in How
affairs committee, which oversees the land, and at Brewer High School for the
state budget and controls all state past 14 years.
rearson win oppose
oen.
expenditures.
Pearson has spent 12 years in politics. Joseph Sewall, an Old Town Republican.
A great love
Indian Township
To the editor:
Enclosed is a check for a renewal for
two subscriptions: one for myself, and one
for Sister Jeanette in Portland.
I read her letter in the last issue of
Wabanaki Alliance and felt that this
would be a small token of my great love
and appreciation for all that she did for me
when I was her pupil at St. Anne’ School,
s
Peter Dana Point. Her caring and confi
dence in a shy young Indian girl with very
little self confidence paid off. I am now a
bilingual teacher at the Indian Township
School.
I hope to be reading your paper for a
very long time.
Lorraine Gabriel Ritter
An understanding
Dietzenbach, West Germany
To the editor:
Thank you for your regular mailing of
the excellent newspaper, Wabanaki Al
liance, and thank you again for supplying
us with all the issues from 1977 on. W e
had them all wrapped up into a book and
you, and probably nobody, can imagine
what a mass o f valued information about
native Americans we can gather.
We classified the stories and — believe
it or not — by studying these articles, we
get an understanding and feeling of
native Americans — especially the tribes
o f Maine. The Wabanaki Alliance is
worth to be read from the first to the last
line, thanks to your good journalism.
You inform about History, Politics, Leg
ends and even about gossips. We wish we
had a German newspaper covering all
items above for such small communities.
Gertrud and W olfgang Ritter
subscribe!
A gift
Bass Harbor
To the editor:
I am enclosing $5, wishing you to enter
a subscription to be sent to Ruth Chobit,
29 Haxon Street, Brockton, Mass. 02402.
She is my daughter.
Doris M. Johnson
They helped
Manchester, N.H.
To the editor:
On Dec. 1st, 1981, I was burned out
o f my home in Manchester. New
Hampshire. I lost everything, but
what I had on my back. These Indian
people came to me, and gave me a
place to stay and fed and clothed me,
until I was on my feet.
These Indian people are ChiricahuaApaches. Their names are Mr.and Mrs.
William Bolding. They live in Goffstown, New Hampshire. I thank them not
just for myself, but other Indians that
are in this area. These Indian people
are dedicated to other Indian people,
in time of need, no matter what it may
be.
I would like the Indian people and
whoever reads the newspaper to see
what Indian people do for one another.
Thank you for your time, and may God
go with you.
Clarence Mike Baer
Penobscot
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
First Indian principal at
reservation school resigns
TED MITCHELL, counselor to Indian students at University of Maine at Orono,
admires UMO exhibit of posters by Passamaquoddy children, on the theme of wood
heat safety.
Ending Indian act bias termed
expensive for Canada
OTTAWA, Canada — Canadian tax
payers would be billed something like
$300-$500 million to eradicate discrimina
tion in the Indian Act, according to a front
page story in Indian News.
The recent report said a 13-page cabinet
document, kept secret for a considerable
time, discloses that reinstating Indian
women who have lost their status would
be very expensive. In Canada, under the
act, Indian women who marry non-Indians
lose their rights and status. They can no
longer live on the reservation, or receive
benefits as Indians, for themselves and
their children.
However, Indian men who marry nonIndians are not subject to the same
discrimination.
Proposed changes would stipulate that
children of “mixed” marriages would
retain Indian status. The effect would add
140 children the first year, 7,700 by the
tenth year, and 80,000 children after 40
years, authorities said.
An even m ore staggering proposal
would give Indian status to children of
women who have already lost status. A
problem may crop up if newly-enfran
chised Indian women and their families
choose — in large numbers — to live on
reservations. There simply will not be
enough space, the report stated.
The government document proposes:
• An Indian woman would not lose her
status or rights regardless of whom she
married.
• The non-Indian husband would not
become Indian but could live on the
reserve and have political rights, subject
to any residency requirements imposed by
the band.
• Should the Indian woman die, the nonIndian husband would retain his rights.
• Should a divorce occur, the non-In
dian husband would lose his rights.
ORONO — Want something worthwhile
to do? If you are age 19 or over, you can
b e a big brother or big sister to a needy'
child, Indian or non-Indian.
You won’ make money, but you may get
t
a lot of personal satisfaction out of helping
a youngster out. For further information,
call Eve Ott Or one of her staff, at the
Big Brother/Big Sister office, 95 Main st.,
Orono, Me. 04473. The phone number is
866-4903. Members o f all tribes are invited
to participate in the program.
VATICAN CITY —
Four Canadian
Indians met with Pope John Paul II recent
ly, to complain that a new Canadian
constitution will violate their treaty rights.
Indian Association o f Alberta President
Eugene Steinhauer was quoted in Native
People as saying the trip was a “ success.
W e spent about 20 minutes with the pope.
He said he understood the question and
would try his best to help.
“ W e’ asking him to try and tell the
re
British and Canadian governments that
what they are trying to do would violate
human rights.”
Steinhauer claims Canadian Prime
Minister Pierre Trudeau has ignored
Indian pleas for protection of lands and
rights, under the pending revised consti
tution.
wish them luck, and I hope they find a
person who fits in,” he added. He com
mented that he had hoped for a much
longer stay with the Passamaquoddys;
“it’ sad to leave it . . . I loved the
s
children.”
Vandall’ family is involved in educa
s
tion. His brother is a dean at a western
Indian college. A native of North Dakota,
he attended W olf Point School system, on
a Montana reservation. He earned his BS
and m aster’ degree in education from
s
Westfield State College, Massachusetts,
and has attended University of Hartford,
American Internationa] College, and Uni
versity of Maine at Orono.
For ten years, Vandall was principal of
Warsaw Junior High School in Pittsfield.
He has been principal of the elementary
school in Mattawamkeag, and pre-vocational teacher at Mattanawcook High
School in Lincoln, where he currently
makes his home.
Vandall said what brought him to New
England was marrying a Massachusetts
girl. He and his wife have two daughters.
BIA budget totals $943 million
WASHINGTON — The 1982 Interior
appropriations bill passed by Congress
and expected to be signed by President
Reagan provides $943 million for the
operation of Indian programs, facility con
struction and road construction.
The bill provides $258.1 million for
Indian education programs, including $26
million for Johnson-O’
Malley programs
and $52.7 million for continuing education.
Funding for Indian services is $232.5
million, an increase of $3.6 million over
1981. Housing was increased to $30.1
million from $22.7 million and the NavajoHopi settlement program was reduced
from $12.7 million to $4.2 million.
Aid to tribal government, law enforce
ment and social services w ere increased
slightly and self-determination services
reduced slightly.
The appropriation for economic de
velopment and employment programs is
decreased by about $18 million with
almost all of the cut in the employment
development programs which would re
ceive $27.7 million compared with $45.7
million in 1981. There is $8.4 million pro
vided for business enterprise development
and $19.9 million for road maintenance.
The bill provides $83.9 million for natural
resource development, a decrease of $3
million from the 1981 level.
Trust responsibilities receives an in
crease of $2.3 million for a total of $47.3
million. An increase of about $4 million is
provided for facilities operation.
W abanaki
A llia n c e
Tribal funding plan_________
Be a big brother
Indians appeal to
Pope for rights
YOUNG READER, Ryan Gabriel Ritter
of Indian Township, a Passamaquoddy,
visited Indian Island recently.
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - Edmund F.
Vandall, the first Indian principal at the
Catholic-oriented reservation elementary
school here, has resigned after serving
one year.
He has taken a job with Mattawamkeag
schools.
Vandall, 52, said he had “no comment
why” he resigned the principalship, but
the Turtle Mountain Chippewa-Cree said
he left last month “with much regret.”
Edward Spearin of Robbinston, a former
school principal, has been named acting
head of the Township school, according to
the Maine Indian Education in Calais.
Prior to Vandall, the school had been
continuously under the supervision of a
Catholic nun, for at least a century. In
recent years, state standards required
that the nun be properly certified as a
school principal. Also, teaching nuns were
required to have educational credentials.
Vandall expressed disappointment that
conflicts in the perception of his role at the
school could not be ironed out. "It was
very difficult for me, leaving,” he said. “I
PROPOSAL TO THE PENOBSCOT NATION
FOR FULL OWNERSHIP OF WABANAKI ALLIANCE
The following proposed 1982-1983 budget is the projected minimum need for
complete Penobscot Nation sponsorship of the tribal newspaper, Wabanaki Alliance.
The budget covers the fiscal year starting July 1, 1982.
The editorial board
will consist of Penobscot tribal members, and the content of the newspaper will
primarily reflect and serve tribal members, both on and off reservation.
The
background of the newspaper is that it grew out of the services provided by the
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, through Diocesan Human Relations Services.
The newspaper has been continuously published through Diocesan sponsorship since
1977, but this much appreciated support is no longer available to us.
For the
past year, the Penobscot Nation has contributed most of the cost of publishing
the newspaper, and it seems appropriate that the Nation should take over complete
production, if this is the will of the people.
Free subscriptions will be provided to each Penobscot tribal member's family,
no matter where they live.
As proposed, the one-year budget will cost each tribal member §15.50.
tribal members decide nc t to fund the newspaper, it will cease publication
If
EXPENSES:
REVENUES:
Penobscot Nation.......
23,500
Salaries......................
S 16,500
Subscriptions..........
2,000
Clerical h e l p ................
500
i o r r j c .n
Typesetting/printing.........
Donations..............
4,000
Postage.......................
1,250
Telephone.....................
1,000
Travel........................
1,000
Supplies......................
TOTAL
$ 28,500
500
Office space/misc............
1,250
TOTAL
S 28,500
�W abanaki Alliance April 1982
Page 5
Free hunting saved
(Continued from page 1
}
Tribai/State Commission, in this news
maquoddy representative to the legislature paper.]
Phillips’ strategy was to rush word of
did not participate.
the impending bill to a meeting of the
Opposing free hunting was the commit
tee chairman. Rep. Robert MacEachern of Penobscot tribal council, where he first
spoke, then obtained a resolution endors
Lincoln, a Democrat, and committee mem
ber Rep. Paul F. Jacques, a Waterviile ing the compromise — no fees on Indian
lands beyond state fees.
Democrat. Jacques wanted reciprocity,
Phillips said tribal legal counsel. Thomas
where Indians would pay the same amount
they charged non-Indians to hunt on Indian N. Tureen, has requested an opinion on
the understanding of the free licenses
land.
The Bangor Daily News advocated such from former state attorney general,
Richard Cohen, a land claims negotiator
a policy in an editorial entitled, “ Indians
for the state.
should pay.”
Meanwhile, Phillips, an independent,
The News said, ‘‘
free hunting, fishing
has met with Democratic Gov. Joseph
and trapping licenses, symbolic privileges
Brennan, to discuss improved communica
rooted in old treaties and ancestral prece
tion. He said he told Brennan such bills
dent, are no longer appropriate.”
as the one Post proposed could lead to a
Phillips was able to stall for time by- “ very strained relationship” between
Indians and the state.
convincing the Fisheries and Wildlife
In other matters, Penobscot tribal
Committee that the free hunting issue
officials are upset with Brennan for refus
should be brought to a newly-formed
ing to budget money for Indian scholar
Tribal/State Commission,
empowered
ships. “ Maine Indian Scholarships still
under the land claims act to adjudicate
matters of mutual interest. The problem exist, but there’ no money in it. That's
s
was that Passamaquoddys had been slow his [Brennan's] way of getting around it,”
in appointing a commission representative,
Phillips said.
and the commission had not yet held a first
The scholarships were formerly funded
meeting. [See separate story on _ the
at about 550,000 annually.
Houlton band moves
Barbara Jean Francis
Island woman cuts LP
INDIAN ISLAND — “ I went out and
bought myself a $10 guitar. I took it home
and strummed around. I never had guitar
lessons, I never had voice lessons.”
Quiet-spoken and modest about her
talents. Barbara Jean Francis, 29, was
recalling how she started into music, at
age 13. Her first guitar was a Gene Autrey
special. Perhaps it’s her grandfather,
Joseph Francis' blood in her veins — but
today she has a gentle but strong voice that
is anything but amateur, and her playing
is simple but effective accompaniment.
She now plays an Ovation Applause
guitar.
Barbara played folk music until about a
year-and-one-half ago. when she joined
Indian Island's charismatic movement,
an offshoot of St. Ann’ Catholic Church.
s
Now, Barbara is cutting her first LP
record album, and it will consist of the
music she shares with fellow charismatics.
It is religious music, but not restricted to
Catholics or any particular denomination.
Five of the com positions are Barbara's
own, including These Are The Times, a
possible title cut. Barbara test-marketed
a 45 which included These Are The Times,
and sold three-quarters of the 375 press
ings, a very encouraging start. She is
recording at Charles Street Studios in
Bangor, co-owned by Mark Wellman and
Galen LaBrie.
“ My involvement with the charismatic
movement was what persuaded m e” to
do the album, Barbara said. “ They said I
really brought the holy spirit into the
meetings.”
Barbara has considered a career in
music, ‘‘
but to g o completely professional
would be too time-consuming for me. My
main interest of all is to share with the
charismatic movement.” She has also
played weddings, funerals and other
occasions.
“ I want to share with other people the
things . . . the meaning of the words in the
song, that the holy spirit put in me,”
Barbara said. Other titles of her own
compositions are Alleluia, Together W e’ll
Earn His Reward, H e’ Made a Place For
s
Us, and Our Days of Waiting.
Barbara would like the album to be a
Christian message for all. In som e cuts,
she adds a tom-tom [Indian drum] because
"this makes the music joyful, and it’s
comfortable for the people on the Island
because it comes from their culture and
heritage.”
Barbara's new LP will start with 1,000
pressings, and she is seeking a triballysponsored small business loan to finance
the estimated $2,500 cost.
Barbara attended St. Joseph ’ Academy
s
in Biddeford, where she played folk
masses, and later earned her GED from
Old Town High School. She studied
painting at the Institute of American
Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and
has served in the U.S . Air Force.
She is the daughter of Alberta and
Paul Francis of Indian Island, and has
three brothers, Paul, Douglas and Patrick.
Wampanoags may file another land suit
“What w e are addressing is a lot of
HYANNIS, Mass. — An Indian group
here says it will file a Si billion suit over illegal landtaking that violated the law,”
native lands, taken over the years by non- Peters said. “There are hundreds of
Indians, in the southeastern area of the thousands of acres in Massachusetts
- which w ere illegally taken for townships.
state.
“W e’ not too concerned about money.
re
John Peters, a Wampanoag and execu
W e’ specifically looking for land,” he
re
tive director of the state Commission on
Indian Affairs, said the planned suit will
said.
contest the taking of Indian land by state
The Wampanoags failed to get back
land in a three-year legal battle in 1979.
and federal governments.
HOULTON — The Houlton Band of
Maliseet Indians and the Houlton Band
Health Department have recently moved
to a new location. They are now located in
the Putnam Arcade Building, Room 4,
Market Square, Houlton, Maine. Business
hours are conducted Monday thru Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telephone number
for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
is 532-9443, telephone number for the
Houlton Band Health Department is
532-9442.
Current staff of the Houlton Band of
Maliseet Indians are Terry Polchies,
Chairman; Gene Kilpatrick, Administra
tive Assistant; David KiUmer, Fiscal
Officer, and Sue Desiderio, Tribal Clerk.
Current staff of the Houlton Band
Health Department on hand to assist
clients are Frederick Tomah, Director;
Barbara Morris, Planner; Mary London,
Coordinator of Outreach; Sally Joseph and
Gloria Tomah, Outreach W orkers and
Brenda Polchies, Administrative Secre
tary. Paul Phillips is Alcoholism Counselor
who is maintaining office hours with the
Houlton Band Health Department in
Houlton and the Association of Aroostook
Indians in Presque Isle at 429 Main Street
Mondays and Thursdays. He can be con
tacted there at 764-7001.
Joseph Stanley and Dawn Fitch
Fitch-Stanley engagement announced
INDIAN TOW NSHIP - Mrs. Phyllis
M. Lank of Indian Township has an
nounced the engagem ent of her daughter,
Dawn Rachael Fitch, to Albert Joseph
Stanley, son of Mr. and Mrs. David
Soctomah of Indian Township.
Miss Fitch will be an Honors graduate
from Calais High School this June; she is a
member of the National Honor Society.
Stanley is a member of the Indian Town
ship Police Department. Miss Fitch is
planning to attend college this fall, while
her fiance will continue his police work.
Both Fitch and Stanley are Passamaquoddy tribal members.
An August wedding is planned.
FOR SALE
3-4 Bedroom House
Indian Island
Remodeled
w ood furnace and
separate oil furnace
garage
— Serious Inquiries Only —
Cali Blanche Corbett, 207-827-7667
or write:
1 Main Street, Indian Island
Old Town, Maine 04468
�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Alcoholism
Still
a
By Helen-Becker
INDIAN ISLAND —
A testimony
should be your own. I’ heard that many
ve
times. Today I am compelled to speak for
others. A long time ago I decided to live
for those who would if they could. Many of
my friends have died and since they are
unable to speak I feel I have been selected
to speak for them.
I am not a soldier of the Salvation
Army. I simply attend services there. I
have the freedom to drink alcoholic bev
erages if I select. Recently I made a
covenant with God Himself to never touch
alcohol again. It was not a problem and I
thank God for that but NOW I am certain
it never will be. I decided I do not need it.
It's as simple as that.
I became sickened by the fact that booze
kills. Many of my friends can not vouch for
this because their graves have been long
silent.
When someone expires, you inherit that
part of them that you admire most. They
become a part of you. Perhaps it is that
accumulation of my memories and their
heartache that motivates me to plea with
others to learn from their mistakes.
Booze initially makes you feel good but
is a drug, a depressant. Like many vices it
is easily accessible, fun, and cheap. E very
one knows ten bums can come up with the
price of one ju g of wine. Little kids .. they
can get big kids to get it. Money talks. Or
they can steal it from their parents. The
government cooperates by lowering the
price for our servicemen so they can
afford to get bombed. Commercials adver
tise and lure and encourage booze at the
family table and picnics. People are of the
opinion worldwide that we can not live or
that life is not exciting without this liquid
garbage.
I mostly liked the taste because I dis
guised it as a dessert. Anyone that has
smelled booze by itself knows it stinks!
Anyone that has tasted straight vodka or
rubbing alcohol choked on it or at least
winced.
I had a friend I thought to be the
exception. He could chug-a-lug on a half
gallon of vodka. That is until it killed him.
He died in his brother’ arms on the way
s
to the hospital. Everyone loved him. He’
d
do anything for you. He just didn’ do
t
anything for himself.
A neighbor with two kids was alcoholic.
I broke into her apartment when I heard
glass breaking. It’ good to, “live and let
s
live,” but you can’ live and let die! She
t
was passed out on the bed. Her two year
old son was sitting on the floor and
throwing glass high into the air. The
broken vodka and beer bottles w ere piled
as high as the kid was! She credited me for
saving the other little boy's life. He had
swallowed a bottle of aspirin. Yes, booze
can sure be fun but it sure isn’ fun for the
t
kids! One day her husband went out to see
why she had not followed him into the
house. She couldn’ ... she was dead. She
t
was thirty years old.
Her brother was alcoholic too. He
looked sixty-five at thirty-five. Head bent,
coat dragging on the ground . . . an old
man. That's what booze does. It ages you,
like a disease.
Alcoholism is inherited. Some inherit
ance! Would you give your child a gift of
cancer?
Let’ put things in perspective. We
s
admire a gigantic tree, flowers, stars,
mountains, etc. And they’ all equally
re
beautiful. But they are dumb unthinking
things. If we think they are so great . . .
shouldn’ we value our minds; the most
t
magnificant thing God ever created, all
the more? Should we use this apparatus or
let it lie stagnant, drugged, or polluted? I
feel this brain was given to use not abuse.
I appreciate what God gave me so I made
a decision with mine . . . not to kill or
destroy it with alcohol.
People are so ungrateful for the ability
to think. I’ seen too many kids on street
ve
corners that are stagnant . . . wandering
around . . . all spaced out . . . abusing
healthy minds and bodies. It sickens me.
I've been to Washington, D.C. and seen
1300 retarded people, a whole warehouse
of mentally defective people from ages
eight to eighty. They are stagnant too but
they have no choice! I’ been to Pineland
ve
several times and gone to the infirmery to
visit the bed patients. They have no choice
either. I saw a little boy with a crash
helmet on so he wouldn’ self-destruct. He
t
was blind, deaf, and retarded. I saw old
people with diapers on. One old lady sat in
a highchair screaming. They w ere all
seriously limited in their behavior. So
when I see healthy kids abusing and not
using the brain that God gave them, and
believing that getting high on drugs is the
answer to how cruel life has been to them
. .. it freaks me out! I feel like grabbing
them by the hair and dragging them to
Washington, D.C. to see hundreds of
mentally defective human beings. And
then let them boast about cruelties of
teenage life ... if they can. I want to shout
. . . your mind is a gift to be treasured.
We’ been given a brain to think a way
ve
out of our dilemma. I do not care what
your age is. Use what's between your
ears. Don’ let it sit there like a clump of
t
marshmallow. Observe, listen, find out
what booze is all about. I have never in my
life been discouraged against booze. There
was always someone to encourage.
You can get high on God. You can face
any adversity with His help. You’ but to
ve
ask. You can beat alcohol, you can defeat
drugs, and you can defy homosexuality.
With God’ help you can laugh when the
s
chips are down because with God, no
storm lasts forever.
To me, fun is not puking all over
yourself. Gluttony is a disgrace in any
form. There is no fun in knowing a friend
M AIL T O W ABAN AK I ALLIANCE, 95 M AIN ST R EE T, O R O N O , M A IN E 04473
W A B A N A K I
A L L IA N C E
S U B S C R IP T IO N
F O R M
( M a k e c h e c k s p a y a b le t o W a b a n a k i A llia n ce )
1E N CL O SE :
j
j $5 f o r c m r e a r
U .S.)
,. .1_____ 1( I n d iv id u a l —
j
|46 f o r G m y e a r
t_____ 1( C a n a d a )
1
J 110 f o r o m y e a r
!( I n s t i t u t i o n a l r a t e )
L—
J
]
C tty / T o w n a n d S ta te
.
U p G c M
choked to death on his own puke! There is
no fun for families deprived of necessities
because you’
relooking for kicks. There is
no fun for wives and children who get beat
up in a drunken brawl. There is no fun in
eviction because the rent money has been
blown on booze. There is no fun for the
hard working victims you’
ve robbed of
possessions they earned, tG feed your
habit. There is no fun- watching your
father walk around in a rage like mine did.
It’ all frightening. (Even a priest told me
s
to keep from an evil house but what do
you do when it’ your own home?) There is
s
no fun when your family has to bury you
before your time. You not only rob them
... you rob yourself.
Entire families are neglected and abus
ed because of your good times. More
homes have been wrecked, accidents
caused, more lives ruined, more divorces
obtained, more misery, evil, sweat, tears
and even death attributed to booze than
any other disease on the face of the earth!
Alcohol thrives on disease, destruction,
disorder, despair, danger dishonor, debt,
defamation, defeat, degradation, depres
sion, delinquency, delirium, delusion,
deceit, double-cross, divorce, disrespect,
discontent, depravation, detachment, dis
comfort, deterioration, despondency, des
titution, dishonesty, and diarrhea. Notice
that I selected words that start with a D
.. . just like the devil. But remember the
ultimate kick in the liver is death!
kick in the liver is death!
Alcoholism is a progressive illness. One
becomes mentally obsessed with drinking
regardless of consequences. Will power is
not enough. Alcoholics take advantage of
people and situations and it causes stress.
They have to want to get counseling to be
helped, unless they ask God to release
them from that liquid bondage. Unfortu
nately, some never do and lose every
thing, even life.
A judge once asked my friend, “Andy,
why did you drive when you knew you
were drunk?” He replied, “Judge, because
I was too drunk to walk!”
Well,' he was lucky. He never hurt
anyone. Some of my other friends were
splashed all over the highway because of
drunken drivers. One guy got off with a
four hundred dollar violation. But he could
never compensate for robbing a family of
their only son. It still hurts me so. I know
it hurts them.
And one fellow, well, he was so tough
and, “in with the crowd,” he not only got
drunk and fell off a m otorcycle and broke
his leg .. . he climbed back up on the bike
cast and all; drunk of course, ’
cause that
gives you courage, fell off again and
broke his leg in another place! But he
wasn’ so tough he could escape death. His
t
friends had a beer bust at his funeral.
I ’ seen men rolling in their own feces
ve
and yet crying for more booze, begging for
it. I’ seen men crawling in alleys with no
ve
shelter, hanging on to telephone poles,
puke all over their clothes. I’
ve seen
young girls taken advantage of because
booze takes away your inhibitions. (It
could be the first drink or the 31st!)
Beware, for no human can tolerate too
much booze before they are held captive
by it.
I had a cousin who was knocked out by a
sailor, outside a bar room and left to
freeze to death on her birthday. I’ seen
ve
people beaten, knifed, broken, defeated,
empty, suicidal, alone, with bodies ruined
and abused. All that for liquid garbage.
And I’ seen enough!
ve
I recently knelt at a friend’ side when
s
she was dying from a condition caused by
alcohol. It wasn’ very pleasant to see
t
people standing by helpless because no
amount of money could rejuvenate a dead
liver. Unfortunately, the organ died
before she did. I did not enjoy seeing a
young woman wearing a death mask in a
pityful shell of a body all tattered like a
worn out coat. And it hurts to see her
family drinking to forget, delighting in the
very thing they cursed.
I would like to thank the Lord for
allowing m e to know the following . . .
Buster, Patty, Brian, Sunny, Eugene,
Helen, Polly, Cyrille, and Senabeh. These
lives were snuffed out early but all this
human suffering was not in vain. For
miraculously I have benefitted. Their
addiction has set me free. And I shall not
be moved. It took all these deaths and
more before I could say, Lord, there by
the grace of God, died I.
�Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Page 7
Per capita paid out
(Continued from page 1
)
In a recent related action, the Penobscots voted about 3-1 to set up a voluntary,
rather than mandatory, children's trust
fund. This fund will protect per capita
earned by those members under 18 years
of age, should parents choose to use the
fund.
The average quarterly per capita pay
ment to Penobscot tribal members hovers
around $250, with somewhat more paid to
the elderly. Passamaquoddys, even at
100 percent, have earned closer to $200
quarterly — possibly because of the larger
tribal membership. Penobscots, in their
first year of per capita payments, will
each earn in excess of $1,200, it is esti
mated.
Under terms of the land claims, per
capita money cannot be used to compute,
or revise welfare and other benefits for
an individual, but per capita tax status is
uncertain. The IRS has advised that if
tribal members report per capita as
income, they will receive a refund if it is
determined that per capita is tax-free
income.
The Penobscot Nation has advised
members to use their own discretion in
reporting income from per capita. Some
members have not yet accepted any of the
payments, in a number of cases because of
their philosophical disagreement with the
land claims settlement.
Currently, the Penobscot Nation is using
the investment firm of Kidder, Peabody
& Co., which has a Maine office in Port
land. The tribe switched its accounts from
Merrill, Lynch, after some conflicts with
that company.
In related business, Governor Love
said the projected income from some
140,000 acres of newly acquired tribal
lands will be $438,660 for the fiscal year,
with a fee of $77,750 (additional) to be paid
to Dead River Company of Bangor. Dead
River is under contract to manage the
woodlands for the tribe.
The card game
Prison inmates seek teacher
THOMASTON — A group of inmates at
Maine State Prison are looking for
someone to act as spiritual counselor/
teacher, in “the ways of the Native
American life and religions.”
According to Frederick Thurlow, a
Passamaquoddy inmate, a Native Ameri
can Spiritual Group has been formed at
the prison, through the prison chaplain s
offce. “We believe that there must be
someone out there that is willing and able
to fill this position. We cannot pay for this
service, but we believe that there must be
Kim Mitchell
Indian TV show to return
ORONO — Wickeegan, a television
lumal o f Maine Indian affairs, will begin
egular monthly broadcasting next month
ver the public television network.
Successfully aired in the past, the show
is hosted by Kim Mitchell, a Penobscot
who has been employed by Maine Public
Broadcasting Network [MPBN] for more
than five years.
The first showing of this season’s
Wickeegan will be Monday, May 3, at
7:30 p.m. The show will air on channel
12, Orono; channel 13, Calais; channel 10,
Presque Isle, and channel 26, Biddeford.
Monthly shows will continue through
August, at which point Mitchell will submit
a proposal for further Wickeegan produc
tions.
The feature-style format of the half
hour TV show is intended to embrace the
entire Maine Indian community, using
Indian Island
factual presentations to enlighten all
viewers on different aspects of Maine’s
original people.
Prospective topics for separate Wickee
gan shows are tribal history, unemploy
ment, tribal government, land acquisition
under the Indian claims settlement act,
and the importance of the tribal census —
that determines who is defined as Indian.
Mitchell said he is delighted to be re
turning to Wickeegan after a lapse of
several months. He welcom es suggestions
and comments, and can be reached by
writing him at MPBN-TV, Box 86, Orono,
Maine 04473.
The son of Sadie Mitchell and the late
Lt. Gov. Edwin Mitchell of Indian Island,
Kim Mitchell is a University of Maine at
Orono graduate and former Penobscot
Nation tribal councilor. He resides in
Bangor with his wife, Sharon, a school
teacher.
someone out there that cares about their
brothers, the American Indians,” Thurlow
said.
Thurlow said such a person could help
Indian inmates to be better people "upon
release from this institution.”
The group would like to study Indian
ways a few hours each week. Anyone
wishing to donate books, tapes or feathers
may contact the group at Maine State
Prison, c/o Chaplain’ Office, Box A,
s
Thomaston, Maine 04861.
“We are all very willing to learn,"
Thurlow said.
For all the
reasons
you need abank
We are at your full service. VISA.
Check Guarantee. All-In-One Check
ing. Northeast N.O.W. Accounts.
Free Checking. Period. Check Credit.
Individual Retirement Accounts.
Statement Savings. Certificates of
Deposit. Saver’ Bonds. Home Loans.
s
Home Improvement Loans. Home
Equity Loans. Auto Loans. Business
Loans. Collateral Loans. Vacation
Loans. All types of installment loans.
Bank-by-mail. Night depository.
Easy-to-read, detailed statements.
And a lot more. See what we mean?
Com e talk to us.
Task force looks for new coordinator
BOSTON — The search is on for a new
coordinator for the Federal Regional
Council’ Indian Task Force.
s
The form er coordinator, Barbara
Namias, a Mohawk, has resigned. She
cited funding problems among her reasons
for leaving. Her predecessor was Gregory
P. Beusing, a non-Indian, who is attending
law school.
The task force deals with federal funds
for Indians in the northeast — such as
Adrrtinistration for Native Americans
(ANA) grants.
An ANA update by Tom Battiste, a co
founder of Association of Aroostook In
dians in Houlton, was on a recent task
force agenda. Battiste, an Indian graduate
of the now defunct Ricker College in
Houlton, has worked many years in Indian
affairs.
NORTHEAST SANK
Member Northeast Bankshare
Association and F.D.I.C.
An Equal Opportunity Lender
�Page 8
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
The Indian Island five
Court mulls residents who
refuse to make payments
INDIAN ISLAND — The tribal housing
authority and several families living in newhousing are still at a standoff, after a year
long court battle.
At stake is about $20,000 in payments
the families refuse to remit.
The latest wrinkle came last month,
when tribal court Judge Andrew Mead
‘‘
took under advisement” motions by law
yers for the housing authority and tenants,
telling both sides he would render a deci
sion soon.
Tribal housing authority director Rick
Mitchell said he sees no reason why per
capita land claims payments of tribal
members can’ be attached, to pay off the
t
money owed the authority. But Mead
said, in an aside, that he wonders if his
court has jurisdiction over land claims
interest payments.
Tribal law is apparently foggy on the
issue of attachment of per capita pay
ments, which are usually about $250$300 per quarter-year, depending on
prevailing interest rates.
Named in separate civil suits in Penob
scot tribal court are James Sappier,
Gerardo [Jerry] Pardilla, Doreen Bartlett,
Joseph Sapiel, Roger Ranco, and Christine
LaCasse. The cases of other -defendants
were dismissed, after out-of-court agree
ments were reached to pay off debts.
Defendants in cases dismissed were
Brenda Fields, Kenneth Paul, Dennis
Pehrson, Theresa Snell and Louise K.
Paul.
Michael Ranco was expected to be
named in another suit by the housing
authority, sources said, and in another
action, Deanna Labossiere is expected to
challenge housing authority policy in
court.
All of the above-named tribal members
reside in federally-funded housing that
they are under contract to purchase over
time, making regular payments.
However, lawyer Winfred A. Stevens of
Bangor, representing defendants in the
housing authority suits, alleged in court
that residents have no equity in the hom es,
property lines don’ exist, and should the
t
tribal member die, there is no estate value
to the property. Furthermore, the precise
purchase price is not known, and should
a resident wish to pay off his loan, he
wouldn’ know what to pay, Stevens said.
t
Paul F. Zendzian, a Bangor lawyer who
is counsel for the housing authority, con
ceded that there were a few problems,
but said some of them have already been
corrected.
Mitchell told Wabanaki Alliance that the
prolonged litigation has already cost the
housing authority
several
thousand
dollars in lawyer’ fees.
s
Penobscot helps form
Indian Republican group
ORONO — A national Indian Republican
group is on its feet and flexing its muscle
for a ‘‘ push” to recruit new members.
big
That’ the word from Andrew X. Akins,
s
a Penobscot and treasurer o f The American
Indian National Republican Federation,
headquartered in Washington,
D.C.
Akins said the group was formed in June
1981, by Indian people who support
President Reagan.
Although still a “ low-key” political
group with a small membership, Akin.;
said he believes the federation has good
potential. Akins will coordinate organizing
Maine and New England Indians.
“ We intend to make Indian concerns and
needs known to the Republican Party,”
Akins said, adding, “ we do not represent,
nor do we speak for any other Indian
group.” Akins is convinced that Indians
can have an “ impact” on the current
Administration, “ for the betterment of
Indian people.”
Akins plans to attend an annual meeting
next month of the National Republican
Heritage Council, to be held in Pennsyl
vania.
Calling it “an occasion for great joy
among us,” President Reagan wrote to the
federation’
s president, Ted
Bryant,
saying “your organization will serve as an
important line of communication between
American Indians throughout our nation
and this administration.” Bryant said the
group’ purpose is to bring American
s
Indians into the political process, and make
them aware of modern partisan politics.
There are almost a million and a half
Americans of Indian heritage who would be
eligible for membership in the new group,
he said.
Louis Bruce, first vice president o f the
federation and former Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, said, “ our members will be
a consistent Indian voice in Republican
party councils. The original Americans
have been silent too long.”
Any Indian person interested in joining
the group has two criteria to meet, Akins
said. He or she must be a registered
Republican, and must believe in the
philosophy of Indian sovereignty.
For further information write or call:
Maine Republican State Committee,
51 Chapel St., Augusta, Maine 04330,
telephone 207-622-6247.
S.C. FRANCIS of Indian Island m oves snow for the Penobscot Nation.
Teens need others' help
INDIAN ISLAND — Mom and Dad may
be worried about their teenage son or
daughter’ behavior, but if so, they aren’
s
t
the only ones.
Sgt. Dale E. Lolar of the Indian Island
police department, and Carolyn A. Strnad,
human services director for the tribe, are
just as concerned.
Both Lolar and Strnad told Wabanaki
Alliance that despite available counseling,
social work and other services, teenage
problems are continuing at Indian Island.
Common problems are abuse of alcohol
and drugs, and anti-social behavior, often
in violation of the law.
Strnad believes “there’ more people
s
out there (on the reservation) that want to
see this stuff stop . . . somebody’ got to
s
start if anything’ going to be done about
s
this.”
Lolar said he would like to get “every
body involved” in efforts to encourage
good behavior and self-control among
teenagers. “Don’ be so pessimistic,” he
t
advises parents and others.
Also, Lolar said, “people can be more
frequent with their calls (reporting
trouble); don’ think you're bugging us. It
t
might not end up in court, but it all adds
up,” he said.
Strnad said several m eetings to discuss
substance abuse among younger Penobscots have taken place, attended by John
Jeffers, social worker; outside education
consultant, Murray Shulman; and tribal
official Philip Guimond.
“I think the thing to stress is the pre
ventative side,” said Strnad. “When you
see a six-year-old smoking, tell him to put
it out."
Lolar and Strnad pointed out that the
tribe has lost its youth aid officer with the
resignation of Bonnie Sappier, and a
replacement had not been found.
Strnad said people must “support one
another. We don’ mean to say that all
t
teenagers are bad.” If a teen would come
forward and volunteer, the successful
“teen night” concept could be revived, she
said.
AN IN V IT A T IO N TO V IS IT
THE
UNIVERSITY
BOOK STORE
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT ORONO
WITH 20,000 DIFFERENT TITLES ON HAND
WE TRY TO MAINTAIN AN INVENTORY OF
THE FINEST IN POPULAR AND SCHOLARLY
BOOKS.
SPECIAL ORDERS AND MAIL ORDERS WELCOMED.
207 - 581-7241
TOM DORWORTH, pharmacist to the
Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes,
says his work is “ very interesting, chal
lenging and a good learning experience for
me.” He is serving a unique 2-3 year ap
pointment through the U.S. Public Health
Service. The 31-year-old native of St.
Louis, Mo., lives in Pembroke, but may
move to Old Town. His wife and two sons
have not yet moved to Maine from Boston,
where Dorworth previously worked.
Dorworth spends Mondays and Tuesdays
at the Island, Thursdays at Indian Town
ship, and Wednesdays and Fridays at
Pleasant Point.
H o u rs :
8—8 Mondays thru Thursdays
8—
5 Fridays
9—
4 Saturdays
Hours slightly reduced when school is not in session.
WE ARE LOCATED IN THE MEMORIAL UNION
UNDERNEATH HAUCK AUDITORIUM.
�Page 9
Wahan&ki Alliance April 1982
Four will go to
German clinic
(Continued from page 1
)
in 1980 that while a prisoner, a Passamaquoddy girl he befriended became preg
nant, and that he unknowingly fathered
a son, Roger Gabriel Ritter, who is now 36
and works for tribal housing.
Ritter said it is this connection to the
tribes that led him to solicit the support of
the German Good Templars, sponsors of
the six-month treatment program. Ritter
claims the Templars — an international
organization — has an 80 percent success
rate in treating German alcoholics. He sees
no reason why Indians of Maine cannot do
as well.
For a number of years, the Passamaquoddys and Penobscots have exclusively
used the Alcoholics Anonymous [AA]
approach to treatment, a program that re
quires recognition o f a “ higher pow er.’’
The success of AA with Indians has been
pegged at about 40 percent. Ritter said
the Templars’ treatment will double the
success rate.
Ritter said he does not think AA is doing
the job it should, and he points out that
the Good Templars’program has “ nothing
to do with any religion. It may be the
breakthrough, for the four Indians who
come to Germany,” he told Wabanaki
Alliance.
Ritter completed a visit to the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot reservations last
month, and said he was amazed at his
success. Tribal officials had been skeptical
that anyone would volunteer to try a sixmonth program in a foreign country, but
Ritter said already there is a waiting list.
A former travel agent with 32 years in
the motion picture business, Ritter said he
is devoting himself full time to helping the
Indians in their fight against alcoholism.
He said that in retirement, he would like
to do something worthwhile to help people.
He has spent several thousand dollars of
his own money, which he does not expect
to get back, he said.
Ritter acknowledged that for years,
Germans have had romantic fascination
with Indians, spurred by the many Indian
novels of Karl May, a German author whc.
never saw an Indian in his life, so far as is
known. M ay’ books apparently have little
s
resemblance to the truth, but may have
helped Ritter win the financial support
o f the Templars, who will enroll the four
Indians at Mahlertshof clinic, a live-in
treatment center with a rigid, round-theclock schedule for patients.
Ritter, who does not himself have a
drinking problem, said he is familiar with
the Templars’ approach. “ It really goes
into the subconscious . . . this is one of, in
my opinion, the most important things
they d o." He said therapists find the
reason for drinking; “ if not after two
months, after four months.
“ They have to talk, the patients. The
main thing is to talk, open and free.”
Ritter claims that while U.S. doctors
say it takes two weeks to clear alcohol
from the body, German experts say 6-8
weeks are required. Ritter said he has
convinced Wayne A. Newell, Passamaquoddy director of health and social
services, of the German program's bene
fits.
If it works, Ritter thinks the Templars
program will have positive repercussions
for the Indian community. “ If we have
really sober Indians, we can get qualitywork. If he [an Indian] gets sober, he gets
reliable; he gets work.” he said.
After six months, Ritter hopes a second
group of volunteers for the program —
w'hich will cost the Indians nothing — will
be women. On the third program, Ritter
hopes to bring juvenile Indians to Ger
many.
Each patient’ six-month treatment will
s
cost $8,000, Ritter said. He did not state
whether the Good Templars will extend
the free program for Indians indefinitely,
The German Mahlertshof clinic, where Indians will spend six months.
but he said Micmacs and Maliseets are
welcome to apply.
Ritter said he personally wants to stay
out of the limelight. “ Indians have to do
it,” he said, but “ first we have to train
the Indians. I myself want to stay in the
background . . . and sell them the idea . . .
motivate them.”
Ritter suggested the abandoned, van
dalized campground and cabins at Indian
Township could be renovated for a treat
ment center.
In Germany, the volunteers will probably
have English-speaking teachers, or will
have an interpreter.
Ritter said he envisions four key steps in
the Templars’program:
1 W e’ not allowed to drink alcohol
]
re
2] We don’ want to drink alcohol
t
3] W e don’ need to drink alcohol
t
4]
W ehe Indians. W e’ too proud to
re
drink alcohol
Ritter is thoroughly convinced that the
Good Templars' work is the answer to
Indian alcoholism in Maine, and he b e
lieves the U.S. government, and State of
Maine, have done a poor job of treating
the problem.
About the Templars’ clinics he said,
“The success those people have is so
amazing, that the German social security,
the insurance (companies) and other insti
tutions send their alcoholics to the Good
Templar clinics. As you probably know,
the German health ministry acknowledges
alcoholism as a serious mental illness.
The U.S. government should take an
example on it, but maybe they are not so
much interested in getting the native
Americans out of the alcohol problem.”
W ORLD PEA CE
MARCH
l a E G p p o r t o f t is c U n ite d
Nations g p e d & l S e g s i o a on D is& rm & zse n t II — Junm
(An interfaith project initiated by the Nipponzan Myohoji Japanese Buddhist Monks)
Leaving B angor A pril 1, 1982...
THE WORLD PLACE MARCH WILL BEGIN ON INDIAN ISLAND ON MARCH 31
, fe"flgr s. w
*
4
L/ 'Y-r.l
i.
Can y o u w a lk w ith th e
m o n k s f o r a ll o r p a rt o f
th e w a y ? Can you
p r o v id e fo o d and
s h e lte r f o r the
w a lk e r s ? Can y ou
o r g a n iz e o r atten d a
w e lc o m in g vigil,
dinner, h o u se m eeting,
A1 Saplel of Indian Island contemplates trip to Germany [see story]. With him in the
photo is Shannon Snell, nine, of Indian Island, and AI’s dog, Bops.
F or in fo rm a tio n c a ll
He's going to Germany
liehard Russell— 942-1679 (Bangor)
Larry Dansinger— 93S-2219 (Newport)
^arcl Brewster— 622-5234 (Augusts)
rracy Booth--78l-5l59 (Portland)
^elia Sargent— 439-3154 (Kittery)
INDIAN ISLAND — Elwin [AI] Sapiel
is one of four volunteers about to begin a
rigorous six-month alcoholism treatment
program in West Germany.
He met with W olfgang Ritter, the former
German POW who fathered a Passamaquoddy son, and who is trying to develop
the German-Indian treatment connection.
Sapiel said he has tried various ap
proaches to his drinking problem, and
when he heard about this one, he thought
to himself, “Yeah, why not do that? I
need that. I’m a recovering alcoholic.’’
Sapiel, a Penobscot, will accompany
three Passamaquoddys on the pilot project,
as Ritter calls it. Sapiel recalls, “ I had 15
minutes to decide, and I said I’ go. It’s
d
a beautiful opportunity to learn about
something. I’ goin g over to be a therapist
m
. . . that’ a once in a lifetime opportunity.
s
I’m going to the library to start reading up
on their culture . . . so I w on’ feel at a
t
loss.”
Sapiel and the others — Kevin Stevens,
Howard Stevens and Charles Stevens —
will be flying from Bangor to Germany
this month.
...Arriving
New York City
June S, 1982
�Page 10
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
book nook
Love is Lakota theme
DENVER, Colorado — “Spirit Song” is
a new book by Tony Shearer, a Lakota
who is professor of Ethnic Studies at the
University of Colorado. Published a few
weeks ago, it is already in paperback.
The main theme through the two stories
in the book is love, love of our “earth
mother." The foundation of the story is
found in the great myth, the archtype, the
"beginning of all stories.”
The early peoples of Meso-America
feared the sun would go away becuase
they had betrayed the sun by casting out
the plumed serpent, (Quatzelquatl) son of
the sun, patron of the arts. So they
Passamaquoddys tour UMO
Passamaquoddy students from Pleasant Point spent a day last month touring — in the
first such trip ever — the University of Maine at Orono, through arrangements made by
Ted Mitchell, assistant dean of counseling for Indian students. Present from Shead High
School, Eastport, were sophomores Janice Dana, Jody Yarmal, Fella Newell, Rena
Newell and Patty Morang; juniors Valerie Wilson, Elizabeth Soctomah and Joe Quinn;
senior Sheila Dana, and freshman Horace Neptune. Greeting the visitors, and answering
questions, were UMO Indian students Raphael Sockabasin, Alberta M. Cleaves, Calvin
A. Nicholas, Laura Dana and Heidi Westland. Chris Altvater, a Pleasant Point school
counselor who helped arrange the trip, is working toward a master’s degree in education/counseling. Bus driver was Timothy Newell. Also last month, 20 Indian students
from Lee Academy toured UMO, with UMO Indian student Gail Dana helping with
arrangements.
Two Penobscots on rights panel
PORTLAND — Maine Advisory Com
mittee to the U.S. Commission on Civil
Rights began a new term Jan. 7, when six
reappointed and six new members met in
Portland to discuss the status of civil
rights in Maine. The 12 were appointed to
the panel by the U.S. Commission on Civil
Rights in December 1981, and will serve
for two years.
Continuing as a member is Andrew X.
Akins, former Penobscot Nation tribal
administrator and currently a private
logging contractor on Indian lands. Newly
named to the panel is Vivian F. Massey of
Indian Island, an employment official with
Penobscot Nation and a school board and
housing authority member.
Outgoing chairman Madeleine Giguere,
Professor of Sociology at the University of
Southern Maine, passed the gavel to Lois
Reckitt, Director of the Family Crisis
Shelter in Portland, who becomes chair
man after serving as vice-chairman during
the previous two-year term. Reckitt has
been involved in women’ rights causes in
s
Maine, and serves as New England
regional coordinator for National Or
ganization for Women (NOW).
In her remarks, Giguere said issues the
advisory committee had addressed include
state services to off-reservation Indians,
the status of ethnic groups in the 1980
Census, sexual harassment in the work
place, and the state’ domestic violence
s
law. The Committee published an “In
formation Kit on Sexual Harassment in
Employment," a report summarizing civil
rights developments in Maine during
1980, and a study of the new domestic
violence law. Giguere asserted that she
“will continue to support efforts to
establish equal justice.”
Commentary
Not happy tim es
Decisions are being made “ for” people,
rather than “ by” people. People need to
be part of the decision-making process,
to recognize their value and support their
community.
If we are dominated by a single power
structure controlling all decision-making,
this will breed jealousy, frustration,
hatred, discouragement and will usurp this
decision-making power.
These are not happy times, when we
can’ express our rights and freedom.
t
We need to look at this, we are all in this
together. We need to look down the road
from whence we came, and to where we
are today, and to where we want to go.
We need to set up by-laws for our protec
tion on this journey.
Are we happy with what we have? Do
we need a change, and where are the
changes needed? Can these changes
take place now? With our present govern
ment, are we-the-people the top of all, do
we have a voice in our tribal government?
We know that if we seek we will find
other ideas that can help our tribe and our
selves as a whole; with good, constructive
criticism that never hurts anyone, except
the selfish ones. W e can make this reserva
tion a happy place to live with one another,
and show our people in office that we do
care how things are being run.
People spirit
Progress sometimes takes a beating;
it isn’ always the modern and efficient
t
new ways that win. It’s our own initiative
and work. You have to have the people
with you or you can’ make anything work.
t
Obituary
r
OUT FOR A JOG — Penobscots Tim Gould, Edward Paul, and Mike Paul spend a lunch
hour getting in shape, at Indian Island.
invented music and the arts to appease
the sun and continue life on earth.
Shearer presents the story in a style
considered “purist” Native American in
a contemporary setting. He uses m et
aphor to say more than the words on the
page.
The original idea was conceived 11
years ago for “Children of the Sun,” the
first of the two tales, and research was
done for some years. The love for the art
of storytelling is evident.
Copies can be ordered from Shearer, at
2440 W est Caithness Place, Denver, Colo.
80211, for $9 ($6 for the book and $3 for
postage and packing).
THOMAS CHARLES HOOD
IN DIA N T O W N S H IP — Th om as
Charles Hood, 4 month-old son of Thomas
and Tina (Sockabasin) Hood, died unex
pectedly, Feb. 24, 1982, at a Calais
hospital.
He was born in Bangor, Oct. 29, 1981.
Surviving besides his parents of Peter
Dana Point are one sister, Tomihka Socka
basin of Peter Dana Point; maternal
grandparents, David and Gloria Socka
basin of Peter Dana Point, and Florence
Patone of Brookton; paternal grand
parents, Lawrence and Esther Hood of
Princeton.
A mass of Christian burial was cele
brated at St. Ann’ church, Peter Dana
s
Point.
Burial will be in the Peter Dana Point
tribal cemetery.
The major problem in any work or
relations is the people themselves —
their worries, their preconceived ideas,
their relationships with each other and
their leaders.
You can have all the money in the world,
all the expertise, all the equipment, all the
government support, but without the
people involved in heart, body and soul,
all will be disaster.
It has happened time and time again;
the people are treated as children, as if
it’ known already, what’ best for them. It
s
s
just w on’ work. It doesn’ work that way.
t
t
The attitude is “ I want to help you, so
you listen and I ’ tell you what to do.”
ll
It’ stupid and pretentious. It should be,
s
“ I want to help you, tell me what you
want me to do and w e’ do it together.”
ll
This is what initiative is, an introductory
step to action.
Alice Fowler
Irene Pardilla
Concerned Citizens
Indian Island
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we’ also help you
ll
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
— in the Portland area— 775-7225
— in the Auburn area— 786-4190
— in the Bangor area— 947-0755
— or toll free anyw'here in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
J
�Webasaki Alliance April 1982
Cases dog tribal court
INDIAN ISLAND —
The following
matters were heard recently before Penob
scot Nation Tribal Court, Judge Andrew
M. Mead presiding:
Eugene Loring, Jr., Indian Island;
count 1— keeper of vicious dog, count 2 —
keeper of vicious dog, count 3 — dog roam
ing at large; plea of not guilt}', continued to
Feb. 25 for trial. Mar}' LaChance, para
legal, appointed as counsel.
Terence J. Loiar, Indian Island, permit
ting a dog to roam at large, plea of not
guilty, continued to March 8 for trial.
Donna Loring. paralegal, appointed as
counsel.
Carol Drinkwater, Indian Island, per
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of not
guilt}', continued to Feb. 25 for trial.
Donna Loring, paralegal, appointed as
counsel.
Eva Love, Indian Island, permitting a
dog to roam at large, plea of guilt}’, paid
S15 fine.
Brenda Fields, Indian Island, permitting
a dog to roam at large (second offense),
plea of guilty, paid S30 fine.
Terence J. Loiar, Indian Island, permit
ting a dog to roam at large, plea of nolo
contendere, found guilty, paid $15 fine.
Francine Murphy, Indian Island, per
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of not
guilty, continued to Feb. 25 for trial.
Mary LaChance, paralegal, appointed as
counsel.
Philip E. Guimond. Indian Island, per
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of nolo
contendere, found guilty, paid $15 fine.
Christine LaCasse, Indian Island, per
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of not
guilty, continued to March 22 for trial.
Donna Loring, paralegal, appointed as
counsel.
Gerardo Pardilla, Indian Island, keeper
of unlicensed dog, plea of not guilty, con
tinued to March 22 for trial. Mary La
Chance, paralegal, appointed as counsel.
Gerardo Pardilla, Indian Island, permit
ting a dog to raoam at large, plea of guilty,
found guilty, paid $15 fine.
Theresa Eugenia Thompson, Indian
Island, permitting a dog to roam at large,
plea of nolo contendere, found guilty,
paid 515 fine.
Barry L. Nelson, Indian Island, permit
ting a dog to roam at large, plea of not
guilty, continued to March 22 for trial.
All-Indian Marine
unit formed
ALBUQUERQUE — A newly-enlisted
all-Navajo contingent of U.S. Marines is
hoping to train together and remain to
gether.
The 65 Navajos enlisted in Albuquerque
at the suggestion -of Navajo chairman
Peter McDonald, who himself enlisted in
1944 at the age of 15. McDonald became
one of the famous ‘
code talkers’ who
confused and confounded Japanese cryp
tographers during W W II.
In addition to the all-Navajo platoon,
some 14,226 Indians are presently mem
bers of the United States Armed Forces.
Of these, 599 are Air Force officers, and
6,675 are Air Force enlisted; and 153 Navy
officers, and 22,836 Navy enlisted; 204
Army officers and 2.645 Army enlisted;
and 43 Marine officers, and 1,121 enlisted.
4 new
0
Page 11
Housing units planned
INDIAN ISLAND — It’ time for Phase
s
III here, according to Rick Mitchell, Penob
scot housing authority' director.
Phase m will be the third federallyfunded group of houses for the reservation,
and as proposed consists of 40 units —
30 single-family dwellings, and ten more
units for elderly tribal members. Onlytribal members and their immediate
families are eligible to occupy these units.
Already, Mitchell reports, there are 35-
40 applications on file from persons inter
ested in the new units. Most of the appli
cants are off reservation families; a few
already live in older Indian Island houses.
If built, Phase III will be funded through
the federal Department of Housing and
Urban Development [HUD], and units
will be sold to Indians in a manner similar
to mortgage payments.
New' housing is also planned at Indian
Township, a Passamaquoddy reservation.
Trials
Gary Attean, Indian Island, charged with
possession of m oose killed in closed area,
represented by Martha Harris of Bangor.
Found guilty, sentence: $100 fine, of which
$75 was suspended. Appealed to Penob
scot appellate court.
Eugene Loring, Jr., Indian Island,
represented by Mary LaChance, para
legal. Plea of nolo contendere entered for
dog roaming at large, found guilty, sen
tenced to pay $15 fine. Count 2, keeper of
vicious dog, dism issed upon request of the
Nation. Count 3. keeper of vicious dog,
taking gold from the Black Hills in the
SAN JOSE, Cal. — The Oglala Sioux
dog ordered restrained for one year, must
past century.
Tribe of South Dakota filed a $6 billion
be under the control of a person at all times
The suit was filed in federal district
suit January 26 against the Homestake
when not on a chain. Appealed to Penob
court in San Jose, California.
Mining Company, for trespassing and
scot appellate court.
Terence Loiar. Indian Island, permitting
Corrections and
a dog to roam at large, represented by
Donna Loring, paralegal. Nation moved to
clarifications
dismiss because a witness was unavailable,
A report of court proceedings in last
motion granted, case dismissed.
month's Wabanaki Alliance incorrectlv
Carol Drinkwater, Indian Island, per
named Cheryl Knapp as petitioning to
mitting a dog to roam at large, represented
change her children's surname. The
by Donna Loring. paralegal. Nation re
mother's name is Cheryl Francis. Our
quested case be dismissed, case dis
apology to the Francis family.
missed.
As indicated by letters to the editor,
Francine Murphy. Indian island, permit
this newspaper was off base in reporting
ting a dog to roam at large, represented by
wmm
the Parker, Arizona, Manataba Messenger
Mary LaChance, paralegal. Plea changed
had “ ceased regular publication.” The
to guilty, found guilt}’, paid £15 fine.
M essenger went from weekly to monthly
Christine LaCasse, Indian Island, per
publication, and is a smaller format.
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of
guilty entered, pre-sentence report or
Esther Ne l s on dies
dered by judge.
Christine LaCasse. Indian Island, per
COSTIGAN —
Esther “ Peaches”
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of
Nelson, wife of the late Peter “ Dindv”
guilty entered, pre-sentence report or
SARA LOLAR, an eight-year-old Penob
Nelson, died Jan. 28, at a Bangor hospital,
dered by judge.
after a prolonged illness. She was 82.
Christine LaCasse, Indian Island, keeper scot who plays viola, auditioned for the
Portland Symphony Orchestra and is now
Born at Woodstock, N.B., Canada. Nov.
of unlicensed dog. plea of guilty entered,
part of Portland's Children’ Consort; she 4, 1899. she w-as a Maliseet Indian who
s
pre-sentence report ordered by judge.
recently performed with the group, Sara
later joined the Penobscot tribe through
Barbara J. Francis, Indian Island, per
her marriage to Peter Nelson, who had
mitting a dog to roam at large, plea of not has studied viola two years. She is the
daughter of Owen and Joann [Jody] Loiar
been previously married. She was the
guilty, continued to March 22 for trial.
of South Portland, and granddaughter of
sister of the late Louis Bernard of Indian
David J. Sapiel, Indian Island, passing
Island. There is no known immediate
a stopped school bus, plea of not guilty, Vivian F. M assey of Indian Island. She has
family surviving.
continued to March 22 for trial. Donna an older brother, Carl.
Loring, paralegal, appointed as counsel.
Joan Pehrson. Indian Island, permitting
a dog to roam at large, plea of guilty, found
guilty, paid $15 fine.
Housing suits
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Authority vs. James Sappier. Gerardo
Pardilla, Doreen Bartlett, Roger Ranco and
Joseph Sapiel; all defendants represented
by Winfred Stevens, of Bangor. Plantiff
represented by Paul Zendzian. of Bangor.
Hearing on trustee process on defendant’s
These homes are available to veterans or
case for James Sappier heard; oral argu
non-veterans without preference.
ments heard, taken under advisement by
61 Fourth Avenue, Woodland
$40,900.
Judge Mead; court's order to be filed at a
Rt. 1, Woodland
$20,900.
later date. A.ll cases to be set for hearing as
W est Street, Plantation 21
$24,000,
soon as possible.
Rt. 1, 39 Dublin St., M achias
$36,500.
Sioux file suit over Black Hills gold
*
y •• a r i i
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25,900.
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• •
• •
• •
�Page 12
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Man who drove over Micmoc
says state report "wrong1
C HERR I T [ELD —
The 51-year-old
former deputy sheriff who admitted his car
ran over a Miemac Indian last summer says
a recent state report on the incident is not
accurate.
Murray B. Seavey of Cherryfield tele
phoned Wabanaki Alliance to say that
“ haif of this is erroneous,” in reference to
a follow-up report by the state attorney
general's office, on the Aug. 17, 1981.
hit-and-run death o f Joseph B. Peters, 21,
a blueberry raker from Big Cove reserva
tion in New Brunswick.
The report basically confirms previous
investigation, which revealed that Seavey
lied about his role in Peters' death, claim
ing at first that Peters was already dead,
and he merely “ discovered” the body.
Seavey pleaded no contest in district
court, to leaving the scene of a fatal acci
dent, and was fined £100. by Judge
Millard Emanueison. The low fine for a
death — out of a maximum SI.000 fine
plus one year in prison — triggered an
outcry by citizenry and the press. The
protest prompted District Attorney Mi
chael Povich to reopen the case, and
request the state report.
James Russell Wiggins, editor of The
Ellsworth American, editorialized:
“ It is a humiliation for Mair-e citizens to
have to concede that here in this common
wealth. the law found behavior that
caused the death o f a man so inconsequen
tial that it resulted only in a fine of $100 for
the driver of the car. There is no citizen of
this state, of any race, color, or creed, or of
any station or condition of 'life, so devoid of
human dignity and value that rhose caus
ing his death should be permitted to be
freed by the courts upon the payment of a
5100 fine.”
In the telephone call, Seavey said his
local attorney had advised him “ not to
talk.” But Seavey acknowledged he
“ wasn'i happy with the report” by Deputy
Arty. Gen. James W. Brannigan, Jr.
Seavey refused to specify what he was
unhappy about in the report. “ I know
th ere’ a lot of questions,” Seavey said,
s
adding “ you’ be the first to know” when
ll
he has a statement.
Seavey said he is resigning his job as
chief of the Cherryfield Police Depart
ment; he has already quit the part time
deputy position with the Washington
County Sheriffs Department. “ I’m all
done 'with police work, ’’he said.
Owner of a contracting business with a
“ couple o f trucks,” Seavey said he has not
made up his mind about continuing work as
a security guard with Jasper Wyman
Company, owner of the blueberry fields
where Peters was employed last summer.
Seavey said he has no problems working
with Indians, and in fact prefers Indian
rakers to non-Indian workers. Seavey said
he is on good terms with fellow towns
people, although som e residents petitioned
for his removal as police chief.
Screwing up a jury?
In an interview with this newspaper,
Brannigan was asked if Seavey was on
duty when his vehicle ran over Peters.
“ I reached no conclusion because of the
pending suit,” Brannigan said, explain
ing, “ 1 didn’ want anyone reading it and
t
screwing up a jury selection on this suit.”
Brannigan was referring to a suit byIrene Augustine, executrix for Peters'
estate, seeking $500,000 damages from
Seavey and the Wyman company. August
ine is a social services caseworker for
Central Maine Indian Association in
Orono. Her Bangor lawyer has dropped
Washington County and the Town of
Cherryfield from the civil suit, filed in
Penobscot County superior court.
According to The Ellsworth American,
Seavey was driving a 1979 cruiser at the
time of the fatal accident on Route 193, in
Debiois. Reportedly, there were four
witnesses, but Brannigan declined to name
them. He said the witnesses are permitted
confidentiality.
Irene Augustine said one of the 'Wit
nesses is Peter Joe Augustine, Jr., of Big
Cove, who found Peters’ body after he
heard a “ thump.” W itnesses said they saw
Seavey *s tail lights.
According to
Brannigan’s
report,
“ after striking Peters, Seavey slowed
almost to a stop, did not stop, did not at
tempt to ascertain the extent of Peters'
injuries, to render any aid or call for assist
ance."
Brannigan
labeled
Seavey's
behavior “ somewhat bizarre.”
Peters had been drinking
The report says Seavey “ then went to
one of the Jasper Wyman Co. security
buildings, picked up another Wyman
employee [not identified by Brannigan.
but said to be Lynn Atwater] and returned
to the accident site where they “ dis
covered” Peters' body.”
Brannigan’ investigation “ disclosed
s'
that Peters was killed as a result of being
struck by an automobile driven by Murray
Seavey. At the time he was struck, the
visibility was poor due to fog, and Peters
was either sitting or lying in the roadway.
“ It is apparent that Peters had con
sumed a quantity o f alcoholic beverages
prior to the accident and had a blood alco
hol level of 0.11. There is no evidence
indicating that the Seavey vehicle was
travelling at an excessive speed for the
conditions or that Seavey saw Peters
prior to the fatal impact. Furthermore,
Seavey’ employment may have required
s
him being on the road at the time o f the
accident. Seavey was employed as a parttime deputy sheriff and as a security
officer for the Jasper Wyman Co., as weil
as being Chief of the Cherryfield Volunteer
Police Department. We reached no con
clusion as to which role he may have been
playing.”
Seavey later told investigating state
police he “ ran over Peters' legs only,
and that Peters was already dead.”
Brannigan said his own investigation
showed that Seavey lied.
Povich acted hastily
Reports reveal that Seavey ran over
Peters at 2:10a.m., then. 12 minutes later,
notified state police of a fatal motor
vehicle accident. Nineteen minutes later
state police Trooper Ronald Moody arrived
at the scene, spoke with Seavey, and was
told Seavey and Atwater found the body
in the road.
Seven days later Seavey admitted his
vehicle ran over Peters, but claimed he
only ran over the victim’
s'legs, and that
Peters was already dead.
]p September 1981, Indian blueberryrakers. upset about the death and subse
quent investigation, met with Wyman
company president, Fred Kneeland, and
state police Cpl. Thomas Michaud. Mi
chaud told the “ Native Grievance Com
mittee” that evidence would be presented
to a Washington County grand jury, the
following week.
A few days later. Povich announced he
would not seek grand jury action, and
instead charged Seavey with a Class D
misdemeanor in district court in Machias.
On Sept. 21. Seavey pleaded nolo con
tendere [nocontest], and was fined 5100.
Povich said he was surprised at the
negative public
reaction.
Milbridge
First Selectman John Purington wrote in a
guest editorial in a daily newspaper:
“ I don ’ think the district attorney [Povich]
t
has fulfilled his responsibilities to the law,
or to the people who elected him. I’d like
to know if Judge Emanueison asked any
o f the questions before passing judgment
on the case. As for Joseph Peters, I hope
his spirit finds peace despite how cheaply
his mortality was bought.”
Brannigan defended the court action in
an interview. “ If he [Seavey] had stopped
his car, he wouldn’ even be charged
t
with a crime,” Brannigan said.
But didn’ Seavey lie to state police?
t
“ Making a statement to exculpate yourself
is not a crime,” Brannigan replied.
Brannigan’
s report,
addressed
to
Povich, concluded that the district attor
ney’s office “prosecuted Seavey for the
only crime supported by the evidence
and did nothing to minimize the sentence
to be imposed.
“ While in hindsight it may have been
more prudent to have conducted a more
exhaustive investigation before acquiesc
ing to a disposition by plea in the district
court, in this case such an investigation did
not enhance the severity of the charges
in any way.”
Nicholas Dow
Dow: pushing
development
INDIAN ISLAND — Terms like “Indian
enterprise,’ non-polluting business, and
’
industry," are becoming familiar to Nicho
las Dow, new director of economic de
velopment for the Penobscot Nation.
Dow's plans include setting up an
advisory group. As he puts it, “because of
Reagonomics, some of the departments
have been cut. and I want to help them
where I can." Dow would also like to go for
bigger stakes: “Do we want to look at a
small industrial park here, to attract nonpolluting businesses?”
Dow said he would “like to have a little
more time to develop a long range plan"
for the Island's economic development,
but time is important, to offset President
Reagan's drastic budget cuts. “The big
gest thing is proper planning," he said, “to
get an idea where the tribe wants to go."
One place the tribe may want to go is to
Acadia Peat Company in (the town of)
Penobscot. The tribe now owns 1,233
acres of bog, through land claims pur
chases.
Another development is the availability
of tribally-guaranteed loans to individuals
and small groups, for wood harvesting.
Individuals can borrow up to $1,500, and
corporations or partnerships, up to $5,000,
under terms approved by the tribal
council. The loans are restricted to
covering workm en’ compensation and
s
liability insurance.
Thus far, Mike and Everett Sapiel,
brothers, and their cousin Nick Sapiel,
have applied for a loan to form their own
wood harvesting company. As Dow sees
it, “eventually we hope to train Penobscots to be in every facet’ of the wood
’
business.
Andrew X. Akins, former tribal admin
istrator, has formed Penak, Inc., a wood
harvesting firm that has a stumpage
permit from the tribe.
Bill would erase all pending eastern land claims
WASHINGTON — A proposed Con
legislative liaison, “and that policy re
gressional bill, if passed, would wipe out spects the rights of all people, including
legal and property rights of Indian tribes Indian peoples. This bill proposes an in
seeking recovery of lands in eastern consistent policy approach that would
states.
deny only Indians, because they are
The bill, initiated by Rep. Gary Lee Indians, access to the American system of
(R-N.Y.), purports to “establish a fair and justice. The bill would add years of
consistent National Policy for the resolu
litigation and vastly increase the cost of
tion of claims based upon a purported lack settling these claims according to present
of Congressional approval of ancient law and policy.”
Indian land transfers and to clear the
As originally drafted, the Lee bill would
titles of lands subject to such claims.”
apply to Indian claims in the states of
The bill would limit tribes to asking for
Connecticut, New York and South Caro
money damages.
lina. Other states contacted by Lee
“There is a national Indian policy in declined the opportunity to be named in
place, as ‘
ancient’ and as modern as the the legislation, and Connecticut has re
Constitution," said. Suzan Harjo, NARF quested that it be removed from the
proposal.
In a letter of protest to Senator Alfonse
D ’ m ato, C on n ecticu t Gov. W illiam
A
O’ eill declared his “opposition to the
N
Ancient Indian Land Claims Settlement
Act. This legislation would prohibit the
return of any land to the tribes and would
substitute an exclusive monetary remedy
for the extinguished right of Indians to
recover their lands through court action
or negotiation.
“The bill raises serious Constitutional
concerns which could only lead to further
litigation. The settlement of Indian land
claims varies with each state and legis
lation which fails to recognize individual
issues and problems might not be able to
settle these claims in a fair and equitable
manner,” O’ eill said.
N
In 1977, when a bill similar to the Lee
proposal would have extinguished the
Maine Indian claims. Harvard Professor
Archibald Cox called the approach one
that would “disgrace the Nation. Such
action would carry a simple but shameful
message: when the law gives Indians a
substantial claim to land taken by white
men which the regular courts of justice
may sustain, the white men will change
the rules rather than permit a decision
according to existing law. A broader
m essage would be inferred: Indians
cannot obtain justice even in the white
man’ courts.”
s
�Wabanaki Alliance April 19S2
Page 13
Tribal/state panel set up
AUGUSTA — More than one full year
after the signing of the $81 million federal
land claims settlement with Maine Indians,
a Tribal/State Commission has been estab
lished in accordance with provisions of
that settlement.
The commission’ primary job will be
s
to deal with jurisdiction and other issues
relating to fishing on up to 300,000 acres
of land acquired under terms of the settle
ment. As of press time, the commission
had not yet held a first meeting. At that
meeting, eight members — four nonIndians for the state, and two representa
tives each from the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes — will elect a chairman
with voting powers. That chairman must be
a retired judge, according to Andrew
Janeile, assistant attorney general for the
state. The charter of the commission says
eligible chairmen are retired state judges
from the superior or supreme court level,
and retired federal ju d ges from the district
court, or higher courts. Janeile said he
could not think of any higher court retired
Striking a comfortable pose in the Penobscot N ation’ drop-in center, recently, are from federal judges residing in Maine.
s
left, A1 Dana, a counselor, Brian Attean, and Jim N eptune.
The ex-judge who is selected must
reside in Maine, and will have full voting
rights on the commission. This means, in
effect, there will be five non-Indians and
four Indians constituting the commission.
Janeile said that in addition to fishing
Dropping in
Clinic cites progress
INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Statistics don’
t
lie, the saying goes, and if so, then the
Community Health Services [CHS] at the
Passamaquoddy reservation here look
good.
Figures for the past three years show
that patients treated in 1979 numbered
753, in 1980 totaled 3,233, and last year
reached a high of 3,461.
In other business, CHS announced it
has taken over supervision of alcoholism
counselors Bernard [Fernald] Stevens and
Jim Mitchell. Mitchell can be reached by
calling 796-2301, or 796-2918. Stevens can
be contacted at 796-2301, or 796-2785.
Abortion restricted
The federal Indian Health Service [IHS]
has informed CHS Director Wayne A.
Newell that abortion services are now
limited to cases where the life of the
mother would be endangered if the fetus
were carried to term. This restriction
applies only to IHS funded abortions. The
clinic may refer women for abortions if
the patient has other resources for funding,
or can pay for the abortion herself, IHS
siad.
Seniors discuss aging
Indian Township was the site o f a joint
“ senior companion” meeting, Feb. 24.
The program was coordinated by Fran
Nicholas, director o f Title VI, John Ahlin ,
county director o f the senior companion
program, and Phyllis Lank, Title VI
liaison.
Elders from Eastport, Perry, Pleasant
Point, Woodland, and Indian Township
attended.
Nick Gammertsfelder, health educator
from Pleasant Point, presented films
about aging and the group discussed
their feelings. Participants told o f how they
adapt their activities to their age to get the
most out of each day.
Senior citizens have so many experi
ences to draw from, and so much know
ledge to share with others. Age is an asset,
not a liability. Once the older adult realizes
that he has a valuable place in society,
he can adjust activities and attitudes
accordingly.
He counsels any age. . .
INDIAN ISLAND — Richard Hewes,
new counselor to Penobscot students, says
that interest in attending college appears
to be at an all-time high, among tribal
members.
Although H ew es’office is a tiny space at
the Indian Island elementary school, he
said he counsels students who range in
age from junior high to more than 50 years
old. A native of Bangor, Hewes has spent
16 years as a high school guidance
counselor, most recently in Madison.
But on the reservation, he said, “th ere’
s
more variety," since he deals with
different ages. Actually, Hewes directed
an adult education program at Madison.
Most Penobscot students choose Bangor
Community College or University of
WASHINGTON - The Lower Mus
Maine at Orono, he said, but he does not
kogee Creek Tribe got the word last fall: it push a student toward a particular school:
“does not exist as an Indian tribe,” “it’ a choice a student has to make,” he
s
according to federal governm ent officials. explained.
A notice in the Federal R egister stated
In some ways, working on the reserva
the Lower Muskogee Creeks do not meet tion is just like anywhere else, according
certain criteria for a government-to-gov- to Hewes. “It's the same problems,” he
ernment relationship with the U.S.
said.
A number of letters supported the “not
Hewes said he finds his job, which he
a tribe” findings.
began last fall, to be “very interesting.”
Deep south tribe
deep-sixed
Barnes cares about kids
PLESANT POINT Maxwell J.
Barnes can be tough with kids if they are
misbehaving. But if he is stern, it is
because he cares. In fact, he loves
children.
Barnes is environmental health and
safety director for the Passamaquoddy
Tribe here, and he states flatly that “my
first priority is the kids, school.
“There were three things I was after.
The first, naturally, is kids. The second is
recreation safety. The third is construc
tion safety.”
Barnes’ latest project has been to
successfully organize school pupils as a
team of crossing guards on busy Route
190, a state road that bisects the reser
vation. (He is also working with tribal
Police Chief Bruce Francis to obtain
blinking yellow lights at either end of the
reservation, with a 15 mph school zone,
along Route 190.)
Uniforms for the crossing guards have
been ordered. But already discipline and
training shows among the kids, who in
regulations, the commission will review
any proposal for designation of Maine
land as non-taxable Indian territory,
under terms of the settlement. The tribes
can purchase up to 300,000 acres of such
land, and must do so by a Dec. 31 dead
line, the settlement stipulates.
Any such proposal for designation as
Indian territory would have to be approved
by the legislature.
"I honestly think that the Tribal/State
Commission can play an important role.’
Janeile said.
The Penobscot Nation has appointed
tribai council member Watie Akins to the
commission, along with Reuben E. Phil
lips, already elected by the tribe to the
non-voting position of representative to
the legislature for the Penobscots.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe, after con
siderable delay, has named to the commis
sion: Gifford [Cliv] Dore, director of the
health clinic -at Pleasant Point, and Steve
Meader of Indian Township.
Representatives to the commission con
firmed by the state are, Portland lawyer
F. Paul Frinsko, state Wildlife biologist
Frederick B. Hurley, former state repre
sentative Chuck Dow of Gardiner, and
former, state fish and game commissioner
Maynard F. Marsh, now a member of the
board of environmental protection.
business-like manner halt even the largest
tractor-trailer trucks while perhaps a
small child crosses the road.
It’ “the first time in all reservations, to
s
my knowledge,” that a crossing program
has been established, Barnes told Wab
anaki Alliance.
The kids deserving credit for volunteer
ing as the first crossing guards are
president, Philip Nicholas, eighth grade;
and seventh graders Jimmy Bailey, vice
president, Newell Owens, and Patrick
Francis. The Editor apologizes for any
youngsters left out of this list.
In other activity, Barnes last October
held a fire safety and prevention poster
contest in the school, and offered, for the
third straight year, a ride on the firetruck.
The rides prove popular with kinder
garten through eighth graders.
Barnes has another, unrelated project.
He recently purchased Riverview Board
ing Home in Eastport, an operation that
has 17 mildly retarded clients, and
employs a total of eight people.
A crossing guard at Pleasant Point.
Richard Hewes
Hewes holds a m aster’ degree in counsel
s
ing and guidance from UMO.
Hewes replaced Ken Putnam, who is
selling real estate.
�Page 14
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
A turbulent era for Penobscots
economic depression and the Penobscots
By S. Glenn Starbird, Jr.
w ere particularly hard hit. In addition,
The last years of the nineteenth century
disease in various forms took a terrible
marked the low point for the Penobscot
toll. The Tribe’ population had risen from
s
Nation. Most of their lands had been lost
an extreme low of 277 in 1822, to a high of
in 1818. In 1833, another large area
525 in 1861. From there it plummeted to
vanished, when the four townships guar
383 by 1890. Births and adoptions from
anteed under the Treaty of 1818 were
other tribes were not keeping pace with
fraudulently taken by the state, leaving
deaths. The death tolls from 1880 to 1885
only the islands in the river above Old
were: 1880, sixteen; 1881, twenty-five;
Town.
1882, thirty-five; 1883, twelve; (five of
The middle 1800’ had also been a
s
which were infants); 1884, twenty-seven;
period of political instability in which the
and 1885, nineteen. This was an average of
hereditary Chiefs were replaced by an
twenty-two deaths per year for the six
elective system. This system which was
years. In a community of 446 this was
firmly backed by the last hereditary Chief
disastrous. Five percent of the tribe was
Joseph Attean, began in 1867. It should be
dying each year! The low population re
noted that the Old Party continued to
mained constant until W orld War I.
elect Joseph Attean and Saul Neptune,
The ‘
outsiders’
the last hereditary Chief and Sub-Chief,
In the 1870’ the political situation was
s
during the first years of the new system ’
s
still unsettled. The new leaders and
operation.
elective system were not yet firmly
Many other changes w ere also taking
established and the Old Tribal Leaders
place during this time. Joseph Attean,
were either old or dead. With the situation
Governor of the Old Party and Tomer
so unsettled, it was not surprising that
Soekalexis, Governor of the New Party,
dissatisfied mem bers of both parties
both died in 1870. Their deaths swept
united together calling themselves the
away the moderating influence that both
“Third Party” or “Outsiders.” They claim
had exercised on radicals of their respec
ed the. same rights as the other two
tive parties.
parties including the right to hold elec
The year of 1871 was scheduled for the
tions one third of the time. In the election
Old Party’ turn in Tribal Public Office
s
of November 1874 for the Old Party term
and the election was held in the fall of
of 1875, the Old Party failed to make
1870. With Joseph Attean dead, the party
nominations in Caucus resulting in two
had lost a leader on which they greatly
sets of Candidates to be voted for.
depended. Tomer Soekalexis, the New
Sabattis Mitchell and John Neptune were
Party Governor, had died in October 1870
elected Governor and Lieutenant Gover
also leaving the New Party leaderless.
nor in this election. The defeated faction
However, they had more time. When their
left the Old Party and joined the Third
turn came again in 1872 they chose
Party. The Third Party then petitioned
without difficulty Joseph S. Soekalexis,
the Legislature to repeal the 1866 law and
the son of Tomer Soekalexis. Joseph
return to the open election system of the
would be chosen New Party Governor for
early 1860’ This action prompted the Old
s.
three terms. His Lieutenant Governor for
and New Party to unite in opposition to
these three terms was Sockabesin Swas- STEVE STANILAUS
a prominent Penobscot in the 1800’ here dressed in his
s,
this proposal which resutled in its rejec
sian. Swassian, at this time in his mid Sunday best.
tion by the Legislature.
forties, had already served as Represen
Though Sabattis Mitchell had tried
tative several times and established him
sincerely to placate the troubled political
one term as Governor, returned to serve
self as a man worthy of respect and honor leaders were now looking toward Stephen
waters, his main accomplishment in his
Stanislaus of Lincoln to replace Attean. in the Legislature each Old Party term for
in the tribe. He and his son-in-law Joseph
single term as Governor (and as events
Francis were destined to establish one of Stanislaus was nearly a twin to his uncle the remainder of his life.
proved a major one) was uniting the two
During this period new political ques
the strongest political families of the New in both appearance and mental outlook
established parties in opposition to the
and was gaining adherants among At- tions were arising. Income from the
Party in the coming half century.
radical third party. Although their pro
leasing of island shores which went into
s
On the other hand, the Old Party, more tean’ former followers.
posal of an open general election in which
Joseph Nicola, at this time in his early the state treasury, was one. The majority
accustomed to the traditional ways, had
everyone com peted freely was eventually
of the Tribe felt such income should be
trouble in re-establishing the influence thirties, was rapidly developing into a
adopted (but not until 1931), the estab
political leader. He had already repre divided among Tribal mem bers and the
once held by its leaders.
lishment of such an elective system in the
Joseph Attean was dead and his only sented the Tribe at the Legislature Agent backed them in their endeavor to
1870’ would have probably meant the end
s
son Tomer, was still a minor. His brother several times as had his New Party change the law. Another was the disorder
of the Penobscot government.
John, for unknown reasons, never ran for counterpart Sockabesin Swassian. But in land titles which was finally settled by a
In the New Party ranks, Sockabesin
any tribal political office during the entire while Swassian abandoned the L egis State Board of Commissioners in 1883-84.
Swassian was already a force to be
span of his long life. Some Old Party lature to become Governor, Nicola after The question of tribal membership and
reckoned with in Tribal Politics. The Old
adoption of people into the Tribe was
Party ranks still adhered to the families of
another. This matter, once solely in the
the old Chiefs, the Atteans and the
domain of the Old Town School Com
Neptunes. These families already had a
mittee, was to be partially transferred to
strong leader Saul Neptune, Son of John
an elected Tribal Census Committee in the
Neptune, but he was old. Among the
1890’
s.
Atteans, Tomer, the son of Joseph Attean
Medicine show
was developing into the same type of man
care, maternal and child health care, and
WASHINGTON — Unless Congress
Also during this period, methods of
his father had been. It was to him the Old
nursing. The CHR program was funded at earning a living had changed. A portion of
acts to restore programs for Community
Party turned after Sabattis Mitchell
a level of $28.8 million this year.
Health Representatives (CHR) and urban
the tribe had left the island to travel on
refused to serve another term. The Old
A brief explanation of the CHR cut was the “Medicine Show” circuit. Others had
Indian health care, funding for those
Party united in the fall of 1876 and
offered in a Department of Health and established fairly regular summer resi
activities will be eliminated from the
unanimously elected Tomer, the heir of
Human Services (DHHS) statement that dences on the coast and sold materials
Indian Health Service (IHS) budget in
their former chief as Governor. Tragically
was released with the IHS budget. manufactured (particularly baskets) at
fiscal year 1983. The proposed cuts were
however, Tom er the youngest Governor
According to the statement, “... IHS will home during the winter months. With
detailed in President Reagan’ FY 1983
s
ever elected by the Penobscot Nation,
be able to maintain the existing levels of more people having a grade school
budget request, which was announced
died Christmas E ve 1876 without ever
direct health care services and to fund education, better educated tribal mem
here February 8.
assuming the duties of his office.
selected program expansions by refocus
In addition to the elimination of the
bers in both parties w ere becom ing the
ing resources from non-patient care new breed of tribal leaders. These leaders
The Old Party was again without a
CHR and urban Indian health program,
activities. Decreases in non-patient care
leader.
the Administration’ budget reduces by $2
s
w ere more able to deal with the white man
Editor’ Note: S. Glenn Starbird, Jr., is
s
activities include $29 million due to the “on his own turf.” Late in the 1870’ (1878
million the funding for the Indian health
s
tribal genealogist for the Penobscot
elimination of Federal funding of tribal
manpower scholarship program, and pro
to be exact) the order of the Sisters of
Nation.
vides no funding for the construction of staff who currently provide liaison and
Mercy became established on Indian
some health services for the IHS and
Indian hospitals, health clincis, and sani
Island. As teachers in the local school,
Indian people under the Community
tation facilities.
they exercised an influence that was to be
Health Representatives (CHR) program.”
In cutting the CHR program, the
felt for over a century.
Regarding the cutback in funding for
Administration is recommending the
In addition to new ideas and occupa
termination of what is considered to be a urban Indian health services, the Depart
tions, there were other factors that
WASHINGTON — The Justice Depart
ment states that: “A decrease of $8 million
mainstay of many tribal health programs.
pushed the Penobscot people into a
ment obtained a consent decree January
Under the CHR program, tribes provide a reflects the elimination of the Urban
changed way of life m ore quickly than
19 barring the Great W estern Bank and
Health program which now may be funded
number of health-related services, in
they might have otherwise. In the 1870’
s
Trust of Phoenix from refusing to make
as needed by local and state governments
cluding home health care, emergency
the country was plunged into a serious
loans to Indians and reservation residents.
through Federal block grants.”
medical services, health education, dental
Reagan curtails IHS
Court orders bank
to lend to Indians
�Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Page 15
New census due
ji- |ntjjan groups seek
Ola census law was
3
----
r
better,chairman
INDIAN ISLAND — The chairman of the
eiected Penobscot Nation tribal census
committee says life — and the committee s
work — would be much easier if the old
“twice-removed” law were reinstated.
Sadie Mitchell, chairman, said under the
old law. a tribal member who married
“ out,” to a non-Indian, was one re
moved. When the children of that family
married non-Indians, that was two re
moved, and their children could not meet
the minimum quarter-blood quantum for
tribal membership.
The twice-removed law was based on the
concept thatthere are no full-blooded
Penobscots alive today, although some
Penobscots protest that they are indeed
full-blooded. But Mitchell said this is
vanity; “ we knew we would never be fullblood, because [even if you married back
into Indian blood] we would always have
that little fraction of white.”
The Nation no longer abides by the
twice-removed law, and the census com
mittee has been assigned the job of tracing
Indian blood through people's ancestry.
The results have been sometimes secret,
sometimes startling, and often contro
versial.
Mitchell said that in recent years, tribal
officials have padded the tribal rolls for
purposes of a larger headcount to get
government grants. The result is that
persons with less than one-quarter blood
are now on the Penobscot tribal census.
The land claims, plus other monetary and
service benefits, make being a bona fide
member of the tribe very attractive.
Tribal genealogist S. Glenn Starbird
has been beseiged warn letters and calls
from would-be Penobscots, as have other
tribal officials.
The committee has approved 59 persons
for tribal membership, but their names
will not be made public until final approval.
urban areas, others in rural regions; many
WASHINGTON — If Pocahontas were
retain strong cultural bonds, while others
alive today she couldn’ qualify for federal
t
are bound by commercial activities.
programs to house or educate Indians.
To win BIA recognition, a groupd must
Her descendants, the Upper Mattaponi
demonstrate that it has maintained a
Indians of the Powhatan Confederation,
continuous presence from “historical
are among 250 Indian groups, nations or
times," that the core of the tribe has lived
confederations that are ineligible for many
in a specific area or in a community
federal services available to Indians living
identified as American Indian and that it
on or near reservations because the
has maintained a “tribal political influence
government doesn't recognize them as
or other authority over its members."
tribes.
The BIA also requires the group to
Seventy-five Indian groups, including
provide a list of descendants from fullthe Mattaponi of St. Stephens Church,
blooded members, prove that its members
Va., the 325 Piscataway Indians of
do not belong to another tribe and show'
Waldorf, Md., and the 75 members of the
that Congress has not abolished it or
United Rappahannock Tribe of Indian
barred it as a recognized tribe, which has
Neck, Va., are seeking that recognition
happened to seven Indian groups.
through the federal acknowledgement
In three years, the acknowledgement
office of the Interior Department’ Bureau
s
office has completed work on four of its 79
of Indian Affairs (BIA).
petitions. Three tribes, including Vir
For many Indian groups "there is
ginia's Jamestown Clallam Indians, have
prestige and honor in having established a
gained recognition, while the other group,
special government-to-government rela
the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe in
tionship with the United States,’ said
John A. (Bud) Shapard, director of the 12- Mississippi, was rejected — told, in effect,
that it was not a tribe.
person acknowledgement office. “There
Suzan Harjo, legislative liaison for the
are very few groups out there who are
Native American Rights Fund, an Indian
seeking recognition for the services or for
interest group, contends that the tribes
money.”
should not be required to prove they have
Nonetheless, recognition means that a
lived continuously in one place because
tribe would share in the $920 million the
the government was responsible for
BIA provides to Indian communities
scattering many of them, including the
through program s such as public housing,
Lower Muskogee Creeks, in the last
law' enforcement, social services, educa
century.
tion and loan assistance. The list of recog
“Bit now that the game has started,"
nized groups includes 281 tribes and 219
Harjo says, “It (the regulation) really
groups of Alaska natives, Eskimos and
shouldn't be changed."
Aleuts.
“The term recognition is a lousy word,"
From 1871, when the last Indian treaty
complained Thomas Oxendine, a BIA
was signed, until three years ago Indian
spokesman and a member of North Caro
groups had to seek federal recognition
lina’ scattered Lumbee tribe. “We (at the
s
through legislation, executive orders or
BIA) don't want to set a standard for who
presidential proclamations. But in 1978 a
is and who is not an Indian” when tribes
federal court ordered the BIA to set up a
claim a membership of a certain size.
system to handle petitions for recognition.
“All we do is say that the Indian tribe or
The acknowledgement office was the
group must set standards to be recog
answer. Its task was to find Indian groups
nized,” Oxendine said, adding that some
that are entitled to a special govern
Indian groups require their members to
ment-to-government relationship with the
be full-blooded, while others accept as
United States because of treaty, law of
members those who have a single greatother agreement, or that deserve such a
great-gTeat-grandparent who was an In
relationship because they were never
Micmacs live in Boston, at least on a sea
dian.
given the opportunity to negotiate an
sonal basis. Many Maine Micmacs pick agreement.
Shapard estimates that 30 percent of
potatoes and rake blueberries. Many
Those distinctions separate the 681,213 the Indian groups will gain recognition by
Canadian Micmacs migrate to Maine for Indians in the recognized tribes living on
the year 2003. The Mattaponi likely will be
these seasonal jobs.
one of them, since they live on a reser
or near reservations from the rest of the
John Morey, of the Micmac Recognition 1,418,195 American Indians, Alaskan
vation run by the state of Virginia.
Committee, said that “ before they wanted natives, Eskimos and Aleuts, many of
But the road to recognition can be a
to talk about recognition and services here w'hom are assimilated into the population
hard one. The Tunica-Biloix tribe, from
[in the U.S.], they wanted to be sure they at large and thus are not eligible for BIA
Louisiana, first sought recognition in 1826.
w ouldn’ lose their citizenship in Canada.”
t
Its remaining 200 members finally won it
programs.
Whether Micmacs can have it both ways
in July, making them the 500th, and
A ck n ow led gem en t office s o c io lo g is t
is not yet clear. A source told Wabanaki Lynn Lambert said that groups seeking
newest, federally recognized tribe.
Alliance the Micmacs have ‘‘no definitive
(Reprinted from The Washington Post)
recognition are diverse: som e live in
aboriginal territory in the U.S.,” and the
land claims settlement act precludes any
new claims in Maine. Federal recognition,
the source said, would mean appropriation
of more federal dollars for Maine Indians,
and that is considered unlikely.
Harold Prinz, anthropologist working
with the Micmacs. told the meeting
“ we should plan for the Micmacs a course
for the future so they are not the victims
of bureaucratic notions. ’’
Bunny McBride, who is assisting Prinz,
said that “ to find the social, economic and
historical context in which the recognition
effort is taking place is . . . to basically
gain a sense of who is the Micmac popula
tion.”
Meeting-goers agreed that coordination
between Maine and Boston Micmacs is
necessary to any recognition work.
Meanwhile, the recognition committee
has planned rotating monthly meetings,
in Caribou, Houlton, Presque Isle, Fort
Kent and other places. Meetings usually
Jim Sappier addresses Micmac meeting.
include a potiuck supper.
Mitchell said a completed census is
due this month. At press time, a tribal
general meeting was scheduled, with
proposed census laws on the agenda.
Mitchell and other committee members
say the tribal council has been reluctant to
meet with the committee, apparently fearin2 repercussions about who should be
added or removed from the census. The
committee has repeatedly tried to meet
with the council, sources said.
“ All they’ got to do is just go by the
ve
genealogy,” Mitchell said.
“ We are mandated by law to put the
blod quantum on the new census, which is
now being done,’ she said. What this
means is that a person who is less than one
quarter blood, but listed on the census,
will be identified as less than one quarter
blood Indian.
Complications may crop up because the
federal government uses the quarter blood
standard.
“ We're not out to hurt any particular
family. OUr own families are being hurt.'
Mitchell said.
So far. two members of the census
committee have resigned, and in a recent
election, nobody was willing to risk being a
candidate for the controversial panel.
Those who resigned are Carolyn Massey
and Doreen Bartlett.
Those remaining are Mitchell, Lottie
Stevens, Eunice Crowley, S. C. Francis,
Ruth Davis, Violet Francis, Rose Francis,
Jean Chavaree, Rose Clark and Clara
Jennings. Mitchell isn't new to the job;
for 14 years she was chairman of the old
census committee.
Apparently, the last full-blooded Penob
scot was John [Basehom] Sousep, so
named because he played in an Indian
band. He died in the 1950's. And there is
som e doubt about whether he was 100
percent Indian-blooded.
AAicmacs co
to gain federal status
INDIAN ISLAND — Micmac people from
across Maine, and interested others,
gathered here recently to discuss the idea
of becoming federally recognized as a
tribe, and thus eligible for a range of
federal benefits.
The Micmacs, unlike their neighbors,
the Maliseets, were not included in the
Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land claims,
that brought these tribes federal recogni
tion and millions of dollars in benefits.
Whether this could be done is by no
means a sure thing, but a Micmac Recogni
tion Committee was organized in Aroos
took County, several months ago, and
outside advice and support has been
sought. A community organizing group,
the Institute for Cultural Affairs, in Starks,
has been assisting the committee through
Tim Crane. Crane’s contract will end soon.
Micmacs from
Aroostook County,
Central Maine Indian Association of
Orono. and Boston Indian Council attend
ed. Tom Batiste, a federal Administration
for Native Americans official who helped
organize the Association of Aroostook
Indians, spoke to the group, as did James
Sappier, an early Penobscot community
organizer. Sappier insisted his comments
be off the record.
Batiste said the big question is “ where
do w? go from here.” He said most M ic
e
macs want to keep ties with their Canadian
ancestry. Many U.S. Micmacs were bom
in Canada, and Batiste said he eventually
plans to retire in Canada.
Estimates are that som e 500-1,000
Micmacs live in Maine, while 3.000
saysrecognition astr
�Page 16
Wabanaki Alliance April 1982
Flashback
news notes
Wilderness how-to
talk is free
G-L Mission eyes
Mud Lake camp
ORONO — Tom Brown, Jr., an authorityon wilderness survival who spent ten
years learning Indian lore from an Apache,
will lecture March 31. from 7-9 p.m., in
the Damn Yankee lounge, Memorial
Union, University o f Maine at Orono.
Brown’ talk, and a reception to follow,
s
are sponsored by Native Americans at
Maine, and the UMO Guest Lecture Series.
The event is free and the public is invited.
Brown is the author of T h e Search,’ and
T h e Tracker.’ H e is a contributor to
Mother Earth News, and operates wilder
ness survival training programs in Wash
ington state, and New Jersey. Barry
Nelson, a Penobscot at UMO, has attended
Brown’s courses.
Tickets for a raffle to benefit the student
Indian club are for sale from Native
Americans at Maine members. First
prize is $100: second prize, a packbasket.
Tickets are SI each, and a drawing will
take place at the lecture.
Cancer society
visits clinic for TV
PENOBSCOT WOMAN — This watercolor was painted in 1875, by Mary Anne Hardy,
depicting-the style of dress, circa 1825.
INDIAN ISLAND - A television film
crew visited the Penobscot Health &
Human Services Department, to get •
footage for a public service TV spot, or
“commercial,” for the American Cancer
Society.
The brief segm ent of the spot will
reportedly feature health center staff
members Patricia Knox, Evelyn Akins
profitability of the water works make it a and Rhonda McManus.
bad investment. If the sale goes through,
the tribe will control the supply of water
for the entire City o f Eastport.
Under federal guidelines, the water
company must have a filtration system
installed and operating by Jan. 1, 1985,
according to a story in The Quoddy Tides.
WASHINGTON — The 1980 census
After considering purchase for three
years, the City o f Eastport decided it was a figures released by the U.S. Bureau of
Census showed a 71% increase in the
bad bet, financially.
Nicholas is optimistic, and hopes that Indian population in the past decade —
owning the water company will provide from 827,268 to 1,418,195.
Most of the increase, however, was
several jobs for tribal members.
attributed by the bureau to “improved
census taking and the greater likelihood in
1980 that people would identify them
Beach, Florida, were granted a divorce selves in this category.” California,
201,311 passed Oklahoma, 169.464 as the
recently, in Third District Court. Bangor.
state with the largest Indian population.
Rounding out the top five are Arizona,
152,857; New Mexico, 104,777 and North
Carolina, 64,635.
IPSWICH, Mass. — The Quebec-Labrador Mission, sponsor of a summer camp
for Indian children in northern Aroostook
County, now has the opportunity to
purchase the property.
Ellen Mustin, camp director and a
Massachusetts school teacher in the
off-season, said the Mud Lake camp, near
Sinclair, is available at a very reasonable
price, in the area of $20,000.
The current owners, a local Kiwanis
Club, are willing, if not anxious, to sell the
property. Mustin said she hopes Indian
groups, such as the Maine reservation
governments, Houlton Band of Maliseets,
or Association of Aroostook Indians,
would be willing to contribute toward the
purchase price.
The camp has served Indian children
from Maine and Canda for a number of
years. The Q-L Mission, under the leader
ship of the Rev. Robert Bryan, has a
reputation for assisting isolated people
and communities in a variety of ways.
Bryan is a former partner in the “Bert &
I” Maine humor team, with the late
Marshall D odge of Portland.
Tribe buys water works
PLEASANT POINT — The Passamaquoddy Tribe here has voted 65-21, to
purchase the Eastport Water Company
from its parent firm in Philadelphia.
The turnaround vote follows an earlier
rejection of the purchase by tribal mem
bers. despite strenuous lobbying efforts
by tribal Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas. The
Governor believes that the tribe has
nothing to lose, since purchase would be
paid for by federal funds, possibly a com
bination grant and loan.
Others claim that needed repairs and
long range maintenance, plus the dubious
And now, 1.4
million Indians
Neptunes divorced
BANGOR — Timothy Neptune of Indian
Island, and Marian Neptune o f Daytona
Poetry
Untitled
A then to now
beauty to briks
strong gone astray;
togetherness,
to cliques.
I've been serene to insane
angry to accepting,
from violent to tame.
You slander, you shame
you’ hurt yourself;
ll
try to do me harm!
I’ still a human who’ warm.
m
s
No, you can’ hurt me no longer.
t
I’ only grow stronger,
ll
as then to now.
Ne-qu-tar-tar-wet, 1982
Colvilie tribes host
W ebs of Mind
Ah yes, writing and unravelling
the w ebs we cross and carry
and make each day.
Let me drop a line
and move to another level
Or cast one up or out
Many lines to and fro
Yes, I imagine it is beautiful in all.
The magical, mystical insight to life.
To life’ essence is growth
s
But help me please is what I want
to say.
My web is drooping in places
Tom orrows sun will take up the
slack, and I’ go on with what
ll
I’ done.
ve
June 5th
Red Hawk
CLINIC ASSISTANT — Susan Newell,
Passamaquoddy, was recently hired by the
Pleasant Point health center. She formerly
worked at the reservation junior high school
as a counselor aide, and previously under
went two years of training as a nurses aide/
child care, in Pennsylvania.
Tribal member debuts
b-ball tourney
NESPELEM, Wash. - The Colville
Confederated Tribes of eastern Washing
ton will host the 1982 National Indian
Athletic Association Basketball Tourna
ment April 20-24, in Spokane.
Thirty-two men’ teams and 24 women’
s
s
teams from throughout the U.S. and
Canada are expected to participate in
playoff gam es scheduled at Whitworth
College. Championship gam es will be held
in Spokane’ coliseum, where four to five
s
thousand fans watch the tournament’
s
finals.
INDIAN ISLAND — Philip and Lori
Loring Guimond are the proud parents of
a new Penobscot tribal member, Rachael
Marie Guimond, who was bom in Bangor,
March 4, at 10:36 a.m. She weighed
eight pounds, two-and-one-half ounces
at birth, and is a smiling happy baby.
T IN IA p lCR FTI K
Ds u N ie s A
p
c d c c
T
TRI-CHEM
LIQUID EMBROIDERY
TRY IT! GREAT RESULTS.
Classes and instructor-training
available.
CONTACT DEBBIE MITCHELL
827-7608
' r n m m m m m m m m t sm tm m
;
For free catalog.
:
i
"I48 P a g e
C a t a lo g
Tilt world’s larga*!
Indian Crafts Catalog.
Mon than 4,
000 Kami
to choota from!
Trade Beads. Tin Cones,
Brass Beads. Moire Taffeta
Ribbon, Ermine Skins,
Bone Elk Teeth Shawl
Fringe and 'fam.
OLa
W m
113-15 Springfield Blvd.
Queens Village, N.Y. 11429
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (April 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
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1982-04
Contributor
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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pdf
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DV-433
-
https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/79ba2c5b2be234ae0fb3b2879d8d8a67.pdf
fc8a88eb18e7257a07fc8908b3e78f14
PDF Text
Text
W abanaki
A lliance
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
March
1982
New school seen by 1984
INDIAN ISLAND — An expansive new
school for Penobscot pupils could open its
doors as early as Sept. 1. 1984, the tribal
council has been told.
The proposed S3.5 million school com
plex would extend the present kinder
garten (levels one and two) through sixth
grade, to include all of junior high school.
In most cases, students leave the reserva
tion to attend nearby Old Town schools,
and this practice would continue, follow
ing graduation from the K-9 school.
Probably the most important aspect of
the proposed school is space. Currently,
some 100 pupils are crowded into a
building originally designed for about half
that number of students. Gov. Timothy
Love told the council and school board
that this situation “
impacts on the educa
tion" of the children. Love quoted a U.S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) official as
stating the Island school has the “
worst
conditions I’ seen anywhere.”
ve
The design and construction of a 32,000
square foot school — twice the size of the
tribal Community Building — hinges on
funding by the BIA.
In a recent dramatic turnaround, the
possibility of a new school rose from
“
almost nil to very high priority with the
BIA. Two BIA officials from Albuquerque,
N.M., visited the Island for a first
meeting: Frank Latta, in charge of school
facilities, and architect Jerry Gasparich.
They viewed the site, and met with school
committee chairman Kenneth Paul and
members, school principal Sr. Helen
McKeough. and Maine Indian Education
superintendent Edward DiCensc.
(Continued on page 4
)
Priest recalled
from reservation
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Rev.
Joseph Laughiin. a Jesuit priest at the
Passamaquoddy reservation the past five
years, has been ordered to leave by his
Jesuit superiors in Boston.
According to reliable sources. Father
Laughiin. or “
Father Joe” he preferred
as
to be called, was recalled after consider
able pressure was brought by persons
objecting to his presence on the reserva
tion. Father Joe was wholly identified
with the Charismatic movement, and his
Passamaquoddy following consisted of
people drawn to that radical version of
Catholicism.
Other parishioners at Indian Township
were less than enthusiastic about Father
Joe's unconventional ways. Objections
included numerous reports that the priest
was seldom at the rectory. He reportedly
made many trips to Boston and elsewhere,
and had connections with Charismatics in
Brockton, Mass.
Father Joe left Indian Township in
December 1981, but not before he had
complained bitterly to some people about
his treatment by the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Portland. The Jesuits, or
Society of Jesus, is under contract to the
Diocese to provide priests to the reserva
tion. A spokesman for the D iocese said
Father Joe s complaints were groundless.
The spokesman noied that respect for the
Church’ presence on the reservation had
s
deteriorated in recent years, and the
convent, housing the Sisters of Mercy, had
been broken into.
Filling in on a part time basis at Indian
Township is the Rev. Normand Carpentier
of Woodland. He will continue as tem p
orary administrator for St. Ann’ Parish
s
at Indian Township for an indefinite
period. The Diocese of Portland is respon
sible for a successor to Father Laughiin,
but plans were uncertain at press time.
Father Laughiin succeeded the Rev.
Raymond Picard, also a Jesuit.
PUPILS at old Indian Island Elementary School — at right - - board school bus at end of
day. Note fence and cramped yard.
Penobscots air complaints
INDIAN ISLAND — An unofficial
group of residents here, calling them
selves “
concerned citizens,” has held
several m eetings to discuss problem s they
are having with current tribai adminis
tration.
Last month, the group aired their com
plaints to Thomas Howard, a representa
tive for U.S. Sen. William S. Cohen.
Howard said all he would do is listen; he
would not get involved in internal tribal
matters, he said.
In general, group members say they are
not getting a fair shake in terms of
services and benefits, from tribal govern
ment. Also, som e residents have said they
do not trust the government to handle the
proceeds of the land claims settlement,
and that tribal officials have been secre
tive about it.
Peter Hamilton, an organizer but not a
spokesman for the group, said one of his
objections to the administration is that,
“
they were supposed to have an audit
every two years here, but they’ never
ve
had one.”
Further, he stated, “ get social security.
I
All I get from them up there is $65 per
month. I can use that for oil or food.
Before. I got oil and food. I’ run out of oil
ve
twice this winter. These people got no oil.
(Continued on back page)
Feelings mixed on land claims
ORONO — A recent Wabanaki Alliance
reader survey reveals Indians have differ
ing views on the $81.5 million settlement
of Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land claims.
Opinions weren’wishy-washy, however.
t
“
It's a start, use it wisely,” said one
reader. Another reader w rote that “
the
people’ opinions and questions were
s
ignored and totally tossed o u t . .. we gave
up more than what money can ever buy.”
In 1980, President Carter signed a
Congressionally-approved negotiated ac
cord ending a decade of litigation and
struggle by the sister tribes to assert a
sovereign right to the return of aboriginal
lands. The settlement provided a per
manent $27 million trust, plus $54.5
million to buy land — up to 300,000 acres
— for the Penobscots and Passama
quoddy s.
Thus far, Penobscots have purchased
some 140,000 acres; Passamaquoddys
have bought closer to 30,000 acres,
including some blueberry barrens. In
general, Penobscots have bought more
non-trust, taxable acreage, while the
Passamaquoddy Tribe has acquired des
ignated “
trust land,”that is tax-exempt.
Individual members of the tribes will
probably net about $1,000 per person,
per year, in interest earned on the trust
fund.
Unfortunately for the survey, less than
a dozen readers responded.
The first question asked if the reader
was “
personally satisfied with the Maine
Indian land claims settlem ent act."
A New Haven, Ct., reader checked “
no,”
and added, “ think the tribe accepted
I
under pressure, and advice of legal
advisors.” The reader said “
yes” to a
question of whether the settlement chang
ed his/her life, and the reader said the
newspaper itself is satisfactory, although
it should publish m ore letters to the
editor, a pen pal column, and “ ore news
m
of social life on the reservation.”
Settlement saves home
A reader who identified herself, Jean
Watson of Milford, Mich., said the settle
ment “
gives a good economic base to our
tribe. We didn't have one before.”
Further, she wrote, “ provides jobs and
it
extra income."
Watson said the settlem ent is changing
her life; moreover, “ provided needed
it
income to supplement social security (and)
enabled us to stay in our home and pay the
high taxes.”
Watson praised the paper, saying it
“
provides news of the family and a
beloved picture of my grandfather, Peter
Ranco.”
Noel Tomer, Jr., of Fitchburg, Mass.,
said he is happy with the settlement, and
that it has changed his life, explaining;
“
The payments helped me catch up on my
(Continued on page 5)
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance March 1982
editorials
Too far
For a newspaper to win the confidence o f its community is a long,
slow process. It’ hard work. In many ways, the effort pays off.
s
People com e to trust the newspaper. They rely on it for certain in
formation. Why then do tribal officials, and other boards and
committees, persist in believing that "n o news is good news.” Is the
community really served by such thinking?
What is there to fear if the goings-on o f these boards and
committees are exposed to the light o f day? If members o f the
community, and readers o f this newspaper, truly don ’want to know
t
what goes on in smoke-filled rooms, behind closed doors, then fine;
things are as they should be.
But if tribal members think they should know — perhaps have a
right to know what’going on — then officials should ease up a little
s
on the policy o f secrecy.
Not far enough
The Penobscot Health and Human Services Department is to be
commended for banning smoking from the clinic wing o f its
building.
Recently, the ban was reportedly extended to the front hall, which
r
used to be a literal smokescreen for anyone entering the building, for
whatever purpose.
However, smoking cigarettes or cigars at all is contradictory to
good health. An institution devoted to the health and well-being o f
tribal members has no business permitting cancer-causing activities
in its headquarters.
The surgeon general has determined that cigarette smoking is
dangerous to your health. Freely translated, this means, it can kill
you.
Smoking should be banned throughout the building. The
non-clinic wing o f the building hosts senior citizens and young
children in day care.
Ironically, health center staff participated in a public service in
January, a TV "sp ot”for the American Cancer Society.
Sound advice
In promulgating your esoteric cognitations, or articulating your
superficial sentimentalities and amicable philosophical or psycho
logical observations, beware o f platitudinous ponderosity. Let your
conversational communications possess a clarified conciseness, a
compact comprehensibleness, coalescent consistency and a con
catenated cogency.
Eschew- all conglomerations o f flatulent garrulity, jejune babble
ment and asinine affections. Let your extemporaneous descantings
and unpremediated expatiations have intelligibility and veracious
vivacity, without rhodonontade or thrasonical bombast.
Sedulously avoid ail polysyllabic profundity, pom pous prolixity,
psitaceous vacuity, ventriloquial verbosity and vaniloquent vapidity.
Shun double-entendres, prurient jocosity, and pestiferous profanity,
obscurant or apparent.
In other words, talk plainly, briefly, naturally, sensibly, truthfully,
purely. Keep away from slang, d on ’put on airs, say what you mean,
t
mean what you say, and most o f all d on ’ use big w'ords.
t
Guest column
Island fortunate to have
its own firefighters
On Jan. 20,1had the occasion to call the
Penobscot Nation Fire Department. My
car was smoking badly beneath the hood.
The response time was 5 minutes. Three
men responded but one man was not a
volunteer fireman. One man was a
policeman. Dale Lolar.
There has been a little controversy
lately about the amount of men who
respond to a fire, also their response time.
It is for their benefit that I am attempting
a reply.
In this exact situation, that is, smoke
coming from beneath the hood of a car.
Old Town firemen would have sent one
fire engine and only two firefighters
aboard. On some occasions I have seen six
men respond on Indian Island.
I would like to point out that Indian
Island, is very fortunate to have as many
volunteers as they do. They are, “
green"
but not untrainable. They attend m eetings
for firefighting techniques and how to
maintain their equipment.
I went to see. them ‘ action’at a
in
structure fire on Oak Hill. I was really
pleased that they had a “
save." I have a lot
of confidence in them. I am sincerely
proud of this little band of men. I certainly
know how it feels to see these familiar
faces responding in such a short time
when I wated at my house!
These men have to make sacrifices to be
away from families by attending fire
fighting sessions, just to prepare to fight a
stinking fire. Please do not envy these
fellows paychecks, for these men risk
their lives for a meager $3.00 per week!
That is what it averages out to. My
husband gets paid more, naturally, he has
more responsibility.
Fire prevention has been encouraged
here. If w e’ had few fires, praise God.
ve
Some people are listening and making im
provements. Prevention is far less costly
than trying to save a home that’ fully
s
engulfed, or trying to rebuild it. And loss
of life can’be fixed!
t
I know what it is like to lose som eone in
a fire. One of my best friends died, his
apartment was just around the corner
from a fire station ... yet a 17 apartment
house went up! Also, another friend I’
ll
remember all my life. Patty and her
unborn baby and three little children were
all killed by a fire. If you have never
witnessed a yard full of bodies, you are
lucky. Thank God you have your own fire
Wabanaki Alliance
dept, and other Indians and friends that
care for you!
I did not select my husband’ vocation.
s
But I did not discourage it either. I
wouldn’take that job for $30,000 a year.
t
You’ gotta be a little nutty to expose
ve
yourself to smoke as often as they do.
That is not great for your lungs, you
know. Neither is the stress related with it.
There are many Indians putting down
Indians, on this island. I pray that my
husband does not lose his life just because
he’ crazy enough to try and save yours.
s
The very people you criticize . . . you
expect to jump into flames to save you or
your family or even your goods . . . when
your turn comes.
People, you’ fortunate to have a nice
re
piece of fire apparatus. I understand it
cost approximately $35,000, you made one
good decision by accomplishing this. It
would seem you would follow through and
give the firefighters your support. Don’
t
wait until there is a tragedy before you
realize just how fortunate you are to have
your own fire dept. Count your blessings.
When Old Town responded to the
recent fire at LaBree’ Bakery, what if
s
there had .been a fire on the island at the
same time? And no firemen advailable to
respond? Old Town also has a large
territory to cover. Also it has been
brought to the attention of many that,
there w ere fire hazzards in their homes.
Tell me . . . up ’ now . . . who the hell
till
cared? It was not Old Town that made
recommendations, or inspected your
homes on Indian Island.
Instead of figuring out how you can’
t,
why don’ you figure out how you can?
t
You know, that truck would look kinda
ridiculous as a flower planter, while you
twiddled your thumbs waiting for Old
Town to put out your fires. I say, you can
have a better fire dept, than Old Town.
What do you say?
To the Penobscot firefighters I say —
thank you for a job well done.
,
Helen Becker
Vol. 6, No. 3
March 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Times Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone 827-6219
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: S5 per year [12 issues]; $6 Canada and overseas; S10 for institutions [schools,
government, business, etc.]
�Page 3
Wabanaki Alliance March 1982
letters
B e a fr ie n d
W est Union, Ohio
To the editor:
I'm writing to you as I am very much
interested in corresponding with people of
different Indian tribes.
Name is Shirley Anne Halsinger
Wishteyah, 34 years old, 5 foot 2 inches,
116 pounds. Have shoulder length black
hair and turquoise eyes. I am of Cherokee,
Shawnee, Sioux and Irish decent. I have
three boys ranging from sixteen years of
age down to eight.
My hobbies are car and motorcycle
racing, reading, any type of music and
making new friends. Also love traveling to
many different states.
If anyone is interested I will be happy to
write to them. Will do as soon as they
would write. Want friends of any age, men
or women.
Shirley Wishteyah
308 East Walnut St.
W. Union, Ohio 45693
M e e t th e p h a r m a c is t
Indian Island
To the editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to
introduce myself. I am Tom Dorworth, the
inter-tribal pharmacist. I use the term
inter-tribal because I will be providing
pharmacy services to Indian Township
and Indian Island, as well as Pleasant
Point.
I graduated from St. Louis College of
Pharmacy. May 7th, 1974, and went to
work for the United States Public Health
Service. My first tour was in Baltimore,
Maryland at the USPHS hospital. From
there, I moved to Boston to work at the
USPHS hospital located in Brighton,
Mass. I spent six years there before
coming to “
Downeast" Maine. While in
Boston, I earned a masters degree in
pharmacology (study of drug actions) from
Northeastern University.
On Thursdays and Fridays I will be at
the Penobscot Health Center to provide
services. I am filling some prescriptions
now (no controlled substances) and am
available to answer questions about drugs
you are taking and their side effects. I am
looking forward to working in the Indian
communities and providing top-notch
pharmacy services.
Tom Dorworth
In dian a ffa ir s
Freedom
To the editor:
We here at the Farmstead Press have
recently taken over full editorial respon
sibility for Maine Life Magazine.
We hope to expand the editorial focus,
and plan to keep abreast of the issues that
affect the people as well as the rec
reational aspects of the state." I would
appreciate seeing any news or information
you have available about Indian affairs.
Terrence Day
Day care
kids study
self-hood
INDIAN ISLAND — “ About Me”is
All
the name of a recent activity that took
place at Penobscot Indian day care center.
The idea is just what it sounds like —
children explore their own identity, at the
same time polishing verbal and written
skills. “ involves children with positive
It
self-concept activities,’ explained Mat
’
thew O’
Donnell, day care director.
O n ly s o u r c e
Thomaston
To the editor:
I’ a Passamaquoddy presently serving
m
some time at the Maine State Prison. I’
m
aware that you send a copy to the prison.
However, it takes a month some times
before I get to read it. I read your October
and November issues. But to this time I
am still waiting for your Decem ber and
January issues. This is the reason why I
would like to subscribe, so I may receive a
copy for my own personal use.
Since I’ settled into my temporary
ve
home, your newspaper is my only source
of information concerning the Passama
quoddy and Penobscot tribes.
I'm also disappointed to hear that the
Passamaquoddy tribe refused to help this
very informative newspaper.
Ryan Newell
W a n ts g r a m m a r
Hanau, Germany
To the editor:
Thank you very much for your news
paper. Please send me a grammar of the
Penobscot language and a book about the
different nations and their languages.
I would be very happy if we stay in
touch. Please write back and I’ send you
ll
the money for the books later.
Kurt Gernhard
(This letter translated from German to
English by Richard Tozier of Brewer.)
Keona Love
“
They’ not only getting excited about
re
the visual, they’ getting excited about
re
what it means.”
All children in the program elected to
have their picture taken, and then write —
sometimes with assistance — about them
selves. The results w ere proudly dis
played on a wall at the Penobscot Health
Mike LeCasse
& Human Services building. Ages range
from two-and-one-half to six years, and
everybody seemed to enjoy doing their
“
autobiography," O’
Donnell reports.
Keona Love, for example, notes that she
is four years old, her favorite food is
“
sphaggetti” (well, you know what she
means), and furthermore, she wrote, “
I
like fishes." Not to be forgotten, she also
noted that her parents are “
Timmy and
Eva.”
Mike LeCasse, three, said his parents
are Christine and Ronald, his favorite
food is meat, and he likes dogs, and deer.
Mali Dana, only three years old, writes
that she is the daughter of “ (for Carol)
C”
and “
Stanly." She too loves “
spaghtti,”
meat, and her favorite animal is a “
CAT.”
Lisa Fugate is four, and she’ the
s
daughter of Mary Lee and Jeff; her
favorite food is chicken, although she likes
juice and milk. She com es to day care “
all
day,”whereas some children attend for a
half day. She also prefers “
cats.”
Along with the exhibit, children have
written and made drawings in their work
books, and they have made hand prints (of
their hands) to record themselves, and
show their parents they are “
little
people.”
What next? O’
Donnell said that “
from
this unit, we introduce the upper and
■
lower case letters of the alphabet,”in a
format for coloring. Most kids can’resist
t
coloring, but there is no pressure in
volved. “ few children just don’want to;
A
t
we don’force them,” Donnell said.
t
O’
Can't a ffo r d it
Portland
To the editor:
I will not be able to continue the sub
scription to the newspaper. I am not able
to afford it. I will continue to pray for the
success of your wonderful work you are
doing. Keep up the good work. With a
happy and prosperous year.
Sister M. Jeannette S.
Lisa Fugate
O’
Donnell said he is pleased with the
progress the children are making, because
of their own desire to master language
skills.
“
For us, it’ the process, not the
s
product.”
Mali Dana
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE. 95 MAIN STREET, ORONO MAINE 04473
HOULTON BAND OF M ALISEET INDIANS
PO Box 576
Houlton, Me. 04730
Contact person: Terry Polchies
Announces the following available positions:
1 Director of Housing Improvement Program
.
2. Outreach W orker for the Housing Improvement Program
3. Director of Education, Vocational Training, and Employment Assistance
4. Counselor/Job Developer for Vocational Training and Employment Assistance
5. Secretary for Educational Vocational Training and Employment Assistance
6. Social Services General Assistance Officer
7. Outreach Worker for Social Services
8. Tribal Planner for the Houlton Band
9. Administrative Secretary
Job applications may be obtained at the Houlton Band Office in the Putnam
Arcade Office Building or by calling 532-9443. Salaries are negotiable.
An Equal Opportunity Employer*-
W A B A N A K I A L L IA N C E S U B S C R I P T I O N F O R M
( M a k e c h e c k s p a y a b le t o W a b a n a k i A llia n ce )
I EN CLOSE.
I
1 for one year
$5
.. J___ ((Individual—U.S.)
1
f$ 6 f o r one
1
___ I (Canada)
S treet
City / T o w n
year
1
1$10 f o r one year
1
___ I (Institutional rate)
a n d S ta te
.
Zip Cede
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance March 1982
Island optimistic
about new school
(Continued from page 1
)
Latta told Wabanaki Alliance “ up to
it's
Congress whether they wish to”tack the
estimated $3.5 million costs onto the
already approved fiscal year 1983 BIA
budget. But Latta said he’ optimistic:
s
Indian Island is officially number six on
the BIA school construction priority list.
Latta said the five schools ahead of the
Penobscot project are already funded for
design and construction, effectively mov
ing Indian Island up to the number one
slot.
Tribal councilors, hearing an update on
the proposed school from DiCenso, ex
pressed their surprise and enthusiasm
that the new building is so nearly a
reality. “ least, it’ m ore encouraging,”
At
s
declared councilor Gerry Francis.
The preliminary plans call for a school
BIA officials, Frank Latta, left, and Terry Gasparich, meet with Maine Indian Education
equipped to handle 250 students, complete
Supt. Edward DiCenso.
with gymnasium, and possibly even a
hockey rink — something Love would like
to see included. The most likely site is
either on the present ball field beside the
Community Building, or adjacent to that,
PATRICIA SOCKABASIN
in the vicinity of the tribal garden.
PETER DANA POINT - Patricia M.
Love said the ball field area is above
Sockabasin, 65, died Jan. 29, 1982 at a
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Teresa A.
flood plain, while the garden site is lower,
Bangor hospital. She was born in Maliseet,
Sappier of Indian Island is currently em and less desirable. However, foundations
N.B., March 17, 1916, the daughter of
ployed as a physician’ assistant, treating
s
could be set on ledge in either case,
Simon and Elizabeth (Saulies) Paul. She is
Native Alaskan people.
according to Watie Akins, a tribal coun
survived by her husband, Simon of Peter
Sappier completed a one-year training
cilor who is an engineer. (Love suggested
Dana Point; five sons. Robert James
program in Gallup, New Mexico, through
Akins could officially monitor the con
Tomah of Wingdale, N.Y., Stuart Morris
a grant from the federal Indian Health
struction of the school for the council.) A
Tomah of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Alexander
Service (IHS). She is a former lab
new ball field will be constructed if the old
Paul of Maliseet, N.B., Jamie Sockabasin
technician at the Penobscot tribal health
site is used for building.
of Peter Dana Point, Dennis Tomah of
department. She is a graduate of the
The only apparent major obstacle to
Princeton; four daughters, Joyce Bear and
University of Maine at Orono, and Seaton
getting the design and construction under
Caroline Sappier, both of Maliseet, N.B.,
Hospital in Waterville.
way is Congressional support, and the
Geraldine Oliver of Danforth, Martina
“
add-on" needed to the 1983 BIA budget.
Stevens of Princeton; three brothers,
The council and school committee hope to
Abner and James Paul of Maliseet, N.B.,
enlist the support of Maine's Congres
Charles Paul of Fredericton, N.B.; three
sional delegation, and others, to win what
sisters, Edna Perley, Susie Bear, Rita
Love and DiCenso described as the only
Perley, all of Maliseet, N.B.; several
“
political” part of the process. Sen.
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces
William S. Cohen of Maine may offer key
and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial
support, as he is a member of reigning
was celebrated Monday, February 1 at
Republican party, and is chairman of
10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’ Mission, Peter
s
Senate Select Committee on Indian Af
Dana Point, with the Rev. Normand
fairs.
Carpentier and Rev. Joseph Laughlin
Love said both Congressional and BIA
officiating. Burial was in the Tribal
support is essential to the success of the
Cemetery.
“
ad-on.” If it fails, the school could be
delayed pending an appropriation in the
fiscal 1984 BIA budget. Both Cohen and
BIA director Kenneth Smith are expected
to visit Indian Island in the next few
months, Love told the council.
James Sappier, of the tribe’real estate
s
Ta-Kog-quew
and demography department, has care
They will stand firm until the mark of time
Mary Lee Fugate
fully researched property lines and re
breaks their bodies away
lated matters, at the proposed site of the
Like trees
new school.
They will become the earth again
One snag in the acquisition of property
What will remain ...?
is a stipulation by Mildred Akins of Indian
Island, holder of about one-ninth of the
The spirit that is the People
INDIAN ISLAND — Mary L ee Fugate land in question, that she will sell her
has been hired as dental assistant to Dr. share on condition that the Catholic
It is a gift given the young
Stuart Corso, at the Penobscot Depart Sisters of Mercy continue their teaching
who grew up in its shadow
relationship with the school, and that
ment of Health & Human Services.
They will in turn come to wear
Fugate, 24, began her duties Dec. 7. religion be offered to students.
this thorny crown
1981, as temporary replacement for Gail
Watie Akins, her son, said he believes a
of a drowning heritage
Graves, who is on maternity leave. She compromise arrangement can be worked
hopes to continue at the health clinic part out. He also owns a share of the land, and
Solid — never wavering — but sinking still
time, when Graves returns to her post.
is willing to swap his claim for a parcel
“ really like the job,” said Fugate, near his mobile home across the road.
I
Their eyes are deep
adding that it is “ the job training”for
on
Councilor Gerry Francis asked princi
from within them can be felt
her, since she had no particular back pal, Sister Helen, about the status of
solid, honest pride —
religious teaching in the school. He asked
ground in the work.
and the pain.
Although born in Bangor, Fugate grew
if catechism and Bible study are taught
up in California, where she attended high during the school day, or separately.
For within these peoples’
heart
school. She moved home to Indian Island a
Sister Helen said that prior to a lawsuit
beats the lifeblood of the Native
couple of years ago, and comments, “ several years ago, religion was offered
I
American
always wanted to com e back here . . . it’ before the school day began, and at
s
Like song — so sweet to hear
tendance was not required. However,
my roots, really.”
I am honored to be their friend.
She lived her first five years in Maine, Martin A. Neptune and other Indian
JHG
then moved to Massachusetts, then Cali Island parents filed suit to block the
From a friend in Seattle, accepted with
fornia. She has three children, Deann, six, teaching of religion at the school, and
deep thanks and appreciation — L.D.
since that time — although the suit has not
Lisa, four, and Jeffrey, two.
Penobscot lands
job in Alaska
Obituary
------------
\
Poetry
Fugate new
dental aide
been fully resolved — religion classes have
been held at the St. Ann’ parish hall on
s
the Island. “
When it doesn’ leak,”said
t
Sister Helen. She said children are offered
one hour per week, per class, and
attendance is not mandatory.
Sappier pointed out that to comply with
the law, the tribe cannot guarantee the
teaching of religion by the school, but
there is no reason that Sisters of Mercy, if
certified teachers, cannot continue to
teach the usual subjects. The sisters have
been involved with the reservation and its
school for more than 100 years, and are
considered an integral part of the Indian
community by a majority of tribal mem
bers.
An option school officials and the council
virtually ruled out is to apply for con
struction funds through the state. Sappier
said the state would want matching funds,
a 20-acre site that would be nearly im
possible to find on the island, and the
earliest project review would be July.
DiCenso’ suggested federal timetable
s
for construction calls for gathering engin
eering data and sending it to Latta this
month, selecting an architect by the end of
April, and final approval of a design by
February of next year.
By the following month, construction
bids would be let, and actual work would
begin by October 1983. All this depends on
the success of the BIA budgetary “
add
on” $3.5 million.
of
The optimism of the recent meeting
between council, school committee and
others contrasts sharply with comments
last year by committee chairman Paul,
who noted the old school has no library,
no gym, and no auditorium. Pupils
experience “ loss of motivation,”he said,
a
and are ill-prepared for the transition to
Old Town schools upon graduation from
Indian Island elementary school. “
We
must provide circumstances that nurture
pride, motivation and a sense of worthi
ness and accomplishment. I can’paint too
t
rosy a picture,”
Paul said last year.
The picture has brightened considerab
ly-
Ranco, Francis
capture elections
INDIAN ISLAND — Harry A. Francis
and Michael Ranco em erged the victors in
recent elections to fill two vacant seats on
the Penobscot tribal council.
In a related matter, no votes w ere cast
for a member of the tribal census commit
tee, apparently because nobody wanted to
serve, and there were no candidates.
Francis polled 78 votes, and Ranco, 75
votes. Other candidates were Richard
Hamilton, 63 votes, and Nicholas H.
Sapiel. 40 ballots. The vacancies were the
result of councilor Joseph Francis being
elected lieutenant governor, and councilor
Nicholas Dow taking a tribal government
job, which precludes serving on the
council. The special election for lieutenant
governor followed the death of Lt. Gov.
Edwin Mitchell.
There were ten write-in ballots cast in
the council election, including several
votes for Norman Lolar.
Clarification
INDIAN ISLAND — Wabanaki Alli
ance regrets the omission of S. Glenn
Starbird Jr., tribal genealogist, in a list of
persons deserving credit for the recentlypublished Penobscot Nation calendar, to
benefit the Island historical society.
Starbird did a good deal of work on the
project, and the newspaper apologizes for
overlooking the fact in earlier articles.
�Wabanaki Alliance March 1982
Page 5
Survey shows mixed
views on settlement
(Continued from page 1
)
paper. Her comment: "Indian women
bills, and keep ahead of them. It helped me
should have the same rights as the men,
and my children to have a higher standard
and marry who they want.”
of living. It’ helping with winter fuel
s
A reader identifying herself as “
Ne-qubills."
tar-tar-wet" declared that Indians “
were
Tomer said he is satisfied with the
sold out of our rights for who we are (by
newspaper, and he commented, "before
the settlement). It is a shame, I feel.
the land claims settlement, my paper used
"A lot of white people stop me and ask if
to be mailed to me a full month late, every
I'm Indian. Many people talk to me and
time. Now the paper arrives the first of
ask me how rich I am. Before, hardly any
each month. Good.”
people would just walk up and talk with
A Dover-Foxcroft reader, Ben Walking me," the reader writes.
Hawk, identified as a Cheyenne, said the
Discussing the newspaper, Ne-qu-tarland claims ‘ a start, use it wisely. In the
‘
is
tar-wet said it “
gives people a real look at
beginning," he wrote, “ the land
all
how we are, w-hat we live like." The paper
belonged to us. It can give people em should promote talent, people celebrating
ployment; it’our home."
s
Children are cramped by limited space at existing Indian Island school.
graduations, etc. “
Nation" sports events
Although Walking Hawk does not
should be included, along with “
comics, or
receive any direct benefits of the claims
have a section for people to send in
accord, he said "it helps me hold my head
drawings or designs. Have a page (where)
high, and gives us roots." He said the
people could share ideas. Maybe write on
newspaper should show "long lost ways"
how to do bead work, tan hides, leather,
to our children. He said he wished the
etc." The reader would also like to see
tribal council would “
grow," although he recipes.
did not say how.
Charles E. Colcord, a Penobscot with
A certified public accountant who has less than the quarter-blood minimum
worked with the tribes. George Chebba of requirement for tribal membership,
Bangor, said he thinks the land claims writes from New York City that he is
INDIAN ISLAND — The following
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
cases were heard at Penobscot tribal court Authority vs. Gerardo Pardilla, motion for settlement is okay, but not this news dissatisfied with the claims settlement.
Since you re
recently, the Honorable Andrew M. Mead attachment and trustee process, con paper. Writes Chebba: “
ihe tribe has traded sovereignty for
ceived funding by the Penobscot Nation, cash." he said. How does it change his life?
presiding:
tinued for hearing.
you have published more articles con ‘ addition to all the other fights I have
Arraignments
In
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Penobscot Nation vs. Gary Attean, Authority vs. Joseph Sapiel, motion for cerning Indian Island than the other two on my hands, I now have to fight to
possession of moose killed in closed attachment and trustee process, con reservations, who didn't give you any restore tribal sovereignty,” said.
he
financial help.
season, plea of not guilty, continued for tinued for hearing.
Colcord also complained about the
"As a consequence, in my opinion, you
trial.
newspaper. “
Since receiving tribal fund
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Penobscot Nation vs. Michael Paul, Authority vs. Roger Ranco, motion for lost your former balanced perspective.
ing, the paper has tended to become a
illegal possession of moose parts, plea of attachment and trustee process, con Wabanaki Alliance used to be the common house organ. The paper ow'es its first
denominator that united Maine Indians as loyalty to the tribe, not the tribal council.”
guilty, paid $50 fine.
tinued for hearing.
an ethnic whole. Now it seems it has
Penobscot Nation vs. David R. AlLinda Nicholas, a Passamaquoddy living
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
menas, illegal possession of moose parts, Authority vs. Doreen Bartlett, continued. degenerated to prostituting its reporting in Medford, Mass., sent in a questionnaire
function.”
plea of guilty, paid $50 fine.
from a survey conducted by Wabanaki
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Evelyn St. Pierre of Lewiston said the Alliance several years ago, with a dif
Penobscot Nation vs. Carl Mitchell, Authority vs. Christine LaCasse, motion
settlement has not changed her life, but ferent set of questions. She said the
speeding, 28/20, radar; filed at request of for attachment and trustee process,
she is content with it, as she is with the newspaper is fair to Indian people.
Officer Dale Lolar.
continued.
Penobscot Nation vs. Walter Meader,
Dismissed
operating under the influence, dismissed
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
(blood count too low).
Authority vs. Brenda Fields, motion for
Penobscot Nation vs. Steven J. Paul, attachment and trustee process, dis
operating after suspension, plea of not missed by the plaintiff.
guilty, continued for trial.
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Penobscot Nation vs. Donald Nelson, Authority vs. Kenneth W. Paul, motion
Jr.; keeper of unlicensed dog, plea of for attachment and trustee process, dis
guilty; waiver signed, found guilty. Paid
missed by plaintiff.
$15 fine.
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Penobscot Nation vs. Carl Mitchell,
Authority vs. Dennis Pehrson, motion for
keeper of unlicensed dog, plea of nolo
attachment and trustee process, dis
contendere; found guilty, paid $15 fine.
missed by the plaintiff.
Penobscot Nation vs. Kevin Mitchell,
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
keeper of unlicensed dog, plea of nolo
Authority vs. Theresa Snell, motion for
contendere; found guilty, paid $15 fine.
attachment and trustee process, forcible
Penobscot Nation vs. James Sappier,
entry and detainer, dismissed by plaintiff.
keeper of unlicensed dog, plea of guilty;
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
waiver signed, found guilty. Paid $15 fine.
Authority vs. Louis K. Paul, motion for
Penobscot Nation vs. Richard Hamilton,
attachment and trustee process, dis
permitting a dog to roam at large; plea of
missed by plaintiff.
not guilty, continued for trial.
Hearings
Trials
Probate action: request for name
Penobscot Nation vs. Louis K. Paul,
changes, Renee Marie Knapp, James Eric
keeper of vicious dog; filed upon request
Knapp, Joseph Donald Knapp, Jr. Petition
of Nation; dog roaming at large, two
for name changes by mother, Cheryl
counts, dismissed at request of Nation.
Knapp. Petitions granted, names changed
Penobscot Nation vs. Ernest Goslin,
to Renee Marie Francis, James Eric
wrong way on one-way street; dismissed
Francis and Joseph Donald Francis.
Jord Thomas visits with great aunt, Jean Thomas, in Gardiner.
by agreement of the Nation (summonsing
Appeals court
officer not in uniform).
Appellate decision on the following
Everett J. Sapiel vs. John Davis, small
matters entered: Denise Mitchell, et al vs.
claims action hearing on motion to show
Wilfred Pehrson, et als; appellate court
cause for contempt; by agreement, will
upheld decision of Judge Mead, appeal
NEW YORK CITY - Jord Errol
Jord also belongs to Mensa, an interna
pay a portion of his per capita payment to
denied.
Thomas, 16, a Penobscot and the son of tional society, whose only qualification for
the plaintiff toward outstanding balance
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing William E. Thomas, has been accepted to membership is a score on an intelligence
due. Ordered to continue to make pay Authority vs. Shirley Francis, forcible Haskell Indian Junior College of Law
test higher than that of 98 percent of the
ments to the plaintiff in the amount of $5 entry and detainer; appellate court upheld rence, Kansas for the Spring semester of
general population. Only students 15
per week until bill paid in full.
decision of Judge Mead, appeal denied, 1982.
years old and older are allowed to take the
Continued
original order in effect.
Jord has been living in Missouri for the test, but they made an exception in Jord’
s
Penobscot Tribal Reservation Housing
Penobscot Nation vs. Marcia Goslin, past few years attending high school in case and allowed him to take the test at
Authority vs. James Sappier, motion for
operating under the influence, appellate Eldon. Jord quit school in the 10th grade, 13. He passed.
attachement and trustee process, con court upheld decision of Judge Mead, studied for his GED diploma and passed it
His current interests are in tinkering
tinued for hearing at request of defendant,
original sentence ordered imposed, stayed with a high score enabling him to qualify with cars, and chess, which he learned to
and upon agreement of plaintiff.
for five days.
for college.
play when he was three.
Penobscots face illegal
moose hunt charges
Accepted at Indian school
�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance March 1982
b o o k nook
Role of the Indian press
CARBONDALE, Illinois — James and
Sharon Murphy of Southern Illinois Uni
versity :Carbondale's School of Journalism
have written a 150-year history of Indian
print and broadcast media.
Their book, “
Let My People Know-:
American Indian Journalism, 1828-1978,"
documents the history and current status
of the Indian press and describes a race
stereotyped and often misrepresented in
the nation’ “
s establishment”
media.
American Indian journalism began with
Sequoyah’ development of the Cherokee
s
alphabet and with Elias Boudinot’ pub
s
lication of the first Indian newspaper, the
“
Cherokee Phoenix,”in 1828. Much of its
recorded history was lost in the resettle
ment of a race in bondage within the land
of its heritage.
The spirit of the earliest contributors to
Indian journalism is reflected in excerpts
from newspaper philosophies and policies
and in historical anecdotes. That spirit
was rekindled in the 1970s as regional
Indian print and broadcast media groups
worked to strengthen the press editorially
and financially while continuing to put
Indian news in perspective.
Obstacles in researching the book
challenged the authors. R ecords of many
short-lived newspapers w ere never kept
Two Islanders
in d icted for burglary
BANGOR — A Penobscot superior
court grand jury has indicted two Pen
obscot tribal members for burglary and
theft.
Named in the indictments are Alice
Fowler. 43, of Indian Island, and Barry
McGrane, 25, of Old Town. The jury
announced the indictments after Deputy
District Atty. Margaret Kravchuk pre
sented evidence.
According to superior court records,
Fowler and McGrane w ere allegedly
involved in the Jan. 17, burglary and theft
of personal property at the residence of
Edgar S. Day, Main Road, Milford. Bail
was set at $5,000, plus two securities, for
each of the accused, or 50 percent cash.
Woodstoves aid
Island families
INDIAN ISLAND - At least a dozen
wood burning stoves have been delivered
to the Penobscot Nation, and some of
them are already helping to heat Island
homes.
Philip Guimond, tribal official, told
Wabanaki Alliance that he was able to
obtain the steel plate stoves from a
Winterport firm at almost half price —
about $150 each. The stoves have thus far
been distributed mostly to families in
what’known as the “
s
new housing.”
McManus takes
family care job
INDIAN ISLAND — A former tribal
clerk has been hired as tribal family care
coordinator, for the Penobscot Depart
ment of Health & Human Services.
Rhonda McManus, a tribal member who
most recently was contract medical care
clerk for the department, takes over the
job from Freeman Morey, a Passamaquoddy. Morey resigned the position to
attend school full time, according to
Carolyn Styrnad, human services director.
or had been lost. Because of the unstable
nature of the Indian press, existing
directories were outdated. To gather
accurate data, the couple turned to inter
views with person who edited individual
newspapers, visited state historical socie
ties and examined Indian holdings in the
archives of Princeton University’library,
s
the Gilcrease Institute in Tulsa, Okla., and
other collections.
Research on the book became a family
project for the Murphys. For five sum
mers they and their two daughters.
Shannon and Erin, traveled in vans to
Indian reservations and urban centers
throughout the country. Often, to find
existing newspapers or to learn of earlier
publications, the family would drive into a
town and “
just ask directions to the news
paper office or the editor’home.”
s
The Murphys said they found Indian
journalists “
hungry to know about other
tribal newspapers in the country.” To
assist in establishing communication be
tween journalists, they compiled and
edited a print and broadcast media
directory in 1978 as part of their con
tinuing research.
The Murphys hold doctorates from the
University of Iowa and have some years of
teach in g and n ew sp a p er exp erien ce.
Sharon Murphy is associate professor and
head of graduate studies in journalism at
SIUC. James Murphy is an assistant
professor in SIUC’ School of Journalism
s
and is doing research on Alaska native
publications.
"Journalism history texts give little or
no mention to prominent minority publi
cations, particularly the American Indian
press," Sharon Murphy said. The couple’
s
interest in adding Indian contributions to
America's press history stemmed from
research for her book, “
Other Voices,”an
overview of the black, Chicano and
A m erican Indian p r e ss w ritten for
summer recruitment programs for high
school minority journalists.
Jeannette Henry, an Indian journalist,
wrote a foreword to “
Let My People
Know.”
“
Let My People Know” is available
through the University of Oklahoma Press
in Norman, Okla. The Murphys have
earmarked proceeds from the book for
Indian journalism scholarships.
Young CMIA proxy
FBI delays report on
AAicmac hit-run death
AUGUSTA — The Maine Attorney
General’ Office is apparently waiting on
s
the FBI’Washington laboratory to report
s
results of tests, in the case of the hit-andrun death last summer of a Micmac
Indian.
According to the Ellsworth American,
attorney general staffer William Pearson
said delays in the review of the case are
due to the FBI's work, in which material
such as paint chips are being analyzed.
On Aug. 17, 1981, Joseph Peters, 20, a
Micmac blueberry raker from Canada,
was apparently lying in the road, on Rt.
193 in Deblois, when he was struck by a
vehicle operated by Cherrifield police
officer and part-time deputy sheriff Mur
ray B. Seavey.
Seavey, 50, was charged with leaving
the scene of a “
personal injury accident."
Peters was dead at the scene, and Seavey
later claimed the man was already dead
when his car ran over him, although it was
dark, foggy, and Seavey apparently did
not get out of his vehicle. He reportedly
claimed he looked in his rear view mirror.
On Sept. 21, 1981, Seavey pleaded nolo
contendere, or no contest, and was fined
$100 by Judge Millard Emanuelson in
District Court in Machias. Seavey was re
portedly driving a blue police car at the
time his vehicle struck Peters.
Following the outcome of the case in
District Court, Povich, district attorney
for Washington and Hancock counties,
explained he did not present the case to
the Grand Jury because there were “
no
elements of manslaughter."
Peters was killed between 2-2:30 a.m.,
according to official reports, and was
under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The re-investigation of the case began
after snow-balling of public reaction. Some
downeast residents said they were out
raged that an officer of the law — who also
worked security at the blueberry farm
where Peters raked — was fined “
only”
$100 for a fatality.
island trounces others in hoop
INDIAN ISLA N D— The men’basket
s
ball team here, sponsored by the PNF
Snack Bar, em erged the winner in recent
playoffs with Pleasant Point, and Town
ship, and teams from Boston Indian
Council, and Mashpee, Mass.
The Township was runner-up, and the
Point took third place, according to Red
Bartlett, Penobscot tribal recreation di
rector. In all, seven teams comDeted.
The m ost valuable player award went to
Henry Sockabasin of Indian Township; the
sportsmanship trophy was presented to
Ronny Pond of Pleasant Point.
Members of the Penobscot team, be
sides Bartlett, are Pat Francis, Mike
Francis, Dennis Pehrson, Jim Clarkson,
Junior Pehrson and Kevin Mitchell.
The tournament was organized by
Indian Island Recreation Department, and
the winner’ trophy was accepted by
s
Howard Wilson, snack bar manager.
ACH1AS
SAVINGS
BANK
THE SUNSHINE SERVICE BANK OF SUNRISE COUNTY
ORONO — Owen (Sonny) Young of
Brewer has been voted president of
Central Maine Indian Association, in a
recent election here. Bridget Woodward
of Bangor was voted vice president,
leaving open her former position, that of
secretary-treasurer. At press time that
slot had not been filled.
THE PENOBSCOT INDIAN
CALENDAR FOR 1982
IS NOW ON SALE
It is a first printing, a limited edition,
and a future collector’item.
s
It is now on sale at the Community
Building and at the Drop-In Center on
Indian Island.
Price $5.00
Mailing Address for prepaid orders:
National Historical Society
Box 313
Old Town, Maine 04468
Please make checks payable to Pen
obscot National Historical Society.
All orders will be postpaid
MACHIAS •CALAIS
MEMBER FDKI
�Wabanaki Alliance March 1982
Page 7
Sister Maureen beloved school leader
PLEASANT POINT — Her face hot
with indignation, little Rachel Paul, a
Passamaquoddy second-gTader, dashed
into the reservation school principal's
office.
A basketball game between Pleasant
Point and neighboring Pembroke was in
progress, and Rachel demanded: “
How
come the whites have the cheerleaders
and the Indians don’
t?”
Sister Maureen Wallace. new principal
at the school, turned her attention to
Rachel and said gently, “
That's a good
question. Why don't you ask them (the
Indians)?” Rachel learned an Indian
cheerleading team is in the works, and she
declared she'd be the first to sign up.
The interruption didn't bother Sister
Maureen in the least. It’ part of being a
s
principal, a job she took over from Sister
Rose Marie Rush. Sister Maureen has
spent 1 of her 16 years in education
4
teaching at the Pleasant Point school, save
for a brief stint at Peter Dana Point, the
sister Passamaquoddy reservation.
She is the longest tenure teacher in the
Maine Indian Education system, and is
completing certain requirements for her
principalship. As she noted, "this is my
first shot at it. I like working with the kids
in any capacity."
Sister Maureen has seen the reserva
tion school go from state funding to U.S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs sponsorhip, but
Catholics 'nave remained in charge. She
remembers when “ were in a four-room
we
schoolhouse with double grades. The staff
has grown in two decades from four to 35.
including "para-counselor” Christopher
Altvater, a Passamaquoddy who deals
with truancy, among other things.
New rooms
may ease
crowded schools
INDIAN TOWNSHIP and PLEASANT
POINT — Elementary schools at the
sister Passamaquoddy reservations may
soon benefit from U.S. Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) school facility renovation
funds.
The two kindergarten-eighth grade
schools, although housed in modern build
ings, are burdened by overcrowding. At
Pleasant Point, it has meant the use of
other buildings not designed as classroom
space.
Maine Indian Education superintendent
Edward DiCenso told Wabanaki Alliance
several new classroom additions will likely
be constructed at the schools, using an
estimated $1 million available from BIA.
DiCenso said the projects will not
compete with new school funding sought
from BIA by Indian Island (see separate
story this issue).
DiCenso has shepherded Indian schools
from state support, to full funding by BLA,
under terms of federal recognition of the
Passamaquoddy Tribe (1975), and the
Maine Indian land claims act of 1980.
INDIAN LCRAFT
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Till world’
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atalog.
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OWL Oft
113-15 Springfield Bivd.
Queens Village, N.Y. 11429
Enrollment is at 123, but has been as vandalism breakage. An alarm system has constant energy to function here.”
high as 140-150 pupils. Graduates of the been installed.
A wall poster at the school quotes
reservation’junior high program usually
s
But Sister Maureen says, “
I'm an Virgil: “
They can because they think they
go on to Shead High School in Eastport, or optimistic person. You have to have can."
Lee Academy, the latter a boarding
school.
Why has Sister Maureen devoted so
many years to one school?
“ would say for the sake of the kids,"
I
she said. "They're very open, warm,
unsophisticated . . . and very accepting of
people they feel are sincerely interested in
them.”
Sister Maureen, a Portland native who
is now 38 years old. thinks the sisters have
a special role in reservation life. "I think
because we live here in the community,
there is a built-in trust level."
She said children “
respond to me
because they know me." The Catholic
sisters offer "a kind of security, almost a
motherliness.”
The other sisters teaching at the school
are Sylvia Pelletier, first grade, and
Patricia Pora, third grade. Remaining
positions are held by lay teachers.
Is there any special qualification a
teacher should have on the reservation?
“
You've got to be flexible, understanding
and able to let go of .your ways for another
way of reaching the children," Sister
Maureen said.
She is proud of her staff. “ a very
It's
lively school in that teachers are interested in the school." A graduate of Fordham,
Sister Maureen holds a master's degree in
learning disabilities.
Volunteers help with “
events of the
month" and various extra-curricular ac
tivities. such as record hops and movies,
beano games, a recent Christmas party.
"It helps the children to see the teachers
— I should say staff probably — in a
different light. I think they really care
Sally Mitchell, of Central Maine Indian Association in Orono, presents AI Socoby of Bangor
about the kids," Sister Maureen said.
with some surplus cheese, obtained through President Reagan’ distribution program.
s
There is no doubt kids care about their
CMIA received 900 pounds, or 30 cases, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’Calvin
s
principal. Warm, smiling, firm but kind.
B. Conant, donated commodity director. Indian Island also was scheduled to receive cheese.
Sister Maureen is like a magnet. Children
flock to her for a friendly word or just a
hug. They don't go away disapppointed.
It’ not all rosy at Beatrice Rafferty
s
School, named after a sister who was
tough as nails. Plexiglass has replaced
many of the glass windowpanes after
#
Cheese, please
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Owned Homes For Sale
in Washington County
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 1 to 2 and not in school,
6
1
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we’ also help you
ll
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
—in the Portland area—775-7225
—in the Auburn area—786-4190
—in the Bangor area—947-0755
—or toll free anywhere in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
Equal Housing
OPPORTUNITY
BEING
TRANSFERRED?
Contact the VA for
information about
properties available
throughout the State.
These homes are available to veterans or
non-veterans without preference.
61 Fourth Avenue, Woodland
S40,GG0.
Rt. 1, Woodland
$20,900.
West Street, Plantation 21
$24,000.
Rt. 1, 39 Dublin St., Machias
$36,500.
$500 D.P.
18 Freemont St., Machias
$25,500.
Main Street, Baring
26,800.
9 Academy Street, Calais
25,900.
8 Chapel Street, Calais
12,500.
11 Temperance Street, Calais
26,000.
Summer Street, Calais
19,000.
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19,000.
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TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207 - 623 - 8 4 ! 1 Ext, 433
�Page 8
YYabanaki Alliance March 19S2
Flashback
news notes
CMIA m eets with 50
PORTLAND — Some 50 persons at
tended a special staff panel meeting
sponsored here by Central Maine Indian
Association (CMIA).
James Sanborn, CMIA director, said
the meeting was successful, and served to
reassure Indians in Southern Maine that
they will not be forgotten by the Oronobased agency. Employment, health and
social services, business development and
education were among topics covered at
the meeting, which took place at Port
lands Holiday Inn. CMIA's services were
explained.
In the past. CMIA maintained a
Portland office, but the cost, plus staffing
problems, has made that impossible to
continue. Sanborn said.
Corbett returns
INDIAN ISLAND delegation promotes a new Pontiac, at least a generation ago, on Main
Street, Old Town. The YMCA building, now demolished, is in background. [Photo courtesy
of F. C. Sapiel!
Citizens group airs gripes
(Continued from page 1
)
They 're either starving or freezing.”
Hamilton said the tribe has. on the
oihi t hand, assisted a “
21-vear-old”who
they "put up in a motel where his Sights
are paid. As long as they put him up. he's
not going to get a job."
Hamilton said a goal of the group is
that, "we're entitled to guidelines, that’
s
all we're asking." He objected to five
recent, lengthy executive sessions by the
tribal council, stating that "unless it's
personal, I don't think any meetings
should be closed to the tribe."
Hamilton said income guidelines for
human services assistance have been
dropped from S3.000 to $2,200, and senior
citizens meals cut from $2.35 to $1.35 per
person.
Officers of the concerned citizens group
include Irene Pardilla, chairman; Alice
Fowler, co-chairman.
INDIAN ISLAND — Howard (Bud)
Corbett of Indian Island has returned to
his position as head of public safety for the
Penobscot Nation. Wabanaki Alliance
reported in November 1981 that Corbett
had resigned, a fact that was confirmed by
tribal Gov. Timothy Love.
He counsels The County
PRESQUE ISLE — Pious Perley is an
alcoholism counselor working out of
Wabanaki Corporation and assigned to
Presque Isle and northern Aroostook
County. He is offering his services and
assists clients on a 24 hour basis. Perley
may be contacted at 762-3751.
Corrections
In last month's Wabanaki Alliance, a
front page story on the Houlton Band of
Maliseets incorrectly stated that Fred
Toman served on the Micmac Recognition
Committee.
The story should have said Maliseet
Recognition Committee, as Tomah is a
Maliseet, and the band consists of mem
bers of that tribe.
A Micmac Recognition Committee was
formed Sept. 9, 1981. and currently has 1
4
members, according to Marlene Morey of
the Association of Aroostook Indians
(AAI) office in Presque Isle.
**
*
A photo in last month’ paper, showing
s
five generations of an Indian Island
family, called them the “
Ranco family,”
when in fact the family could be called the
“
Dana family,”
with Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy ancestry.
. • . v . v . v . '. w
TRI-CHEM
LIQUID EMBROIDERY
:*
*
TRY IT! GREAT RESULTS.
Classes and instructor-training
available.
CONTACT DEBBIE MITCHELL
827-7608
m
.v /.v .
>>:•
PATRICIA LYNNE PHILLIPS, the
daughter of Paul and Yvonne Nott of
Perry, has enlisted in the U.S. Navy. An
honor student, she graduated from Shead
High School, Eastport, in June 1981. She
received basic training in Orlando. Flor
ida. then spent two weeks’
leave at home,
in November 1981. and is now stationed in
Makakilo, Hawaii.
Grants aid engineers
NEW YORK — Westinghouse Edu
cational Foundation recently announced a
$30,000 grant to the National Action
Council for Minorities in Engineering
(NACMEi, the organization to help in
crease the number of black. Hispanic and
American Indian engineering students.
Pharmacy services
offered at clinic
INDIAN ISLAND — On-site pharmacy
services are now availabel at the Indian
Health Center Monday through Friday.
The pharmacist, Thomas Dorworth will
be there Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. "Please bring all prescriptions to
the health center for filling. If it cannot be
filled here, you will be sent to a near-by
pharmacy,”says Patricia Knox, director.
“
Thank you for your cooperation.”
Sioux leader dies
WANBLEE, S.D. — Elijah Whirlwind
Horse, former Oglaia Sioux tribal chair
man, died recently after a short battle
with cancer. He was 46. Funeral services
were scheduled. Whirlwind Horse was
elected chairman of the Ogala Sioux in
1978. He served two terms.
S k it ik u k ^ _ f p O utfitters
.
Specialists in wilderness travel.
Sales - Rentals - Guide Service
•>T:
vX
>:>■:
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w
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y .v
3
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packs and equipment
38 Main St.
O ro n o
866*4878
OTERO'S SPORT SHOP
GUNS & ACCESSORIES
Exhibit at Na'swahegan
The photography of C.B. Mitchell of Indian Island is currently on display at
Na’
swahegan-Howland Printing, 76 North Main St., Old Town. Mitchell, a land use
specialist for the Penobscot Nation, holds a BS in biology from University of Maine at
Orono, and has worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He studied photography in
school, and had a small business called The Silver Image. He photographs weddings,
portraits and scenics, and his photos are for sale. For information call 827-2428,
evenings.
FISHING EQUIPMENT
BLACK POWDER & SUPPLIES
Bennoch Road
Old Town, Maine 04468
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
207-827-7032
Ask for A1 or Dave
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (March 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1982-03
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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Document
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pdf
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DV-432
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https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/70f556518ccedab6612e578b4e24cc87.pdf
cd0ab36d1723849a4a06f462bc9bc696
PDF Text
Text
W abanaki
A llia n ce
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Non-profit Organization
Postage Paid
Permit No. 1
4
Orono, Maine
February
1982
'Take an Indian to lunch'
PR letter a fraud
OLD TOWN — An official-looking letter
on City of Old Town stationery was mailed
to The Ellsworth American last month,
stating that the new public relations
theme is to “
prom ote greater harmony
and understanding between the tribes and
the public at large.”
The letter, appearing to be signed by a
“
director of public relations,”urged vol
unteers to “
take an Indian to lunch next
week."
The photocopied signature of Dorothy
R. Smith appeared on the letter, although
Smith is an employee of the city housing
authority. Smith emphatically denied any
knowledge of the letter, and said she was
greatly upset by it. She said it was indeed
her signature, and may have been copied
from a letter she sent out the same day —
Jan. 4 — concerning the Penobscot River
House elderly project.
“ certainly did not appreciate any of it,”
I
Smith told Wabanaki Alliance.
The fraudulent letter was mailed to
John R. W iggins at the Ellsworth Ameri
can, who w rote a critical story about it,
and planned to publish it, along with his
story, in the weekly American. The story
was pulled before publication when Old
Town/Orono Times publisher David C.
Wollstadt informed James Russell W ig
gins, publisher of the American, that Old
Town had no public relations department.
Wollstadt doubted the veracity of the
letter.
Smith expressed relief and gratitude
that the bogus letter, typed on City of Old
Town stationery with its Indian-in-a-canoe
logo, was exposed as a fake prior to
publication. She said she had no idea who
w rote the letter, nor why it was written at
all.
The letter’ contents w ere as follows:
s
“ e are looking for volunteer coor
W
dinators to help us in our big January
drive to prom ote greater harmony and
understanding between the tribes and the
public at large. Your name has been
su ggested to us as a bellwether in your
community.
“ is felt that the public will follow the
It
lead of citizens such as yourself and that
what will follow will benefit the restaurant
business throughout all of Penobscot,
Hancock and Washington counties in
addition to bringing a new dimension to
important interpersonal relationships.
“
The 1982 concept is as simple as our
theme suggests!
TAKE AN INDIAN TO LUNCH
N EXT W EEK
“ hope we can count on your leadership
I
and cooperation.”
Love defends ID plan
for non-members
INDIAN ISLAND — “ e’ tried to
W ve
get people to understand we’ not
re
picking on them,” tribal Gov. Timothy
Love told this newspaper.
Love defended a recently adopted
policy that all non-members of the
Penobscot Nation who reside on the
reservation must register. Under the new
law, spouses and other non-Penobscots
(including non-Indians and members of
other tribes) are required to file an
application at the tribal clerk’ office. The
s
tribal council then reviews the application,
and approves or disapproves of it.
As Love put it, “
for spouses it’ a
s
formality."
Apparently, an earlier law to remove
“
undesirables” from Indian Island has
either been ineffective, or was not
enforced. That law said unattached nonmembers were simply not w elcom e on the
Island. But in the summer of 1979, Adrian
Loring, a Penobscot, was killed by William
A. Holmes, a non-member and a drifter,
Love said the earlier law was “ cum
too
bersome, and it required court action and
all that stuff.”
The new law, he hopes, will
remove unattached non-members from
the reservation. The Governor said it is
the right of his people to keep out non
members.
Wabanaki Alliance has received a
number of telephone calls from Penob-
scots who oppose the registration require
ment. They called the law humiliating, and
said it’like registering your dog.
s
Love countered, “
We had public hear
ings, we had meetings, they should’
ve
been here.”Further, he said, people will
have the opportunity to appeal decisions
before the tribal council.
Those persons refusing to comply with
the new law face criminal trespass
charges in state district court.
“
Our laws are going to be respected the
same as any other government’ Love
s,”
said. “ e’ got very little left from 200
W ve
years ago, and w e’ going to protect our
re
members.”
16 -yea r-old sets
fire to tribal hall
PERTH-ANDOVER, N.B. — A 16-yearold Maliseet Indian, David Perley, pleaded
guilty recently to setting fire to the tribal
hall on his reservation here, Canadian
Broadcasting reported.
David Perley pleaded guilty to the
arson charge in connection with a fire that
destroyed all tribal records at Tobique
Reserve, and a firetruck was declared a
total loss in the blaze. The value of the
truck was put at $40,000.
Maliseet says state
stalling on Houlton Band
HOULTON — A Maliseet Indian official
here says the State of Maine is “
dragging
its feet”in assisting his group with land
acquisition.
Fred Tomah, health director for the
Houlton Band of Maliseets, told Wabanaki
Alliance that “
things are m oving rather
slow,” in negotiations to acquire 5,000
acres, prom ised to the Maliseets in the $81
million Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land
claims settlement of 1980. No land has yet
been optioned, although som e has been
inspected, Tomah said. Some $900,000 of
the land claims award has been invested in
certificates of deposit (“ D s” and with
C
)
interest may exceed $1 million.
Tomah said land claims lawyer Thomas
N. Tureen of Portland told him he was not
to speak publicly on land claims nego
tiations. Only Tureen and state Attorney
General James Tierney should make
(Continued on page 4)
Drop-in center g o in g strong
By Georgia Mitchell
INDIAN ISLAND — Since the doors
opened in June of 1981, there’ been a
s
variety of happenings at the Drop-In
Center which is headed by Rose Francis
and Francis Sapiel, both Alcoholics An
onymous counselors, but the new center
isn’strictly for AA’ it’ for everybody.
t
s, s
Some come in just to chat with friends;
others play cards, cribbage, read books of
which a lot were donated, or have a snack,
usually coffee and donuts, sometimes
other goodies that someone brings in to
share. The Drop-In Center gives people a
chance to see their old friends.
Recently, a community task force was
formed. VHiat this C.T.F. will do in the
future will benefit the young and the
tribal mem bers of any age.
Regular m eetings are held Thursday
mornings, and all activities are discussed,
as well as plans for the coming year.
Volunteers have been donating their time
for various projects like making Christmas
wreaths and trimming them for sale. Rose
sold quite a few, all profits going to fund
the Drop-In Center.
As soon as there are enough funds, arts
and crafts will begin with teaching by
som e talented young people who wish to
donate their time for others to learn these
lost crafts, at no cost.
A family was helped out by the C.T.F.
not too long ago, when a collection of food
and money was given to it.
The center is independent, through the
contributions and donations of community
members. The telephone number is 8276153 if you wish to call.
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
editorials
Off limits
We have heard on good authority that a patrolman was injured in
a scuffle at Indian Island’New Y ear’Eve party.
s
s
We understand that the scuffle ensued after a certain tribal official
allowed minors into the Community Building, in violation o f a regu
lation that when booze is being consumed, the minors stay out.
Nobody would deny an adult the right to consume liquor on New
Y ear’Eve, but certainly, at a public gathering at a public building,
s
minors can be restricted.
We hope tribal leadership will re-think its position on this matter.
The Penobscot Nation has not won the battle with booze and drug
abuse, and the young in particular should be protected.
L et’ not lead them down the wrong path by the hand.
s
H5WS iT c rA :' It-fE Mayflower 33Z
is in "Stoning-toN,
M w N E , FX>R KEFVMRS'. iAj^XOTHER. CH<“
vNCE Fb(2 JUjpiaNS'
to
POINT 01/77 "lA ie Iri-ERE H E R E T O M E E T -THE
B O /ST T . *
Penobscot energy director
says thermal scan a scam
Not taken in
On the front page, is a report o f an unusual letter that is clearly a
fake.
Fortunately, cool heads in the newspaper business realized
somebody had a sick sense o f humor, and nobody was taken in by the
rather absurd message. Thank goodness journalists can “
smell a rat”
once in awhile.
“
Take an Indian to lunch next week.” It’ almost funny, except
s
that the letter has all the appearances o f an attempt to embarrass (or
worse) Dorothy R. Smith, whose signature was photocopied on the
letter. Smith is a legitimate O ld Town housing authority employee,
and we believe her when she says she knew nothing o f the public
relations letter.
We don ’know how many copies o f the phony letters were mailed,
t
but an attempt to bam boozle the Ellsworth American was made. The
attempt failed. That copy o f the letter was addressed to John R.
Wiggins o f the newspaper, and W iggins had at first planned to
publish a story condem ning the “
take an Indian to lunch”
promotion. He would have pointed out that stating, “
Your name has
been suggested to us as a bellwether in your community”is dubious,
since the dictionary defines bellwether as someone who leads a flock;
or a mutiny or conspiracy; and wether is defined as a castrated male
sheep.
This humbug practical joke is mean and stupid, but deserves one
comment: We don ’ buy the idea that harmony between the
t
Penobscots and the people o f Old Town has ever been lacking. There
were many good “
bridges”between the communities long before the
first real bridge to Indian Island was opened in 1950.
All people are capable o f being good citizens, whether Indian,
Franco-American, or English origin, or what-have-you. O f course,
some people are capable o f shameful things, such as the writer o f the
fraudulent letter.
Perhaps we should make a wether out o f him, never mind the bell.
INDIAN ISLAND - A total o f $11,500
is budgeted by Penobscot Nation for a
thermal scan of reservation homes — a
process to determine the energy efficiency
of a building.
But Philip Guimond, director of Housing
Improvement Program (HIP) and Home
E nergy Assistance Program (HEAP),
says the State of Maine would lend equip
ment for the tribe to conduct a thermal
scan at tremendous savings to the $28,000
budget.
H e nicknamed the plan a “
thermal
scam.”
Guimond said Tribal Governors Inc.
(TGI) of Orono obtained a contract with a
Canadian firm to perform the thermal
scan of the 159 households on Indian
Island. However, Denise Mitchell, TGI
director, said the Canadian firm itself said
the project wasn’ “
t cost-effective,” and
the scan contract has been canceled.
Wabanaki Alliance
Funds will be used to study alternative
energy options.
The contract specifies $2,200 for data
presentation, $2,000 for processing and
analyzing, and $600 for an aerial “
over
flight.”
Guimond said som e of the problem s
faced by Indian Island householders
include faulty construction o f recently
built federally-funded housing, and the
fact the first housing project units had no
chimneys. Guimond would like to explore
wood heat potential, as well as solar
collectors for alternative en ergy on the
reservation.
H e said he recently assisted Fred
Loring with installation of a w ood furnace
at Loring’Costigan home.
s
Guimond, 35, is a tribal m em ber who
formerly held the job o f administrative
assistant at the Penobscot health depart
ment. H e recently got married in a
ceremony at Indian Island.
Vol. 6, No. 2
February 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Tim es Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPIante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone827-6219
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: $5 per year [12 issues]; $6 Canada and overseas; $10 for institutions [schools,
government, business, etc.]
�P age 3
Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
letters
To non-members
Interested
Indian Island
To the editor:
I’ been living here on the Island for 9
ve
years, but have been in the area for nearly
15 years.
I can see no reason to feel upset by any
law that is passed here; even the
residency permit law. A Greek philosoph
er once said: “ may not agree with the
I
law, but if I chose to live here I will obey
them.” met and married a Penobscot by
I
choice and feel more at home here than
any other place I’ lived. “
ve
For whither
thou goest, I will go; wherever thou
lodgest, I will lodge; thy people will be my
people.” taken from the book of Ruth in
—
the Bible.
A law can only be as good as the people
who obey it, and any member with a white
spouse should be proud to say my family
has complied. I for one shall and I’ sure
m
Tony would agree with me in doing so.
Sharon Francis
Westfield, M ass
To the editor:
I am interested in subscribing to th«
“
Wabanaki Alliance”monthly newspaper
Please send me som e information on the
subscription cost as well as other publi
cations you may have. Thank you.
Cindy Fitzgerald
Baskets for sale
FACES of the future leaders of the Penobscot Nation.
HOULTON — Indian basket crafts are
now on sale at Houlton, Me. Large and
small potato baskets, comb and brush,
small berry, market, envelope and letter
holders are the featured native American
products.
Contact Tomah Basket at P.O. Box
1006, telephone 207-532-2074 and ask for
Jim or Aubrey.
T ribe r a k e s $800,000 in b e r r ie s
PLEASANT POINT — The Passamaquoddy Tribe last summer raked in a
gross profit of $800,000 on blueberry
barrens bought last year through land
claims settlem ent funds.
Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas said here that
actual profits w ere $600,000 after equip
ment purchases are subtracted. Roughly
5,000 acres near Columbia w ere purchased
by the tribe from Bertram C. Tackiff.
Tribal m em bers w ere not em ployed in the
harvest operation; the tribe simply acted
as landowner, the Governor said.
Of the $600,000, half of it was “
set
aside” future needs. Of the remainder,
for
$100,000 was earmarked for education;
Environment topic
of UMO seminar
ORONO — An energy and environment
“
teach-in”has been scheduled Feb. 26-28,
at University of Maine of Orono.
Topics include agriculture, forestry,
pesticides, oceans and coastal develop
ment, mining, nuclear power, pollution
and Indian rights and struggles, a flyer
said.
For more information, contact Student
Government Association, in UMO’ Mem
s
orial Union.
$50,000 for paying outstanding bills; and
$150,000 in unspecified funds w ere allo
cated each reservation.
A genealogist
not necessary?
PLEASANT POINT — “ can’ see
I
t
paying a genealogist,”said tribal Gov. J.
Hartley Nicholas.
And with that, Nicholas dismissed the
idea of following the Penobscot tribe’
s
lead — in which for several years Penobscots have employed S. Glenn Starbird, a
former state legislator, as tribal gene
alogist.
The Passamaquoddys are basing their
“
full blooded” status on a 1900 census,
even though nobody can prove full-blood
status at that time. Nicholas said the
cutoff date was July 22, 1981. Persons on
the census as of that date will remain on
the list to receive benefits. Theoretically,
Indians must be a minimum of “
quarter
blood”Passamaquoddy (or Penobscot) to
be on the census.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe — with
reservations at Indian Township and
Pleasant Point — currently numbers
about 2,100.
Conservation jobs available 1982
Newlyweds
Cutting the cake at their recent Indian Island wedding are Marie Mitchell of Indian
Island, and husband Erik Townsend of Old Town. The ceremony took place at the health
center, with a reception in the Community Building.
CHARLESTOWN, N.H. — Student
Conservation Association is accepting
applications for its 1982 program.
With the Reagan administration’ de
s
cision to phase out the federal service
youth programs (Youth Conservation
Corps and Young Adult Conservation
Corps) the Student Conservation Program
is the only national program left which
provides the National Park Service, the
U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of
Land Management with a significant
number of conservation volunteers on a
nation-wide basis.
Volunteers are essential because recent
budget limitations make it increasingly
difficult for agencies to respond to visitor
needs while protecting the natural re
sources under their care. In 1982, the
Student Conservation Association, Inc.
expects these agencies to request as many
as 1,400 participants to serve in m ore than
100 parks, forests and resource manage
ment areas.
The Student Conservation Association
Inc. recruits high school-and college-aged
youth from all over the United States to
assist resource management professionals
in the above-mentioned federal agencies
and in the Nature Conservancy and other
private conservation agencies. Programs
are available throughout the United
States in such places as Yellowstone
National Park in Wyoming, the north
woods of Maine on the Appalachian Trail,
Assateague Island National Seashore in
Maryland, Grand Canyon National Park in
Arizona, Big Bend National Park on the
Rio Grande in Texas and Olympic National
Forest in Washington.
Skitikuk « T »O utfitters
Specialists in wilderness travel.
Saks - Rentals - Guide Service
H om e o f Igas Island custom-made
packs and equipment
38 Main St.
Orsn©
866-4878
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
State drags feet on Band
(Continued from page 1
)
assistant to the Houlton Band. Wherry,
public statements, Tureen told him. But who quit Sept. 30, 1981, took a job in the
midwest. Wherry and Terry Polchies had
Tomah said he is not about to be silenced;
been fired by Association of Aroostook
that he prefers “
open meetings."
Indians, but were successful in leading the
Tomah said that when he asked if state
Houlton Band.
Senator Michael Carpenter, a Houlton
Fred Tomah, a former councilman, said
Democrat, could sit in on a negotiating
“ thing that's disturbed me is the tribe
the
meeting, Tierney said no.
has yet to develop a constitution.”
Tomah
Tomah said Tierney proposed with
holding $50,000 for payment in lieu of said no action has been taken on a draft
taxes, on yet-to-be purchased lands. constitution he worked on.
"The most important thing that the
Tomah opposed the idea.
According to Tomah, the state legis Houlton Band can do is to develop a con
lature has a deadline by which it must stitution . . . if you don't have a
ll
Tomah
ratify agreements with the Houlton Band constitution, you’ have anarchy,”
stated.
of Maliseets.
Commenting about Houlton Band mem
The Houlton Band consists of about 380
I
t
members, who must be Maliseet or part bers at large, Tomah said, “ don’ think
Maliseet Indian, and a U.S. citizen. The the people realize what they have.”
latter requirement is to preclude Canadian
Indians from becoming eligible for bene
fits and services from the Houlton Band.
Tomah himself served on the Micmac
PLEASANT POINT — “ great deal of
A
Recognition Committee, which has achiev
ed its goal of federal status for the band — money is flowing into the reservation, but
it’also flowing out again.”
s
leading to federal support from Indian
So says Gov. Joseph Hartley Nicholas.
Health Service (IHS) and Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA). Tomah also serves on the He favors a co-operative store venture,
board of directors of Association of organized by tribal government, and
Aroostook Indians (AAI), founded some funded by tribal members at, for example,
A total of five generations of the Ranco family are represented here, with the eldest years ago to serve needs of both Micmac
$100 per person. The settlement of the
being Mabel Ranco of Indian Island, followed by daughter Lena Mitchell, granddaughter and Maliseet Indians in the Houlton-Cari- land claims brought thousands of dollars
Sandra Broschard, great-grandson Ralph Broschard, and great-great-grandson Michael bou region of Aroostook County.
into Passamaquoddy hands, but the
Broschard, one-and-one-half years old.
The Houlton Band is chaired by Terry money is spent off reservation.
Nicholas said he thinks the store “
would
Polchies, a resident of Bangor. He pre
sides over a council of six Maliseets, five of be an excellent idea. We could probably
sell produce and food at a competitive
whom are related by blood. They are,
Aubrey Tomah, Paul Tomah, Roy Tomah, price. It would be convenient and it would
Danya Boyce, Shirley Levasseur and John employ four or five people.”
The Governor said it would be “
won
Joseph. They serve tw o year terms. Gene
derful”if tribal mem bers would support
Cable Television and former tribal Kilpatrick of Houlton has been hired to
PLEASANT POINT - Tribal govern
replace James Wherry as administrative the idea.
ment here is attempting to balance the governor Robert Newell are owed $6,000
books by clearing them of a number of each, according to records.
—
- —
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Native American Rights. Fund,
long unpaid debts.
Tribal officials listed the following out former employer of land claims lawyer
standing bills, while asserting that with Thomas N. Tureen, is owed $1,255 for the
s
proper management, the bills will soon be nonprofit law firm’ assistance with a
tribal co-op, acquisition of a government
paid in full.
A total of $160,000 is owed Depositors surplus yacht, and work on the possible
Trust Company; $54,000 is owed on the purchase of the Eastport W ater Company.
W ebb River land managers are owed
“
force account,” a federal Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) scheme for $4,320; Lincoln (gravel) Company is owed
employing tribal members in constructing $10,400; ECIP (Emergency Crisis Inter
vention Program) is owed $2,500; and
reservation homes.
Brown, Tibbetts et al have billed the tribe
$150.
[FORMER JORDAN CASK ET CO.]
A sum of $10,000 is due Tribal Trucking,
the reservation’ own firm. County taxes
s
of $7,000 are due, and finally, the federal
Administration for Native Americans
(ANA) questions $6,500 in costs the tribe
EASTPORT — Tw o men have been
has recorded.
charged with criminal mischief in the
attempted theft of a soda machine here,
the Quoddy Tides reported.
Ralph Smith of Perry and Frank Lola of
FRANK V. LORING HI
Pleasant Point were allegedly loading the
machine situated beside the R&M IGA
INDIAN ISLAND - Frank V. Loring
store into a truck at 1:30 a.m., Dec. 18,
III, infant son of Frank Loring Jr. and
1918, when Eastport Police Officers Hollis
Diane Wiley, died Jan. 4,1982. Besides his
Fergusan and Merrill Lank drove by,
parents he is survived by one sister,
during their night patrol, and arrested the
Marria Elayna Loring; his paternal grand
two men.
parents, Frank and Martha Loring of
Smith has also been charged with
Indian Island; his maternal grandmother,
Grace Adams of Olamon; his paternal
operating under the influence.
Investigation led to the recovery of a
great-grandparents, Harold and Madaline
second soft drink machine that had been
Francis; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
stolen from the IGA lot earlier in the
Funeral services w ere at Baillargeon
evening and, according to Eastport Police
Funeral Home, 109 Middle Street, Old
Chief Richard Young, Smith and Lola will
Town, with the Rev. John Civiello of
probably be appearing before the grand
ficiating. Spring interment will be in the
jury in Machias on theft charges.
tribal cemetery.
Co-op idea favored
Five generations
Tribe tallies debts
Penobscot Trustworthy
Hardware, Inc.
2 9 SOUTH WATER STREET
Pleasant Point man
OLD TOW N
takes too much pop
8 77 1
2- 11
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V
___________
-J
�Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
Page 5
Marijuana interferes
with growing up
NOW HEAR THIS! Benjamin Neptune, 9, of Pleasant Point takes a hearing t„ , h.
CAAIA funded to assess ed
By R ose Francis
1 Love and affection as the child grows.
.
Marijuana does cause “
acute panic
2. Open channels for feelings and
anxiety reaction,”usually experienced by
thoughts.
using a large amount or after smoking
4. Opportunities for successful experi
strong marijuana. The common effects are
ences at home and in school.
feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered
5. A stable family atmosphere.
sense of identity, and bouts of exag
6. Tolerance for the chad's mistakes.
gerated laughter, that was commonly
7. Tolerance for the child's spais.
reported at social abuse levels of mari
8. Models of strong and thoughtful
juana.
adults.
The real danger in marijuana use, as in
9. Accurate information about the prob
all serious taking interferes with the
lems of grow ing up today: sexuality,
normal process of grow ing up. Young
drugs, crime, and other topics about which
people need to learn how to make
children may be ignorant and fearful. This
decisions, to deal with success and failure,
may sound unrealistic or too simple, but
and to form their own beliefs and values to
studies of serious drug abusers show that
carry with them into adulthood. Drug
failing to give children these kinds of
taking can be an escape from these
support can be as easy as helping your
“
grow ing pains”and may mean that the
children find satisfying alternatives to
young people will never learn these
drugs.
important skills of maturity, indepen
Family prevention
dence, and responsibility. This can begin
at home.
If you don’ already know what your
t
Families are very important to pre
children like to do best, then take time to
venting drug abuse. The family is a good
find out. Take the time to do what they
place to start drug prevention.
enjoy. Too often, other seemingly m ore
There are many single parent families
important things com e along. To prevent
today, which is common today. Families
drug abuse, there is noting m ore im
try to raise young people to face life
portant than spending time with your
realistically and positively, and to give
children. Experimentation, with a wide
them some personal resources and values
variety of things, is a natural part of
to guide their decisions as they grow up.
grow ing up. Children learn from their
Not all families succeed, but most families
mistakes. It is not only difficult to
try to do the best they can for their
discourage experimentation, but, as most
children. That includes protecting them
parents know, it often backfires. Drug
from the harm that drugs can cause them
experimentation should not be encourag
and those close to them.
ed nor condoned, but too strong a reaction
What is Drug Use Prevention? Preven
may drive a child deeper into drugs and
tion is a simple concept, but it requires
serious abuse. Adequate preparation and
constant work to be successful. D rug
a certain amount of behind-the-scenes
abuse prevention does work. It requires a
guidance can help a child to chart a safe
basic understanding and strong commit
course though potentially dangerous
ment from you.
waters.
Prevenion is a positive process. If
Families can give the loving relation
children grow up with love and security,
ships and basic self-confidence that are the
can express them selves freely, are real
keys to preventing drug abuse. With good
istic and yet optimistic about their
family prevention practices communica
abilities, and can make sound decisions,
tion with children should be open enough
they will probably never becom e de
so that they feel comfortable in sharing
pendent upon drugs. Here are som e kinds
their feelings about experimenting with
o f things you can give your children to
drugs. It is usually much better to work on
help them from becoming involved with
this relationship than for parents to spend
drugs:
their energies as anxious “
detectives.”
ORONO — Mary M. Smith and Donna
in elementary education, lives in Old
Forsgren are not Indians, but their hearts
Town. She has spent 13 years in adult
are in the right place, and Central Maine
education work, serves on her local adult
Indian Association has hired them to use a
ed board, and is on the executive board of
planning grant to conduct a needs assess
Literacy Volunteers of Maine.
ment of adult education for Indian people.
Smith, former chairman of Bangor adult
CMIA has obtained an $84,000 grant
ed board, continues to serve as board
from U.S. Department of Education, for
member, along with Bridget Woodward, a
an effort that began in November 1981.
CMIA board member. Smith was recently
‘
‘
Our major thrust is planning and de
elected vice-chairman of the state ad
velopment,”
Forsgren said.
visory board on adult and community
The basic premise. Smith said, is the
education, and is a m em ber o f National
fact that a great many Indian people in
Indian Adult Education Association.
Maine lack high school diplomas, and are
thus ineligible for many jobs. The state
reports that 47 percent o f Indian adults
did not complete high school.
We want to do an enormous informa
tional campaign to inform the clients of
the availability of this new adult educa
Canadian Indians have attained a cer
tion,”
Smith said.
tain noterity — including United Nations
Noting that for many adults, “
school
attention — in regard to the policy of
was an unpleasant experience,” Smith
denying Indian status to Indian women
said that adult ed “ not a repeat, it’ who marry non-Indians.
is
s
usually totally different.”
The reverse, where an Indian man takes
At this stage, there will be no direct
a non-Indian wife, does not affect tribal
services. Smith said. “
Our program here is
status.
to assist Indian adults in getting their
This inequity is allowed by many
PLEASANT POINT - Tribal governGED (high school equivalency diploma) or
had not been returned. But a satisfactory
male-dominated tribal governments, and
ment at Indian Township has agreed to
high school diploma.”
arrangement was apparently worked out.
is condoned by Canadian authorities.
turn over to Pleasant Point up to $1,500 in
Governor Nicholas said som e $1,200 o f the
Smith said state education commis
However, a recent newscast on CBC,
excise tax on trucks owned by a Passaexcise tax due has been returned to
sioner Harold Raynolds has been “
sup the Canadian public radio station, said at
maquoddy man.
Pleasant Point.
portive ' of their work.
some reservations things are changing. In
Ralph Dana of Pleasant Point re
In a possibly related matter, Nicholas
Smith was enthusiastic over a recent
Nova Scotia, at least one tribe has voted
portedly paid excise taxes on his trucks —
national Indian adult ed conference in
said he has not yet responded to Dana's
to retain status for Indian women who
part o f his Dana Trucking firm — to Indian
petition of several months ago, that
Albuquerque, N.M., which she attended
marry
non-Indians. This means the
Township, rather than his local tribal
with CMIA executive director James
sought to impeach the Governor. “
I
family may now choose to remain on the
government.
Sanborn. Forsgren did not attend the
haven’ responded to it, but I will,” he
t
reserve, and be eligible for whatever
Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas was prepared
said. Nicholas term of office expires this
sessions. “ going there we linked into
By
benefits tribal members receive.
to take Dana to court if the excise money fall.
the national circuit,” Smith said. “
We
Sandra Lovelace, a Maliseet from
became mainstreamed in three days, that
Canada, took her discrimination case to
could ve taken us three months or three
the U.N., which ruled in her favor.
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE. 95 MAIN STREET. ORONO. MAINE 04473
years.
Some Indians allow
women rights
Township pays back excise tax
“ were very fortunate in that we had
We
one to one TA (technical assistance)
sessions. Smith told Wabanaki Alliance.
Both women com e to their jobs with
years of experience in education, and both
have previously enjoyed working with
Indian people, they said.
Smith spent more than three years with
Tribal Governors Inc., in training and
education fields. A resident of Bangor, she
has completed many college level courses,
although she does not have a degree. She
is very active in Democratic Party
politics.
Forsgren, who holds two degrees from
the University of Minnesota, one of them
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�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
All youneed is...
By Freeman Morey
Penobscot Health Dept.
INDIAN ISLAND — As the Tribal
Family Care Coordinator for the Penob
scot Nation, part of my duties include
improving communications between the
community and the state Department of
Human Services.
I enjoy this role as “ between”
go
and try
my best to express the views I hear from
community members whenever the op
portunity arises.
When I sat down to write this article I
intended to outline the Child and Family
Services Program and briefly describe the
program’goals and objectives. However,
s
as I sit here and watch the snow fall
outside, I can’help but turn my thoughts
t
to the bright little faces I see all bundled
up to ward off winter’ bitter chill. I see
s
out my window a young mother and her
little boy with smiles as big as Santa's. I
see her expression of mock terror as she is
struck with a well-aimed snowball, then
her son's squeal of glee as he is swept off
his feet and hugged until his cheeks turn
even redder than they were.
To see this simple scene of love between
mother and child I am reminded of som e of
the other sights I have seen as a human
services worker. Some of the things I’
ve
seen just don’fit in with the sight of snow
t
falling gently to the ground. The need to
elaborate is unnecessary, we have all seen
examples of child abuse and neglect and
I’ sure that once you’ seen a battered
m
ve
little face you’ never forget the look on
ll
that face for the rest of your life.
To look at two sad little eyes and know
that your love is the m ost important thing
in the world should be enough to melt the
coldest heart. All your children want from
you is love. It’ not their idea to ge t sick
s
and make your life miserable, it’not their
s
wish that you have high bills to pay and
your boss is always on your back. They
didn’ elect the president you’ not
t
re
satisfied with, nor did they create the
welfare state we live in. They are the
products of an environment that we made
or inherited, and can only be expected to
learn what we teach. I know I’ not happy
m
about the wars and crime that my
generation inherited, and I’ like to try to
d
leave a better, not w orse world for my
children to enjoy.
Take time with child
Your children don’ need all of your
t
time, they don’need to receive all kinds
t
of expensive gifts or treats. What they do
need is to know that you love them and
will stand behind them when things get
rough. They need to have special times
with you, not while you are watching the
game, or “
Merv,”
but time to sit down and
read them a story or just name the
pictures in a book. They need the stimu
lation of being taken different places and
shown different things.
These aren’ things that your children
t
want to demand from you, they are things
that they need in order to grow up and
lead a normal life. We all know people that
grew up without these precious times and
being one of them, I know how it feels to
wonder why so-and-so gets to do this or
that with their parents and I never did.
I can never go back and change the way
I was brought up; in fact, there isn’ a
t
thing I can do about it. All the complaining
in the world cannot change so much as a
minute of my past. All the blame I can
throw at the state, my parents, or my
foster parents doesn’do anything except
t
waste my breath.
There is only one course of action that
will do any good whatsoever and that is to
see that my children don’g o without the
t
things they need to grow and flourish in
the intense world we live in. Instead of
planning a career that will make a lot of
money I have elected to put m y family
first and the accumulation of wealth after.
My wife is encouraged to spend as much
time with the kids as possible, to the point
of neglecting the housework if necessary.
When the children are in bed, we finish
the dishes or do the dusting or whatever is
left after spending time with the kids.
Washing and other loud chores have to be
done during the day so the noise doesn’
t
keep the children awake, but these chores
don’take up most of the time, anyway.
t
Sometimes a drag
You may ask, “ t it a pain in the butt
isn’
to do dishes at nine o’
clock, especially
after working all day?”The answer can
only be yes. In fact many of the chores of a
parent are a downright drag. Never in a,
million years would I do housework at
night unless it was necessary. Unfortu
nately, since I work from eight to fourthirty and bedtime for my girls is eight
o’
clock, I feel the three and one-half hours
I get to be with my children is too
important to use for anything else.
It’true that children will grow without
s
this kind of love and attention, some will
have happy lives and will outgrow the
sadness felt while young. On the other
hand, children learn what they “
live." The
crime rates and overflowing prisons are
all testimony needed to show what
happens when a society puts its most
important resource on the back burner. I
realize that the world cannot be changed
overnight, and there is always the chance
that a child can grow up to make the
wrong choices in life no matter what’
s
done. All I ask is that you give your
children the chance to make their own
choice, and not be victims of the environ
ment they live in.
There is no hiding the truth from a
child, their eyes see the world around
them and how it turns. In their minds lies
the hope for tomorrow.
When you are old, how will their eyes
look at you, as a burden or as the light to
lead them through darkness? Remember,
even a dog knows whether it has been
kicked or tripped over.
Na’
swahegan,
827-6096
76 NORTH MAIN ST.
OLD TOW]
Use our “Miracle Machine
Xerox 9 4 0 0
Duplicator
•Quick Turn-Around
•High Print Quality
•Various Reduction Sizes
Xerox® and 9400® are trademarks of
Xerox Corporation
YEAR OF THE PENOBSCOT - Francis C.
Sapiel, president of Indian Island’ tribal
s
historical society, displays a special calen
dar printed for the first time this year. Dr.
Frank Seibert researched the traditional
Penobscot lunar calendar, and a standard
calendar is printed alongside. Drawings are
by Debra Mitchell of Indian Island. The red
and black calendars are for sale at the tribal
office, and proceeds benefit the society.
ATTENTION
SENIOR CITIZENS
^ ^ P e n o b s c o t River House
Would You Like To
Inc.
"It's a Miracle”
FORGET about the high cost of heating, utilities and repairs??
NEVER have to shovel snow again??
Live in a beautiful modern apartment with ample closets, storage, parking AND
tw o patios AND a park AND a beautiful scenic view from your apartment??
Live in a secure building??
Pay ONLY 25% o f your monthly income for rent??
Have your rent go DOWN if your income goes down??
BE WITHIN MINUTES of social, medical and em ergency services??
If this type of living situation appeals to you, call Paula at 827-6151 or write to or
stop by the Old Town Housing Authority’office at 100 South Main Street, Old
s
Town, Maine 04468, for further information.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
�Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
Page 7
Guest opinion
A gift of sight
By Helen Becker
[In memory of Donald W. Loveday . . .
founder of, “
Downeast R ecording Library
For The Blind.”
]
I learned to count m y blessings early. I
often thanked God for health and life. I
especially had much empathy for the
blind. But it was not until a neighbor died
in my presence that I came to the realiza
tion th a t. . . his eyes, the miraculous gift
of sight, were going to wind up as so much
garbage. A shudder went through me. I
immediately spoke to the medical ex
aminer about eye donation. That day I
made a commitment. In the event of my
death my eyes would be donated. I wanted
my physical ending to be a beginning for
someone else. I was just a kid.
What a high it gave me to know that I
had within me the potential to give
someone sight! I have always believed
that one does not go from death to death
but rather from life to life. This is God’
s
promise. This gift of sight is so simple. It
just requires a signature. A gift from the
dead can make life meaningful for the
living. This gift costs nothing. So many
times we are limited in life by outrageous
prices. But we can give sight at no cost
when we no longer have need of this thin
membrane called a cornea for ourselves.
Can you imagine life without a rainbow?
Or life without a mountain view, a
gurgling brook, clouds, snow, rain, moon
and stars, changes of seasons, trees, fields
of flowers, a single rose, your parent’
s
smile, a baby sitter, that everlasting drop
falling off an icicle in winter, your dog, a
sunrise, a sunset, or any of the millions of
creatures that make noise in your dark
world? I’ had the pleasure o f seeing
ve
them all. But som e of my friend’have not.
s
Don had never seen his wife’ dear face.
s
This decision of mine was a very private
thing because many people do not like to
think of death, even when they are faced
with it, I kept m y opinion to myself until
one day I nearly poked a stick through my
eye while jogging and praying for other
people’health. I was quite angry with the
s
situation. I do now know if I was more
concerned with not being able to donate
my eye than experiencing losing my own.
When I discovered I had massive scar
tissue I had an urgency to tell others
about the importance of eye donation
because many of my friends have died. I
never mentioned a word to them about
corneal transplant which is a whopping
85% successful. Some o f them could have
given the gift of the rainbow. If I had only
asked, many blind people would see today.
I had questioned why God would allow
my cornea to be damaged which incidently
has affected both my eyes. Certainly of all
people I appreciated my sight. I re
member only one week after major
surgery I jo gged a quarter mile while
praying for my friend Yvon’life--- I was
s
so grateful for mine. Why then, God, why
me? I was told I could not donate that
damaged eye and I wept for I heard that
there are waiting lists for corneal trans
plants. And I could only give one eye.
Well, God knew that certainly if my
eyes did not work, my mouth sure did! For
some reason I had been singled out to
make a different kind of contribution. If I
brought this to people’ attention I could
s
by my efforts donate m ore than one eye. I
could through others ultimately give
possibly 200 eyes! I believe in goals so my
pledge to the Lord in deep, deep appre
ciation of my own sight, is to enlist 100 eye
donors. Miraculously I can read my fine
print Bible and my eyesight has been con
tinually improving. I maintain that the
Lord will allow me to see normally out of
that damaged cornea in the future.
Doctors are full o f knowledge but they are
not healers. They are limited by their
human-ness. God heals! In the meantime I
am willing to recruit others. And by
opening my mouth three other people
have become eye donors.
So now when I run and the wind tangles
my hair and rain beats on m y face or
whatever . . . I have a prayer on my lips
and a genuine appreciation in my heart for
all the Lord has given me. And when I
think of all the people that will benefit
from my accident I thank Him all the
more.
The New England E ye Bank works as a
control unit for the collection and distri
bution of eye tissue. It serves Massa
chusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Maine, and Rhode Island. It was founded
in 1946. Tissue is provided for eye re
search and for the education o f future eye
doctors, as well as for transplant opera
tions.
People of any age may donate eyes. You
do not need perfect vision to donate. You
may wear glasses, be old, or even blind
from a cause other than corneal disease!
Material has even been utilized from still
born babies. But speed is essential in eye
transplant cases. The eyes must be
removed within six hours of death. So
never, “
WILL,”
your eyes. Simply fill out
a donor card or in Maine the back of your
driver’license before tw o witnesses. (It’
s
s
good if your family know of your strong
desires so they will honor your wishes.)
And carry your donor card with you at all
times.
If I am responsible for anyone’ decision
s
to becom e an eye donor please let me
know. For I have prom ises to keep. . . .
Thank you and may God richly bless you
for this decision.
WTWILAMEHKW, “
tickler fish,” a snail who has special supernatural gifts, and is
is
able to live in water, on land, or in trees, according to anthropologist Frank G. Speck,
writing on Penobscot religious beliefs in Journal of American Folklore, 1935. The illus
tration is from “
The Indians of Maine: A Bibliographical Guide,”published by Maine
Historical Society, Portland, 1972. [Information from Charles Colcord of New York
City.]
Indian lands seized in 1907
BOSTON — Did the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts have the right to terminate
the Fall River-Watuppa reservation in
1907?
This, and other legal questions, w ere
raised by state Indian official John A.
Peters, in a letter on state stationery
addressed to “
Sisters and Brothers.”
Peters referred to an unfavorable ruling
on Indian land called the Chappaquidick
case, in which a federal court ruled Massa
chusetts has had no sovereignty over
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Owned Homes For Sale
ta f
Equal Housing
OPPORTUNITY
BEING
TRANSFERRED?
Contact the VA for
information about
properties available
throughout the State.
Ron Sockabasin and David Tomah find that reading can be lots of fun, at Indian
Township Elementary School.
Indian land since 1789. If that’true, how
s
could the state take the Fall River land,
Peters asks.
The letter then asks, “
How do you, as an
Indian of Massachusetts, feel about bring
a lawsuit against the City of Fall River
and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
for recovery of this land and for dam
ages?” A coal gasification plant was
proposed on or near the land in question.
"Your guidance is needed,” the open
letter concluded.
in Washington County
These homes are available to veterans or
non-veterans without preference.
61 Fourth Avenue, Woodland
$40,000.
Rt. 1, Woodland
$20,900.
W est Street, Plantation 21
$24,000.
Rt. 1, 39 Dublin St., Machias
$36,500.
18 Freemont St., Machias
$25,500.
Main Street, Baring
26,800.
9 Academy Street, Calais
25,900.
8 Chapel Street, Calais
12,500.
11 Temperance Street, Calais
26,000.
Summer Street, Calais
19,000.
Route #1—Houlton Road, Woodland 27,500.
31 Chapel Street, Calais
19,000.
FINANCED FOR 30 YEARS BY VA
NO DOWN PAYMENTS REQUIRED
S E E YOUR LOCAL
REAL ESTA TE BROKER
All VA financed
At prevailing interest rates
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433
�Page 8
Wabanaki Alliance February 1982
news notes
Dore takes
over health clinic
PLEASANT POINT - Tribal Lt. Gov.
Clifford (Cliv) Dore has been appointed
director of the reservation health clinic
here.
Dore succeeds Madonna Soctomah, who
was fired last year in a lengthy, heated
controversy with Passamaquoddy Gov. J.
Hartley Nicholas. The clinic is funded
through the federal Indian Health Serv
ices. (IHS). It provides both health and
social services from a recently construct
ed, centrally located facility.
Indian designers pow w ow
SWARTHMORE, Pa. — American In
dian Council of Architects and Engineers
hosted a workshop on facility repair and
improvement for Indian architects and
engineers, recently at Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma.
The meeting was attended by 21
architects and engineers from around the
country, inclu ding Alaska, Montana,
Washington, Oklahoma, New Mexico,
South Dakota, Arizona, Kansas and
Pennsylvania. Representatives from the
Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and
Corp of Engineers attended.
The workshop focused on the demand,
budget and priorities for Repair & Im
provement work on the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and the Indian Health Service
facilities. Discussions w ere held on the
processes used to select Indian architects
and engineers and mock contract negotia
tions were held.
Lou Weller, Indian architect, reviewed
the work he has been doing on the
Riverside Indian Dormitory at Anadarko
and arranged for a tour of the construction
work at Anadarko.
Neal McCaleb, former chairman of the
council, was presented with a plaque
recognizing his services. Neal said he is an
candidate for the office of Governor in
Oklahoma.
There are approximately 30 Indian
architects and 30 Indian engineering firms
nationally.
Flashback
Indian property
said tax-exempt
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme
Court refused to let Washington state
apply its sales tax system to Indian
property used both on and off tribal
reservations.
The high court, without comment, let
stand a ruling that such an application of
the tax system, composed of a sales tax
and a complementary-use tax, violates
federal law. The court has ruled that
states cannot tax Indians’
property and
activities inside tribal reservations. In
asking the Supreme Court to review the
case, Washington state officials said:
“
Under the court of appeals decision,
having the personal property delivered to
the reservation, and having the initial use
of the property occur there will immunize
the Indian from ever having to pay the
same tax burden that has already been
paid by the non-Indians, even when the
Indian moves off the reservation.”
Maliseet health program may serve Miemacs
HOULTON — Micmacs may not be
totally out in the cold, if the 31-year-old
Maliseet man who directs a health
program has his way.
CHICAGO — N ewberry Library Center
“ e’ going to provide services to the
W re
for the History of the American Indian
offers D ’
Arcy McNickle Memorial Fellow Micmac people to the extent that federal
law allows,”
said Frederick Tomah, health
ships and Frances C. Allen Fellowships for
director for the newly-formed Houlton
Indian people.
Band of Maliseets. The band received
A man or woman who receives a
authorization to purchase 5,000 acres out
McNickle award is supported by the
of the 300,000 acres designated in the
stipend of $300 a week, for a period of one
Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land claims
to four weeks, plus transportation costs of
settlement of 1980.
a single round trip between the place of
Tomah works with planner Barbara
residence and The N ewberry Library.
Morris, outreach coordinator Mary Lon
don, outreach workers Sally Joseph and
3M lawyer joins BIA
Gloria Tomah, and Brenda Polchies, secre
tary. Thus far, the band’ health program
s
WASHINGTON — John Fritz, a lawyer is in development stages, and not ready to
for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing provide services.
The Houlton Band of Maliseets, recog
Company, has been named Deputy Assist
ant Secretary for Indian Affairs, U.S. nized by the federal government as a bona
fide Indian tribe, is eligible to receive
Department of the Interior Secretary
considerable amounts of money from the
James G. Watt announced.
Fritz, 33, is a Cherokee. He will manage
day-to-day operations of the Bureau of
Indian Affairs, and will serve as a deputy
to Indian Affairs boss Kenneth L. Smith.
Fellowships offered
Indian paper
bites the dust
PARKER, Arizona — The Manataba
Messenger, a weekly begun in the fall of
1980, ceased regular publication last
month.
The M essenger was started by Indian
journalist Richard LaCourse, building a
weekly on a newsletter called “
Smoke
Signals” that had been printed for 24
years by Colorado Indian Tribal Council.
Costs w ere prohibitive, and the Mes
senger’ quality deteriorated after Las
Course left the paper, and Joan Travis
took over as editor.
Travis will remain on the staff to
manage a monthly tabloid, still to be called
Manataba Messenger. M ost o f the staff
were fired.
Togetherness
Pauline and Burnell Mitchell of Indian Island enjoy the company of their two daughters,
Marissa, and Naya, born Dec. 1,1981. She weighed sieven pounds, 11V ounces, and was
*
2072 inches, at birth. Naya means “
wander.”
N EED EXTRA MONEY?
Dig out those old postcards and turn
them into cash. I buy old postcards of
all kinds — Santa, Halloween, patriotic,
real photo types, etc. Also vary inter
ested in postcards about the Indians in
the Northeast. For more information
write to:
Betty Bridges
Box 234
17 Young Lane
York Harbor, Maine 03911
or call: 363-2867
federal Indian Health Service (IHS) in
Rockville, Md., and the U.S. Bureau of
Indian Affairs (BIA) in Washington, D.C.
Corrections
INDIAN ISLAND — The January 1982
issue of this newspaper incorrectly re
ported that Dr. Stuart Corso, dentist for
the Penobscot tribal health department,
no longer worked foF Indian Health
Service. The story should have stated that
Dr. Corso no longer was employed
through the Public Health Service. The
tribal health department as a whole is
funded through the federal Indian Health
Service (IHS).
The editor apologizes to the good doctor
for any confusion resulting from the error.
A photo caption in the Decem ber 1981
issue of this newspaper incorrectly iden
tified a Catholic statue. The statue is of
Our Lady of Fatima.
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we'll also help you
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
—in the Portland area—775-7225
—in the Auburn area—786-4190
—in the Bangor area—947-0755
—or toll free anywhere in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (February 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1982-02
Contributor
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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pdf
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DV-431
-
https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/50707b33805adb2ca85a003286da67c4.pdf
230d0240c33215247a92b71f4c400cd8
PDF Text
Text
Happy New Year to Our Readers!
W abanaki
A llian ce
Published with the support of the Penobscot Nation and Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Noo-proflt Orjmiuiioo
Poi!i|c Paid
Permit No. 1
4
Oraeo, Maine
January
1982
Tureen
story of claims
First of all I'd like. . .
Stacey Gilman, a Penobscot, was among youngsters talking to Santa Claus at a recent
annual Central Maine Indian Association Christmas Party. The well-attended party was
highlighted by Carroll Stevens, leading Indian dancing. Stacey is the daughter of Denise
Mitchell. Any resemblance between Santa and CMIA director James Sanborn is purely
coincidental.
AAicmac death Report due
AUGUSTA — A state report on the
hit-and-run death last summer of a
Micmac blueberry raker is expected to
support the official story that he was
killed when struck by a vehicle
operated by W ashington County
Sheriff s Deputy Murray B. Seavey, 50,
of Cherryfield.
Although the report will probably
not be released to the public. Deputy
Atty. Gen. James W. Brannigan told
Wabanaki Alliance that he hoped his
findings “
will be complete enough to
stop any speculation that it was done
by anyone else.’
’
Seavey has reportedly hinted that
another vehicle may have been in
volved in the death of Joseph B.
Peters, 20, of Big Cove Indian reser
vation in New Brunswick. Seavey
allegedly claimed Peters was already
dead when his own vehicle ran over the
body, on a foggy night, Aug. 17, 1981,
in Deblois.
However, re p o rts in dicate that
Seavey did not stop after his car struck
Peters. Further, Seavey did not admit
to the accident until some time later.
His Machias lawyer plea-bargained in
court, and Seavey pleaded no contest
to leaving the scene of “ personal
a
injury accident.”
He was fined $100.
A storm of protest followed the
Machias District Court action, with
Indians and non-Indians heaping criti
cism on the handling of the case. Many
of the complaints were directed at
District Attorney Michael Povich, who
consented to re-open the case because,
in his own words, "the hue and cry has
been so loud.”Some of Povich’ critics
s
wondered why Povich first announced
a gTand jury would handle the Seavey
charges in superior court. Some critics
wondered why Seavey was not charged
with manslaughter, and others simply
felt questions w ere left unanswered.
Povich asked Brannigan to conduct a
full-scale investigation, and Brannigan
said the procedure is not unusual. “
I
hope to have some kind of factual
finding," Brannigan told this news
paper, adding, “ ve located some
we’
people who haven’ been interviewed
t
before." He declined to be more
specific.
Brannigan said some evidence (pre
sumably clothing with some traces of
paint) had been sent out of state for
analysis. He would not say what this
evidence was.
Seavey, a Cherryfield contractor,
resigned his job as part time deputy
sheriff. At the time of the accident, he
was working as a security guard for
Wyman’ a large blueberry firm. He
s,
remains head of the small Cherryfield
police force, although a petition was
initiated seeking his removal — in light
of the allegedly suspicious circum
stances of the Peters case.
In a related action, Povich has asked
the court to dismiss a suit brought by a
Bangor lawyer on behalf of Irene
Augustine, a Peters relative working
for Central Maine Indian Association in
Orono. The $500,000 negligence suit
was filed in Penobscot County superior
court.
In another recent development, the
Canadian consulate in Boston, has
asked Brannigan to forward results of
his probe to the consultate.
ROCKPORT - Thomas N. Tyreen,
looking almost as youthful as when he
spent his first summer in Maine in 1967,
recently regaled Penobscots with a con
densed version of the land claims struggle.
Tureen’ talk punctuated a three-day
s
tribal planning session held by Indian
Island government. He began by recogniz
ing that there have been “
fundamental
changes in almost every area of tribal
government and Indian affairs.
“ e’ been so much in the thick of it I
W ve
don’ know if I ’ ever had the oppor
t
ve
tunity to tell the whole story,” said.
he
D u rin g th e A m erican Revolution,
Massachusetts was anxious “ curry
to
favor with the Penobscots,”in exchange
for support, and a treaty was signed
recognizing a six-mile-wide corridor from
head of tide (now Bangor) up the Penob
scot River to its headwaters. The Passamaquoddy were tapped to serve in the
Revolutionary war effort, and did so.
By 1786, Massachusetts officials had a
new deal for the Penobscots that would
take away the land on either side of the
river. However, the state party waited too
long; one year later the Penobscots
rejected the offer. This rejection was
pivotal to the land claims. Tureen said. If
the treaty had been ratified, it would have
preceded the 1790 Trade and Noninter
course Act, which said all treaties with
tribes must be approved by Congress.
It wasn't until 1796—well after passage
of the Nonintercourse Act—that Massa
chusetts succeeded in getting a treaty
ratified by Penobscots. As Tureen put it,
“ claim was a history of luck in many
the
ways. A lot of good fortune.”
General Henry Knox, a George Wash
ington aide who settled at Thomaston,
w rote the Nonintercourse Act. It was
widely believed to apply to the west, and
was never enforced in the eastern states.
But it was the cornerstone of Maine Indian
claims.
The Penobscots w ere in many ways a
forgotten people for decades. In the 1950’
s
there were rumblings with a case Tureen
referred to as the “
Jim Murphy U.N.”
case, but it never went anywhere.
In 1964, Don Gellers, who according to
Tureen had flunked out of law school but
could still be admitted to the Maine bar,
began work with Passamaquoddy claims.
A Princeton resident named Plaisted, who
owned camps abutting Indian Township
reservation, decided to expand — on
Indian land. It was the last straw for
Passamaquoddys, who had watched many
acres of their reservation become ‘
alien
ated.”
Gellers filed a claim in court for 6,000
acres, and two days later, in Tureen's
words, “ very fortuitous event”
a
occurred.
Gellers was arrested for possession of
marijuana, at the time a felony. (Shortly
afterward the possession charge was
reduced to a misdemeanor.) Gellers fled
the country, some saying he was framed
(Continued on page 6)
Pof luck from Pat
Upwards of 75 community mem bers attended a recent potluck supper and get-together
at Indian Island’ health center. The purpose, according to program director Patricia
s
Knox [above, serving a dish to Clarence Francis, left; Freeman Morey in background]
was “ get the community and staff together,”
to
and “
open lines of communication.”
�:2
Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
editorials
The moneymaker
ndian Island Bingo came out o f the closet recently with a full page
ertisement, and news story, in the November issue o f Wabanaki
ianee.
t’ high time the paper gave this worthwhile enterprise some
s
erage. The Sunday bingo games are certainly no secret, as they
■ a largely non-Indian crowd o f about 500, from miles around,
act
-/liies Francis and his stalwart comm ittee deserve considerable
dit for building Penobcot bingo into a $1 million operation. Bingo
going business, in the face o f continued carping about the tribe
ng involved in illicit gaming and gambling.
The nay-sayers are tiresome, and we don’ buy the argument that
t
go. or the game room with its slot machines, is evil. That is akin to
ing “
money is evil.”Certainly money can be put to evil uses, but
t is an ever-present danger.
Ve see Indian Island bingo proceeds supporting good causes, such
children’ recreation, building maintenance, and bean suppers,
s
u can’get more wholesome than that.
t
We do believe in strict supervision o f the game room. It is sad to
someone “
pump their paycheck” through a slot machine, but
t is an individual decision, and certainly there are worse things to
>port. At least, the money stays on the island and probably goes to
aforementioned good causes.
With so much money rolling in, the committee is under duress to
wide full accountability, financially and otherwise. We hope the
)ks are examined periodically. While we d o not challenge the
egrity o f committee members, we all have heard o f “
deep pockets”
connection with one program or another, at various times in the
3e’ history.
s
Who remembers Penobscot Indian Enterprises (PIE), or Wilder;s Waterways? Although still listed in the phone book, these tribal
sinesses bit the dust. Bingo, on the other hand, has been making
mey ever since it began five years ago.
There are few tribal projects that boast an income. We are
:imistic that with federal recognition and the land claims settlent. new and different money-making ventures will be tried.
With grants and loans ever harder to get, it’ gratifying to see a
s
3al business solidly in the black.
Quotable
No Indian tribe in exercising powers o f self-government shall make
enforce any law prohibiting the free exercise o f the press.
— Indian Civil Rights Act, 1968.
Wabanaki Alliance
Vol. 6, No. 1
January 1982
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Times Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone 827-6219
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: S5 per year 1 issues]; S6 Canada and overseas; $10 for institutions [schools,
12
government, business, etc.]
Indian Township youngster .at Bangor YWCA pool.
Commentary
Nobody's
Indispensable
By Dean Chavers
I first met Anthony (not his real name)
about ten years ago, at a national meeting
which he had helped plan and coordinate.
He was just starting on his way up.
Three years before that, he had been in
the business world, and his regular attire
had been a three-piece suit. When I met
him, he was wearing engineer's boots,
jeans, and a leather jacket.
Something had snapped in him three
years before I met him. He had made a
visit to Alcatraz Island during the second
month it was occupied by the Indians of
All Tribes. The visit had changed him
from a businessman into a militant
spokesman.
He gave up his business, and formed a
coalition in one of the largest cities in the
nation, where he was living. Within a few
months of the formation of the coalition,
the group had established an urban Indian
Center.
Eventually this center became an
umbrella organization for a variety of
social and economic programs — alcohol
ism recovery counseling, job training,
adult education, pre-school education,
tu to rin g p rog ra m s for sch o ol a ge
youngsters. Almost all their funds came
from the Federal government.
When we first met, Anthony told be
about his experiences being “
relocated”
from his reservation to Los Angeles,
where he learned his trade. He also told
me about what motivated him in the early
1970’ — the urban reservations full of
s
frustrated people, the hopelessness, the
unemployment, the alcoholism, the des
pair, the lack of education, the constant
arrests, the squalid living conditions.
Anthony himself has only a high school
education. But he believes in the value of
education, and was the first member of
the Indian advisory committee for the
local university. In that role, he had for
years a guiding hand in the minority
group politics on the campus. Indian
people on the campus told me later that he
struck fear in the hearts of vice presi
dents, deans, and department heads when
he strode down the halls with his
motorcycle jacket and boots.
Eventually, the Center became too
successful for Anthony to oversee it all.
His Board of Directors recommended,
when they w ere awarded a large contract
to operate a jobs center, that they form
another corporation for that center.
Apparently the Federal officials also
wanted a separate corporation.
The corporation was duly formed, and
many of the members of the Indian Center
Board, and Anthony himself, were mem
bers of the jobs center Board. Anthony
had a lot to say about choosing Mike (not
his real name either) as the Executive
Director.
Anthony and Mike got along very well
at first, even though they w ere very
different. Mike had a Master's degree, and
was enrolled in a doctoral program when
he took the executive position. He put his
studies on the shelf for awhile, to gain
som e practical work experience.
Mike had been in school for about 20 of
his 27 years, and had spent three years in
the Army. He was from an eastern tribe,
while Anthony was from the West. The
glue that held them together was their
idealism, and their dedication to better
opportunity for the urban Indian.
One evening, at a board meeting,
Anthony and Mike had a big fight. It was
all verbal, but after the meeting Mike
called Anthony down outside, accusing
him of using scare tactics to try to have his
way. He called som e of Anthony's fol
lowers, many of whom were reformed
down-and-outers, of being the “
Indian
Mafia."
Anthony couldn’take this threat to his
t
position, the hard work he had put in for
over a decade to win the things he had
won. At the next election of Mike s board,
Anthony packed it with his own followers.
Shortly afterward, the Board fired Mike.
Instead of going back to his doctoral
program, as Mike had said he would do
after a few years, he go another job in the
city, and spent the better part of a year
getting control of Anthony’ board. He
s
was still a member himself, and succeeded
in winning enough support at the next
election to control it. The board promptly
fired Anthony.
By this time, there were a few dozen
Indian organizations in the city. Because
of the organizing Anthony had done, other
Indian people had formed welfare leagues,
social service agencies, education pro
grams, and other types of community
groups. Anthony tried for awhile to get
hired by one of these organizations, but
could not convince them that he was
indispensable, as he once was.
The groups had developed their own
leadership, and many of the new Indian
leaders w ere college educated. Most of the
job descriptions for executive positions
called for a college degree, or a master’
s.
After a few months of frustration trying
to find another home base, Anthony gave
up and went back to his old trade. The
movement that he had helped to create
had bypassed him.
�Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
Page 3
letters
Reader in Kenya
Please renew
Mombasa, Kenya
To the editor:
Greetings and peace from Kenya.
Would you renew my subscription for
the coming year. I'm sending you a check.
It is good to read about the news from the
Maine Indians. I liked “ talk with Tom
A
Tureen," in the August issue. Wabanaki
Alliance gets here three or four months
late.
Keep w ell... success on your work with
the paper.
Fr. James Roy, Maryknoll
Center Ossipee, N.H.
To the editor:
Please renew my subscription to Wab
anaki Alliance.
We certainly are enjoying your paper.
Enclosed is a $5 check.
Thank you.
Rodney A. White
Ethnic heritage
Boston
To the editor:
I am currently working on the Wab
anaki Curriculum Development Project
funded for one year under the Ethnic
Heritage grant of Title IX. I feel that your
newspaper is a valuable resource and am
interested in obtaining all the back issues
as well as beginning a subscription for the
future issues.
Please let me know what it will cost me
to have the back issues. I have made the
subscription notice out in my name and to
my personal address as your newspaper is
a popular one at the center and issues tend
to disappear as soon as they arrive. I
remember this from my days as the Circle
editor and it still seem s to hold true.
Jacquelyn M. Dean
Project Coordinator
Left Island at 10
Somerville, Mass.
To the editor:
Will you please let me know how much
your paper is for one year?
(I was born on Indian Island, left there
when I was 10 — I am now 77.)
Emerson H. Lewis
Growing crisis
New York City
To the editor:
The use of behaviour control and human
experimentation techniques is on the rise
in the U.S. The m ost ominous of these
programs is the Long-term Control Unit
at the Marion, Illinois, Federal Prison.
Many men have been driven insane in this
unit. In recent years, nine have committed
suicide.
Because of this grow ing crisis, the
prisoners in the control unit, “ Marion
the
Brothers," brought a precedent-setting
class action suit against the U.S. Bureau of
Prisons, Bono vs. Saxbe, which seeks to
Kind of neat
close the control unit permanently. It was
first tried in 1975 in the federal courts. In
Petersburg, Va.
1978, the court ruled in favor of the
To the editor :
Bureau of Prisons.
I recently read a copy of your news
The decision is now being appealed. It is
paper here at the library. It was the June
important that the Marion Brothers win.
issue and I was wondering if you might
If the prison system wins, other control
possibly send me a copy.
units like Marion’ could be built. And
s
I am in prison and have no funds to take
even political activists who are imprisoned
a subscription at this time. I found it well
because of their work, could become
written and very informative. Being from
Maine — well, it is just interesting. ‘
Kinda’ candidates for these units.
For those who want more information,
nice to keep in touch with events in the
and, hopefully, want to help, write:
area. ‘
Kinda’
neat!
Marion Brothers News Report, 4556a
Thanking you in advance for time and
Oakland St., St. Louis, Mo. 63110, or call
consideration.
314-533-2234.
Raymond L. Currier
Charles Colcord
Their best
Proud students, David Tomah, left, and Ron Sockabasin, with proud teacher. Sister
Shirley, at Indian Township Elementary School.
Cuddled up
One-year-old Myriah Dana, daughter of Carol Dana and Stanley Neptune of Indian
Island, knows what’best in wintertime . . . bundle up, and it’put a smile on your face.
s
l
Island council d e b a t e s hunting
INDIAN ISLAND — The tribal council
wrangled for hours recently with hunting
on newly acquired lands, and passed a
motion to reconsider closing territory to
non-members.
On hand was tribal biologist Timothy
Lukas, who raised the question of susten
ance versus sport hunting.
Councilor Watie Akins said establishing
hunting regulations gives the Penobscots
"an opportunity to go for som e of that
sovereignty”
spelled out in the land claims
settlement.
Councilor Gilbert Francis got a few
laughs when he proposed “
food for the
needy, not just the greedy.”
Finally, a motion by Irving Ranco was
passed that excludes non-members from
participating in hunting on Indian terri
tory. Tribal members hunting with nonIndians will lose their licenses.
Fee lands (those not tax-exempt to the
tribe) include Lakeville, 33,000 acres;
Prentiss, 1,000; Springfield, 5,000; Lee,
3,000; Carroll, 4,000; Carabasset, 23,000;
Williamsburg, 5,000.
Trust lands, similar to the reservation
land, includes Matagamon, 6,000 acres;
Matamiscontis, 18,000; Alder Stream,
22,000 acres.
The council agreed that regulations for
the 1982 hunting season should be
resolved well before the season opens.
PROJECT CHILD FIND
A PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS |
| PROJECT CHILD FIND will be held |
| at the Indian Township School on |
1 Thursday, January 7, 1982, at 3:00 p.m. |
I Do you know of, or have a child with |
| special needs in walking or running, in |
| speaking or listening, in eating or I
| dressing, in following directions,
| getting along with others, in being |
| afraid of things or others?
If this child is under 21 years of age, |
| not in school, and is a resident of the §
| P assam aquoddy Indian T ow nship, |
I please contact the CHILD FIND PRO- •
I GRAM at Indian Township School,
I Resource Room. The telephone number |
- 796-2362.
In other business, the council voted 6
-1
to approve a $16,350 contract with Wab
anaki Alliance newspaper, providing par
tial support of operations. The Penobscot
Nation, by terms of the contract, allows
Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.,
to administer the newspaper. The con
tract is valid to July 1, 1982.
Voting in favor w ere Donald Nelson,
Beth Sockbeson, Nicholas Dow, Francis
Ranco, Kenneth Paul and Gilbert Francis.
Opposed was Watie Akins.
ARTIST NEEDED
FOR
COVER DESIGN FOR
WABANAKI BIBLIOGRAPHY
being prepared by Eunice BaumannNelson, under the auspices of Maine
Indian Committee, American Friends
Service Committee.
Interested persons are invited to
submit black and white sketch using
either original or traditional Native
American motifs.
The artist whose sketch is selected
will be asked to prepare finished design
and will receive:
Honorarium of $50
For further information, contact:
Eunice Baumann-Nelson, P.O. Box
49, Old Town 04468 — 827-2121
or
Mary Griffith, R.R. 1 Box 177A,
,
Freeport 04032 — 865-6549
or
Nancy St. John, 329 Front Street.
Bath 04530 — 442-8656
HOUSE FOR SALE
73 W est Street
Indian Island
Seven rooms, large bath, oil furnace,
new siding. Very well built. Large
double lot, from Center Street to Pen
obscot River frontage.
$12,000 firm
Call or write to:
Jean A. Moore
1111 W est Northfield Blvd.
Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37130
615-896-2992
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
The old days: '
Don't
bring white boys hom e'
INDIAN ISLAND — A great many
changes have taken place here in physical,
material ways. But drastic changes in
attitude have also occurred.
Just ask Dorothy Ranco Beatty, who at
79 can recall “ old ways" of the Penobthe
scots . . . with a gleam of mischief and
humor in her eye that time has not dulled.
Now a resident of Raymond, Beatty
enjoys an occasional visit to the Island,
and recently made the trip so that she
•wold cast her ballot for lieutenant gov
ernor of ftp ,,-ibe. On Oct. 24, she cele
brated her 25th wedding anniversary with
Monty Beatty, a Paiute native of Nevada.
(The couple met while in a traveling circus
dance company.)
For one thing, non-Indians were not
always welcome. “
My father told me,
‘ t ever bring any white boys into the
don’
house.’ ” But one afternoon. Beatty
brought home her date; he played the
piano and sang well, but father threw him
out bodily. “ was so embarrassed to go to
I
school the next day,”
she recalls.
“ didn't marry white men in those
We
days, that’ a thing more lately here,”
s
Beatty said.
Welfare was unheard of, in early times.
“
The only people who got something for
free were the widows. They got what we
called the ‘
weekly’ Today, Beatty says,
.’
’
"the Indians don't appreciate" the advantages they have. “ s awful,”
It’
she said.
Her father owned a cow, and people
used horses to get around. And “
every
body,”children, women, would wash in
the brook; “
sort of a holy water — you’
d
just splash your face a little.”
Discipline was everywhere. The Cath
olic nuns who taught school could slap you
up to 20 times on the palm of your hand
with a ruler. “
We never sassed our
family," Beatty said, adding that she
helped with family chores.
Beatty claims her father, Joseph Ranco,
was the “
real”founder of the Old Town
Canoe Company, and that he "had a patent
on it.” She said the Gray boys, who
attended Harvard and smoked pipes, stole
the plans from her father, who built bark
as well as wood-and-canvas canoes. He
used to take little Dorothy and her
brother to sportsmen’shows.
s
Later, as an adult, Beatty had “
an Dorothy Ranco Beatty, age 79.
Indian show. W e travelled all over the
country. (W had) an exhibit of Indian arts
and crafts made here. We didn’ have
t
anything Indians didn't make."
However, Beatty remembers once beat
ing the competition by carefully peeling
off the “
made in Japan”labels from crafts
sold as “
Indian.”
INDIAN ISLAND — Penobscot Nation
Asked if she missed the Island life,
Beatty said she had considered returning Gov. timothy Love has sent a telegram to
to the reservation, but if she did, she said, the Maine Congressional Delegation re
questing immediate intervention to fore
“ d get up and blow my top.”
I’
stall massive cuts in federal support to the
tribe.
The proposed fiscal 1982 Penobscot
Nation budget is close to $10 million. But
Love said this is only a “
wish list,”
and the
actual budget will be under $3 million.
perform roof repairs and renovate heating
Love’ telegram — which says the land
s
systems.
claims act provisions have been “
disre
garded, rejected and suppressed" by the
Paiute tribe picks out land federal government — came on the heels
of a telegram to the tribe from the U.S.
WASHINGTON — The recently restor Bureau of Indian Affairs’Eastern Area
ed Paiute Tribe of Utah has selected 13 Office, directed by Harry A. Rainbolt, a
veteran BIA official.
sites in five counties for re-establishment
Rainbolt’telegram said, “ are faced
s
We
of a 15,000 acre reservation, tribal auth
with further program reductions on top of
orities said.
The tribe was terminated in 1954 and the $168,000 we took on June 25,1981, for
fiscal year 1982.”Rainbolt warned that in
restored April 3,1980.
addition to reductions in many programs,
the following programs would be elim
inated: agricultural extension, com pre
hensive planning, “
youth work learn
program,”commercial and enterprise de
velopment, adult education and direct
employment.” He went on to say that
“
phasedown actions should be developed
immediately.”
Wabanaki Alliance spoke by telephone
with Rainbolt, who said “
everything is
tied to the continuing resolution" of Con
gress, that carries programs at last year’
s
budget levels. Congress had not passed a
final budget at press time, and Rainbolt
said he had no idea what to expect in a
new BIA budget.
Vincent J. Lovett, public information
officer with BIA, said he expected a 12
percent across the board budget cut,
resulting in some $20 million being
trimmed from the total BIA budget.
Love said in his telegram that “
the
Love protests cuts
Three grants a w a r d e d to Point
WASHINGTON — TheM aine Congres
sional delegation announced a $79,250
federal grant has been approved for
Maine Indian Education, Pleasant Point
school, to develop and carry out ele
mentary and secondary school programs.
The Department of Housing and Urban
Development awarded two grants to the
Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reserva
tion Housing Authority. One, for $142,840,
is to renovate ducts, replace ventilation
and repair buildings. The other, a sum of
$120,000, will pay to alter chimneys,
X-ing guards
Maxwell [Chick] Barnes, in charge of environmental health at Pleasant Point, checks on
new volunteer school crossing guards at Rt. 190, the highway that bisects the
reservation. Barnes recently initiated the first such program in Passamaquoddy
history. Additionally, blinking lights will be installed at the two locations in the near
future, he said.
N EED EXTRA MONEY?
Dig out those old postcards and turn
them into cash. I buy old postcards of
all kinds — Santa, Halloween, patriotic,
real photo types, etc. Also vary inter
ested in postcards about the Indians in
the Northeast. For more information
write to:
Betty Bridges
Box 234
17 Young Lane
York Harbor, Maine 03911
or call: 363-2867
Penobscot Indians have never received
full services”due them under federal rec
ognition, which was accorded the tribe
several years ago in the process of estab
lishing the land claims case.
The telegram was sent to Senators
George J. Mitchell and William S. Cohen,
and Congressmen David F. Em ery and
Olympia J. Snowe.
Love and other tribal leaders flew to
Washington to lobby for funds they
believe the federal government owes the
Penobscot Nation.
Clinic halts joint
tribal contract
INDIAN ISLAND — By resolution of
the tribal council, the Penobscot health
department has ended all cooperative con
tracts for direct medical care with Passamaquoddys.
Patricia E. Knox, health program
director for the Penobscot Nation, said the
termination of agreements applies only to
contract care, and direct or em ergency
services will not be affected.
Previously, contracts were worked out
with Passamaquoddy health centers at
Indian Township and Pleasant Point
reservations. Non-Penobscot Indians who
receive care from the Indian Island clinic
should contact Knox. A letter will be sent
to these persons explaining changes in the
cooperative agreements, first set up in
1979.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION: Director, Employment
and Training Program.
DUTIES: Director will oversee the
operations of a bi-lingual vocational
assembly project, a vocational educa
tion counselling project, a training and.
technical assembly project, a Job Corps
contract, and a CETA program.
Q U A L IF IC A T IO N S : A pplicants
should have an administrative back
ground and preferably had experience
working in a manpower or training
program.
SEND RESUME TO:
Ms. Deborah Ginnish
Boston Indian Council, Inc.
105 South Huntington Avenue
Jamaica Plain,
Massachusetts 02130
Tele. 617/232-0343
�Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
Page 5
Indians keep their
culture, teachers told
PORTLAND — ‘ things that matter
‘
The
to us as Indians have been kept invisible,”
said Wayne Newell, director of Passamaquoddy Health Services, in opening a
recent teachers' conference. “
There has
been a presumption that we could be
‘
turned into something’that we could be
,
educated to become like the majority,”
said Newell, “ there is a lot left in our
but
own value system.”
Sixty teachers attended the day-long
workshop on Learning and Teaching
about Indians in Maine, sponsored by the
American Friends Service Committee.
Resource leaders for*the conference were
Carol Dana, Penobscot; Gary Ennis,
Maliseet, director of Aroostook Indian
education; Dr. Eunice Baumann, Penob
scot; Deanna Francis, Passamaquoddy, an
organizer of Sebayik Nation House and a
student of traditional medicine; and Dr.
Peter Paul, folklorist and expert on
Maliseet culture and language.
Citing an incident he had run into a day
earlier, Newell quoted a restaurant wait
ress who told a co-worker: “
Old people
always want something right away fast.
They're afraid things will run out.”
There
was no real evidence for such a generaliza
tion about old people, Newell pointed out.
“
Aboriginal people have been victims of
the same kind of blanket judgment. It
continues to happen in our school systems.
We perpetuate the belief that somebody
not like us in inferior. We assume a ‘
norm’
and decide that some one different from
the norm is not quite up to par.”
Newell wondered how many in the
audience had had the experience of
learning more than one language as a
child. “
When I first went to school, I didn’
t
understand English,”said Newell, “ I
but
learned. That is a regular accomplishment
for our Passamaquoddy children. It
doesn’necessarily help them to score well
t
on the standard achievement tests. People
then pay too much attention to the test
score instead of asking, ‘
What is this
child’potential?’
s
”
In reference to the 1980 land claims
settlement, Newell commented that neith
er side had won. “
We had to give up
something and the other side had to give
up something. It is done. History will
show whether we were right. We are a
little bit wealthier now. The Passamaquoddys are now the second largest blue
berry grower in the state. We have a little
more land. But we Indians and nonIndians still have the task of under
standing each other. I don’think we have
t
made much progress on that.”
Teachers were asked about their use of
the social studies text “
Maine: Dirigo,”
and its chapters written by Wabanaki
Indians. The comments were warmly
favorable. “ wanted to teach from the
I
point of view of an Indian. I’ really
m
grateful for the book.” The resource book
“
is particularly good.” One teacher re
ported that it was good to get in touch
with Indians in her community. “ was
It
hard to build contacts with Indians in the
community and get their confidence,”
she
said, "but we learned from Indians things
we couldn’anticipate in lesson plans."
t
Wabanki Alliance assisted in preparing
the textbook.
Namias quits Indian task force
BOSTON — Barbara Namias, a Mo
hawk, has resigned as coordinator of the
Federal Regional Council’ Indian Task
s
Force. She cited a “
frustrating year" with
no continued funding as reasons for the
resignation.
Namias, a former staffer with the
Quaker American Friends Service Com
mittee, has accepted a job as health and
community services director for Boston
Indian Council, serving Micmacs and other
area Indians.
"The Federal Regional Council hasn’
t
functioned this year,”Namias told Wab
anaki Alliance. She said the transition to
the Reagan administration and its policies
left the council’future existence clouded.
s
There is currently no funding proposal for
the agency in Washington.
"W e’ been on hold,” said.
ve
she
The task force has for a number of years
served Maine and New England Indian
groups, soliciting and allocating Admin
istration for Native Americans (ANA) and
other funds. Penobscots, Passamaquoddys, the Association of Aroostook
Indians and Central Maine Indian Associa
tion have all benefited from the task
force’work.
s
Namias’
predecessor, Gregory Beusing,
was a well known figure to Indian people
in Maine, and had also been involved with
the Quakers.
When a reporter called Namias, she was
discouraged because Marguerite Smith, a
Shinnecock Indian working for Union
Carbide, Inc., had not showed up for a
December task force meeting. She was to
discuss corporate fundraising.
“ have no money and no commitment
We
tor money. This has been a frustrating
year," Namias said. She has held her task
force job 1 months.
4
LISTEN UP — Vicki Daigle coaches Penobscot kids in gymnastics.
ORSON ISLAND home built from scratch by Penobscot, Neil Phillips on old RR bridge.
A Twain's-eye view
o f Noble Savage
By Paul A. Francis, Jr.
It is always interesting, and often
wistfully rewarding, to read American
literature of the 18th and 19th centuries.
In it one may discover, amongst its
manifold aspects pertaining to early
American life, the white man’ initial im
s
pressions of the American Indian. For the
most part, the Indian fares tolerably well
in this nascent literature, and perhaps too
well. These early writers tended to view
the Indian with a romantic eye, conse
quently creating the so-called “
Noble
Savage" myth. This myth, in itself, is not
to be deplored, for there was much in the
Indian lifestyle that was romantic. Per
haps it is only the terminology that must
be condemned, for how can a savage
aspire to nobleness when he, figuratively
speaking, possesses no more laudable
mannerisms than a marauding barbarian?
The very earliest American authors,
such as James Fenimore Cooper, (17891851) contributed greatly to the mythification of the American Indian. His
Leather stocking Tales can be read with a
winsome, even though incredulous, eye.
Yet, even he often referred to intractable
Indians (those, generally speaking, who
truculently opposed British hegemony) as
“
reptiles.”
This epithet is not too bad —
I’ been called much worse. But later
ve
authors, such as Mark Twain, saw the
“
Noble Savage" myth as so much bull, and
he, being the satirist that he was, under
took to destroy the myth with a pen much
mightier than the sword. The following
excerpt from Twain’Roughing It is, even
s
by today’ wanton standards, bigoted.
s
One may read it and become enraged; or,
one may read it and laugh the pitying
laugh of forbearance. The unfortunate
thing, in any event, is that the passage
may very well voice the true convictions
held by most Americans, then and now,
regarding to the American Indian.
"We,”began Twain, “
came across the
wretchedest type of mankind I have even
seen. I refer to the Goshute Indians. . . .
Such of the Goshutes as we saw, along the
road and hanging about the station, were
small, lean, ‘
scrawny’
creatures; in com
plexion a dull black like the ordinary
American Negro; their faces and hands
bearing dirt which they had been hoarding
and accumulating for months, years, and
even generations, according to the age of
the proprietor; a silent, sneaking, treach
erous-looking race . . . indolent, ever
lastingly patient and tireless, like all other
Indians [bold mine]; pridless beggars —
for if the beggar instinct were left out of
an Indian he would not "go,”any more
than a clock without a pendulum; hungry,
always hungry, and yet never refusing
anything that a hog would eat, though
often eating what a hog would decline;
hunters, but having no higher ambition
than to kill and eat jackass rabbits,
crickets, and grasshoppers, and embezzle
carrion from the buzzards and coyotes;
savages who, when asked if they have the
common Indian belief in a Great Spirit,
show something which almost amounts to
emotion, thinking whiskey is referred
to. . . .
“
The . . . Goshutes are manifestly
descended from the . . . gorilla, or
kangaroo, or Norway rat, whichever
animal — Adam the Darwinians trace
them to.
“
One would as soon expect the rabbits
to fight as the Goshutes and yet they used
to live off the offal and refuse of the
stations a few months and then come some
dark night when no mischief was ex
pected, and burn down the buildings and
kill the men from ambush as they rushed
out.
"It was curious to see how quickly the
paint and tinsel fell away from [the Indian]
and left him treacherous, filthy, and repul
sive — and how quickly the evidence
accumulated that wherever one finds an
Indian tribe he has only found Goshutes
more or less modified by circumstances
and surroundings — but Goshutes. after
all. They deserve pity, poor creatures; and
they can have mine — at a distance.
Nearer by, they never get anybody's.”
Note: The proper spelling of Twain’
s
“
Goshutes” Gosiutes. He may have been
is
satirizing the tribe’ name itself by
s
beginning it with Gosh-: Gosh utes!
THE ASSOCIATION OF AROOSTOOK INDIANS
Would like to announce the opening of fiscal officer, fiscal officer’duties include:
s
administration of personal functions of budget department, such as training, work
scneculing, promotions, transfer and performance ratings, and may include the
following: direct financial planning, and procurement, delegates authority for
receipt disbursement, banking, protection and custody of funds, securities and
financial instruments. Analyzes financial records to forecast future financial
position and budget requirements. Prepares financial for AAI Office of Adminis
tration and the Board of Directors. Resume and letter of application should be
sent to: Clair Sabattis, President, Association of Aroostook Indians Corp. P.O.
Box 223, Houlton, Me. Requests for applications may be made bv phone to either
Clair Sabattis or Michael Carlos, 532-7317. EOE.
�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
The land claims tale recounted
represent Maine in dealing with the
tribes.)
Still, the times were uncertain: “
Con
gress might well have wiped us out but for
Jimmy Carter coming into office,”Tureen
remarked. Also deserving credit was Sec
retary of the Interior Cecil Andrus, he
said.
In July 1977, retired Judge William B.
Gunter, at Carter’ request, suggested a
s
take-it-or-leave-it offer of 100,000 acres.
A telegram was sent to Carter bearing
87 names as diverse as Dick Gregory and
the president of the Maine Bar Associa
tion, opposing the Gunter solution.
By the fall of 1977, a White House task
force had produced a joint memorandum
of understanding. (Large landholders
w ere outraged at the $5 per acre in
Gunter's plan — a figure based on tax
valuation.) “
There was a howl of protest,"
Tureen said.
A significant question came from a
surprise corner, when Francis C. Sapiel of
Indian Island, attending the President’
s
“
town meeting” Bangor, asked Carter if
in
he would uphold the Indians' right to
bring their claim by vetoing legislation to
end the claims. The President said yes, he
would veto any such legislation.
Winston quits
money firm
Thomas N. Tureen at Rockport.
(Continued from page 1
)
by police, others that he was “ up”by
set
Passamaquoddys unhappy with his social
involvement with the tribe.
Tureen called the arrest fortuitous
because Gellers based his argument on the
concept that the early treaty was valid,
despite the Nonintercourse Act. Tureen
took over the case in 1969, and turned it
around. Tureen had clerked for Gellers as
a summer intern in 1967, and had worked
one summer on a western Indian reser
vation. He wrote a paper called “
Our
Brother's Keeper," exploring the rela
tionship of U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
to Indians.
The major issue em erged as whether or
not the Nonintercourse Act applied in
Maine ... “
people thought it didn’for 180
t
years,”
Tureen said.
One of the early land claims meetings
brought the Penobscots into the case in a
joint venture with Passamaquoddys. At
the m eeting w ere the late Ken Thompson
(a lawyer), his Penobscot wife, Sipsis, and
Penobscot James Sappier.
Things were rolling by 1971, when
Tureen discovered by chance that a
federal statute of limitations on filing
Indian lawsuits expired July 1972. “
The
clock was ticking,”
Tureen said.
Tureen wanted the courts to force the
Department of the Interior to fulfill its
obligations to Penobscots and Passama
quoddys. A memo sent to the Interior
Department had “
disappeared.”But en
couragement came from Bureau of Indian
Affairs official Louis Bruce, who said,
“
sure, let’do it.”
s
Tureen recalled, “
we w ere all very
young . . . I had put together a team of
lawyers, in part just so I wouldn’ get
t
picked off as easy as Don Gellers."
Maine's political delegation pitched in,
with right-wing Senator Margaret Chase
Smith calling up President Nixon, telling
him to “ going." Gov. Kenneth Curtis
get
said give the Indians their day in court.
Senator Edmund S. Muskie and Con
gressmen William Hathaway and Peter
Kyros lent liberal support.
Things grew m ore tense as the statute
of limitations deadline drew near. Tureen
said that at the time he “
thought the
tribes could come away with something
significant," such as $10 million for each
tribe, and 200,000 acres.
On July 17,1972, the claim was filed.
On July 1 Congress extended the
8,
statute of limitations — and it has since
been extended again, until next year.
In 1975, the court held that a trust
responsibility existed, and that the Non
intercourse Act applied, even to tribes not
federally recognized.
By the next year, the court’ ruling
s
became final, and nobody had appealed it.
Why didn’then Maine Atty. Gen. Joseph
t
E. Brennan appeal? Tureen suggested
that Brennan was a “
liberal”at the time,
or simply did not pay close attention to the
case.
Tureen said he explained the land
claims case to Gov. James B. Longley at a
dedication ceremony at Pleasant Point,
but the Governor apparently was dozing
off.
When the impact of the claims began to
hit home — Indians sought two thirds of
the state plus back rent — the Maine Con
gressional delegation asked for extin
guishment of the claims, and legislation
would have limited Indians to far smaller
monetary claims through the Indian
Claims Commission.
“ was a very scary period,”Tureen
It
said.
Tureen blamed Longley for anti-Indian
propaganda, “
the demagogic power that
he had . . . to use the media." Portraying
the late Governor as a sort of Hitler,
Tureen said he “
could have been elected
Em porer of Maine for life.”
Tureen held quite a different opinion of
widely-known Harvard Law School lawyer
Archibald Cox, who had been fired by
Nixon in the "Saturday Night Massacre.”
Tureen placed a call to Cox, and the
esteemed senior lawyer said “ m just
I’
terribly busy .. . but if you want to come
down and talk to me, that’ O.K.” Cox
s
decided to assist with the case, on
condition (he said jokingly) that the claims
exclude his wife's coastal property in
Maine. Tureen agreed, saying he too
owned land in Maine (in Perry).
The prominent law firm of Hogan and
Hartson donated time to the case.
Meanwhile, Longley hired the “
owner of
the Washington Redskins," lawyer E d
ward Bennett Williams, io represent the
state’ interest. Williams dropped out of
s
the picture after he allegedly told Longley
the state wasn’ likely to win in a court
t
battle with Indians. (Later the state hired
former Nixon lawyer James D. St. Clair to
PORTLAND — Abigail 0. Winston,
account executive, has quit her financial
management post with the prestigious
firm of Merrill Lynch, in a flap about
providing training sessions for Penob
scots.
Winston has worked for some time with
Penobscot Nation leaders, assisting and
advising in the handling of land claims
funds. When she sought training for tribal
officials through her firm, they reportedly
rejected the request.
So Winston, taking Penobscot accounts
with her, switched to another widely
known investment firm, that of Kidder
Peabody.
Two Indian papers
set rates
Two Indian newspapers. The Native
Nevadan, and Rawhide Press, announced
in November issues the loss of federal
subsidy funds and the start of paid sub
scriptions.
The Native Nevadan, published by the
state’inter-tribal council, will charge $10
s
per year “
effective immediately.”Editor
Arline Fisher said, “ a sufficient number
If
of paying subscribers — probably close to
5,000 — are not committed by Feb. 1, the
paper will fail.”Established in 1964, the
paper has a current circulation of about
6,000. Fisher described the paper as “
the
only source for comprehensive Indian
news in the state." Rawhide Press,
published by the Spokane Tribe of
Washington, announced a new editor as
well as a new subscription policy. Barbara
Reutlinger, who started at the paper in
1972, quit her job Nov. 20.
She has been replaced by Mary Wynne,
a Pawnee who joined the staff last spring.
In a farewell editorial, Reutlinger com
mented on the growth of the Indian press.
“ years ago there was just a sprinkling
Ten
of Indian publications, mostly newsletters.
Many of them stooped to yellow jour
nalism; biased articles that carried only
one point of view and stretched the facts.
Most of them died. Today there are
hundreds of professional Indian publi
cations, plus radio and television stations
broadcasting Indian news on a regular
basis
Another turning point, frought with
fear, involved State vs. Dana, in which
Allen J. Sockabasin and Albert C. Dana of
Indian Township challenged the state’
s
right to prosecute them for arson. They
claimed they resided in Indian territory,
and therefore were not subject to state
law.
“ was scared to death of it,”Tureen
I
said about the case. But the Maine
Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Socka
basin and Dana w ere indeed on Indian
territory, and subject to federal, not state
criminal law.
If the decision had gone the other way,
the claims could have been a lost cause. As
it was, the Dana decision was “ tre
a
mendous blow to the State of Maine,"
Tureen said.
Only four days prior to the state
supreme court ruling, the U.S. Supreme
Court said in an opinion on the Blackbird
Bend case (involving western Indians),
that the Nonintercourse Act applied to the
1834 Indian Act . . . in other words to
western states. “
These two decisions
created a tension," Tureen said.
“
What this did was lead to serious
negotiations,” he added. Negotiations
occur when the stakes are high, and when
neither side is sure of the outcome," he
said.
As the U.S. Supreme Court got ready to
sit down, a story was leaked to the
Washington Post about an out-of-court
settlement being reached with Maine
Indians — thus putting the justices off the
scent of the Maine case.
The negotiated $81.5 million joint tribal
settlement was hustled through referen
dum votes on the three reservations,
votes in both chambers of the state legis
lature, and finally to the halls of Congress,
where the House and Senate approved the
package, and President Carter signed it
into law, Oct. 10,1980. The next month he
was voted out of office, and a conservative
president was elected who might never
have agreed to a federal settlement with
2,000 Indians in Maine: one that provided
for purchase of 300,000 acres of land at fair
market value. It is the largest single
Indian settlement in the history of the
United States.
“ were awfully lucky,”Tureen said.
We
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
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ll
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—in the Bangor area—947-0755
—or toll free anywhere in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
�Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
Page'
Holistic concepts
promote Indian health
NET WORK — Dennis Pehrson attaches a new net to the hoop at Indian Island
Community Building, while Recreation Director Red Bartlett looks on . . . and looks
forward to a good season.
'Bury My Heart' to be TV series
SEATTLE — Production of the televi
all television rights in and to the literary
sion mini-series “
Bury My Heart At
work “
Bury My Heart At Wounded
Wounded Knee”is one major step closer
Knee.”
to reality.
Those rights, said Weigel, include the
Evergreen Foundation Films, Inc.,
right to produce, distribute and broadcast
(EFFI), of Seattle, Washington, has won a
a television mini-series based on that
favorable court ruling, upholding the
literary work.
company’ claim to the TV rights to the
s
That’ what EFFI will do, beginning in
s
literary work, “
Bury My Heart At
the next few weeks. The first order of
Wounded Knee," written by Dee Brown.
business will be a treatment or “
bible,”
The book, which the author describes as a
according to Jim Thebaut, president of
“
history of the American W est from the
EFFI and project producer, who said he is
viewpoint of the American Indian,”was a
relieved the year-long delay on the project
best seller in 1971.
is over. Thebaut said he is looking forward
EFFI’ claim had been challenged by
s
to, “
lots of hard work that will ultimately
the original owner of those rights. How
result in a truly rewarding mini-series for
ever, EFFI contended those rights legally television viewers around the world," a
reverted back to Brown at the end of five
press release said.
years, and that Brown's subsequent sale
“
For the first time, the true history of
of television rights to EFFI in 1979 was
the American W est will be presented in a
legal and proper. The court ruled in favor
very honest, comprehensive manner,"
of EFFI.
Thebaut said. “ think one of the most sig
I
Recently U.S. District Court Judge
nificant reasons that this project can do so
Stanley Weigel, presiding in San Fran
much good is that until a country deals
cisco, ruled: “ v erg ree n Foundation
E
with its past, it can’really come to grips
t
Films, Inc., owns and enjoys quiet title to
with its future.”
MAIL TO WABANAKI ALLIANCE, 95 MAIN STREET, ORONO, MAINE 04473
W ABANAKI ALLIANCE SU B SC R IP T IO N FORM
(Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance)
Name
1 EN CLOSE:
j$5 for one year
... .___ |(Individual^-U.S.)
1
| f$6 for one year
i___ 1
(Canada)
Street
City/Town and State .
j $10 for one year
1__ j (Institutional rate)
_
Zip Code
1 ‘
---
INDIAN ISLAND — “ believe at the
We
health center that the holistic approach is
the way to go, and that the preventive
approach is the way to go."
That’ the philosophy of John Jeffers,
s
medical social worker at the Penobscot
D epartm ent o f H ealth and Human
Services.
Jeffers, a Virginia native, has been on
the job one year, and is excited about it.
“
We're all working as a team here,”he
said, and with weekly meetings to discuss
problems and plans, "it’getting better all
s
the time.”
An individual can remain in far better
health by taking care of himself or herself
to start, with, rather than treating
illnesses after they set in. Jeffers would
like to see tribal members make physical
and mental health top priority. He points
out that a person's well-being and effec
tiveness in work and life depend on good
health.
Jeffers hesitates to state how many
patients he sees regularly, stating that
quantity is only one measure of his work.
He said he averages six persons per week.
He will treat anybody within the tribe
regardless of age, but his preference is to
work with an entire family. It’ all part of
s
the holistic approach.
“
Holism" is defined by the dictionary as
meaning a philosophy in which the
“
whole" has an importance greater than
the “
sum of the parts.”
Jeffers said he holds "such a full range
of responsibilities that unlike other social
workers in other agencies, I never feel
pigeon-holed.”
The job, he said, “
gives me a chance to
use my skills as a community organizer, a
group worker and a counselor.
“ gives us a chance to deal with the
It
people who com e into the clinic in a
holistic way.” Jeffers said he tries to
consider clients from a medical, mental
health, spiritual and nutritional point of
view.
Jeffers is a graduate of Virginia
Commonwealth University, with a BS in
psychology and an MS in rehabilitation
counseling. He is currently studying for
his masters in social work, at University
of Connecticut. He has spent more than
five years as a psychiatric social worker
and assistant clinic supervisor at a
Virginia community mental health center.
He is married to the former Nancy
Mathieson of Rockland, and the couple has
a seven-month-old boy, Matthew Dagan.
Jeffers says, “ love the people here. I
I
know what Sister Helen (McKeough,
principal of the Island school) means when
she says she loves the people here.”
Rights respected
NEW YORK — New York State gave
795 acres of land to the Seneca Indian
Nation in exchange for 795 acres of
reservation land needed by the state to
complete the last segment of the Southern
Tier Expressway.
For the Senecas, the trade was sweeten
ed by a cash settlement of approximately
$500,000. In addition, for the first time
since the early 1800s, the two parties
negotiated as equal sovereigns — after a
Federal judge ruled in 1976 that the state
could not condemn reservation land for
highway purposes.
Following this court ruling the Senecas
told the state that they would not
negotiate with the state for the needed
right of way until there was a commitment
not to reduce the size of the Indian land
areas.
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
tJ
=
Equal Housing
OPPORTUNITY
Owned Homes For Sale
in Washington County
These homes are available to veterans or
non-veterans without preference.
Main Street, Baring
$26,800.
9 Academy Street, Calais
25.900.
12 Beech Street, Calais
21,500.
8 Chapel Street, Calais
12,500.
1 Temperance Street, Calais
1
26,000.
Summer Street, Calais
19.000.
Route #1—Houlton Road, Woodland 27,500.
31 Chapel Street, Calais
19,000.
FINANCED FOR 30 YEARS BY VA
BEING
TRANSFERRED?
Contact the VA for
information about
properties available
throughout the State.
NO DOWN PAYMENTS REQUIRED
SE E YOUR LOCAL
REAL ESTA TE BROKER
All VA financed
A t p re v a ilin g in te re s t rates
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433
�Page 8
Wabanaki Alliance January 1982
Flashback
news notes
Loring hired
as paralegal
INDIAN ISLAND — Donna Loring,
former executive director of Central
Maine Indian Association, has been hired
as a paralegal with Penobscot Nation
tribal court.
A Penobscot tribal member and Viet
nam veteran, Loring will work with Mary
LaChance, also a paralegal, under super
vision of Dorothy Foster, court clerk.
Loring was hired by tribal Judge Andrew
Mead, a Bangor lawyer.
She is a resident of Old Town.
Arcade opens
INDIAN ISLAND - The Arcade, a
coin-operated game room for the younger
set, has opened here for business on River
Road.
Ernest Goslin installed equipment for
the Arcade in his former moccasin shop.
Light refreshments are available to cus
tomers.
Goslin was previously employed in
maintenance at the Community Building,
and worked with the Indian Island Bingo
Committee.
New citizen
New arrival
On the march
Penobscots in ceremonial dress march down North Main Street, Old Town, in early
times, as depicted in this post card lent by Rose Cronk of Indian Island.
Dr. Welch broke IHS rules
INDIAN ISLAND - Dr. Fenn H.
Welch, who recently resigned as tribal
dentist here, apparently violated federal
guidelines by doing outside work.
Wabanaki Alliance learned of the
alleged violations through conversations
with several sources who w ere close to the
former Indian Health Service (IHS)
dentist, who quit his job to take a post at
Obituaries
VIRGIE M. S. JOHNSON
ROBBINSTON - Virgie M. S. Johnson.
66, died Nov. 18, 1981 as the result of an
automobile accident. She was born in
Robbinston, Jan. 8, 1915, the daughter of
John and Minnie Diffin Stanhope.
She was a graduate of Calais Academy,
class of 1934.
She was a member of the American
Legion Auxiliary in Calais. She was
employed for 35 years by the Maine
Department of Indian Affairs in Calais and
was a member of the Maine State Em
ployees Association.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs.
Ronald (Audrey) Geagan of Bangor; one
brother, Royden Stanhope of Robbinston;
one sister, Mrs. Clara Johnson of Robbin
ston; two grandchildren, Todd and Sean
Geagan, both of Bangor; two dear friends,
William Jenkins of Robbinston and Marie
Brezovsky of Calais.
Funeral services were held at the ScottWilson Funeral Home, with the Rev.
Roland Chaffey officiating. Interment was
in the Robbinston Cemetery.
EDWIN M. MITCHELL
OLD TOWN - Edwin Matthew Mitchell,
of Indian Island, Old Town, died suddenly at
his home on Nov. 23, 1981. He was the
descendant of the late Henry Daylight
Mitchell and the late Edith (Ranco) Mitchell
of Indian Island; beloved husband of Sadie
(Ranco) Mitchell; father of Harvey Jon
Mitchell of Waterville. Christopher Brian
Mitchell of Indian Island and Kimball
Matthew Mitchell of Bangor; grandfather of
Kipling Jon and Kelly Jo Mitchell of
Waterville; brother of Helen (Mitchell)
Goslin of Indian Island; nephew of Leslie
Ranco of Wells and Dorothy (Ranco) Beatty
of Raymond. Edwin is also survived by
several nieces and nephews.
Donations in Edwin’ memory can be
s
made to American Heart Association,
Maine Affiliate Inc., P.O. Box 346, Augusta,
Maine 04330.
Oral Roberts University, an evangelical
school in Oklahoma.
Welch, 30, arrived at the Penobscot
health department in August 1980, succeding Dr. Stuart Corso, the first Indian
Island dentist who left for a job in
Connecticut. Corso has returned to Indian
Island and his former job, but is no longer
with the Indian Health Service.
Welch reportedly intended to “
moon
light" on his IHS federal contract by
treating patients outside of the Indian
community he was hired to serve. In fact,
Welch treated only a few patients not
authorized by the Indian clinic, sources
said.
No action was taken regarding Welch’
s
alleged violation of IHS regulations.
Welch came to Indian Island from an
IHS position with Indians in Alton,
Oklahoma, where he said he initiated a
flouride program. He earned a degree in
dentistry from University of Detroit,
Michigan, in 1979.
Skitikuk . f »Outfitters
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - Donald Soctomah and Joyce Tomah are the proud
Passamaquoddy parents of a new baby
girl.
She is Tashina Louise Soctomah, born
on Thanksgiving Day 1981. At birth, at
Calais Regional Hospital, she weighed
nine pounds, four ounces, and measured
just over 20 inches tall. The father is
currently attending the University of
Maine at Orono.
Howland rooms
with Na’
swahegan
OLD TOWN — Howland Printing,
operated by Reginald Howland of Bradley
and formerly doing business in that town,
has moved into the offices of Na’
swahegan
copy center here.
Howland will share space with the
Penobscot family-owned business headed
up by Joseph Polchies, a Penobscot.
Howland has set up shop in the rear of the
rented Main Street building.
Hyde students visit Island
INDIAN ISLAND — A group of
students from the Hyde School, a prepara
tory institution in Bath, visited the Pen
obscot Nation recently. The group toured
the Island and presumably found the ex
perience educational. Hyde is an ex
pensive private school with a radical philo
sophy that involves group psychological
confrontations and strick discipline. The
school accepts students who have had
difficulty coping with their families or
more traditional schools.
Specialists in wilderness travel.
Sales - Rentals - Guide Service
Home of Igas Island custom-made
packs and equipment
38 Main St.
O ron o
866-4878
Correction
ORONO — Theodore N. Mitchell should
have been correctly identified in a story in
last month’ Wabanaki Alliance as assist
s
ant dean of student affairs for Indian
programs and services. The story de
scribed the activities of the Indian student
club at University of Maine at Orono.
N a 's w a h e g a n , Inc.
76 NORTH MAIN ST.
OLD TOWN
827-6096
makes debut
INDIAN ISLAND — Erin Lee Baker is
the name of a healthy daughter born to
Nancy and Dan Baker of Indian Island,
Nov. 18. She weighed nine pounds, 11
ounces, at birth in a Bangor hospital. Erin
has a sister, Heather Marie.
Runner's widow
lives in shack
CHARLESTOWN. R.I. — The widow of
Ellison “
Tarzan”Brown, a Narragansett
Indian who twice won the Boston mara
thon, lives in a small house with no con
veniences.
Ethel Mae Brown, 62, built the house
with her husband in 1947. He died in 1975,
at age 61, leaving no money to her. So area
residents are now making plans to build
Ethel Mae a new house.
“
Tarzan to us was like Babe Ruth to
white people,”commented Harry Mars, a
Narragansett building contractor. Mars is
involved in the housebuilding project
which is at the fundraising stage.
The late runner got his nickname
because of his Johnny Weismuller ape
man call imitation.
HARDWARE
& GUN SHOP
TOM VICAIRE. Proprietor
The only Indian-owned hardware
business in the State of Maine
"W e’ eager to do business with people
re
in the Indian community,”
says Tom.
The store carries a full line of tools,
electrical and plumbing supplies, paint
and housewares. Also, a selection of fine
new and used guns.
See Our Garden Supplies and Tools
For all your hardware and
hunting needs, visit —
MATTAWAMKEAG HARDWARE &
GUN SHOP
and sample some good Indian hospitality
and service.
" It's a M ira c le ”
Use our “
Miracle Machine”
c d c c 148
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�
Dublin Core
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Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (January 1982)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
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1982-01
Contributor
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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Document
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pdf
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DV-430
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https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/02e7ec0e8a7bb252cdf99ed7affc5b86.pdf
269b71b46762d7e339a6dee51c0bbba1
PDF Text
Text
P E K tt, £ 3
ui667
A llia n c e
I
Nao-pnCl Orfsaizuiee
PatUgePild
Ptneh No, 1
4
Oraeo, Malar
401
November
Bingo a boon
to the Island
THE BIG MONEY — Lt. Gov. Joseph Francis, left, and Miles Francis, Bingo
Committee president, present $2,500 each to Clara Chessie (left) and Cora Tate, who
split the $5,000 jackpot. The full-card bingo game was a surprise to the 502 Sunday
players last month. .. officials feared too much commotion with advance notice of the
award.
DA re-opens case of
Micmac killed by car
ELLSWORTH — The controversial
case of a Micmac blueberry raked killed
by a hit-and-run motorist will be re
opened, a legal official confirmed.
District Attorney Michael Povich
told Wabanaki Alliance that he will
conduct an investigation of the Aug. 17
incident in Deblois, in which a deputy
sheriff later pleaded “no contest” to
charges he left the scene of a “personal
injury accident.”
Deputy Sheriff Murray B. Seavey,
50, of Cherryfield, paid a $100 fine on
his no contest plea to the charge.
Possible fines range from $25 to $1,000
for the offense. Since the court action, a
number of area residents and others
have complained that Seavey should
have been charged with manslaughter;
and that $100 was a small price to pay
for a man’ death.
s
Because “the hue and cry has been so
loud,” Povich said, “This is not dead,
this is not the end of it. Im re-opening
it, I’ reviewing it. I will issue a public
m
statement, probably a written state
ment, that will be available to anyone.”
Povich has m et with editors of both
the Ellsworth American and The
Bangor Daily News, and both of those
newspapers have printed editorials
critical of the handling of the hit-andrun death of Joseph B. Peters, 20, a
Micmac from Big Cove, New Bruns
wick. The first editorial to call for
further investigation was printed in
the September issue of Wabanaki
Alliance. (Continued on page 8)
INDIAN ISLAND — Five years of
Sunday bingo gam es culminated last
month in an award five times the size of
the usual jackpot.
An average crowd of 502 players were
on hand for the surprise climax. The prize
was split between tw o grandmothers,
Cora Tate of Eddington, and Clara Chessie
of Lincoln, who both attained full-card
bingo in 52 calls (there are 25 numbered
spaces per card).
Mrs. Tate has played at the Penobscot
tribal gam es since they started; ‘ v e
T
never won too much, $50 maybe,” she
said. She will spend some of her $2,500
share of the award on her grandson,
coming to visit her from Germany, for
Christmas.
Mrs. Chessie said she com es to bingo “a
couple times a month .”
A well-known patron of the Island bingo
games, Shirley Hathaway, was not
present for the big award. She is able to
handle 36 cards at once, entirely by
memory.
Asked why the $5,000 award was
released, Bingo Committee President
Miles Francis said, “you’ got to treat
ve
your customers right. W e’ second only
re
to the Seminoles (a Florida Indian tribe) in
Indian beano.”
Francis is proud of the job he and his
staff have done with the Indian Island
Bingo gam es and proceeds. Funding for
ch ildren ’s re crea tio n p r o g ra m s and
“Christmas turkeys for every household
on the reservation” are among many
things supported by bingo. The committee
a branch of tribal government, has been
generous with grants to causes it seem s
worthy of financial support.
In addition to the Sunday evening
games, the committee oversees operation
of a game room (mechanical gam es of
chance) and a snack bar, both of which
provide income.
Bingo and the gam e room are som e
times criticsed by those opposed to legal
gambling, but Francis replies, “it’ either
s
the Indian Island Bingo or I don’ know
t
how we’ keep this building open.”
d
Francis said bingo was initially to
support the costs of operating the tribal
Community Building, built in 1976-1977.
“W e had a building and no way to support
it,” he said.
Bingo gam es started with $1,400 from
the Penobscot Nation tribal council, and
30 people attended the first game. The
first gam es gave the winners $5 for
“regulars,” and a $75 jackpot. Regular
games are now $50, ten tim es the original
figure. “Consolation" prizes are now
$ 1,000.
“As the crowd grew, the prizes grew, ’
Francis explained. A majority of the
players are non-Indians, many from
out-of-town.
Original organizers of the Island bingo
w ere Francis, chairman, Donald Nelson,
Manfred Francis and Sam Sapiel. The
current committee includes Lt. Gov.
Joseph (Jo-Jo) Francis, Martin Neptune,
Donald Nelson and Manfred Francis.
Irving Ranco has been appointed bingo
manager.
Francis commented, “the enjoyment I
get out of it is seeing the benefits that the
tribe as a whole” receives.
Other things sponsored by bingo in
clude bean suppers, parties and supple
mental support of meals for the elderly.
Francis wins Lt.Gov. slot
INDIAN ISLAND — Joseph (Jo-Jo)
Francis won his bid for the tribal
lieutenant governor’ job handily, edging
s
out four com petitors early in the returns.
At final count, Francis, age 47, tallied
149 votes, after the Sept. 2 election.
Candidate Eugene Loring, 60, garnered
101 ballots; Nicholas Dow, age 37, cap
tured 88 votes; Neil Phillips, age 43, 33
ballots; and R ose Scribner, age 40, ten
votes.
At one point during the election,
Francis complained he was accused of
using tribal stationery in his campaign. He
emphatically denied the charge.
“I intend to work with the Governor and
the council. I personally believe that I
have a good working relationship with the
council,” Francis told Wabanaki Alliance.
Asked if he would seek the top job in
1982 now held by Gov. Timothy Love,
(Continued on page 8
)
Group seeks to impeach Gov. J.H. Nicholas
PLEASANT POINT - Ralph Dana and
more than 160 other Passamaquoddy
tribal members have signed a petition
seeking to remove Gov. J. Hartley
Nicholas from office. His term ends next
fall.
Dana said he has submitted his petition
to tribal leadership, but there has been no
action in recent weeks.
Asked for comment, Nicholas said he is
biding his time, and has not yet decided
how he will respond. He said he contacted
U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs official
Harry A. Rainbolt, and Rainbolt told him:
“No way. I’ not going to get involved in
m
your internal affairs.”
Both Nicholas and Dana have contacted
tribal legal counsel Thomas N. Tureen
about the matter. Said Nicholas, “I called
Tom up and he said ‘ think I could
I
persuade them (BIA) to send someone
down.’ I said, let us deal with this our
selves. This is after all an internal affair.”
However, in an Oct. 2 letter to Dana,
Tureen stated in part, “it would seem to
me that the assistant secretary for Indian
Affairs or his delegate should supervise a
recall election and that a recall petition, in
the absence of specific tribal action, should
be submitted to the Assistant Secretary in
the first instance.”
As in a related story about the firing of
Pleasant Point’ health director (in this
s
issue), the petition drive involves Peter
Bailey. Dana was involved in an earlier
petition to hold a referendum on adoption.
The vote was to determine if someone
“with less than one quarter Indian blood
should be adopted into the tribe.”
A date was set for the vote, but Nicholas
cancelled the referendum, maintaining the
petition “contains forgeries, duplication of
names, and’ there are people who re
quested to take their names off.”
Nicholas complained that his m other’
s
name appeared on the petition, and that
she asserted it was a forgery. Dana said
(Continued on page 10)
�Page 2
Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
editorials
The perfect place
We have no personal stake in the sale of a piece of Indian Island
property advertised in this issue.
But we think the Penobscot Nation and its members could have a
big stake in it.
For sale is the former home of Molly Spotted Elk. a celebrated
Penobscot who married a French journalist. She herself was a writer,
poet, professional dancer and spiritualist in traditional Indian ways.
That is only background.
The house itself is exceedingly well constructed, with fine
woodworking and other details . .. it does require some work. The
property includes Penobscot River frontage and a deep lot. The
Indian Island Elementary School is practically across the street, and
the location is near the bridge to the City of Old Town and major
roads.
All this is leading up to a proposal: why not acquire the property
for a tribal museum, gallery, and offices? The asking price is not
exorbitant, and this could be the tribe's opportunity to grab some
needed space for a worthwhile project. In fact, to erect a new
building of comparable size would cost many times the asking price
for this property.
A tribal museum and cultural center should not be a back-burner
issue for the Penobscots. Face it, language and culture can easily slip
from your grasp, just as many rare artifacts have probably been lost
forever.
Perhaps this new museum/cultural center could offer a permanent
home for the work of Dr. Frank T. Seibert on the Penobscot
language. It could certainly offer a home for many treasures that,
without such protection, may be buried forever.
Second warning
This newspaper has sounded a warning bell before about
decreasing federal aid to Indians.
It's happening.
The Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land claims were won none too
soon. The Indian community should realize that President Reagan is
in many respects opposed to the goals of Indians. Don t look to him
or his administration for help.
All of us are feeling the squeeze, and more cuts are inevitable. How
hard, and when they fall, may be negotiable. But the message is
unmistakable. Indians had better develop economic and financial
resources with true self-sufficiency in mind.
We don't have the answers, but we urge tribal governments to
make some answers a top priority. If you don’ it is your people, and
t
you yourselves who will suffer.
You can’ just play the game, you must be ahead of the game. You
t
cannot gamble on unlimited government support.
The cycle of dependency is drawing to a close.
The Robert Abbe museum at Bar Harbor.
Editorial
Further inquiry
This community is not satisfied with the
disposition that prosecutors and courts
have made of the case involving the death
of Joseph B. Peters, the young man killed
on Route 193 in Deblois on Aug. 17.
The legal consequences of this fatality,
so far, have been a nolo contendre plea by
a part-time deputy sheriff. Murray B.
Seavey. He pleaded nolo contendre to a
charge of leaving the scene of an accident
and was fined $100. The penalty seems
greatly disproportionate to the offense. If
Seavey did indeed leave the scene of a
fatal accident for which he was respon
sible. He has been at pains to emphasize
that he did not plead guilty to any charge
but only declined to make a legal defense.
There seem s to be an intimation here that
something more was involved in the
incident than was disclosed in the legal
proceedings.
The shadow of doubt cast over the
episode is sufficient to warrant a further
grand jury inquiry into exactly what did
happen when Peters was killed. Citizens
have raised a number of questions: was
anyone else with Seavey? Did he report
the accident as hit and run offense by an
unknown motorist at once, or immediately
disclose it as a mishap in which he was
involved? Is there any evidence on the
predicament of Peters when hit, i.e. was
he lying on the thoroughfare, sitting on it,
or walking across it or alongside it? If
Seavey did hit Peters and leave the scene,
did any other vehicle strike him prior to
Seavey's return?
The authorities have dealt with the
death of a young man in a manner entirely
too off-hand and superficial. The com
munity is entitled to a more complete
report. It has no citizens so mean and
lowly that their death is adequately
punished by a $100 fine.
[The above editorial is reprinted from
the Oct. 8 edition of The Ellsworth
American.]
Editors wanted for training course
TUCSON. Arizona — A program that
has trained journalists in newspaper
editing positions in the last two years is
accepting applications for the 1982 ses
sion.
Wabanaki Alliance
Those accepted into the 1982 Editing
Program for Minority Journalists will
work with a variety of editors during the
eight-week session at the University of
Arizona iournalism department in Tucson.
Vol. 5, No. 11
Member — Maine Press Association
Steven Cartwright, Editor
Reporters
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
Wishful thinking
Wouldn’ it be nice if once, just once, the people of Pleasant Point
t
put aside their political differences, sat down together, and agreed
that there are more important things to do than bicker and backstab.
What would the elders of the Passamaquoddy Tribe have said
about all this 300 years ago? For that matter, what do the elders of
the tribe think now?
November 1981
Published monthly by Wabanaki Alliance, through a sustaining grant from the
Penobscot Nation, under contract with Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc.
Offices at 95 Main Street, Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207] 866-4903. Typeset
by the Penobscot Tim es Company. Printed by the Ellsworth American.
Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree, Penobscot Nation, [chairman]
Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Phone 827-6219
Phone 532-9442
Indian Island
Old Town
Old Town
A non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: S5 per year [12 issues]; $6 Canada and overseas; $10 for institutions [schools,
government, business, etc.]
�Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
Page 3
letters
A Stetson student
Artifacts, progress
Stetson
To the editor:
I am a fifth grade student. I am doing a
research project on the Penobscot Indians.
I would appreciate any information you
can send me.
Michelle Miles
Doing school report
Stetson
To the editor:
I am a 6th grader in Stetson, and I am
doing a report on Indians with two of my
friends. We would appreciate any infor
mation you could send us on the Penobscot
Indians.
Thank you so much for your prompt
attention to this.
Barbra Bellefleur
Deserved equality
Lowell, Mass.
To the editor:
I am a student at the University of
Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts. I am
writing a research paper which will direct
itself toward the Native American and his
legal battle for his deserved equality and
civil liberties in the United States.
It would be appreciated if you could
send me any material and/or biblio
graphies that you might have collected as
regards th is s u b je c t . I w o u ld b e h a p p y t o
submit payment for any of these materials
upon notification of a fee due.
I am especially interested in the recent
litigation in your state involving the
Penobscot tribe and the Passamaquoddy
reservation.
Kathy Brown
A few errors
Presque Isle
To the editor:
In October's Wabanaki Alliance; “Micmacs seek federal recognition status,”
there were a few errors. The second para
graph, line seven, about the Houlton Band
of Maliseets: The Maliseets have agreed
to adopt us into their band, but thus far
Micmacs are resentful to join due to the
management of earlier years. The Indians
around the Northern Aroostook County
have not received much service in the
past, and they feel that it would not be any
different in the future if they were
adopted in the Houlton Band.
John L. Morey
Secretary
Association of Aroostook Indians
Dover-Foxcroft
To the editor:
I grew up in Woodsville, N.H., on the
Connecticut River. In that area there are
large intervales along the river and there
is an old corn mill in North Haverhill, and
just about one half mile north o f W oods
ville, one was uncovered on top of a bluff
at the “Narrows,” when the road was
being widened. Unfortunately, progress
took its usual course, and it was blasted
away.
Many of the farmers find artifacts when
they plow their fields, and the old folks
used to tell how the brick yard in W oods
ville was closed because of burials found
there.
Thought this bit might be of interest to
you. Keep up the good work.
Ellie Barnes
Needs information
Stetson
To the editor:
I'm a fifth grade student. I am doing a
research project on the Penobscot Indians.
I’ appreciate any information you could
d
send me. Thank you for your earliest
attention to this.
Katrina Veeder
German interest
T
j-,
H m au, W est G erm any
To the editor:
J
y o u will be surprised when you get a
letter from Germany from a friend of the
Passamaquoddy Indian reservation.
I’ befriended Mr. Wolfgang Ritter,
ve
the father of Mr. (Roger) Ritter in Maine,
an Indian member of the Passamaquoddy
Tribe.
I would like to go there to this reserva
tion, but before I must learn the language
of the Passamaquoddy. So please send to
me the newspaper of the Passamaquoddy
and Penobscot Indians. I will pay when I
get your newspapers. Thanks in advance
and write to me soon.
Kurt Gernhand
!
^
WASHINGTON — Three Washington
lawyers w ere awarded a record fee of
$10.6 million for their work on behalf of
eight Sioux Indian tribes. The lawyers
won a judgment of $106 million from the
United States in settlement for the taking
of seven million acres of land in the Black
Hills, South Dakota.
The fees w ere awarded to Arthur
Lazarus, Jr., on behalf of his law firm, and
to Marvin J. Sonosky and William H.
Payne.
Lazarus told the New York Tim es that
he did not have “the slightest idea” of how
many hours of work he and the other
lawyers had done since they started rep
resenting the tribes on a contingency
basis, almost 25 years ago. Lazarus said
the “bulk of the work” had been done by
Millinocket himself, his partner Richard Schifter and
Sonosky.
To the editor:
I’ a high school senior and I m doing a
m
Chief Judge Daniel M. Friedman of the
term paper on the Indian Land Claims. I
Court of Claims said that although the
would like some information on this
award to the lawyers was “m ore than
subject so I could successfully com plete
twice the previous highest award of
my project. Thank you.
s
Todd Sweet 1 attorney’ fees in an Indian claims case, it
was “fully justified” and “necessary to
compensate the attorneys adequately for
their services.” The court noted that when
the three attorneys took over the case in
1956, the Sioux had already lost their case
Augusta
twice in court.
Term paper
Accurate, thorough
Link to heritage
Winter Garden, Fla.
To the editor:
I moved a few months ago and haven t
received a paper since. Would you please
check your records and let me know if my
subscription for this year has run out. I
really miss this link to my heritage.
Also please send information on classi
fied ads and space ads.
Rachel McGillivray
Subscribe!
To the editor:
Having talked with representatives
from the Penobscot Nation and Central
Maine Indian Association, I understand
that Wabanaki Alliance covers Native
American issues in Maine thoroughly and
accurately.
Because of our agency’ commitment to
s
serve as resource agents to the state s
Indian CETA prime sponsors, as well as a
personal interest in your efforts, please
enter our subscription to your paper.
Richard H. Bulger
State Employment & Training
Council
Payne, who told the Daily Oklahoman
that his share of the fees would be about
$1.5 million, said: “I’ tell you this about
ll
HEALTH CENTER DIRECTOR
Master’ D egree in Health Adminis
s
tration and Planning preferred. E x
perience required. Knowledge of gov
ernment contracting and budgeting
process, management skills. Send re
sume to: Personnel Director, Pleasant
Point, Perry, Maine 04667. For further
information call 853-2551 ext. 226.
Indian cases. You have to be a young man
when you take ’
em. I w ouldnt take
another Indian case now.”
Clarification
In a story in last month’ Wabanaki
s
Alliance, about Dr. Frank Seibert's work
on a Penobscot language dictionary, the
name of Mary Rhine was inadvertently
left out.
Rhine, a tribal member, has contributed
a great deal to the project, working on
numerous 3x5 cards that define Indian
words. She has been with the project from
the beginning, according to anthropologist
Pauleena Seeber, assistant to Dr. Seibert.
Also working on the project part time,
since the beginning, is Paul Francis Jr., a
ribal member.
Brief vocabulary lists are being pre
pared for the flyer that is circulated on
Indian Island.
CALICO BEAN BAG CAT
This delightful kitten will bring a
smile to the young and old alike. Great
project for the Christmas Bazaar. Kit
includes fabric, pattern, floss and
instructions. All you add are the beans.
Finished cat measures 10” long with a
7” tail. Send check or M.O. $3.50 kit,
35c postage and handling: Rachel
McGillivray, 48 So. Park 36-303 Winter
Garden, Fla. 32787 (Limited Supply).
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Penobscot Indian Children’
s
Center today announced its policy for
meals served under the Child Care
Food Program. Meals will be made
available at no separate charge without
regard to race, color, or national origin
to children at the Penobscot Indian
Children’ Center.
s
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
Tureen's case
G ay Head Indians
okay land claims
GAY HEAD, Mass. — In a settlement
designed by Maine land claims lawyer
Thomas N. Tureen, the Wampanoag
Indians here voted approval to a package
that will deliver them land valued at $2.8
million.
The Gay Head Wampanoags on Mar
tha's Vineyard are separate from Mashpee
Wampanoags on Cape Cod. Mashpees
have been unable to prove their status as
a tribe.
Tureen, who visited Indian Island in
Maine recently for the funeral of Pauline
Love, mother of Penobscot Gov. Timothy
Love, told Wabanaki Alliance he was
generally happy with the vote of 115-60.
He said the margin of support was similar
to that of the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy
settlement voted on last year.
The out-of-court deal with the Gay Head
CENSUS STUDY — Jean Chavaree, m em ber of the Penobscot Nation census
Taxpayers Association resolves seven
committee, studies the “roll” with Tribal Genealogist S. Glenn Starbird. Those persons
years of struggle by the Indians.
listed on the census of 1860 are considered full-blooded Penobscot Indians. Many
A wire service story quoted tribal
decisions are yet to b e resolved on m ore recent census data. Committee chairman is Sadie
council president Gladys Widdiss as
Mitchell.
Poetry
M oose on the loose
Moose on the loose
Not to be tagged
Slaughtered or quartered
No bounty on my head
Just my rack of antlers
Wading through the swamps
Eating the tender grasses
Jogging through the pines
Nibbling at the tender buds
Galloping through the flat lands
Catching the winds of sweet scents
Pausing at the water’ ed ge to listen
s
Hearing the frogs play bass
And the birds sing soprano
And the crickets play the reeds
And I hear the partridge drum
All these sounds I hear
When I stop and listen
Whem I am on the loose
I hear only the music
Of my hooves
Pounding the turf
Splashing through the swamps
Beating my tune on the earth
Then I stop and laugh
At the thought of
My legs as drumsticks
My drumsticks beating
Beating the earth drum
The earth drum tightly stretched
Over a hoop of peace
And laced with hope
All of us creatures
Forming a beat
All of us created beings
Formed with a beat
Vibrating throughout the universe
Unity in this place
Unity in that place
All loosely tied together
With each beat
Resounding in each other’ chambers
s
Carrying on the tradition
And the chant of the creator
Oh, it feels good to be
On the loose
Beating on the earth with my feet
Dancing in the winds, yaaaa yaaa.
Sipsis
(Sipsis is a Penobscot from Indiign
Island. Her name means “Little Bird.”)
Bailey case:
On or off
the census?
PLEASANT POINT — Peter Bailey
is 37 years old and considers himself a
Passamaquoddy Indian. In fact, he
speaks the language with ease.
It’ not surprising, since he grew up
s
with his adoptive Passamaquoddy
parents, Josephine and P eter Bailey
Sr., on the reservation.
The couple was childless, and in
1946, a Roman Catholic Sister of
Mercy, the late Sister Claire, pre
sented the Baileys with an “Indian
baby.”
"relieved that we’ now off that dime
re
we’ been stuck on for the past several
ve
years. I'm also pleased with the margin.
I’ been worried for the past four or five
ve
days.”
However, 43 tribal mem bers filed a
motion in U.S. District Court to intervene
in the settlement, claiming it was unfair.
“It’ a splinter group and they tried to
s
sway the vote,” Widdiss said.
The settlement must now be approved
by the Massachusetts Legislature, and
then by Congress.
Maine’ $81.5 million settlement was
s
first approved by the Maine Legislature in
Spring 1980, and then by C ongress the
following fall.
The town of Gay Head retained rights
to a 50-foot strip of beach to guarantee
access to the water by non-Indians.
Martha’ Vineyard is a small island where
s
many wealthy people have summer
homes.
Alcoholism agency moves
ORONO — Wabanaki Corporation, an
inter-tribal Maine alcoholism counseling
agency, has moved its head offices to
Bangor.
Located for several years in a former
Catholic convent on Main Street in Orono,
the nonprofit corporation is now housed at
One Kenduskeag Plaza, in the downtown
area. Director Steve Francis said the rent
is considerably less for the Bangor space,
which consists of two large rooms on the
first floor.
Francis said the Wabanaki Corporation
board of directors approved m oving the
offices a couple of weeks ago. Rent was
expected to be increased about $200 per
month at the 93 Main St. building, owned
by St. Mary’ Parish and the Roman
s
Catholic Diocese of Portland.
The new phone number for the agency
is 947-6519/6510.
Wabanaki Corporation is set up to serve
alcoholics in five communities; the two
sister Passamaquoddy reservations, the
Penobscot reservation, and two off-reservation groups: Association o f Aroostook
Indians and Central Maine Indian Associa
tion.
Francis indicated federal funding of the
agency is secure for the current fiscal
year. ;
BIA boss writes book
WASHINGTON — Theodore W. Taylor,
form er Deputy Commissioner of Indian
Affairs from 1966 to 1970, is writing a
book on the Bureau of Indian Affairs .
Peter Bailey was placed on the
census in 1952, and has been on it ever
since. But in the 1960s, a tribal gover
nor had him reclassified as non-Indian,
although still a tribal member. Bailey
said the original 1952 paperwork is
lost.
After a recent petition drive by
Ralph Dana and others on the issue of
adoption, it appeared the tribe would
vote on whether or not to adopt anyone
into the tribe with less than one
quarter Indian blood. The petition
would directly affect Bailey, who so far
cannot prove his blood quantum.
Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas of Pleasant
Point believes the petition, which he
rejected as invalid because of alleged
forgeries and duplication of names, is
aimed soley at Bailey.
At a joint tribal council m eeting
following Dana's petition, Bailey’ case
s
was reviewed, but he was not removed.
So for the time being, Peter Bailey,
who with his Passamaquoddy wife,
Shirley, has five children on the tribal
census, is himself a tribal member.
Bailey said some people may resent his
college education.
Said Governor Nicholas, “a man who
in his mind and heart thinks and feels
Indian, to treat him like this is unfair.”
Old Mashpee m eeting house.
O ld m e etin g house faces fix-u p
MASHPEE, Mass. — The old Meeting
House here, originally built to “civilize the
savages” by Europeans settling Cape Cod,
is due for restoration.
According to the Mashpee Indian news
letter Mittark, efforts are underway to
raise money to restore and maintain the
historic site, along with the Old Schoolhouse, built in 1831 and also known as
Ockway Chapel.
The schoolhouse represents the white
man’ efforts to teach reading and writing
s
to natives. Mashpee was then designated
a Plantation, and it was thought that
Indians would be fully assimilated into
white culture.
Mashpees became known as “praying
Indians” because of their early and
complete conversion to Christianity.
The newsletter reports that Massa
chusetts at one time provided the death
penalty for persons caught educating
Indians.
The Mashpee M eeting House continues
to serve the Indians, and is open to
visitors. So far, friends of the Meeting
House have raised more than $2,500
through “Las Vegas Nights” at Dunfey’
s,
and the Outrigger Hotel in Hyannis.
�Wabanakd Alliance November 1981
Page 5
Sisters of Mercy to stay with Indian schools
SCHOOL LUNCH BREAK WHEN — Photographed during World War II era, these
workers in the Indian Island school lunch program [and others] w ere from left, Mary
Ketchum Lewis, Jim Lewis, Cecilia Ketchum Banks, state Indian agent Hiram Hall [or
Cyde Cummings?], and Clara Paul Schaeffer. [Photo courtesy of John Banks]
INDIAN ISLAND - The Sisters oi
Mercy, associated with Penobscot and
Passamaquoddy reservations for more
than a century, will continue to be
involved in the administration and teach
ing at local schools.
That was the word from Gov. Timothy
Love, in answer to a question from
Wabanaki Alliance. The Governor said
there are no changes anticipated in the
administrative structure of the Indian
Island Elementary School, of which Sister
Helen McKeogh is principal. The school
committee is composed of tribal members.
Although several years away, Love said
a new school building is in early planning
stages. It could cost an estimated $4
million he said, and would be located on
landfill near the community building,
which houses a tribal gymnasium. The
gym would serve the school’ needs, he
s
said.
The new school would probably include
grades seven and eight (junior high).
Currently, the Island school handles
kindergarten through sixth grade.
At Pleasant Point, where Sister Mau
reen Wallace is principal, the Beatrice
Rafferty School includes junior high
grades, in a separate building. Sister
Beatrice was a school teacher at the
reservation many years ago.
At Indian Township, the junior high
school is part of the reservation complex,
and for the first time ever, the school has a
principal who is not a Sister of Mercy. He
is Ed Vandall, a Chippewa-Cree Indian.
Indian Island continues to use an aged
schoolhouse with various wings built on
over the years. The tw o Passamaquoddy
reservations have m ore modern schools.
The old Township school was torn down
following years of vandalism. The old
Pleasant Point school was burned by an
arsonist who was apparently never iden
tified.
Resolution fails
At a Penobscot tribal council meeting
earlier this year, tribal m em ber Mildred
Akins attempted to get a resolution
passed that called for resumption of
religious classes in the Indian Island
school. She further called for a guarantee
that the “Sisters of Mercy by tradition be
reaffirmed the full protection of the
Nation, and, continuance of the teaching
role and security they have received in
past years.”
The double resolution failed to pass.
Mrs. Akins, a devout Catholic, based
her resolution on the fact that “the
traditional practices of the Penobscot
Nation have, since formal education was
introduced to the Nation, been carried out
by teachers being Sisters of Mercy;
religious classes over these hundreds of
years have been taught in our schools by
Catholic Religious Sisters and Clergy
since the 1700’ since religious classes
s;
have been removed from the school on the
FOREST TECHNICIAN
The Penobscot Nation Dept, of Natural Resources is currently seeking a forest
technician. Duties include overseeing timber operations, planning, supervising,
inspecting, reports, etc. Also, assisting Dept, of Natural Resources personnel in
various areas o f forest management.
Qualifications include a 2 year associates degree in forest management but
appropriate experience may be substituted. Must be in good physical condition
and willing to work out of doors.
This is a permanent full time position, 40 hours per week. Salary is $10,500$15,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Deadline for applications is
November 20,1981. Please send resum es to Dept, of Employment, P.O. Box 405,
Old Town, Maine 04468 attention D. Sellas.
Penobscot attends
child abuse workshop
PORTLAND — Angie Mitchell, an offreservation tribal member employed by
Penobscot Health & Human Services,
recently participated in a workshop titled,
“use or abuse o f cultural diversity in the
80s.”
Mitchell was a “presenter” at the work
shop, which was sponsored by a Cumber
land County child abuse and neglect
organization, United Way, and Maine D e
partment of Human Services.
Among speakers w ere Gerald Talbot,
president of the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP).
Mitchell was hired by the Indian Island
health agency to serve as Southern Maine
outreach worker.
Store closes after 4 4 years
INDIAN ISLAND — Opened in 1937,
the small store operated by Mabel and
Francis (Bunny) Ranco will end an era
when it closes down this month.
The beloved candy and food shop was
featured in a recent story in this news
paper.
Mabel Ranco said she and her husband
will enjoy retirement, but she will miss
many customers. She publicly thanked the
long time patrons of the store, some of
whom she served as she watched them
grow up, then served their children.
Houlton health staff
takes training
AN ARTIFACT of the Maine Indian land claims settlement is this scrap of paper noting
“reservations” at the elite Washington, D.C. restaurant called “Sans Souci.” The
reservations w ere for Maine Indian negotiators having lunch with the Washington Post,
the day before the signing of the settlement act by President Carter, Oct. 10, 1980. A
recent newspaper column by Art Buchwald lamented the closing of “Sans Souci, for
years a hang-out for the rich and powerful.
reservation, mem bers of the Nation are
now undergoing severe social value
changes, which in many cases do not
reflect traditional, social, moral and
religious values and caring for each
other.”
Several Penobscot tribal members filed
suit in March 1979, in U.S. District Court,
to halt the teaching of religion at Indian
Island school. The suit said the school was
public, and teaching of religion illegal. The
suit resulted in the religion class being
moved out of the school building.
The suit was filed by lawyer Hugh
Calkins, now of Dover-Foxcroft, on behalf
of Penobscots Martin Neptune, Stanley
Neptune, Sipsis, and Patrick Shay (now
deceased).
By Brenda Polchies
HOULTON — Mary London, Coordina
tor of Outreach with Sally Joseph and
Gloria Tomah, outreach workers for the
Health Department of the Houlton Band
of Maliseet Indians, have returned from
Nashville, Tennessee after participating
in a two week training course titled
“Nutrition Awareness.”
The course, held at the Ramada Inn
Airpot, was scheduled from September
15th to the 25th. The session was spon
sored by Indian Health Service, a segm ent
o f Public Health Service, Department of
Health, Education and Welfare.
Various topics covered in-depth were
basic nutrition, nutrition and its relation
to health, lifecycle nutrition, nutrition and
dental health and prom oting better nutri
tion.
At the conclusion of the training
session, each participant was graded and
received a certificate certifying them as
having participated and completed this
nutrition course.
Indian participants from Florida, Mis
sissippi, North Carolina, New York as well
as Maine w ere invited to attend this
session.
Mabel’ is the oldest surviving store on
s
the reservation, and is remarkable for still
selling delightful penny candies. The
Rancos ignored inflation, and kept their
treats affordable to the youngsters of the
Island.
The store only closed once, for three
and one half years, when Bunny and
Mabel m oved to Bridgeport, Conn, to
work in the war effort. H e worked at U.S.
Aluminum, she worked at General Elec
tric.
For about four years, Mabel operated a
lunch counter with a full menu, and the
counter stools remain. Actually, the
Rancos have sold the freezer, handsome
oak display cabinet, and other items.
Prices on goods have been reduced.
At various times, the following people
have operated stores on Indian Island:
Evelyn Sapiel, Grace Nicola, Violet Fran
cis, Manfred Francis, Wally Pehrson,
Pauline Shay, Irene Lewey, Gardner,
Elsie Tomah, and Bruce Poolaw.
Hunters' breakfast
full of beans
By Diane Wilson
INDIAN ISLAND — A first hunters
breakfast was held here Oct. 1, sponsored
by the firemen of Indian Island.
This year about 120 people came and
there was a lot of good food.
Dana Neptune cooked beans and How
ard Wilson cooked grits and homemade
biscuits. Also, eg gs and sausage and coffee
and donuts w ere served.
The firemen that helped out were Red
and John Bartlett, and S.C. Francis,
Francis Sapiel.
There w ere three door prizes: first, a
shotgun won by Rhonda McManus; second
a knife won by Hope Powell; third, a
compass won by Pat Knox.
�Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
Page 6
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�Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
Page 7
Ex-POW visits Passamaquoddy son
Wolfgang and Gertrud Ritter
By Steve Cartwright
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - An extra
ordinary father-son reunion took place
here last year when a former German
POW found a long lost son in the Passa
maquoddy tribe.
Wolfgang Ritter revisited the crumbl
ing prisoner of war camp at Princeton —
where he was held, and escaped during
World War II — and discovered a son
Roger, now 36. whose mother is a Passa
maquoddy Indian. The first meeting was
tentative but not tense; and a joyous,
emotionally close relationship has de
veloped between the retired German
travel agent and his son. a tribal housing
official.
All that Roger Gabriel (he has now
changed his name to Ritter, which means
“knight" in German) knew as a boy was
that his father's name was Wolfgang . . .
and that the senior Ritter knew that he
had a longing to see quiet, friendly little
Princeton again.
Ritter and his second wife Gertrud left
their home in Frankfort, Germany and
flew to Maine this summer for another
visit with Roger and his family. Ritter
talked about the new twist his life has
taken, and the past that led up to it. He
speaks excellent English, and during one
of his many escapes from various U.S.
POW camps, he posed as a Scotsman
named Johnny McGriffin, and got a job on
the Illinois Central Railroad.
Ritter, now 62, was captured by U.S.
forces in Tunisia in 1943, and remained in
the U.S. until 1946, becoming fond of
America and Americans even though a
wartime prisoner. Asked if he was a Nazi,
Ritter said, yes, that is correct. “Some
people will lie about it today,” he said, but
he does not deny his past.
A kindly, engaging man who enjoys
travel and fine dining. Ritter said he was a
boy of 14 when Hitler came to power, and
as a patriotic German, he supported his
country at the time.
He also earned the title, “slipperiest
POW in the U.S.,” he said, and recalled
that at one prison camp, an officer
assumed he was American and at first
denied him entry at the gate, saying “no
civilian clothes in here." He was admitted,
however.
At Princeton, where the POW camp
was located smack in the middle of Indian
Township Passamaquoddy reservation,
Ritter said he was “treated as good as a
POW could be treated.” Morale remained
high.
And for Ritter, a German Army recon
naissance expert, the prospects of escape
remained high, too.
He teamed up with friend Max Domina,
a fellow POW, and with a knife “bor
rowed” from the camp kitchen, ducking
the nighttime searchlights, the pair carv
ed a gap under the high voltage electric
fence surrounding the compound. “I didn’
t
want to try by myself, I needed some
support," Ritter remembered.
Max, tall and thin, squeezed through
the opening. Ritter, who is a bit more
Roger Gabriel Ritter
plump, got stuck. That night, their escape
effort ended right there, but they were
not discovered. On a second try, with
some additional digging, both men made it
out, wearing unmarked clothing carefully
exchanged at the camp laundry for their
“Prisoner of War” marked fatigues.
the two German buddies headed down
Route 1 toward the village of Princeton,
apparently unafraid and for all the world
like college students who had pulled off a
fraternity prank.
Ritter and Domina thumbed a ride, and
as luck would have it, the first car to stop
was a border patrol. Ritter recognized the
guard, but somehow, the guard didn’
t
know he had picked up POW’ He
s.
dropped them off in town, but everything
being closed, they hiked back to camp,
crawling under the fence again.
The second night out was not so dull.
“We saw five figures coming. We hid.
They passed, and passed again,” Ritter
said.
“When one of the figures came closer it
grew into a lady. And all of a sudden we
were surrounded by these five Indians;
one man and four ladies.”
One of the young Passamaquoddy
women turned out to be Mary, with whom
Ritter would fall in love.
Another guard drove up. He chatted,
and asked my Max didn’ speak. “Oh, he's
t
Polish,” Ritter told him. Max began
singing the one popular American song he
knew, and the guard moved on.
Ritter decided to take a risk, and told
Mary Gabriel he was a POW.
“I like that,” she said. She quickly spoke
in Passamaquoddy to her companions,
who agreed to keep the secret.
Max too met his match; a young woman
named Mildred. “Twenty-one nights in a
row we went out,” recalled Ritter with a
chuckle; “Max to Mildred, me to Mary.”
But Ritter said his relationship was no
laughing matter. “It was a real alliance —
a love affair if you like — between Mary
and me." Ritter stressed he was not just a
soldier out for kicks. But until 1980 he
never knew he fathered a child.
That child has four children of his own,
by his Passamaquoddy wife Lorraine.
Coincidentally, both Lorraine and Gertrud
Ritter are schoolteachers. Roger and
Lorraine have traveled to Frankfort,
w'here they met Wolfgang R itter’ sons by
s
a previous marriage. Although Roger and
his half-brothers could not understand one
another, they got on well. Especially after
a few beers at a local establishment, the
elder Ritter said.
On the very first meeting, at Play-sted’
s
Camps in Princeton, Roger Gabriel re
membered: “We sort of steered around
each other for about four hours ... I was
sort of waiting for him, and he was sort of
waiting for me. I started for the car. I said
I was very glad to meet him, and he said,
“it’ taken a long time,” and he sort of put
s
his hand on my shoulder. That was it. That
was the acknowledgement.”
Last Christmas, a bundle of presents
arrived at the reservation from Frankfort,
for the grandchildren.
Ritter boasted that he and Max “always
promised ourselves to be back before
dawm. We broke that promise every night,
and came back when the sun was high in
the sky, 20 minutes before roll call.”
The fun and games atmosphere was
illusory. Other POWs envied Ritter and
Domina’ freedom, but were not so skillful
s
at escaping.
One POW was caught digging his own
hole under the fence — Ritter said he and
Max refused to share their escape route —
and was beaten on an earlier scare. This so
angered prisoners they almost rioted,
Ritter said.
Another POW went “barbed wire
crazy.” He cut his leg with an axe, and
later walked right out the main gate and
climbed atop a roof. He was shot in the
stomach by a guard, and taken to Bangor,
where he presumably recovered.
Those incidents led to a forced exodus.
The entire group of Princeton POWs were
transferred to more secure camps, Ritter
said.
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Ritter continued to escape, whether it
was Fort Devens, Mass., or Battle Creek,
Mich. He worked in the woods and at the
laundry in the POW camp at Princeton; he
worked on the railroad and harvesting
crops, when he escaped from western
camps.
While a farm laborer in Clinton, Illinois,
an American “pal” of R itter’ began to
s
suspect his true identity when Ritter
could not produce a draft card. Ritter took
his friend to a bar and got him “drunk as
Mary Gabriel
hell,” hoping to escape in the morning. But
that night his pal turned him in.
“When I was captured, my first though
was to escape. Not because I was a Nazi.
Not because I was a soldier, but because of
the barbed wire. I wanted freedom,”
Ritter said.
Crow trib e
unhappy w ith ruling
CROW AGENCY, Montana - “The
United States has once again broken a
long-standing Treaty with the American
Indian." said Bob Kelly, of the Crow Tribe
of Indians.
A recent Supreme Court ruling, settling
a dispute over who has final jurisdiction to
regulate fishing of the Big Horn River, the
Crow Tribe of Indians or the State of
Montana, has left the Crows “high and
dry." a tribal press release says.
On March 24. the court held that due to
certain technicalities omitted in the treaty
signed by the Crow Tribe and the United
States over one-hundred years ago, the
Crows have since presumptuously and
falsely claimed title to the bed and the
banks of the Big Horn River.
HARDWARE
& GUN SHOP
1 OM
VICAJRE, Proprietor
I he only Indian-owned hardware
business in the State of Maine
“ We're eager to do business with people
in the Indian community,” says Tom.
The store carries a full line of tools,
electrical and plumbing supplies, paint
and housewares. Also, a selection of fine
new and used guns.
See Our Garden Supplies and Tools
For ail your hardware and
hunting needs, visit —
MATTAWAMKE AG HARDWARE &
GUN SHOP
and sample some good Indian hospitality
and ser/ice.
�Page 8
Wabanaid Alliance November 1981
Death of Micmac probed
(Continued from page 1
)
One of the controversial aspects of
the case is that Povich at first
announced a grand jury would handle
m atters in superior court; but the case
did not go beyond district court. Un
substantiated rumors su ggest Seavey
may have covered for someone else
involved in P eters’death.
“I will try to put the rumors to rest,”
Povich said, adding that he “obviously
underestimated” the reaction to Sea
vey’ plea, and subsequent fine. Povich
s
said he “will try to put together an
objective report,” and that he has “in
structed my police officers to collect
the reports.”
Asked about an autopsy report on
Peters, Povich said that it is available,
and shows that Peters’ injuries were
mostly "above the waist." Povich said
police theorize that P eters’ was lying
or sitting on Route 193, possibly passed
out, when Seavey's car struck him, at
night, in thick fog.
Peters was legally intoxicated when
struck by Seavey’ vehicle, according
s
to police reports.
Paint samples taken from Peters'
clothing have been sent to the FBI.
HAVING A LOOK around, from a good vantage point, is young Theresa Pardilla.
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Pardilla of Indian Island. She’s riding on the shoulders
of Tammy Mitchell of Indian Island.
Smoke-out to dear air at Island
INDIAN ISLAND — For a three month
period 7 percent of patients seen at the
Penobscot Health Clinic have experienced
upper respiratory problems. One cause of
this high percentage may be smoking.
Some facts on Smoking and Health
Lung cancer is the number one cause of
cancer deaths among men. In the last
thirty years there has been a 400 percent
increase in women’ lung cancer deaths.
s
By the late 1980’ lung cancer is expected
s
to be the number one cancer killer in
Over fifty-two million Americans still
smoke. Nine out o f ten of them have said
in surveys that they would like to quit.
Need a reason to quit? On Nov. 19 the
American Cancer Society will be sponsor
ing its fifth consecutive event as a nation
wide celebration.
Indian Island will be participating in
this year’ smoke-out. The community will
s
be planning special events to support
Francis wins
Islanders attend
Indian conference
(Continued from page 1
)
Francis said he would not rule it out. Love
has not indicated publicly if he will seek a
second term as governor of the Penobscot
Nation.
In other election results, Kenneth Paul
Sr. easily swept to victory in his in
cumbent race for school committee. He
received 252 votes. Another incumbent,
Vivian Massey, garnered 201 votes, and
candidate Deanna Labossiere received 146
votes.
Michael Ranco em erged the winner in a
contest with Irene McDougall for a sloton
the census committee. Ranco received 222
votes; McDougall, 140 ballots.
In a referendum on whether a children’
s
trust fund (of land claims interest pay
ments) should be voluntary or mandatory,
the vote was 366 to 114, in favor of a
voluntary fund.
Corbett resigns
Lumbee man urges
public health career
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A Lumbee
Indian says the University of North
Carolina’ “school of health is the number
s
one in the nation.”
Ronald Oxendine, 23, visited the news
paper office in Orono to explain that he is
on a “talent search” for ambitious high
school students who are interested in a
career in public health.
Oxendine, who grew up in Pembroke
(North Carolina) and graduated from
Pembroke State University, is working on
a graduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Pembroke State U. was formerly called
Indian Normal School.
“It’ going to take a good sturdy student
s
to stand up” to the UNC program,
Oxendine said. The program is one of five
in the U.S. that has federal Indian Health
Service scholarships available, and UNC is
the only such school on the east coast.
Oxendine said the UNC admissions
committee is “somewhat sensitive to
Indians,” and he is personally involved
with the school in "a working relationship
that is really growing.”
Oxendine was accompanied by Theo
dore N. Mitchell of Indian Island, a
Penobscot who is assistant dean for
counseling Indian students at University
of Maine at Orono.
BANGOR — As Wabanaki Alliance
went to press, lawyer Freeman R ob
inson of Bangor, representing the
estate of Joseph B. Peters, filed a suit
for 5500,000 in Penobscot County
Superior Court.
The suit names as defendants:
Washington County, Cherryfield Police
Officer Murray B. Seavey, the Town of
Cherryfield, and Jasper Wyman and
Son Co. of Milbridge.
District Attorney Michael Povich of
Ellsworth said he will file a motion
asking that the negligence suit be dis
missed.
those that take the pledge and quit “cold
turkey,” for at least 24 hours. Notice of
these special events will be in the com
munity flyer. You can ge t your pledge
cards from Nicholas Dow at the Health
Center, or sign up at the community
building.
On Nov. 19: “Try quitting for the Health
of it.”
NOTICE
PENOBSCOT NATION
Tribal members are required to have
a permit to hunt deer during the
November season. Perm ts are avail
able upon request at the municipal
building.
Sunday hunting during the Novem
ber season will not be allowed on
TRUST LANDS, but will be permitted
on reservation lands during November,
by sustenance permit only.
INDIAN ISLAND - Howard (Bud)
Corbett of Indian Island has submitted his
resignation as director of Public Safety for
the Penobscot Nation.
Gov. Timothy L ove confirmed the resig
nation, but declined to comment further.
Corbett had held the job about two years.
He supervised both the police and fire
departments. A new department head had
not been appointed as of press time.
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O rono
866-4878
Povich said he has been beseiged by
reporters and other citizens concerned
about the case. “It’ just that I’ been
s
ve
overwhelmed and inundated in the last
two weeks to the point of mental
exhaustion.”
Seavey has resigned from his deputy
sheriffs position, but was still serving
as Cherryfield chief of police at press
time. Seavey worked during the blue
berry season as a private security
guard for Wyman’ blueberry firm.
s
Suit filed
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - Several
mem bers of the Indian Island School Com
mittee, and the director of Central Maine
Indian Association, attended a conference
last month on “Indian issues.”
The school baord mem bers w ere Ken
Paul, Erlene Paul, Vivian Massey; also
attending was James Sanborn, CMIA
exeuctive director.
U.S. Senator William S. Cohen of
Maine, billed as a speaker at the four days
of meetings, did not show up. He was
slated to talk on “Indian issues of the
future.” Cohen is chairman of the Senate
Select Committee on Indian Affairs.
New chief named
PLEASANT POINT — Bruce Francis,
former head forester for Indian Township,
has been appointed chief of police at
Pleasant Point.
Francis was the first Passamaquoddy to
graduate from the University of Maine at
Orono’ forestry school.
s
Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas said he is very
pleased with the appointment. Francis
succeeds acting Chief Gilbert Tomah of
Pleasant Point, who replaced Don Lemos.
Tasty Indian
recipes sought
ORONO — Got a favorite recipe for
fiddleheads, or fry bread? Got a
delicious way to prepare zucchini?
This newspaper wants to assem ble a
cookbook of selected recipes from
readers, whether “Indian food” or not.
If you have a favorite, send it to
Wabanaki Alliance, 95 Main St., Orono,
Maine 04473. All persons sending us a
recipe will receive a free copy of the
cookbook, if enough recipes are forth
coming to make the project worth
while.
This is an equal opportunity job, and
we seek men who cook as well as
women. Children, too, may submit
special favorites.
W e look forward to hearing from
you, readers.
�Wabansti Alliance November 1981
PageS
Houlton Band
gets a foothold
by James Wherry
Long ignored by bolh the United States
and the State of Maine, the Houlton Band
of Maiiseet Indians was recognized by the
federal legislation which settled the Maine
Indian Land Claims and which was signed
by President Carter on October 1 . 1980.
0
The majority of the 347 members of the
Houlton Band live in or near the town of
Houlton. Maine. Although the Maliseets
do not have a reservation, the Houlton
Band has a $900,000 trust fund established
under the Settlement Act. to finance the
purchase of a 5.000 acre reservation. This
reservation will be designed to meet the
residential, recreational and commercial
requirements o f the Houlton Band.
The ancestors of the current members
of the Houlton Band o f Maliseets hunted
and lived off the land throughout Aroos
took County which is part of the original
homeland o f the Maiiseet people. By the
third quarter of the nineteenth Century.
non-Indian settlement o f A roostook
County had so strained the ecology o f the
region that Maiiseet hunters could no
longer rely on the traditional hunting
economy. As a location commonly visited
by the roving Maiiseet hunting families.
Houlton early developed into a focus for
settlement. As the family hunting groups
that made up the Maiiseet Nation become
increasingly sedentary, the Houlton Band
emerged as an autonomous and stable
community. Over time, the Band grew^ as
individuals married into the community,
and the Maliseets adjusted to the changing
ecology by a mixture.of traditionally Indian
and non-Indian economic endeavors.
For at least the past one hundred years,
the Houlton Band o f the Maiiseet Tribe has
lived at locales in the Houlton area popu
larly known as the Houlton "Indian Reser
vation." Without external recognition of
its leaders or of its sovereignty, the Houl
ton Band of Maliseets was organized under
the informal leadership o f men known as
Nikanatpat (literally, the head out front).
For the Maliseets living in the Houlton
community, employment was at the bot
tom o f the economic scale. Seasonally.
Maliseets could find work cutting timber,
picking potatoes, raking blueberries, and
making Christmas wreaths. Throughout
the year, families could supplement their
meager incomes by making baskets from
brown ash.Making baskets remained a lim
ited adjunct to the family income, since
until recently, potato baskets sold for nine
dollars a dozen. Day labor was occasion
ally available through the Town Office, and
family members were normally required to
work for the Town to receive a general
assistance payment. As late as 1970 the
average per capita income was S900/year.
Many of the Maliseets' homes on the
Houlton "reservation " would now be
viewed as sub-standard, but most families
owned their own homes and everyone en
joyed the relative security provided by liv
ing in an insulated Maiiseet community. In
1947. however, that security was fractured
when the Maine State Legislature passed a
bill to tax Indians who lived off the State
recognized reservations for the first time in
State history. Between 1947 and 1970.
nearly forty Maiiseet homes were lost to
taxes and subsequently bulldozed by the
Town. Often, Maiiseet families were
forced to move into even less desirable
housing.
Under these conditions o f abject pov
erty. nearly every Maiiseet family was af
fected by alcoholism. And endemic poor
health led to an average life expectancy of
45 years. Until I960 when Maiiseet Terry
Polchies graduated from Houlton High
School, no Indian had ever received a sec
ondary education. In 1962 a Micmac. Tom
Battiste. became the second Indian to
graduate from the Houlton High School.
After military service. Tom Battiste re
turned to Houlton to attend Ricker College
in Houlton. While at Ricker College, Tom
Battiste worked with Terry Polchies to in
volve the Indian community in activities at
Ricker College. Their successful efforts to
involve the leading men and women o f the
Houlton Band culminated in the organiza
tion o f a non-profit corporation, the As
sociation of Aroostook Indians (AAI). in
1969.
AAI was formed to provide much
needed services to the Indian people in
Aroostook County, and to work toward
State and. Federal Recognition o f the
Maiiseet and Micmac Indians in Aroostook BIG MOMENT — President Jimmy Carter, left, shakes hands with Terry Polchies,
County. A part o f the original purpose of Houlton Band chairman, at signing of Maine Indian land claims, Oct. 10, 1980. In
the AAI, the recognition effort for the background, from left, Gov. Joseph E. Brennan, Secretary of State Edmund S. Muskie,
Houlton Band o f Maliseets. culminated in Sen. George J. Mitchell, Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus.
the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlment
Legislation. During the months of August ton Band Negotiating Committee members tect their settlement land against alienation
and September 1979, Houlton Maliseets unanimously elected.
and state taxation in the same manner as
circulated and signed a petition authorizing
The six members o f the negotiating trust lands of the Penobscots and the Pasthe AAI Board of Directors to act in their Committee were also elected to form the samaquoddies. The Maliseets argue that
behalf, to w'ork toward inclusion in the Band Council. This Council has made deci
the state should not impose property taxes
Maine Indian Claims, and in October the sions by a majority vote of its members. on their land, nor impound it for non
AAI Board of Directors appointed a sub The Houiton Band o f Maliseets currently payment o f other taxes or private obliga
committee to act as the Houlton Band has no constitution or formal law and order tions. The Maliseets. in turn, could not sei!
structure. The creation of such a structure the land. but leasing or exchanges for other
Negotiating Committee.
is a pressing need for the Band.
The Committee first worked w'ilh rec
plots would be acceptable. Neither the
On October 10. 1980. President Carter state, nor the U.S. government could con
ognition researcher James Wherry to draw
up a membership list for the Houlton Band, signed into law H.R. 7919. the Maine In demn the lands for public purposes without
based on two cirteria: first, that potential dian Claims Settlement Act. With that sign
first seeking alternatives. If the land were
ing. the Houlton Band of Maiiseet Indians condemned, the precedes would be used
members belong to pre-1900 Houlton
Maiiseet families or to families linked to became a federally recognized tribe and towards the purchase of additional land.
these by marriage and residence: and sec- received a $900,000 trust fund to be used to Negotiations with Attorney General James
Tierney have gone smoothly, and an
agreement is expected soon.
Meanwhile, the Maliseets are losing no
time in taking advantage of their new fed
eral status. As soon as they were recog
..
nized they began correspondence with the
Bureau o f Indian Affairs and the Indian
...
Health Service. They created a Maiiseet
health department, directed by Frederick
Thomas, and developed plans fora health
clinic. The clinic will complement other
available services, by providing emergency
ond, that the individuals have maintained purchase a 5,000 acre reservation. But, care, referral services and a prevention
cultural and linguistic ties which cause when Congress passed the Act, Section program. It is scheduled to open this fall.
them to be seen by the community as "ski- 5(d)(4) left some unfinished business for the Chairman Terry Polchies has also an
cin” (Indian). This process led to the crea
Houlton Band and the State o f Maine. nounced plans to begin a Maiiseet social
tion of the first formal membership list of Congress had contemplated that further service program and an Indian education
the Houlton Band o f Maliseets.
negotiations between the Houlton Band of committee, with the assistance of the
Maliseets and the State would result in Bureau.
In March, the first formal general mem
bership meeting o f the Houlton Band of trust restrictions being placed on land to be
EDITOR’ NOTE: The above story
S
acquired for the Band, which would neces first appeared in the magazine ‘
Maliseets was held under the chairmanship
Indian
sarily entail some exception to the applica
of Terry Polchies, w ho served as chairman
Truth.’ It’ written by the former execu
s
tion of the laws of the State.
o f the Negotiating Committee. At this
In negotiations with Attorney General tive director of the Houlton Band of
meeting, a progress report on federal rec
Maliseets. Reprinted by permission.
ognition and inclusion in the Maine Indian James E. Tierney, the Houlton Band has
Land Claims was presented and the Houl- emphasized that Congress intended to pro-
.the Maliseets are losing no time in taking
advantage^ o f their new federal status
Penobscots win
in war canoe
The Penobscot Nation’ war canoe at starting line.
s
OLD TOWN — Cheering spectators and
more than 100 hardy canoeists braved chilly
winds and a raging river Saturday for the
first annual Penobscot Canoe Race sponsor
ed by Old Town Canoe and the City of Old
Town.
Overall winners from the field of 57 were:
first place, Reinhart Zollitsch in the kayak
class with a time of 1:23, second place, John
Morris and Bill Clark in the Class 2 medium
with 1:24; and third place, Penobcot Nation
in the war canoe class with 1:28.
The 10-mile course started at the North
Fourth Street Extension public landing, ran
around islands in the river, under the
Indian Island bridge, and wound up back at
the boat ramp.
Following the 10 a.m. race, which
officially ajourned at 1:30 p.m., the Great
Zucchini, otherwise known as escape artist
Robert Wilkinson, performed downtown,
�Page 10
Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
Council fires health
director in dispute
PLEASANT POINT - The director of
the Passamaquoddy health and social
services department, a one million dollar
operation, was fired last month following
months of acrimonious tension with tribal
leadership.
At press time, Wabanaki Alliance
learned that Lt. Gov. Cliv Dore has been
named new health center director. The
appointment must be confirmed by tribal
council, and if approved, means Dore will
step down as lieutenant governor.
Madonna M. Soctomah, director of the
new reservation health center since April
1980, became embroiled in a bitter
struggle with Gov. Joseph Hartley Nich
olas, who sought her dismissal in the wake
of alleged insubordination.
Finally, on Oct. 17, the tribal council
voted 4-2 to terminate Soctomah as
director. Mary Altvater, assistant health
director for the tribe and a councilor,
abstained. Altvater also declined to take
over Soctomah's job, and nurse Doris
Kirby, a former nun with years of experi
ence serving the tribe’ health needs, has
s
been appointed acting director.
Voting for dismissal w ere councilors
Valerie Emery, John Nicholas, Virginia
Tomah and Lt. Gov. Cliv Dore. Favoring
reinstatment were councilors Margaret
(Dolly) Smith and John Dana.
Soctomah has retained lawyer Ron
Coles of Machias, and Governor Nicholas
has John Romei of Machias as legal
counsel in the matter.
Tensions began to build last year, when
Soctomah refused to acknowledge Peter
Bailey as her deputy director. Bailey,
favored for the job by Governor Nicholas,
was hired Sept. 29,1980. “By Oct. 10 I was
already w ritin g m em os on P eter,”
Soctomah said in an interview. She said
she originally supported a different in-
G ro u p
dividual for the job. “He (Bailey) was not
attending in-services and staff meetings,”
Soctomah alleged.
Soctomah claims she was forced to
manage the health center “without the
help of an assistant director (Bailey).”
“It’ a relatively simple thing,” he said.
s
“She was the director of our health center,
and I charged her with multiple instances
of unsubordination,” most of them in
connection with Peter Bailey.
Nicholas said that at first he considered
Soctomah “wilfull, headstrong and de
fiant.” H e claims things got worse. He said
he received “many” complaints. For ex
ample, Shirley Bailey — Peter Bailey’
s
wife — submitted a small bill five times
and each time Soctomah refused to
authorize payment. Finally, Nicholas him
self okayed payment, he said.
Nicholas charges that Soctomah kept
Peter Bailey off the job for 97 days. “He
lost all that pay, three months’ pay," he
said.
“It began turning. Finally, it was little
things. I got a letter from her stating LOCKED OUT — Pleasant Point health center director Madonna Soctomah, fired by
Peter’ antics were making her ill physi the tribal governor, found her office door padlocked last month. She proceeded to
s
cally,” Nicholas said. It was at that point unscrew the hasp and occupy her office. Later, tribal council confirmed her termination.
he shifted Bailey to Digital. “I did violate
policy by not following procedure,” be grievance hearing should not follow the would use them, only briefly.” So the
conceded.
termination notice, but should precede it.
Governor transfered Bailey to Digital,
Soctomah claims that prior to her Aug.
Asked about this, Nicholas said that his where he supervised eight workers.
25 termination notice, she personally council would not take action. “I thought if
“I know it was wrong. I shouldn’ have
t
refuted all of Nicholas’ complaints about they can’ act. I’ act," he said.
t
ll
done what I did,” Nicholas said in an
her, first made July 13. “I refuted those,
At one point, Soctomah suspended interview. “I immediately realized my
item by item, factually,” she said, adding, Bailey for unauthorized use of federal
mistake. I didn’ try to hide it,” he said.
t
“the council made no motion for dis Indian Health Service funds to hire an Bailey resigned his IHS position in May.
missal.” She claims Nicholas told her, em ergency medical services coordinator
The Governor said the Tribe will pay
“don’ think this issue is dead, because I’
t
m (Mary Graham). Bailey was suspended
back $2,000 to IHS, in an agreement
going to pursue it personally with the without pay, Dec. 10, 1980, for one week.
worked out after Soctomah notified IHS
council.”
“But Hartley paid him anyway,” she officials of the violation.
Soctomah alleges that tribal personnel asserted.
Aware that Soctomah had called atten
policy was not followed in her case. In fact,
At another point in time Bailey and tion to the violation, Nicholas declared, “I
she said things were backwards; that the Soctomah discussed their conflicts, but told her (Soctomah) if you are reinstated
apparently w ere unable to resolve dif on a technicality such as this, I will
ferences.
immediately terminate you within 24 to 48
Governor Nicholas took matters into his hours."
own hands, and assigned Bailey to manage
Soctomah told Wabanaki Alliance the
a newly -established reservation shop Tribe ow es IHS closer to $8,000. She said
misuse of tribal funds, failure to provide
under contract to Digital, the computer that in addition to the unauthorized use of
equal employment opportunity, and viola
s
tion of traditional procedures for filling firm. But Nicholas continued Bailey’ IHS funds, she has evidence that Nicholas
vacant council seats. Nicholas is also Indian Health Service (IHS) salary, even harassed her in her job. Six days after an
though Bailey was no longer connected Aug. 25 “em ployee action notice” sent by
charged with usurping authority tradi
with the health center.
Nicholas to Soctomah, terminating her
tionally accorded the tribal council.
Nicholas explained his actions by say employment, a tribal grievance committee
Dana explained that “traditional” is
s
used because no constitution exists, ing, “I thought: why not? Let’ get this recommended that Soctomah "be kept on
although Nicholas said a draft constitution thing (Digital) going. We live in an area as IHS director and that a special m eeting
where unemployment is 60 percent. be held to resolve this case as soon as
has been prepared.
s
One sore point between Nicholas and Peter’ talents w ere not being utilized. I possible.”
Dana has been the status of Tribal Truck
ing, a tribal government business, and
PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM RECRUITING AMERICAN INDIANS
Dana’ own trucking business, Dana
s
The School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is
Trucking.
currently recruiting individuals interested in entering graduate school in the field
In reponse to the charge of no court
of public health. The mission of the school is to prepare individuals for
system, Nicholas said that Shirley Bailey
professional health careers aimed at preventing disease and disability and in
was named Chief Judge last spring, when
analyzing, improving, prom oting and maintaining the health of the public. Job
the tribe opted for its own tribal court,
opportunities exist for biostatisticians, environmentalists, epidemiologists,
similar to the Penobscot Nation court.
administrators, educators, nutritionists along with such roles as researchers,
Clayton Cleaves was named associate
investigators and consultants.
judge.
The School of Public Health offers nine graduate degree programs:
Nicholas said a lack of money to run the
Biostatistics, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Epidemiology, Health
court has been remedied by two recent
Administration, Health Education, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition,
grants he obtained from Washington, D.C.
Parasitology and Laboratory Practice, and Public Health Nursing.
Asked what he will do next, Nicholas
Training in the programs for m aster’ degrees range between 12 to 24 months
s
said, T m going to take a little time.”
depending on the specialization chosen by the studentf.
Requirements for admission are that applicant have a bachelor’ degree from an
s
accredited institution, an acceptable grade point average, take the Graduate
HOUSE FOR SALE
R ecord Examination and provide three personal references. Financial support is
73 W est Street
available through the University and the Indian Health Service. Individuals
Indian Island
interested in applying to the Program for the 1981-82 academic year are urged to
Seven rooms, large bath, oil furnace,
contact our office.
new siding. Very well built. Large
W e welcome any questions or requests concerning the program.
double lot, from Center Street to Pen
For additional information please contact:
obscot River frontage.
Ronald Oxendine
$12,000 firm
Director, American Indian Recruitment Program
Call or write to:
School of Public Health
Jean A. Moore
Rosenau Hall 201H
1111 W est Northfield Blvd.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37130
Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514
615-896-2992
wants Governor's removal
(Continued from page 1
)
close inspection reveals the name is
Margaret Nichols, not Nicholas as the
Governor thought, and that Margaret
Nichols is a bona fide tribal member. The
Governor said he never heard of her.
Nicholas claims three names on the
peition appear to be written in the same
handwriting, that of Mary Alexander.
The name of Bonnie Stanley appeared
twice on the petition, but Dana maintains
this was an honest mistake, and in any
case, there are a sufficient number of
names without hers (the requirement is
for a minimum 50 signatures).
The petition appears to be aimed at
Peter Bailey, an adopted Passamaquoddy
tribal member of undetermined Indian
blood quantum. Bailey, as a separate story
in this issue reports, is involved in a
controversy between the former health
center director and the Governor.
Bailey said his decision to fire health
center employee John Dana, a friend of
Ralph Dana’ made him a target of
s,
petitioners. Bailey has been considered a
supporter of Governor Nicholas, while
Ralph Dana has been politically aligned
with Deanna Francis, an unsuccessful
candidate for governor in the latest
election.
Dana has re le n tle ssly cam p aign ed
against Nicholas, and the impeachment
effort appears to be the latest attack.
The latest petition, dated Sept. 14, calls
for removal of Nicholas for failure to
develop a tribal constitution, violation of
personnel policy (the case of the health
center director), failure to provide ade
quate police protection, failure to set up
a tribal court system, failure to provide
financial reports on tribal enterprises,
i
�Wabanaki Alliance November 1981
Page 1
1
Penobscots1years of
change on agenda
Job well done
These workers, supervised by Mike Francis, right, erected new playground equipment
at Indian Island recently.
Isaac accepts cash settlement
MILLINOCKET — Mary Francis Isaac,
a Penobscot, has accepted a SI.335 settle
ment of her discrimination case involving
Town Manager William Ayoob. according
to the Katahdin Times.
The out-of-court settlement followed
two years of threats, charges, investiga
tions and rulings in the dispute. Isaac
originally alleged she was harassed and
discriminated against as town book
keeper, including being the butt of jokes
about Indians.
Ayoob repeatedly declined comment on
the charges. Isaac brought the matter to
the attention of Maine Human Rights
Commission in October 1979, and four
months later the commission found resonable grounds to believe unlawful
discrimination had occurred.
Isasc was transferred to a job with the
Millinocket public works department.
Town Council Chairman Dean Beaupain
was quoted as stating, “The town made an
economic decision. We have had enough
lawsuits. We gave her what she wanted
and settled the issue. Actually, the case
was settled several years ago except for
the payment of the money. The town had
refused payment. Then she threatened to
sue in federal district court. Rather than
get the town in another lawsuit, we
agreed to the settlement,” he said.
Isaac was represented by lawyer
Thomas N. Tureen, who is legal counsel to
the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy
Tribe.
ROCKPORT — The past ten years of private sector in reservation development
dramatic changes in the lives of Penob in the early 1970's.” Buesing, now attend
scots will be the theme of a three-day ing law school, worked for years helping
organize Association of Aroostook Indians
planning workshop here.
The Penobscot Nation planning depart in Houlton, and later worked as coordina
ment has scheduled a variety of speakers tor of Indian Task Force for a federal
and discussion groups at the Samoset government funding agency in Boston.
A lecture on Penobscot participation in
(named after an Indian chief) Inn. Former
Maine governor Kenneth M. Curtis, a the Maine State Advisory Committee to
Democrat who may seek to unseat U.S. the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, will
Senator George Mitchell, will give a “key be given by Harriet Price.
Thomas N. Tureen, nationally-known
note" speach.
Indian claims lawyer and counsel to
The department encountered a snag Penobscot Nation, will talk about the
when staff discovered several Penobscot “history of the Maine Indian Land Claims
tribal council members would not be able to Case.”
attend the sessions, even if commuting on
On the afternoon of the second conven
a daily basis. Councilor Francis (Bunny) tion day, guest speakers lined up are Paul
Ranco questioned holding the conference F. Zendzian, mayor of Bangor and a
in Rockport — about two hours' drive lawyer; U.S. Housing and Urban De
from Indian Island — when facilities are velopment official Edward Bernard; and
available in Bangor, "or right here in our James E. Mitchell, former director of
own Community Building."
Maine State Housing Authority. Those
Gov. Timothy Love indicated it was not speakers will discuss reservation housing.
possible to re-schedule the event, but that
The evening program features talks by
Ranco’ point would be considered in Edward Hinckley and James H. Murphy,
s
future conference planning.
former state commissioners of Indian
Love is slated to open the conference at Affairs (a post that has been abolished by
9 a.m., Nov. 3. A panel will follow, with an Governor Joseph Brennan); John W.
“overview of reservation development, Stevens, former Indian Township tribal
1968-1977." Panelists listed are Eugene governor and a former state commissioner
Loring, Andrew Akins, Michael Ranco, (the first Indian to hold the post); and
Love, Nicholas Dow, Kenneth Paul, James Harvey Johnson, chairman, advisory com
Sappier, Irving Ranco and Matthew mittee to U.S. Commission on Civil
Rights. Johnson is former chairman of the
Sappier.
Topics to be covered in small group Govenor's Executive Council, a state body
that has been dissolved.
meetings include community develop
Curtis will close the program with his
ment, economic development, education,
address, on an unannounced topic.
employment and housing.
Thursday morning, the final session,
On Nov. 4, Gregory Buesing, a longtime
r
worker for Indian rights and recognition, involves a “wrap-up" and overview of the
is scheduled to talk on “the role of the previous discussions.
• • * -
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Millinocket man fined $40 for driving
Owned Homes For Sale
without license, other court cases
in Washington County
INDIAN ISLAND - The following
matters were heard at Penobscot Tribal
Court, recently, the Honorable Andrew
Mead presiding:
New arraignments
Edward J. Francis, 19, Millinocket,
charged with operating without a license
Sept. 9, at Indian Island. Plea of guilty —
requested a waiver and fine to be indi
cated; Judge Mead indicated $40 fine.
Louis K. Paul, 54, Indian Island,
charged with keeping a vicious dog. Sept.
15, at Indian Island. Plea of not guilty,
continued for trial.
Louis K. Paul, 54, Indian Island,
charged with permitting dog to roam at
large. Sept. 15, at Indian Island. Plea of
not guilty, continued for trial.
Louis K. Paul, 54, Indian Island,
charged with permitting dog to roam at
large. Sept. 22, at Indian Island. Plea of
not guilty, continued tor trial.
Trials
Penobscot Nation vs. Donald Francis,
Bert Francis and Joseph Francis, Jr.;
charged with disorderly conduct. Cases
dismissed by Nation.
Small Claims Hearings
Elsie Lolar vs. John Davis (disclosure);
ordered to make payments in the amount
pf $10 per month, first payment due Oct.
1 and each month thereafter until bill is
,
paid in full. Failure to comply with court
order means defendant will be held in
contempt of court and sentence of 48
hours in Penobscot County Jail will be
imposed.
Everett Sapiel vs. John Davis (dis
closure); ordered to make payments in the
amount of $5 per week, first payment due
Oct. 5, and each week thereafter until bill
is paid in full. Failure to comply with court
order means defendant will be held in
c o n t e m D t of court and sentence of 48
*
hours in Penobscot County Jail will be
imposed.
Civil Hearing
Penobscot Tribal Reservtion Housing
Authority vs. Shirley Francis Plaintiffs
Motion to dismiss appeal and defendant's
motion to show cause heard. Both motions
denied, appeal to be sent to appellate
court.
CAREER CENTER SUPERVISOR
Full-time supervisor, preferably
familiar with Native American culture,
will head in-house unit. Position in
volves academic and vocational assess
ment, personal contact with educa
tional and manpower referral sources,
individual and group counseling.
M aster’ degree in human services
s
or related field required. Salary mid
teens plus benefits. To begin im
mediately.
Send letter and resume by Nov. 11 to
Bill Garrison, Boston Indian Council,
105 So. Huntington Ave., Jamaica
Plain, Mass. 02130.
Equal Housing
OPPORTUNITY
BEING
TRANSFERRED?
Contact the VA for
information about
properties available
throughout the State.
These homes are available to veterans or
non-veterans without preference.
Main Street, Baring
$26,800.
9 Academy Street, Calais
25,900.
12 Beech Street, Calais
21,500.
8 Chapel Street, Calais
12,500.
1 Temperance Street, Calais
1
26,000.
Summer Street, Calais
19,000.
Route #1— Houlton Road, Woodland 27,500.
3 Chapel Street, Calais
1
19,000.
FINANCED FOR 30 YEARS BY VA
AT15Vz%
NO DOWN PAYMENTS REQUIRED
SEE YOUR LOCAL
REAL ESTATE BROKER
All VA financed
A t p r e v a ilin g in te re s t ra te s
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433
• • • •
�Page 12
Wab&naki Alliance November 1981
Flashback
news notes
Sapiel, Mills tie
in pentathalon
The new bridge
Penobscot payroll
after 3Vi years
Governor's suite
MASHPEE, Mass. — Although only
five Indian persons entered a sports event
here called a “pentathlon,” its prom oter —
also a winner — called it a success.
Sam Sapiel, a Penobscot from Indian
Island, said next year he anticipates
greater participation. He said several
Penobscots who had indicated they would
enter, did not show up.
Sapiel and “Chiefie” Mills of Falmouth,
both representing the Boston Indian
Council, tied for first place in the recent
event, which included stints in canoeing,
swimming, a foot race, shotput, and bike
ride. Mills is a Wampanoag.
Other participants w ere Brian Polchies,
a Micmac from Gape Breton, Nova Scotia;
Jim Peters of Mashpee, Wampanoag; and
Freeman Ward, Micmac from Red Bank,
New Brunswick.
Thirty-one years ago this month, on Nov. 29, the one-lane bridge linking Indian Island
with the City of Old Town was formally opened. In this early photo, a bateau used to
ferry people to the island in pre-bridge days is still present, and looks in good shape.
Gary Mitchell is the young lad resting on the oars.
Finch leaves Island
New staffer in
on computer
INDIAN ISLAND — Lawrence Finch,
former guidance counselor in the Old
Town school system, was wistful as he left
his human services post recently, at the
Penobscot Nation.
“I’ enjoyed my three and one half
ve
years here. They (the tribe) are almost
like family,” Finch told this newspaper. “I
wish them nothing but the best in the
future. And if ever needed, I’ be at thenll
beck and call," he said.
Finch at first worked for the State of
Maine Department of Indian Affairs, then,
after that department ceased to exist, he
worked as director of human services on
the reservation.
Firemen’s Ball Set
INDIAN ISLAND - The annual Penob
scot Nation Firemen’ Ball is scheduled
s
from 8 p.m. to midnight, Nov. 23, at the
Community Building. A live band and
buffet will be featured.
Sapiel 5th in footrace
PLEASANT POINT — James Sapiel, a
Passamaquoddy who attends Shead High
School in Eastport, crossed the finish line
in fifth place, in a recent cross country
meet at Calais.
PAULINE FRANCIS LOVE
INDIAN ISLAND - Pauline F. Love,
48, of 22 Center St., died Sept. 25, at a
Bangor hospital, following a long illness.
She was born Dec. 31, 1932, at Old
Town, the daughter of Bertie and Violet
Shay Francis.
Mrs. Love was a form er m em ber of the
tribal council, housing authority and the
health and social services board. She was
a member of St. Ann’ Church. She is
s
survived by her husband, John Love; her
mother, Violet Francis; three sons, Timo
thy Love, governor of Indian Island, John
Jr. and Richard; two daughters, Paula and
Emily; one brother, Joseph Francis; one
half-brother, Gilbert Francis, all o f Indian
Island. Also, by three sisters, Alberta
Diviak of Los Angeles, Calif., Marjorie
Bartley of Live Oak, Fla., and Margaret
Neptune of Indian Island; one half-sister,
Christine Nicholas of Searsport; two
nieces, Jeanette Lucy of Rockhill, S.C.,
and Ila Nicola of Los Angeles, Calif.; one
nephew, Calvin Tom er of Orono; and eight
grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial was cele
brated at St. Ann's Church, Indian Island,
with the Rev. John Civiello, celebrant.
Interment followed in the tribal cem e
tery.
INDIAN ISLAND — What used to
involve five bookkeepers now requires
only one.
The payroll of the Penobscot Nation has
been successfully programm ed into the
recently acquired Digital computer at
Indian Island, and things are running
"pretty smoothly," according to Dan
Nelson, fiscal officer.
Dan is assisted by Scott Davis, com
puter operator/programmer.
Indian actor dies
VANCOUVER, British Columbia Dan George, an Indian chief and actor
nominated for an Oscar for his role in
“Little Big Man,” died in a hospital Sept.
23. He was 82.
Gwen Williams, nursing supervisor at
Lion's Gate Hospital in North Vancouver,
said George died at 2 a.m. She said he had
been in and out of the hospital for months.
The cause of his death was not made
public.
George was born on Vancouver’ North
s
Shore and was chief of the Tel-lal-watt
section of C oast Salish tribe of British
Columbia.
He became a spokesman for native
Americans after he won fame as an actor
in the late 1960s.
OLD TOWN
827-6096
Let y o u r ad
a p p e a r h e re
“ It's a M iracle"
Use our “Miracle Machine”
Xerox 9400®
Duplicator
• Quick Turn-Around
• High Print Quality
• Various Reduction Sizes
Xerox® and 9400® are trademarks of
Xerox Corporation
Correction
A story in the October issue of
Wabanaki Alliance incorrectly identified
Tom Vicaire of Mattawamkeag as Central
Maine Indian Association (CMIA) board
chairman. Vicaire is a member of the
board, but not the chairman.
Actually, there is no chairman as such.
The president of the board, Mary Isaac of
Millinocket, resigned her position, as was
correctly reported in the story.
Obituaries
Na'swahegan, Inc.
76 NORTH MAIN ST.
INDIAN ISLAND - Marie (Mitchell)
King of Indian Island has been hired as
executive secretary to Gov. Timothy
Love, replacing Blanche Corbett, who
resigned.
King began her duties Sept. 18. She was
formerly employed by the University of
Maine at Orono. A graduate of Beal
College in Bangor, she is the mother of
four children: Christopher, John, Christa
and Mitchell.
I
Wabanaki Alliance is pleased to an
nounce that the advertising deadline
for any given month’ issue of the
s
newspaper is the first day of the last
week of the preceeding month.
In other words, for the September
1981 issue, the deadline for ad copy is
Aug. 24. In special cases, exceptions
can be made. For your advertising
needs, call the newspaper at 207-8664903. Take advantage of our budget
rates, and be the first to reach the
Indian population through the pages of
Wabanaki Alliance.
Written inquiries should be ad
dressed to the newspaper at 95 Main
Street, Orono, Maine 04473.
JOHN W. NEPTUNE
PLEASANT POINT — John Warren
Neptune, 49, died Oct. 16, at a Calais
hospital.
He was born in Pleasant Point, Jan. 22,
1932, the son of Jerome and Elizabeth
(Lewey) Neptune. He is survived by four
sisters; Angela Barnes of Eastport, Clara
Keezer, Theresa Gardner and Elizabeth
Pond all of Perry; two brothers, Louis and
Peter Neptune both of Perry; several
nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was cele
brated at St. Ann’ Catholic Church, with
s
the Rev. Joseph Mullen, celebrant. Burial
was at the tribal cemetery, Pleasant
Point.
CAN’ FIND A JOB?
T
Try
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/ Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we’ also help you
ll
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
— in the Portland area— 775-7225
— in the Auburn area— 786-4190
— in the Bangor area— 947-0755
— or toll free anywhere in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITMENT
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (November 1981)
Creator
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Indian Resource Center
Source
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Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
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1981-11
Contributor
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Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
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English
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pdf
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DV-429
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https://dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/5a1e9111218415141883407696096c29.pdf
3f8ee0592cfb6b510d120bb5789af995
PDF Text
Text
^
Wabanaki
A llia n ce
Supported
bya grant from the Penobscot Nation
Money arrives,
lands bought
went to press, checks arrived from the
federal government addressed to individual
members o f the Penobscot tribe, in the
amount o f $339 each. Senior citizens,
ccause of a SI million set-aside, received
S8J7 each. Another quarterly payment is
expected June 15.
Last Fall’ federally funded settlement of
s
Maine I,id,an land claims, a total of
S8I.5 million, has netted Penobscots
about $800,000 in interest, and som e 70
percent o f that amount will be distributed
to tribal members, informed sources
said. The remaining 30 percent will be
reinvested by the federal government,
which holds the principal.
Tribal members voted on the distri
bution plan - one o f several options
presented — at a general meeting held last
month at fndian Island. A similar meeting
was scheduled for Passamaquoddy Indians
at their two reservations, to deal with
their share o f the claims interest.
Wabanaki Alliance has not been allowed
to attend these meetings, despite requests
from this newspaper to cover these events.
Reaction to the anticipated funds has
been less than ecstatic al Indian Island. A
number ot persons said they would refuse
to sign forms making them eligible for
per capita funds. One woman said she is
against the settlement and to accept the
money would weaken her position.
Others, who plan to accept the funds,
have small-scale plans. "1 heard one per
son on this street say, ‘Oh, I’ going to
m
build a little patio. ’ I heard one person say
I m going to bank it.’ ” said Diane Wilson
o f Indian Island.
For those tribal m em bers under the age
of 18. a trust fund has been considered,
that could not be drawn on until the person
com es o f age.
Senior citizens will benefit from $1
million SCI aside expressly for them.
Both tribes have set aside that amount for
the elderly, a special benefit that helped
win support for the settlement from those
persons over 60years o f age.
Additional tribal m eetings will have to
be scheduled to deal with future distri
bution and re-investment o f interest
money, earned from a $27 million trust
fund held bv the U.S. government. Ap
parently. no long term comprehensive plan
has yet been adopted.
[Continued on page 11]
Tough drug law in force
Tribal census takes
on new meaning
INDIAN ISLAND — The 1980 Penobscot
ation census has been released, and the
• tal tribal membership is pegged at 1,449,
net increase o f 27 persons over the
'Cvious year.
With the settlement last year o f the land
aims act — and the prospect o f per
ipila disbursement o f money to tribal
embers —
the census list becomes
ideal and som etim es controversial,
snewed interest in the census list is
iticipated.
The 1 member census committee held
2
rce meetings, each m em ber receiving
5 per meeting attended. Out o f 120
quests for membership, only 52 were
proved.
Members of the com m ittee are Nicholas
nv. Francis Mitchell, Beth Sockbeson,
:orge Mitchell. Donald Nelson, Joseph
ancis, Watie Akins, Irving Ranco,
ilcs Francis, Francis Ranco, Gilbert
ancis, Kenneth Paul Jr. These eleven
:n and one woman also happen to be the
tire Penobscot Nation tribal council.
Of the 1,449 members, about 500 live
Indian Island. The reservation has
:reased by some 200 individuals in the
st few years, as new housing is conucted.
Dow, census com m ittee chairmai
stated m certifying the printed repor
to the best of the com m ittee's ability th
1981 census list is a .complete and precis
document, listing ail Penobscot men
bers. The list is also verified bv trib;
Gov. Timothy Love, and tribal eler
Blanche Corbett.
There were five intermarriages in 198(
David McGrane to Deborah Davis; Dougla
Francis to Candace Keast; David Sapicl t
Sue Simon; Terry Sullivan to Herbet
Ring Jr.; Christine Elaine Mitchell ti
Michael Vermette.
Nine children w ere born into the tribe
last year, and, interestingly, ten m ore were
reported for 1979 who had not been recordHeather Marie Baker, Ryder W. Bolieau,
Ashley R. Coffman, Joseph M. Dana,
Domekin A. McDougall, Carissa L. Nor
wood, Andrea L. Pardilla, Joel S. Sirois
and Seneca B. Stevens.
For 1979, the previously unpublished
arrivals were Douglas J. Francis Jr.,
Maliyan M. Francis, Jeffrey J. Fugate Jr.,
Brianne Dawn Lolar, W asuwegj F. Mc
Donald, Jason C. Neptune, Eleanor M.
Paul, Christopher M. Raymond, Michelle
’(Continued on page 10)
INDIAN ISLAND — A recently organ
ized tribal public safety committee has
drawn up a new “ sale o f drugs ordinance,"
and the strict regulations are already in
effect, a member reports. If convicted,
you could be banished from tribal lands
for life.
Al Sapiel, chairman o f the committee,
said drugs are “ a big problem. It’ a
s
problem everywhere, but where we're
so small we notice it quicker, and som e
thing’ got to be done."
s
Sapiel said the drug law, intended to put
a full stop to sale of illegal drugs on the
reservation, applies to “ scheduled drugs,”
as described in tribal law, title 17 and 17A.
Drugs named in that section include
angel dust,' hashish, amphetamines,
cocaine, opium, heroin, methadone and
(Continued on page 8)
Canoeists depart Boston for Big Cove, N.B.
ALONG THE MAINE COAST - At
presstime, a dozen Boston area Indians led
by Penobscot, Sam Sapiel o f Indian Island,
were paddling their way from Boston to Big
Cove, an Indian reservation in New Bruns
wick.
The young men and their leader, who is
recreation director for the Boston Indian
Council, departed their home city May 15,
and expect an 1,100-mile round trip.
The purpose ot the venture is to raise
funds tor a wilderness experience program
tor young Indian people.
When the paddlers reach Pleasant Point
Passamaquoddy reservation, near the east
ernmost point in the U.S., they plan to hold
a clambake and sacred pipe ceremony.
Their motto is “egsmienctj,” let us push
forward.
Truck submerged in Penobscot
INDIAN ISLAND — A green pickup
truck sat on the bottom o f the Penobscot
River between the reservation and Milford
shore this month, having sat underwater
since it crashed through thin ice, last
Dec. 28.
.- The truck-.-operated by Charlie Rustin of
Milford, was first reported sunk by Ernest
Goslin o f Indian Island, who reported the
incident to Indian Island police. Indian
police notified Old Town police, who
turned the matter over to State Police. No
charges are known to have been Filed
against Rustin, a Vietnam veteran who
reportedly stood at attention and saluted
as his truck sank through the icc.
Penobscot tribal officials hoped to test
jurisdiction on the river by claiming the
truck. Four buoys mark the sunken truck's
location.
�editorials
Some reward
Indian Township social services director John Stevens has about
had a.
He may move oil the reservation, and take a non-Indian job. After
years and years of working for his people, some o f those years as
governor, some as Maine Commissioner o f Indian Affairs, he is
anont ready to call it quits.
Who could blame him? Stevens recently took a job as director of
soeta services, meaning that he dispenses welfare to needy tribal
I'h-tt1 nmS'.t
° rdT
eS aT ° ached him ~ a,,d
the nepotism
Iha sometimes works on the reservation — they demanded help
Slovens is a lair man, and he told them they would have to qualify
ike anyone else. So they put Stevens in the hospital with brass
knuckles. It tins is Stevens reward for being fair and dedicated, he
has good reason to leave.
But if people like John Stevens leave the community, it will be the
~
I T
3* l0S‘S' And 'f mea,1S somethin§ ^ wrong. Stevens told
Pern io h , yT ay "° 1 S 3lmOSt a fl8h t ” in the welfare business.
1
People have the expectation that things will simply be handed to
mem, ne says.
Those- two men who assaulted Stevens DO need help. As the
ndian Township health center can attest, alcoholism is still the
number one problem in the community. Stevens said they were
intoxicated, perhaps also on drugs.
We take this opportunity to recognize the good, solid work o f John
not'iet himd own h° ^
'ab°red * hC'P * * ^
°
^
Kudos for Cohen
What do you say when you want to change your editorial position?
Some may say this is wishy-washy; we think it is wisdom.
T ' r ™ 1S' C°hen S£ emed an unlike1^ choice for ^airm an
ot the Select Committee on Indian Affairs, given his “anti-Indian”
Irib e f
StatementS hC h3d made about
supporting Maine
Cohen got the job. and it now appears that he deserves it The
ambitious, diligent Republican legislator has been — from recent
tubal reports — an advocate of Indian causes. The Penobscots
especially report that Cohen is able and responsive
rimothy Woodcock, a Cohen staffer who is now head counsel to
the select committee, has been praised.
Maine Indians need influence in Congress, and Indians across the
U.S. need the attention of Washington. Indians will not longer be
ignored, as Passamaquoddys and Penobscots have demonstrated in
the land claims case.
Guest editorial
Believe in yourself
Anger is an uulward sign toward someone.
Depression is an inward sign against
oneself.
riie.se arc emotional stresses too:
anxiety and fear. Anxiety builds up when
changing situations are out o f control and
Tear is where there is nothing anyone can
do about it and anger is where someone
could have changed the situation but
didn't and guilt is when we could have
changed but didn't.
Anger can be healthy. It can help us
change to a better environment. Anger can
fight and pinpoint a fear and let us face it
and overcome it. Burying anger can buUd
fear that can lead to depression and
maybe suicide. Anger makes me see the
worst in you and the hurt in myself. If
we deny our anger and swallow it, it will
rebel against our body and becom e an
illness to our body. It’ human and not
s
wrong to feel pain and anger, what be
com es right or wrong is how we express
our pain and anger.
Depression is guilt over the action by
not seeing new hope on a focus of our
problems, saying 1am not afraid o f tomor
row tor 1 have seen yesterday and 1 live
and love today; we must dream and
believe in ourselves and our ability to
dare to challenge the impossible, to under
stand that suffering, frustration and
failure are our help to cope, to develop
patience and persistence, the balance of
lifeBy Sky Owl
R
n<d° 1
frfendENDS
1 hCSC lhre<! India" Is‘ d g‘rls demonstrall! ‘hat to be truly happy “"
Indians out in the cold
The Philosophy o f " d o nothing, get
nothing’’ should be understood to mean
that if the tribes and organizations in New
England don’ attempt to impact the
t
President and C on gress immediately,
Indians will be on the outside looking in
for at least the next four to six years.
Policy being established now by the
Administration will apply over the next
four years and affect future policy, with the
possibility o f going into the next adminis
tration. The time to push for changes in
policy is now. The tribes and organizations
should be developing a packet containing
specific information supporting arguments
which substantiate the exclusion o f Indians
from budget cuts being proposed. Indivi
duals should also begin sending telegrams
and letters to their congressm en and
representatives and senators, from each
state, in support ot Indian budget requests.
Indian Tribes arc legal governmental
entities protected by law — constitutionally
and Congressional!}' legislated, based on
Treaties. Indian organizations are legal
entities created under state laws and are
the main service delivery providers for
Indian Tribal m em bers residing and
employed in urban and rural areas.
The Reagan-Bush position paper con
cerning Indians states, " I would support
Indian government through the fulfillment
of treaty obligations and financial assist
ance, and not supplant Indian government
by federal government bureaucrats.”
I fully respect the unique trust relation
ship between the United States govern
ment and the federally-recognized Indian
tribes. However, having served as gover
nor o f the state which has som e o f the
largest urban Indian com munities in the
U.S., I am aware o f the unique nature of
their situation and o f the fact that their
problem s have been largely ignored in the
past. The situation o f the urban Indian,
the off-reservation rural Indian com
munities, and the tribes not recognized by
the federal government must be looked
into with the goal o f establishing ways and
means of securing better opportunities
for them.”
It appears all grant-in-aid federal
agencies are either being cut severely or
eliminated. Block grants, in the form of
revenue sharing, will be made directly to
states which have not been amenable to
Indians. The only agency to go untouched
and being increased is the Department of
Defense whose supplemental budget was
submitted to Congress and passed easily
within 30 days. The Administration is
talking about decentralizing their authority
to states.
Questions which must be answered are:
What will be the impact on your tribe
or organization?
What will be the' impact on the state and
New England?
How will Indians nationwide be af
fected?
Notify your congressional delegation
immediately- and tell them that their
district will be affected if Indians in the
state are not going to be served.
Signed by the follow ing Penobscot
Nation officials: Governor Tim Love,
James G. Sappier, Michael Ranco.
�Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Page 3
letters
Maliseets eligi ble?
Keep it up
Presque Isle
Enterprise. Alabama
To the editor:
To the editor:
I am a Maliseet Indian with a little
French descent in me. My people on my
'atiler’ side came from Tobique Point,
s
N.B.
My great-great-grandfather was Newell
Bear. who lived to be around 110 or 116
ears old, and my grandfather was 102
cars old when he passed away. His name
kas Peter Bear. My father was Mitchell
lear: he passed away at the age o f 85.
n 1942. at Presque Isle. Me.
At about this lime I embarked on an
*\rmy troop transport ship, the U.S.S.
Harry Allen from Norfolk, Virginia for
North Africa . . . M orocco, Algiers, Tuni
sia, Sicily. Italy. France, and Germany,
Corsica and Sardinia, in between Italy and
France . . . this is all through W. W. 1.
1
What I am coming at is. I would like to
know if I am eligible for the land claims
situation. If so, could you people let me
know what my part would be, if any.
I’ be waiting for an answer o f some
ll
kind.
Clarence J. Bear
Enclosed please find my check for
SI0.00 to renew my subscription to the
Wabanaki Alliance and a donation.
We enjoy the paper very much, esp e
cially the "Flashback” photos and letters.
(In the March issue, the other lady in the
picture is Vivian Francis Massey. I be
lieve.)
K eep up the good work.
Velma N. Jones
Exchange
Forestville, Calif.
To the editor:
We enjoy receiving and reading your
publication. Recently you sent a notice
to renew our subscription. Would you
consider exchanging publications with us?
Native Self-Sufficiency is published
six times a year. Past issu es have covered
topics such as gardening, solar energy,
weatherization. and fundraising.
Very informative
Victoria Bomberry
Aloha
The Netherlands
Honolulu
To the editor:
To the editor:
Enclosed you will find $6 to renew my'
;ubscription.
Your newspaper is very informative
'or me, and the other m em bers of “ De
KIVA.” a Dutch and Belgian Indian
support Organization . . . the only way to
cecp informed about the northeastern
ribes. I think the usefulness o f the paper
ould even be improved by covering som e
what more fully the other New England
ribes because Wabanaki Alliance is the
>nly regularly published Indian newspaper
n New England.
Please allow m e this opportunity to
thank you for the information you provided
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on the
Maine Indian Land Claims.
This information will be o f great value
and help to us in our study of Hawaiian
Land Claims.
We hope we can reciprocate your kind
ness in the near future and look forward to
talking to you again.
If you are ever in Hawaii, please be sure
to contact me.
Aloha,
Dr. F. L. Wojciechowski
Wabanaki Alliance
Vol. 5, No. 5
Salmon-chanted evening
Nick Dana of Indian Township tries his luck from the Princeton bridge at Big Lake.
Joe Kealoha
Trustee
May 1981
Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services [DIS) at the Indian
Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207) 866-4903.
Typeset by Old Town/Orono Times. Printed by Ellsworth American.
Letter to Passamaquoddys
on newspaper support
I would like to say that 1 am very
disappointed with your refusal to donate
any funds in which to help the Wabana
ki Alliance through these difficult
times. I myself find this paper very in
formative. and enjoy reading it (which
I do from the very first page right
through the last one), and cannot
understand why or how you can refuse
to help .this paper.to. survive.
It is the only way I have in which to
keep informed on the happenings
around there. And for you to use the
measly excuse, “ you receive the paper
late, so that the news is already old to
you,” is unwarranted. You should
take into consideration such people as
m yself that the news in this paper isn’
t
old to. You are su pposed to be acting for
Looks forward
To the editor:
Enclosed please find check for my next
year’s subscription to Wabanaki Alliance.
1 look forward to each issue and have it
read before I get home from work. During
the past 10 months I have becom e a fe-mail
carrier for the Monrovia Post Office.
Marge Hammond Ludecke
M ember — Maine Press Association
P.S. Have you hugged your mailperson
lately?
Steven Cartwright, Editor
Elizabeth S. Warner, Composition
Kathy Cartwright, Composition
A discovery
Reporters
Phone 827-6219
Phone 532-7317
Diane Newell Wilson
Brenda Polchies
^ t e s ’:
W -y
dollars? I submit the request to’w t # ^
the Passamaquoddy Tribal Coluncil to
reconsider your refusal to help fund this
newspaper.
All 1 can say is, Wabanaki Alliance,
keep up the good work, because it is
appreciated by some, if not all.
Frederick L. Thurlow III
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
The true facts
To the editor:
Please keep my Wabanaki Alliance
newspaper coming! I am a lecturer and
need all the true facts I can get of my
people, for the public.
Calls com e to me from all over the U.S.
and even Canada to speak. Schools, col
leges and organizations o f all kinds. I
even spoke for 31 minutes on the “ Voice of
America” in Washington, D.C.
So I have to know for sure, real facts.
I’ve traveled to many reservations. I’
ve
been to Maine.
My father was a Narragansett and my
mother was a W ampanoag, so we are
eastern natives.
Princess Red Wmg
Newmarket. N. H.
To the editor:
Som eone gave me an old copy o f your
newspaper and I liked it so much that 1
To the editor:
am enclosing $5.00 for one year’s sub
scription.
Enclosed is a piece o f prose I wrote
I have a Penobscot heritage from my
father's family. Our ancestors lived in N.H. today. I would like to have it published in
in the Pem igewasset Valley area and Wabanaki Alliance, if you find it accept
som e descendants are still there. 1am very able. We read your paper with enthusiasm
and are grateful for a link with the reserva
proud o f my Indian blood and I congrat
ulate the tribes of Maine in your recent tions. Our children are very proud to be
successful land settlement. I wish you able to say that we have our own news
continued success in all that you do, and paper. Keep up the go o d work; you are
look forward to receiving the ‘Wabanaki Filling a great need throughout the state
and beyond.
Alliance’from now on.
A great need
DIS Board of Directors
Jean Chavaree 1
chairman)
Donna Coring, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
George Tomer, Consultant
Jeannette Neptune. Community Developm ent Director
Jeannette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc.
Brenda Polchies
the people, and for you to refuse to
help out people (which is exactly what
you are doing when you refuse this
paper the funds it needs to survive)
as myself who are locked up and away
from home, surely isn ’ h elping us.
t
Being able to read what is happening
gives us a few minutes o f peace to our
selves. Would you refuse a few min-
Indian Island
Old Town
Indian Island
Indian Township
Old Town
Houlton
DIS is an agency of Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc. of Maine. Sub
scription to this newspaper are available by writing to Wabanaki Alliance. 95
Main St.. Orono, Me. 04473. Diocesan Human Relations Services and DIS are a
non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes.
Rates: $5 per year 1 issues); $6 Canada and overseas; $10 for institutions
12
|schools, government, business, etc.)
Jo Anne Merrill Hauschel
Mary K. Wilson (Theresa M. Francis)
�Page 4
Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Commentary
Overcoming contempt
By Pauline Mitchell
Archie LaCoote
Indian History is not like white man’
s
history, it is not labeled by dates, but by
moons and seasons that turn over and
m erge with the next. W ounded Knee was
not 1890, but the moon when the Indians
were told they no longer existed.
They do exist, half a million o f them, and
existing is, for the majority, living in the
broken jaw o f their lost kingdoms.
The reservations are the homes of a
nation defeated by the United States,
and in this respect Indians have been less
generously treated than either o f the two
other major nations conquered by that
country. Unlike Japan or Germany, no
great sums o f money have been spent on
their rehabilitation. In fact, their situation
worsened after their defeat.
In history, the U.S. government dis
covered that it was cheaper to keep them
on the reservation than try and kill them.
So they were marched into what was
thought to be useless pieces o f land.
The thinking behind the government’
s
actions is that the reservations are in fact
temporary, and that the Indian will even
tually disappear into the American main
stream. It meets with resistance. The
values are getting lost. “ When 1 first got white people who are trying to make us
married back in 1947, I got $1 a day. Then over into their image, they want us to be
I got a raise o f 50 cents. My wife was what they call assimilated, bringing the
pretty thrifty with every penny that I Indians into the mainstream and destroy
earned. O f course, my kids didn’ have a
t
ing our own way o f life and cultural pat
bicycle every year. They didn’ jum p in
t
terns. They believe that we should be
a ear to go someplace like they do now.”
If LaCoote worries about the young, he contented to becom e like those whose
concept of happiness is two cars and a
can keep busy. He has eleven grand
color TV, a very materialistic and greedy
children.
society which is very different from our
Stationed at Dow air base at Bangor in
own.
1946, LaCoote rem em bers taking the
ferry to Indian Island in pre-bridge days.
He worked for Bell Telephone in Sum
mit, N. J., and for a Westbury, Long
Island, N.Y., contractor. “ One morning 1
started work at 8 a.in. and 1 got the urge,
'what am I doing h ere?’ The plane was
leaving at 2 o ’
clock in the afternoon, and
at 3:30 I was in B angor." LaCoote had CEREMONY, by Leslie Marmon Silko
(Viking Press, New York. 1977).
com e home.
LaCoote spent 16 years as Passamaquoddy lieutenant governor, including a
Ceremony is a novel essentially about
term under John Stevens. He was elected
governor, serving prior to Gov. Allen J. the powers inherent in the process o f story
Sockabasin.
telling.
Asked about his views on the land claims
The main character in Ceremony is a
settlement and impending influx o f money, young half-breed Laguna Pueblo Indian
LaCoote said, “ if taken care o f wisely, named Tayo. He had been a prisoner of
it’ good. It all depends on how they use the Japanese during World War II, and the
s
the money.'They’re goin g to have to have
book also focuses on the lives of several
a financial board o f advisors and a finan
young Indian veterans from the Laguna
cial advisor. There’s no financial wizard
Reservation, after their return home.
h ere."
Tayo is hovering between life and death
not only because o f being a prisoner but
Cancer victim, now
well, savors each day
INDIAN TOWNSHIP —
At age 64.
Archie LaCoote. a Passamaquoddy grand
father. grins and is glad to be alive.
Five years ago he was treated for
cancer. “ I had four months left. Each day
that I have now is a gift.” says this veteran
o f World War II and Korea. In 1975,
LaCoote was working for Georgia-Pacific,
and was struck on the head with a railroad
iron by accident. He lost his memory
temporarily.
He has no trouble remembering things
today. “ You know the road onto Dana
Point (part of the reservation)? Archie
LaCoote built that,” he said. The road,
only a trail for years, was constructed in
1938-19.79. In earlier days, Indians canoed
to Peter Dana Point from Princeton village.
LaCoolc's father drove a 1932 Ford Model
“ I.."
LaCoote‘ father was Charles “ Frenchs
ie” LaCoote. who worked at G-P all his
life. His mother was Mary Socoby LaCoote.
“ Look at the change that has taken place,
water and sewer . . .” LaCoote remem
bered. “ People were happy back in those
days.”
LaCoote gazed from the window of the
Tribal Building, once a movie theater, then
a basket co-op. and now tribal government
offices. “ I've seen a lot o f changes here,"
he said: “ building homes, that’ the
s
change. You actually have to see what
went before to understand what we have
now.”
LaCoote first attended school in what is
now a Catholic chapel on the strip section
o f the reservation. After one-room school,
he and only two other Indian classmates
attended Princeton High School, now
closed. LaCoote and David Soctomah
graduated. Albert Dana dropped out.
Archie later took two years o f college under
the G.I. bill.
Was there prejudice back then? “ You
never got invited to (certain) people’s
houses in Princeton,” LaCoote recalled.
But he said “the people arc com ing around
slowly: they’ accepting us."
re
One person who accepted Archie is his
wife o f 35 years, Leona. “ I’ve had three
heart attacks," he said. He lifts weights,
walks, "and I fight with the old lady,”
LaCoote said with a chuckle. Their sons are
Basil. Arnold and Lawrence. Larry was.
adopted after his parents abandoned him
as a babv. He was stiff from the cold and
some people doubted he would recover
when the LaCoolcs took him in.
Asked about traditional Indian ways. La
Coote commented, “ a lot of these people
still have their old ways. It’ this young
s
generation we have to worry about in the
future, or even now." H e said he is con
cerned about drug abuse.
Drinking (alcoholism) is worse today
than years ago. LaCoote warned. Old
When so much has been written about
(he Indians and their way o f life, the con
tinuing deceit of the government, as
expressed by its actions, defies belief.
Once upon a time the Indians were
amused by the white m an’ ways; they had
s
often heard that while people hanged their
criminals by the neck and choked them to
death like dogs. The Indians soon learned
through bitter experience that the ways
o f the white man were som ething other
than amusing.
A different understanding
The white man has to overcom e centu
ries o f contempt in order to learn patience
with these ways, he differs in his under
standing of time and money. He sees the
Indian as incompetent, not only in his
working habits, but in his handling of
money. Where the problem o f alcoholism is
severe, it adds fuel to the white man’
s
contempt.
The Indian today is no better equipped
to withstand the effect o f drink than he was
in the past. There is nothing much in
reservation life that can keep unhappy
people from alcohol. Here the while man
has planted another disease on the wind,
when he defeated the Indians. With all
these influences and confusions, the white
man has tried to change the Indian. But
at heart, this seem s to make an Indian
more aware that being Indian is something
that can’ be taken away.
t
EDITOR’ NOTE — Pauline Mitchell is
S
a resident o f Indian Island, and is em
ployed by Penobscot Nation tribal govern
ment. She is a Navajo.
Book Nook
Census panel elected
also because in a sense he does not want
to survive. He at first, like the fellow
Indian veterans, tries to cure his despair
with alcohol and violence. Eventually he
fights against the easy cure,- searching
for another way. His search leads him to
the old stories and past traditions o f the
Pueblo’ curing ceremony.
s
Ceremony tells o f an Indian family, but
also it deals with despair. The despair
which accounts for violence and alcoholism
which occurs in many Indian communities
today:
Ceremony has been a great experience
lor me, as it will be for many others,
I m su re-
By Cathy Hurd
INDIAN ISLAND — A new Penobscot
tribal census committee has been elected
in a recent vote here.
Out of a slate of 1 candidates, nine
1
winners are to serve on the annual panel,
along with three senior citizens not yet
chosen. But a tie between Clara Jennings
and Neil Phillips, who both garnered 54
votes, may not be resolved until a recount
is held in June.
Clear winners w ere Carolyn Massey, 96
ballots; Rose Francis, 89 votes; Lottie
Stevens. 86; Doreen Bartlett, 84; Rose
Murphy, 82; Jean Chavaree, 74; Eunice
Crowley, 61; S. C. Francis, 59. Burnell
Mitchell was the onlv loser, with 49 votes.
Census prepared
INDIAN TOWNSHIP —
The 1980
Passamaquoddy tribal census has not yet
been officially released here, but census
committee chairman Basil LaCoote said
there are about 380 reservation residents
belonging to the tribe. He said there were
12 births and five marriages during the
past year. About 354 tribal members
live o ff reservation, he said.
JUST A BLUR — Indian Island Recreation Department’ rollerskating hockey teams get
s
into some action. The roller-hockey idea is new to the Island and new to the area, according
to Red Bartlett, recreation director. The kids should be in great shape for ice hockey next
winter, he said.
�waDanaki Alliance May 1981
To Gov. J.H. Nicholas
Page 5
Claims complaints
South Portland
Dear Mr. Nicholas.
I understand that the Referendum Vote
was rejected on Thursday. May 14. 1
can t say that I m sorry. I don’ understand
t
why Ihe two Councils should get 15% notwhy 30% should he reinvested since
554 million o f the original settlement was
used for investments.
In the Jan. 4. 1981 Sunday Telegram you
were quoted as saying that you received
a petition with 1 1 signatures requesting
8
the interest money be divided among the
people. At that time you also were quoted
as saying “1 that’ what they want that's
1
s
what they'll ge l.” What has happened to
change this? Also, why aren’ the offt
reservation Indians better informed?
I didn’t receive my newsletter informing
me o f the vote until May 12 yet the letter
was dated May 4. After calling some
Indian people in the Portland area I found
there were many that received no word at
all. others received word after the vote.
I m sure som e off— reservation Indians
would have taken part in the voting had
they been informed sooner, and those
that couldn’t be there should have been
sent absentee ballots. What I am trying to
say is please don’t penalize us for living
o ff the reservation. If we choose not to
live on the reservation that does not mean
we are less Indian; our choice of home
d o e sn ’ change our origin: our hearts
t
will always be with our tribe and our
people.
( ou include us in the count when
Y
applying for any benefits, you included us
in the count when you filed the land
claims suit, yet when it com es to enjoying
the harvest you’ like to forget the offd
reservation Indian exists.
I’d like to call your attention to the fact
that in 1976 there w ere 509 Indians living
on the reservation and there were 682
living off. So when the Land Claims
suit was filed the majority o f our people
w ere living off the reservation. It was only
after the news spread that the people
started moving back, mainly because they
w ere afraid that this was the only way
they would benefit. All o f us can not do
this: though our hearts are with our people
and tribe, our immediate families have to
com e first. W e suffered discrimination
and humiliation in our fight to stay in the
White man s world and we cannot give it
up now, but neither do we intend to give
up our heritage as Passamaquoddy In
dians. Ijoin the 181 people in their request
to have the interest payment divided
am ong the people.
Mary R. (Moore) Smith
The following people wish their names
added to the petition: Robert P. Smith Jr.,
Arlaina M. (Smith) Ryder, G eorge Newell,
Florence White. Barbara Hughes, Ernest
Hughes, Patricia (Hughes) Clement. Ruth
(Hughes) Ivey. Mary (Moore) Murdock,
Linda (Murdock) Marquis, Marion (Mur
dock) Roberts, Joseph Moore. Daniel
M oore. Marie (Thurlow) Munson. Thomas
Thurlow, Fredrick Thurlow, Betty Robin
son. Peter Moore. Peter Moore Jr.,
David Moore. Timothy Moore, Bruce
Moore.. Judith (Neptune) Morton, John
Neptune, Wayne Neptune, Ronald Nep
tune, Kenneth Neptune, Linda Neptune,
Raymond
Neptune,
Anna (Neptune)
Durkee.
Joint council denies paper place on agenda
ORONO — rhe joint Passamaquoddy
tribal council has refused to consider a
funding request from Wabanaki Alliance.
Allen J. Sockabasin. chairman o f the
council that represents Indian Township
and Pleasant Point reservations, told
Wabanaki Alliance that the council has
more important things to consider. He
refused to pul a funding proposal on the
agenda for any upcoming meeting.
Wabanaki Alliance recently received a
grant from Penobscot Nation, but has been
unsuccessful in securing aid from Passamaquoddys. Albert Dana o f Indian Town
ship. chairman of the local tribal council,
did not respond to a letter asking for a
place on his council’s agenda at an upcom
ing meeting.
Joe Socobasin helps young customers at his new store.
Nicknames identify new store
INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Who would be
lieve a new business known as Porky and
Fudd? It s true, and if you grew up here,
you'd know who was who.
Porky is Joseph Socobasin, who does not
deserve the nickname that he attributes to
his Indian family clan sign: the pig. Fudd is
Elmer Lank, and from Elm er’ first name
s
you can s ee where the Fudd com es from.
Socobasin and Lank are partners in a new
grocery’ sandwich and convenience store,
,
also licensed to sell beer and wine.
Absolutely no liquor will be sold after
hours, a sign proclaims. Using a remodeled
old building. Porky and Fudd’ is open
s
seven days per week, from 6 a.m. to about
11 p.m.
to use their medication right, they forget;
or they get to feeling better and quit
taking it altogether, which is the worst
thing they can do, he said.
One of the most abused drugs is Valium
in the Old Town area.
There is a book you can send for, listing
6,000 pills that are com ing off the market
soon, says the FDA. These are pills that
don’t work. You can send $7 to:
P.O. Box 19404
Washington. D.C. 20036
M AIL T O W A B A N A K I ALLIANCE, 95 M A IN ST R E E T , O R O N O . M A IN E 04473
W ABAN AKI A LL IA N CE S U B S C R IP T IO N FO RM
(Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance)
I EN CLOSE:
$5 for one year
(Individual— U.S.)
Street ................................................................
$6 for one year
(Canada)
$10 for one year
(Institutional rate)
City/Town and State ............................................. I
I Donation ,Amount)
Zip Code
----1
Joe Socobasin’ brother, Larry, minds
s
the shop. An elegant, accurate old weigh
ing scale was purchased from Arthur
Wheaton of Princeton for $25. Wheaton
owned a general store.
Asked how business was going, Socob.isin said. "I'm keeping my head up. "
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Owned Homes For Sale
in Washington County
Pharmacist says medicine mis-used
By Diane W ilson
INDIAN ISLAND — Charley King, a
pharmacist in Old Town, was quoted as
saving. "The meals for the senior citizens
is the best thing we could have here,
because so many o f our senior citizens live
alone and don’ like to eat alone. When
t
cooking for just two persons it is hard to
do, so this way they get one go o d balanced
meal and friendship." He also said the
older people age 50 and up don't know how
I always thought about doing this,”
said Socobasin, who with his wife Mary
Ellen have three children, aged 14, 12 and
five. A woodsman, Socobasin said he is
considering renting space in the Legacy
and Savage garage across Route 1 from his
home. The garage went out o f business
recently. " I ’ playing it by ear now,” he
m
said.
Equal Housing
OPPORTUNITY
M ain Street, Baring, M aine
3 bedroom , 2-car ga ra ge — 527,900.00 —
5200.00 D.P.
9 A cadem y Street, Calais, M aine
4 bedroom , ready to m ove into. R ed u ced to
527.500.00 — 5500.00 D.P.
Summer Street, Calais, Maine
4 bedroom , new heating system —
521.900.00 — 5200.00 D.P.
Main Street, Princeton, Maine
4 bed ro o m — attached garage. R edu ced to
526.000.00 - no D.P.
ANYONE CAN BUY
YOU DON’ HAVE TO
T
BE A VETERAN
See Your Local Real
E state Broker Or
Contact
All VA financed
At
p r e v a ilin g in te re s t ra tes
VETERANS. ADMINISTRATION
LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION
TOGUS, MAINE 04330
Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433
�Page 6
Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Services director assaulted
INDIAN TOWNSHIP— John Stevens is
back on the job as tribal social services
director, with a scar above one eye.
Earlier this year he was beaten up by
two relatives, after he denied services to
them, he said. The two male attackers
first called his office demanding help. He
told them they would first have to qualify
like anyone else, and they used fourletter language over the phone. He hung
up.
The two men came to his office, where
they were again refused. Then, Stevens
alleges, they used brass knuckles to beat
him. He was hospitalized with injuries
received in the assault.
Stevens said he had little chance of
fighting back, with two on one, and the
brass knuckles.
He said the two men faced charges in
tribal court, but that sentences arc too
lenient in the Indian-run court.
Stevens, former tribal governor, has
been in his new job eight months. He was
assaulted after three months on the job,
and said he is now considering leaving
the position. He is a m em ber o f the Passamaquoddy tribal council.
In another incident. Stevens said he
stored $3,000 worth o f Indian jewelry in
his office, from which he was selling it,
only to have the entire amount stolen.
Indians graduate from UNB
FREDERIC! ON, N.B. —
Seventeen
Micmae and Malisect students received
bachelor o f education degrees from the
University o f New Brunswick at the 152nd
Encaenia. May 21. This group of grad
uates constitutes the largest number of
New Brunswick Indian students ever to
graduate from UNB in a single year and
will increase the number o f Indian teachers
in the province.
The graduates are Paula Bcar-Pirie,
Delbert Moulton, Timothy Nicholas,
Mary Perley and Warren Tremblay of
Tobiquc: Margaret (Peggy) Clement.
Freda Levi. Marion Sanipass, Lucy Simon
and Levi Sock, o f Big Cove; Gail Metallic
.and Donna M etallic o f Rcstigouche,
' Quebec: Patricia Sark o f Oromoeto; and
Robert Dale Brooks. Margaret (Cindy)
Gabriel, Irene Mullin, and Christine
Saulis o f Fredericton. The two students
graduating last fall were Robert Atwin of
Kingsclcar and Claudia Simon o f Big Cove.
An additional 72 students were admitted
to the program last September. O f this
group, approximately 60 com pleted the
first year o f study. This class, scheduled
to graduate in 1984, includes students Donna Sanipass
from the Eskasoni Reserve in Nova Scotia.
Cherokee team outshoots Vermillion
In a fiercely battled contest for first
place. Ihe Cherokee Nation Renegades
of lalilcquah. Ok. squ eezed past the
Vermillion. S.D. team in the final 30
seconds of play to claim the National
Indian Activities
Association
Men's
Basketball Championship for 1981 last
week in Tahletjuah.
Island resident 85
INDIAN ISLAND —
Sarah (Sadie)
Kanco. a Penobscot, turned 85 years of
age on April 2. making her the oldest living
m em ber o f the tribe, so far as is known.
She is a member o f the Senior Citizens
group, and lives in her own residence.
CMIA served
594 persons
ORONO —
Central Maine Indian
Association, a statewide social services and
advocacy group, dealt with a total of
594 people in 1980.
A service population report says CMIA
helped 209 Micniacs, 150 Passamaquoddys. 85 Penobscot.s, 69 Maliseets, and 81
individuals with other tribal affiliations.
A total o f 319 family units were helped.
Primarily involved in assisting offreservation Indians. CMIA has also aided
reservation residents seeking jo b s or
basic services. Funding the Orono-based
agency has become increasingly difficult,
and more than one staff m em ber has been
laid off recently.
Among the needs addressed by CMIA
are "advocacy for other services," employment/education, institutional
support,
family support, tribal affiliation verifica
tion, hunting/fishing
licenses,
food,
adoption/foster
care,
wcatherization.
winterization and fuel assistance.
In other CMIA business, Penobscot
Nation has joined the agency in a proposal
submitted to the federal government under
the Indian Child Welfare Act. The federal
Indian Health Service [IHSJ has helped
develop the proposal, as has Harry Rainbolt. eastern regional official of the U.S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
From an eight-point lead, the Renegades
watched Vermillion recoup to a tied-up
ballgam e and with less than a minute left
to play, the teams traded fouls and free
shots until (lie clock expired with the
Renegades on topside, 85-83.
' Also claiming trophies were: Third,
Lakola Coup Counters (1976 & 1977
champs) of S.D.; Fourth, Oklahoma
Indians. Concho. Ok.; Fifth. X-Haskell.
Native gathering set
this fall in Geneva
Micmac artist takes
break from studies
MAPLETON — Homd sw eet home is
how Donna Sanipass, 25, feels about
returning to her family here, after
studying at Institute of American Indian
Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I came back here to get away. No cares
or responsibilities; it feels so peaceful
here, she said. With her is son, Max
Romero, who will be' one year old this
month, she is taking a needed break.
She enjoyed Santa Fe. where another
Maine Indian, Passamaquoddy Brenda
Murphy from Pleasant Point, was also
enrolled. Besides studying painting and
museum theory, she played volleyball and
softball. Now she is interested in child
protective services.
While in Santa Fe, Sanipass got to know
the Laguna-Taos Puebld Indians. “They’
re
really strict.. When I went in there they
WASHINGTON —
An international
conference on Indigenous People and the
Land is scheduled for mid-September,
1981, in Geneva, Switzerland. The con
ference, sponsored by the NGO Sub
com m ittee on Racism, Racial Discrimina
tion, Apartheid and Decolonization, is
planned as a follow-up to the 1977 Inter
national Conference on Discrimination
Against Indigenous Populations in the
Americas, which was held at the United
Nations building in Geneva. Entitled
"International NGO Conference on Indi
genous Peoples and the Land," the
BOSTON — The Penobscot Nation has
conference will be held September 14-17, been selected to host a New England-wide
1981. The planning committee anticipates Indian conference. May 5, on federalthat approximately 150 to 200 indigenous tribal relations in terms o f grants and
delegates.
NGO
representatives and services.
interested persons will be invited to attend.
The federally sponsored workshop will
take place at a Methodist Church building
in Washington, D.C. Am ong issues on the
agenda are housing, education, health and
human services, econom ic development,
The director o f TGl's Film Project federal recognition, legal services, food
announced recently that the title "W e and nutrition.
Agencies involved include CETA, Ad
Are Still Here!" has been changed to "W e
ministration for Native Americans and
Are Still Editing!”
Community Services Administration. The
Actually, the film is very near com ple
afternoon o f presentations has been
tion. Director Jay Kent said. Final lab
organized by Barbara Namias. coordinator
processes will add a month to the release o f the Indian Task Force in Boston, a
date, but the film will be ready for review federal group to aid in funding New
by Indian advisors within a couple of England Indians.
weeks.
Jam es Sappier o f Indian Island, a
The Film Project is very anxious to hear Penobscot and co-chairman o f the task
from groups and individuals interested in force, will present a regional overview at
screening the film, especially outside of the "issu es workshop."
Maine. For information, contact Jay
Indian groups involved, in addition to
Kent, c/o Tribal Governors, Inc., 93 Main Penobscots. are the Mashantucket Pequot
Street, Orono. Me. 04473. or call (207) o f Connecticut; New Hampshire Indian
866-5526.
Council; Boston Indian Council; Passama-
w ere really upset," she recalled, on
visiting a Pueblo ceremonial event. “They
came over to me ... they w ould’ thrown
ve
me out if I wasn't Indian." I
In Santa Fe, she m et K en Romero,
father of her child. He is staying out west.
Sanipass rem em bers that as a child, “I
did a lot of harvesting (potatoes and blue
berries), making money for school and
clothing, and half for m y mom.”
She was called “n igger” in school, in
Mapleton. “My dad would say fight back.
I’ the kind who would turn the other
m
cheek.” Sanipass even reached the point
where she “hated every white man.” She
ran away from home, to Portland, but
returned soon after.
Sanipass’ father Don is from Big Cove,
New Brunswick, and her m other is from
Shubenachadie, Nova Scotia.
Penobscots to host workshop
Take me to the movie
quoddy Tribe; Abenaki Self-Help Associa
tion; Wampanoag Tribal Council o f Gay
Head. Massachusetts; Central Maine
Indian Association of Orono; Connecticut
Indian Affairs Council; Rhode Island
Indian Council; and Narragansett Tribe
o f Rhode Island.
Poets due in Portland
PORTLAND —
Tw o Indian Island
residents will discuss "talking sticks”
and wampum belts, am ong other things,
at a one day course called "con cep ts of
speaking.”
Isabelle Shay, Micmac, and Carol Dana,
Penobscot, both poets, will present the
program June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2:30
p.m., at Shaler School, North Street.
The program is sponsored by Feminist
College, a group offering "an education
that encourages cooperative study and
problem-solving, reflects the resources of
all learners, relates survival issues and
global concerns, envisions a just and
humane future."
�Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Page 7
Micmacs accept $1.2 million
NYANZA, Nova Scotia —
Micmac
Indians recently voted narrowly to approve
a land claims settlement o f $1.2 million,
in exchange for 3.500 acres o f highlyvalued shore frontage.
The land lost by the tribe borders the
famed Bras d ’ Lake in Cape Breton, an
Or
Court wants ruling
on Mohegan claim
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Sup.• erne
Court has asked the Justice Department for
its views on a matter that could affect
Indian claims to millions o f acres o f land in
the Eastern United States. According to
an Associated Press report, the Court
Dougall o f Indian Island, and William D. will wait until it hears from the Justice
M cDougall o f Bridgeport, Connecticut. Department before considering Connecti
s
Dean is the son o f R ebecca and Daniel cu t’ effort to avoid having to defend itself
Francis o f Pleasant Point. The ceremony from the Mohegan Indian Tribe’s claim to
was performed by Virgie Johnson, retired 2,500 acres o f land under the 1790 Indian
area agent for the state Department of Non-intercourse Act. The state claims
Indian Affairs. A w edding cake was baked that the Act applies only to land located in
by Grace Bailey o f Pleasant Point. Janice "Indian Country,” then the western
has one son. Domekin Attcan McDougall.
frontier. The state lawyers also contend
Dean Francis is currently in the U. S.
that even if the 1790 Act applies to eastern
Army, stationed in Kaiserslautern, Ger
states, the Connecticut land involved
many. His wife will join him there.
should be exempt under a'separate law
dealing with Indian-owned lands surround
ed by non-Indian settlements. The U.S.
District Court refused to dism iss the suit
as requested by the state and this ruling
For those readers that did not know the- was upheld by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court
identity o f two smiling persons in a front o f Appeals.
page photo in last m onth’ Wabanaki
s
Alliance, here is the information.
At left is Sister Claire, a Catholic Sister
of Mercy who has worked at Indian Town
ship. and now is stationed at Indian
WASHINGTON —
Interior Secretary
Jam es Watt has not made a final decision
Island. Beside her is Fawn LaDonna Nep
s
tune, five-year-old daughter o f Timothy on whether to move B lA ’ Institute of
Neptune [ShayJ. Fawn’ mother is an American Indian Arts (IAIA) at Santa Fe,
s
Alaskan native. Fawn is currently living New Mexico to a new site.
with Jim and Bonnie Sappier at Indian
Newspapers in Santa Fe and Albu
Island.
querque had announced that the school
would be moved and the campus facilities
used for an All Pueblo Indian high school.
The stories announcing the change were
Bride and groom, Janice and Doan Francis, are flanked nl wedding ceremony by best man
Leonard Francis, and maid o f honor Teri McDougall.
McDougall-Francis
PLEASANT POINT — Janice McDougall
o f Indian Island becam e the bride o f Dean
Francis o f Pleasant Point. Wednesday.
April 22, at the hom e o f the groom's
parents.
Janice is the daughter o f Rene Me-
Ball club starts
INDIAN TOWNSHIP — David Sockabasin, a player anyone would want on his
team, is organizing two reservation
baseball teams this season, and in another
corner, a women's softball team is getting
off the ground. David will b e fortunate
if his famed ball-playing brothers —
Raphael, Clayton, and Patrick — join up.
Contact David for m ore information on
what could be a couple o f crack teams.
Thot mutual feeling
island connected by causeway to Nova
Scotia mainland. The settlement marks
the final round o f a decade o f negotiations
bv the W agm atcook Indian Band and the
government Office o f Native Claims.
Most o f the money will be used by the
band to buy land, and start economic
development, according to Chief Benedict
Pierro. Pierro said he is satisfied with the
settlement, especially in view o f the
initial government offer o f $280,000.
This isn’ the end o f the W agmatcooks’
t
efforts to bring claims. Pierro said the next
step is to proceed against the provincial
government.
Hawaiians may
bring land claim
HAWAII — Native Hawaiians may set
forth a land claim for at least 200.000
acres, according to Joe Kcaloha. spokes
man for Office o f Hawaiian Affairs.
In the late 1800s, native government was
overthrown by whites, and no land was
returned to the original people, despite
urgings o f President Grover Cleveland.
Later, when Hawaii was annexed to the
U.S., a Hawaiian H om es Act provided
200,000 acres for natives. Kcaloha said in a
telephone conversation. However, that
land was taken from the natives when
Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959.
Kcaloha said he was interested in how
Penobscots and Passam aquoddys success
fully negotiated their $81.5 million settle
ment. which includes purchase of 300,000
acres.
Watt won't say what on art school
Wickeegan to
feature claims
Secord graduates
PORI LAND — Theresa K. Secord. 23.
of Portland graduated April 25. from the
University of Southern Maine, with a
degree in earth science and geology.
Secord. the daughter of Lawrence and
Marv Secord and a Penobscot, was award
ed a special minority scholarship to pursue
her PhD in geology at University o f Wis
consin at Madison, where she has been
accepted.
She is a graduate o f South Portland High
School, and outside interests include
caving and canoeing.
Indian research explored
WASHINGTON —
A symposium on
American Indian research will be held at
National Archives building, Washington,
July 27-31. 1981.
Designed for researchers with interests
ranging from tribal history and genealogy
to demography and social history, this
symposium will explore the wide variety
of records, and sources for American
Indian research. The sym posium will
focus on use o f state, federal, and prefcdcral sources with em phasis on method
ology.
reported to be based on statements by
m em bers of the New M exico Congressional
delegation after a breakfast meeting with
W att on April I.
Watt’ statement acknowledged that
s
the plan to tuni the campus over to the
Pueblo Council for its high school had
merit but stressed that there is “ no firm
proposal and a final decision has not
been made.
ORONO — The next airing of the public
television Indian program, Wickeegan,
will feature the Maine Indian land claims
and related issues.
Sponsored by Maine Public Broad
casting Network [MPBN|, the show is
hosted and produced by Kim Mitchell,
a Penobscot. The show is set for
June 15, at 7:30p.m.
Indian bank featured
WASHINGTON —
A recent feature
story in the Washington Post described
the American Indian National Bank as
" o n e o f the most successful minority
financial institution ventures in the United
States today.”
Citing the bank as “ one of the more
a ggressive institutions in the D.C. area,”
the Post noted that the Indian bank’
s
deposits rose by 39 percent in the past
year, when the average increase for
bank deposits was only about 9 percent.
In 1980. the Indian bank's earnings
w ent from 5421,541 to $457,957.
Indians in cultural event
FORT KENT — Two Maine Indians
were scheduled to participate in a three
day ethnic meeting here. May 1-3.
Francis Sapiel o f Indian Island, and Gary
Ennis o f Caribou, planned to attend TriState Multi-Cultural Conference, a concept
begun three years ago. The conference
will take place at University o f Maine at
Fort Kent.
Rosalie retires
After six years of service, Rosalie Clark of Indian Island retired this month from Wabanaki
Corporation, an intertribal alcoholism agency based in Orono. One of the original
counselors, she worked with clients both on and off reservation. She was feted by fellow
workers, including Indian Township counselor Bernard Stvens, above.
�Mohawk traditionalists want total sovereignty
RONO — About 70 people, half of
Indians, listened as two spokesmen
the Mohawk traditionalist movement
ined gloomy prospects,
he University o f Maine Distinguished
ure topic was "H osta ges in our midst;
ys struggle for sovereignty among
’
ve Americans." But the struggle is
and hard, and the su ccesses small,
jjuest speakers said,
ike Meyers, editor o f the traditionalist
spaper Akwesasnc Notes, appeared
auraged that people such as indivis in the audience were unable to help
traditionals —
som etim es called
:als by their detractors — achieve
•goals.
evers and fellow Mohawk Earl Cross
e it clear their goals include total
reignty for the Mohawk Nation, and
1cement of the elective tribal govem. system, with the original, hereditary
•m administered by elders o f the
. I he elective system was imposed by
society earlier in this century. In
raditional system, male leaders are
’n by women (Mohawks were a
iarchal society in (he past).
’.vers and Cross argue for a separate
n nation, apart from U.S. govem1
1
t until the lecture itself, held last
h on campus, did sponsors know who
coming to represent the Mohawk
m. The sponsors w ere Distinguished
ire Scries. Maine Peace Action Comc and The Honors Center at UMO.
potluck Indian social took place the
evening, on Indian Island, for the
twk guests.
e speakers addressed broad general sovereign rights, environmental isand traditional culture, in view of
present role o f suppression and exition by the U.S. government."
government is trying to get rid of
ns by denying them rights, the
ccr.s said.
v its
accused the federal Indian
h Service [IHS| and Bureau o f Indian
‘ |BIA| of plotting to terminate
S
n ways and Indian tribal existence.
Poetry
It’ a D og’s Life
s
TOR’ NOTE: This poem is written
S
morv of "L ady" o f Indian Island;
mis the least 1could do ," the author
ifter 1 years of canine companion
6
's bad as it can be,
ard on a dog like me.
nc legs are so damn frail,
nd stumble down a dusty trail.
day don’ feel so good,
t
each fleas like I should,
md worms are irritation,
•is such an aggravation.
o leave my home-sweet-home,
Spirit beckons where buffalo roam,
mil's down on bended knee,
s wel, she prays for me.
rc howling all about,
ourn and cry and even shout.
'ig powwow for a friend,
icy love until the end.
aised some hell and that’ no lie
s
me sleep before I die.
is more merciful that way.
V . my friends. I’m going away.
'C
"P. J." Becker
Drug law
(Continued from page 1 )
Neil Phillips. Penobscot tribal member,
stood up from the audience and declared
the Maine Indian land claim s settlement of
1980 has cheated Indian people of their
rights. He said he wanted to bring suit to
halt
the
Pcnobscot-Passamaquoddy
settlement, already ratified by Congress.
Phillips accused M eyers and his tradi
tionalists o f relusing to help traditional
Pcnobscots in their time o f need.
Meyers said Pcnobscots did not follow
proper procedure, and a special request
for help would have to be approved
through appropriate channels.
M eyers said concerned individuals,
such as members of the audience, were not
big enough to help the traditionalist
cause. He said " fa m ilies" could help, as
could organizations such as Goddard
C ollege in Vermont, and The Farm, a
communal business-living venture in
Tennessee.
M eyers said he believes in a "dialogu e"
between spirit and the earth but did not say
how traditional Indians could co-exist with
outside society.
Cross discussed Indian Way School, a
so-called “ survival sch o o l" where Mohawk
traditions and language are taught. He
explained that instead o f using biased,
printed textbooks, students build their
own books with looseleaf binders, adding
pages of knowledge as they learn.
Cross claims the Mohawk Indian dropout
rate in public schools was its high as 80
percent, but is less than- two percent in
the Indian Way School. Classes are com
posed of 15-15 pupils. O f those applying to
colleges, 100 percent were accepted. Cross
said.
Cross called the school part of "a
revolution to get rid o f a system that
produces non-natives from native people."
Later he said. " I hear in the paper that
Indians are getting all kinds o f land back.
It isn ’t that way."
barbituafes. Marijuana is a civil offense
with possession o f one and onc-half
ounces or less. With m ore than that
amount, the offense becom es a Class D
crime, and is handled in state courts.
Prior to the land claim s settlement,
there was a period when drug cases would
have been handled in federal courts. Now.
tribal and state courts handle most of
fenses.
The new drug ordinance states:
"A ny non-member convicted o f sale,
possession, or providing of scheduled
drugs as described in Tribal Law, Title
17 and 17A, shall be banished from the
lands o f the Penobscot Nation for life.
"Any adult member o f the Penobscot
Nation convicted o f sale, o f providing
scheduled drugs as described in Tribal
Law, Title 17 and 17A, shall forfeit all
rights as a member for ninety (90) days
including banishment for that period from
tribal lands for the first offense, six (6
)
months loss o f all rights including banish
ment from tribal lands for that period for a
second offense, and permanent loss of
rights and permanent banishment from
tribal lands for life for the third offense
on Penobscot Territory.
“ Any member who assists in the arrest
or conviction of any person/persons
selling scheduled drugs be rewarded
$500.00.”
Sioux seek to block
Black Hills payoff
Getting good marks
Dennis Tomnh, Young Adult Conservation Corps [YACC] director at Indian Township
shows his pleasure at a favorable review from federal evaluation team m em bers
Deborah Harstedt and Jam es Gregg. The YACC program s here, and at Indian Island,
have experienced severe cutbacks in funding, in recent months.
Micmac-Maliseet program to serve
Indian, non-Indian teachers
FREDERICTON. N.B. — A MicmacMaliseet educational development institute
is in the works at University o f New Bruns
wick, with a $150,000 grant from a Cana
dian foundation.
The purpose o f the institute is to famil
iarize M icmac and Maliseet teachers and
other educators with instructional and
curriculum developm ent resources and
processes with particular reference to the
needs o f native Indian children in the
school system ; and to train and otherwise
educate teachers and others to assume
leadership roles in curriculum develop
ment in the future.
Specifically, the institute will create a
Micmac-Maliseet curriculum resources
center; initiate m eetings and conferences
pertinent to Miemac-Maliscet education;
conduct a program o f practical research
with an aim to capitalizing upon parallel
work done elsewhere in Canada and the
United States; investigate the place of
native languages in the curriculum through
the assem bling o f data and the bringing
together of existing scholarly expertise
on the M icmac-Maliseet tongues; produce
printed curriculum materials; and provide
an educational information service to
native bands, school committees and
individuals.
The institute will serve primarily the
native teachers and non-native teachers of
native children at reserves in New Bruns
wick, Cape Breton and the Gaspe penin
sula in Quebec, as well as native teachers
in provincial sch ools attended by native
children.
The institute and its staff will be as
sociated with the special Indian studies
program now functioning as part o f UNB’
s
faculty o f education.
INDIANPLCRAFT
SU P
IE S
c d e c
148 Page
Catalog
The world's largest
Indian Crafts Catalog.
Mora than 4,000 Items
to choose from I
For tree catalog,
Trade Beads, fin Cones,
Brass Beads. Moire Taffeta
Ribbon, Ermine Skins.
Bone Elk Teeth. Shawl
Fringe and 'fern.
4REYOWL ,
113-15 Springfield Blvd.
Queens Village, N.Y. 11429
Despite a U.5. suprem e court decision,
members or the Oglala Sioux Tribe of
South Dakota are seeking to block the
federal government from paying them and
other Sioux $105 million for land taken in
1877.
Lawyers for the Indians told the U.S.
circuit court o f appeals they want land
rather than money.
In addition the Indians are seeking
$1 billion in trespass dam ages and $10
billion for mineral resources removed from
the area. On June 30. 1980, the supreme
court ordered the government to pay the
Sioux $17.1 million plus interest since 1877
(a total o f about $105 million) for the 7.3
million acres taken.
C A N T FIND A JOB?
Try the
JOB CORPS
Would you like to be trained as a ...
Bookkeeper
Secretary/Stenographer
Clerk Typist
Nursing Assistant
If you are 16 to 21 and not in school,
the Penobscot Job Corps Center has
training programs which may be of
interest to you.
The Penobscot Job Corps Center
provides all trainees with a -place to
live, meals, health care and a cash
monthly stipend while you learn. And
when you finish, we'll also help you
find a job.
SOUND GOOD?
IT IS GOOD.
ASK FOR JOB CORPS
— in the Portland area— 775-7225
— in the Auburn area— 786-4190
— in the Bangor area— 947-0755
— or Loll free anywhere in Maine
at 1-800-432-7307
ASK FOR
JOB CORPS RECRUITM ENT
�Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Poetry
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following three
poem s were written by pupils at Indian
Township Elementary School, who arc
enrolled in Maine Migrant Education.
Their teacher is migrant tutor Allen
Doherty.
0,n A Hot Summer
At the lake
On a hot, sunny day.
When the sun has just com e up,
I hear the trees swaying back and forth.
I see the water and children swimming.
I enjoy going in a canoe and
paddling along the shoreline.
1will feel like I’ lived there
ve
All summer.
Dorothy Newell
Grade 6
A Favorite Place
Aroostook serenity
Aroostook potato field plowed for planting, with a light dusting o f snow. [Photo bv Donald
Sanipass]
Seven graduate from UMO
ORONO — Four Indian students gradu
ated this month at the Orono campus, and
three more Indians graduated from Bangor
Community College this spring.
According to Theodore (Ted) Mitchell,
counselor to Indian students and an assist
ant dean at UMO, lour to five more Indian
students will graduate in December.
Earning highest distinction in elementary
education at Orono was Linda A. Stewart
Phillips o f Dover-Foxcroft. Penobscot and
wife o f Reuben Phillips, tribal representa
tive to the state legislature.
Also graduating with degrees in ele
mentary education at UMO were Penobseols Janice Attean McDougall and James
Horatio Sanborn III. McDougall lives on
Indian Island. Sanborn in Bangor.
Donna Levesque, an Indian from Fort
Fairfield, graduated at Orono with a degree
in food and nutrition.
At BCC, Calvin Nicholas, a Passamaquoddy, graduated with an associate degree
in human services, as did Grace Colburn, an
Alaskan Eskimo.
David Nelson, Penobscot from Indian
Island, graduated from BCC with an
associate degree in liberal studies.
Recently, Joe Marshall and Alec Denny of
Eskasoni Micmac Reserve in Cape Breton,
Nova Scotia, visited the Orono campus.
They said they were interested in a U.S.
college, Mitchell said.
Micmac second in Marathon
By Cathy Hurd
BOSTON — Patti Lyons Catalano, a
Micmac runner and queen o f U.S. women
distance runners, was second in the
wom en’ division o f the Boston Marathon,
s
held recently.
Her time was two hours, twenty-seven
minutes, and fiftyon c seconds. The
distance o f the race was twenty-six miles,
three hundred eighty-five yards. New
Zealand's Allison Roe cam e in first with a
lime of two hours, twenty-six minutes,
forty-five seconds.
Catalano comes from a fatherless
family of nine. Her mother is from Nova
Scotia. They live in Quincy. Mass.
Catalano had to repeatedly explain to
reporters why she finished second for the
third straight year: ‘‘I did everything I
wanted to except win. I didn’ do anything
t
wrong. She [Allison Roe] just outran me,
that’ all,” said Boston’s best known
s
runner, who says she will return another
year.
In comparison to M aine’ Joan Benoit:
s
Benoit says things are “ interesting.”
Catalano says things are “ wicked.”
Benoit came in third with a time o f two
hours, thirty minutes, and fifteen seconds.
Evidence of early white trading post
UNITY — Whites may have settled near
Indians earlier than has been thought,
according to archaeologist Ted Bradstreet.
Bradstreel. writing for the Maine
Archaeological Society Bulletin, said his
students from Unity C ollege unearthed
evidence that the Pilgrims o f Plymouth,
Mass., had a trading post 22 m iles up the
Kennebec River before they were driven
out by Indians in the 17th century.
He said resulting disputes over land
titles produced various historical claims,
‘‘
and the real history got lost.”
I like to walk in the woods,
On a cool and sunny day.
Very early in the morning.
I hear the sounds o f chirping
Birds and moving brush.
I can hear deer and m oose in
the sparkling stream, while 1am hunting.
I would like to go back in a week.
W here I am very happy.
Dickie Sabattus
Grade 8
Visiting the Beach
Up the beach,
When summer comes.
About noon,
1hear water splashing on the rocks,
And I hear squirrels talking back and
forth.
I like to go swimming.
And I'll go back next year,
When I'll feel happy again.
Laura Sockabasin
Grade 6
Untitled
Rem em ber days
at the Linkview
You learned about
me. I learned
about you.
shared each other's dreams
shared each other’ love.
s
Summer walks
evening talks
to Cascade Park
watching Buzby
grow and play.
Evening talks of better
days.
Yes, you gave
me love,
gave me a home
Then left me
all alone.
C. M. Abumadi
Skitikuk « J » Outfitters
Bradstreet, a resource conservation
archaeologist for the Maine Historic
Preservation Com m ission, said recently,
histories indicated there may have been
Specialists in wilderness travel.
several Pilgrim outposts on the lower
Sales - Rentals - Guide Service
K ennebec River. But their locations were
difficult to pinpoint becau se English set
tlers were driven out by Indians in 1676.
H om e of Igas Island custom-made
“ This site is exciting because it’ all
s
packs and equipment
new stuff." he said. “ We were able to
show there was som eone there in the
38 Main St.
O ro n o
866-4878
1600s.”
Page 9
Basketball tourney
held in Boston
BOSTON — Eight teams played in a
recent basketball tournament, involving six
men’ teams, plus two women's teams.
s
Mashpee won the championship and
Peter Dana Point was runner-up, with
Harvard coming in third.
Other teams in the tournament were
Boston Indian Council, Native American
Program — Dartmouth. Brockton Indian
Center and the women’ teams. The ladies
s
o f the Pcnobscots won two games over a
strong B.I.C. ladies team. All games were
well played and the most valuable player
award went to Tom Maddox o f Mashpee
and the most valuable player award for the
ladies went to Cindy Akins Francis. The
sportsmanship award went to Jason Leves
que o f Peter Dana Point and the All Star
team o f the tournament went to Guy Wayne,
Jr. Pehrson o f Harvard. Calvin Nicholas of
Peter Dana Point. Mark Chevariec, Dart
mouth, Tom Maddox and Allan Maxim of
Mashpee.
The games were sponsored by Boston
Indian Council, assisted by Steve Smith.
Dennis Catering Service.
Credit for organizing the event goes to
Sam Sapid, a Penobscot who heads recrea
tion at Boston Indian Council. He helped
found the Eastern Indians Activity Associa
tion.
A/litchell case pending
BANGOR — A $350,000 suit against
Wabanaki Corporation o f Orono is still
pending, a court clerk reports.
The suit, brought to court one year ago
by former corporation head George M.
Mitchell, asks for dam ages following
firing o f Mitchell as director.
Last March, Superior Court Judge
Jessie B riggs dism issed several parts of
M itchell’ original complaint, but fell
s
short o f dism issing [or filing] the entire
suit.
It was not immediately known what the
next step would be.
Crow fribe seeks hearing
WASHINGTON — The Crow Tribe is
seeking reconsideration by the U.S.
Suprem e Court of its March 24 ruling that
the portion o f the Bighorn River flowing
through the Crow Reservation belongs to
the State o f Montana and not the tribe.
According to a report in the Billings
Gazette, Tribal Chairman Forest Horn has
form ed a special com m ittee to petition the
high court for a rehearing o f the case.
The Supreme Court will consider peti
tions submitted within 25 days after a
ruling. The Crows did not indicate what
would be the grounds for their petition.
HARDWARE
& GUN SHOP
TOM VICA1RE, Proprietor
The only Indian-owned hardware
business in the State o f Maine
‘‘W e’re eager to do business with people
in the Indian community." says Tom.
The store carries a full line of tools,
electrical and plumbing supplies, paint
and housewares. Also, a selection o f fine
new and used guns.
See Our Garden Supplies and Tools
For all your hardware and
hunting needs, visit —
MATT AW AMKEAG HARDWARE &
GUN SHOP
and sample some good Indian hospitality
and service.
�Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Page 10
Tribal census important
(Continued from page 1)
L. Tomer and Anita M. Tomer.
Twelve deaths occurred in 1980. and
three in 1979 not ‘
previously reported.
Last year, these persons passed on:
Louis Bernard, Harry (Tony) Francis Jr.,
Ronald (Senabeh) Francis. Cynthia Knight.
John M. Mitchell Sr.. Mary L. Paul, Willis
R. Pearl Jr., Wilfred R. Pehrson, Delia M.
Ranco, Patrick J. Shay. Catherine M.
Tomer and James L. Tomer.
In 1979, Edna Murphy, David T. Rush
and Mary Spelkcr died.
Abandoned tribe
These persons “ aban doned" the tribe,
and arc no longer regular tribal members:
Mary N. Sapid. Clarice M. Sapid, James
Sapiel. Flora M. Sapid. Joseph M. Sapid.
Sapid. Flora M. Sapiel. Joseph M. Sapiel.
Veronica A. Sapiel and Edgar Tomer.
A total of 81 non-Indians live on Indian
Island, all hut a lew o f whom are attached
bv marriage to an Indian person.
Among non-Indians are school principal
Sr. Helen McKeough. Sisters o f Mercy
Florence, Theresa, and Claire DeRoche,
and the Rev. John Civicllo. Mary Warren
is the only apparently unattached nonIndian listed who is not part of the religious
group.
The Pcnobscots two years ago passed
an ordinance for removal o f unattached
non-Indians on the reservation.
Among non-Pcnobscot Indians re
presented on Indian Island are Athabas
can, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, Navajo,
M aliseet and Chippewa.
Listed as “other persons of Indian
d escen t” who are residents of Indian
Island are Gwenuhwct Dana, Jo Dana,
Mynah Dana. Winona Lola. Derek Francis.
Brock A. Jenkins, Laurence and Jeremia
Goodall, Michael LaCasse, Shana L.
Nelson and Joshua Vermette.
One recent developm ent among tribal
mem bers is the use o f authentic Indian
names, as in above paragraph, and in
listings o f new births.
New Indian population
figures more accurate
BOSTON — Maine Indians have long
claimed official estimates are well below
actual Indian population.
Now. as findings o f the 1980 U.S. Census
emerge, it appears new figures are going
lo be significantly higher than old ones —
in fact, arc going to be close to unofficial
surveys some Indian grou ps cited in the
past.
That is what the Maine advisory' commit
tee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
has found by comparing recently an
nounced 1980 U.S. Census data to various
old estimates. "The 1980 Census figure is
85 percent higher than the 1970 one,”
says acting chairperson Lois Reckitt,
“ Either there has been an astonishing
growth rate, or the 1970 Census missed
many of Maine’ Indians."
s
The 1980 U.S. C ensu s recorded 4,087
Indians in Maine. The Census Bureau
cautions that this information may still be
adjusted following court decisions in
cases where undercounts are alleged.
"That litigation docs not appear likely to
affect the count o f M aine’s Indians."
Reckitt said.
Indian groups have criticized previous
surveys by both State and Federal govern
ments. For example, the 1970 U.S. Census
total of 2,195 Indians and the 1971 Maine
Indian Census total o f 2.254 Indians
INDIAN POPULATION OF MAINE
Amlroscouuin
Aroostook
Cumberland
Franklin
Ha mock
Kennebec
Knox
Lincoln
Oxford
Penobscot
Piscataquis
Sagadahoc
Somerset
W aldo
Washington
York
"“Includes military personnel
contrast sharply with (he count derived
five years later by Indian groups (in
conjunction with the State Planning Office)
in a door-to-door survey. That survey
identified 4.450 persons with at least onequarter Indian blood.
The 1980 U.S. Census count of 4,087
Indians severely calls into question not
only, the earlier counts but also the relia
bility o f 1981 projections published by the
M aine Department o f M anpower Affairs,
figures which appear to underlie policy and
program thinking at present. The Depart
ment's projection (in column two of the
attached table) actually reduces to an
estim ate o f only about 2.000 Indians, for
the 3.159 aggregate includes AsianAmericans, Filipinos, and military per
sonnel. The 1980 U.S. Census figure, on
the other hand, certainly represents an
undercount, although to be sure in tar
sm aller degree than in 1970.
The Advisory Com m ittee has submitted
its interpretation of the new Census in
formation to the Maine Legislature's Joint
Com m ittee on Appropriations and Finan
cial Affairs. State Senator Mary Najarian
had requested background information for
the
Joint Com m ittee’s
deliberations
regarding funding for an Off-Reservation
Indian Affairs Office in Houlton.
Penobscot tribal m em ber Andrew- X.
Akins serves on the Maine advisory
com mittec.
The family of Irene McDougall poses with the poster they hung on her house, during a
reception for the UMO graduate at Indian Island.
Grandmother graduates
with family's support
INDIAN ISLAND —
What’ your
s
future like if you have an eighth grade
education, you are 33 years old, and a
single parent?
If you are Janice (Rene) McDougall,
your future looks great. Now 37. Mrs. Mc
Dougall graduated this month from the
University of Maine at Orono. majoring in
elementary education, with a concentration
in math, and two years o f Spanish.
She smiled with a quiet pride after
commencement, as her family threw a
happy reception for her at her Indian
Island home. She said she is planning on
graduate study.
W as it hard being older; older in fact
than som e teachers? N otjtt all, she said.
“ I was surprised, because at first I felt
I might be different.”
“ 1got a lot of support from tr.y family.”
Mrs. McDougall. who has two grand
children, said. A Penobscot native of
Indian Island, she graduated from Old
Town Junior High School and then moved
to New York, and later Connecticut, where
the father o f her five children, William D.
McDougall, now resides.
Only one son. Philip, a surveyor in New
Mexico, could not be present for the
celebration. Attending w ere sons Billy
and Scottie. and daughters Janice and
Teri. Also enjoying the party were grand
children Seneca and Domekin.
Mrs. McDougall had no idea she could
attend college until discovering the On
ward remedial summer program. While in
Connecticut, she had obtained a high
school equivalency degree, and combined
with Onward, she was able to becom e a
full time day student at UMO.
The financial part was the hardest,
she said, but tuition waiver for Indian
students helped a lot. Life hasn't been a
picnic for Rcnc McDougall: “ I had two
back operations, and I was wondering what
to do with the rest o f my life. During that
first year [of college] I was sick a lot. I
got down at tim es but not to the point
where I thought about quitting.”
One of the highlights o f her college ex
perience was three w eeks spent at Keswick
C ollege in Norwich, England, as part of
her studies.
Anyone contemplating “ going back to
school.” at any age, would do well to talk
to Rene McDougall.
Non- Indians
Indians
1970
1980 White
U.S.
U.S. (except
Census
black) Census
1981
jStaJe
Projection
11
8
636
340
35
73
202
72
25
50
1.034
53
47
97
28
1.028
237
104
707*
415*
7
35
115
35
1
1
27
748
24
11
0
67
2
1
673
298*
51
436
148
1
1
36
9
1
23
10
17
538
28
1
3
43
23
630
97
4.087
3.159*
2.195
AT MAXINE’S — Young customers delight in homemade pies, doughnuts and other good
things to eat, at Maxine Tomah’ [standing, right] diner and take-out service at Peter Dana
s
Point, Indian Township.
�Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Page 1
1
Passamaquoddy Tribe
rejects claims plan
PLEASANT POINT — A land claims
interest plan similar to one approved by
P cnobscots was rejected bv both
branches o f the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
Hie vote this month at Pleasant Point,
and Indian Township, emphatically shot
down a proposal to reinvest 30 percent of
interest earned, and divide 70 per cent o f
interest on a per capita basis. The
interest has accumulated on the $81.5
million Penobscot-Passamaquoddy land
claims settlement, approved by Congress
last fall.
Although Pcnobscots favored a rein
vestment plan. Passaniaquoddys ap
parently want more individually dis
tributed money. “They want 100 per
cent," said Pleasant Point Gov. J.
Hartley Nicholas, contacted at his tribal
office.
Nicholas said this is not realistic. He
said the tirbe needs funds to operate such
things as garbage removal and the
sewerage treatment system.
At Pleasant Point. 100 tribal members
voted in favor o f the recent plan for
dividing up interest income, and 125
voted against it. The margin o f defeat
was much greater at Indian Township,
where 180 voted against. 15 for the
measure.
Nicholas said “ major bills" owed by
the tribe total $253,000.
I he next step, Governor Nicholas said,
will be to outline a budget for tribal
expenses, and present it to tribal mem
bership. Another referendum will likely
be scheduled.
Money divided, lands bought
(Continued from page 1)
A total of 150,287 acres was purchased
recently by the Pcnobscots and Passamaquoddys, from Dead River Company of
Bangor. It is almost entirely timberland,
remote and uninhabited. The tribes hope
to profit from timber harvesting.
By far the largest share o f the purchase
is Penobscot land, and o f that tribe's
120.000 acres, a total o f 78,612 acres are
located in non-Indian territory. This means
the land is taxable under state law, and the
Penobscot Nation could conceivably lose
the land at some future date if unable to
pay taxes.
Asked why the tribe bought land outside
designated Indian territory in Maine,
tribal administrator Andrew X. Akins said,
“ without accepting Dead River’s offer,
wc might not have had a settlement.’’
Taxes are currently about $61,000 per year.
Tribal forester John Banks said he is
satisfied with the land purchased, and with
a Dead River management contract. “ We
are continuing" cutting practices now in
place. Banks said, adding, “ they [Dead
River) are cutting selectively, marking
every tree."
James Sappier, director o f the tribal
real estate and dem ography department,
said many land swaps may be possible
with the acreage just bought. Sometimes
three-way swaps are possible, involving
three landowning parties, he said.
There are 33 deed s involved in the
recent purchase. Sappier said. Newly
acquired land that falls into designated
Indian territory is located at Alder Stream,
Township 2, Range 9; and Township 3,
Range 9. It totals 41,486 acres.
Fee land, that will b e taxed, com es to
78,612 acres, and includes Lakeville,
Prentiss, Lee, Carroll, Springfield and
Williamsburg areas o f northeastern Maine.
Banks said he does not “ see the tribe
doing their own cutting in.the next couple
o f years," but he em phasized that Penob
scot Nation will supervise operations.
Under terms of the land claims act,
$54.5 million must be spent for purchase
o f lands. Hunting and trapping will be
under Indian jurisdiction; fishing will be
partially under Indian regulation.
Final closing on the sale o f 1,400 acres
of Dead River land had not been completed
as o f press time, but no difficulties were
anticipated.
M embers o f the Penobscot Nation land
acquisition committee are Akins, Sappier,
Banks. Joseph Francis, and Reuben
Phillips, who is Penobscot representative
to the state legislature.
Map showing lands bought by tribes.
Heavily bordered area represents land purchased by Penobscot Nation. Shaded area without
border was bought by the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
P o e tr y
Is Everybody Happy Now?
Is everybody happy now?
I’ done it.
ve
I’ given in, sold out.
ve
The system has me, so to speak.
And everyone knows . . .
You can’ fightthe system.
t
I have kissed ass.
1have denied Truth.
I have sold my own personal dignity.
And for what? For my children.
What other possible reason could there be?
Any material belonging
I would lose willingly
Rather than compromise myself.
But my children —
Oh, they arc precious to me.
Rather than have them suffer.
And suffer they would
(The system — remember?)
I have bow ed to arrogance and hatred;
I have kissed the feet o f scandalous
Untruth.
Now is everybody happy?
People have told me for years
That everybody does it.
No big deal, they say.
It’s foolish to fight; you cause trouble.
You make waves.
Passamaquoddy Lt. Gov. Carl Nicholas, left, of Indian Township, m eets with John D.
Stowcll, president of W ebb River Land Company in Dixfield. His firm com pleted a
study of settlem ent lands for the tribes.
Now, not making waves, I am mired
In a putrid, stagnant pool.
Scum-covered, foul.
I am covered with its slime.
I am unclean. loathsome.
Isn’t it grand to be part o f the crowd?
Is everybody happy now?
Man1K. Wilson (Theresa M. Francis)
Penobscot
“ NATIVE PRISONERS”
By Ted Ruark
Eagle, Eagle, high in the sky,
Hear our m essage as you pass by.
The Lewisburg S/CONNS as we are known,
As long in prison as the winds have
blown.
The Government spoke just the other day.
Said, “ Native Prisoners have a right to
pray.”
But because o f our traditional ways.
W e ’ll have to wait a few more days.
Brothers and Sisters outside these walls,
Hear us now. as the Eagle calls.
Teach us o f our ancestors' ways.
As we sit and wait these few more days.
A word or two would bring us light.
From those out there who’ like to write!
d
Lewisburg’s Spiritual/
Cultural Council of
Native Nations
P. O. Box 1000
Lewisburg, Penn. 17837
Subscribe!
�Wabanaki Alliance May 1981
Flashback
news notes
Beano games underway
Traditional Hopi
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - Beano games,
also known as bingo, have begun at the
reservation here, under auspices o f the
senior citizens group. Beano occurs during
Monday dinners, at the senior citizens
center. Meals for the elderly are also
served Tuesdays and Thursdays. About
10-15 people usually attend the meal.
Sapiel named to
Mass. Indian panel
^ a lT o m f F(
UNr " " ‘'i Sa" b°rn and Carl F rands,
these circa 1930 photos, show
some activities are tuneless. The scene is Indian Island. [Courtesy of Patricia Knox)
Officials late on payments
Several households at Indian Island and
Indian Township have been reported very
lardy in payments on new housing they
occupy.
A source at the Passamaquoddy housing
authority at Indian Township confirmed
that many reservation residents are delin
quent in payments on their homes. Among
the delinquent parties, the source acknow
ledged. are several tribal officials who are
gainfully employed.
The same situation is found at Indian
Island, according to sources close to the
Penobscot housing authority director.
Already, three tenants have been evicted.
The sources confirmed that certain tribal
officials were among those who were
behind in payments to the housing au
thority.
BOSTON — .John Ansclma (Sammy)
Sapid, a Penobscot from Indian Island,
has been appointed to the Massachusetts
Governor s Council on Indian Affairs.
A swearing-in cerem ony took place last
month at the State House, where six other
new members joined the council. Among
them was Frank A. Ryan, head o f Har
vard s Indian program.
Sapiel, former director o f Indian Island’
s
recreation department, holds a similar
post with Boston Indian Council. Jamaica
Plain.
Tompkins exhibits
ELLSWORTH — M icmac artist Richard
Tompkins, currently an inmate at Maine
State Prison in Thomaston* recently
exhibited his drawings at Hancock Countyauditorium.
NEW YORK CITY Public Broad
ca st,^ Service (PBS) aired a documentary film on Hopi Indians, Friday, Mav 22
at 10 p.m.
The film covers persistent efforts o f a
small band o f Hopis to continue ancestral
ties to traditional ways, and the mother
earth. A Hopi named Carolyn Tawangyawma says: ‘‘
From my experience. I am
sticking to the old. old ways. The time is
com ing when all these materialistic ways
will have no value. R esources are running
out, and money is goin g to be worth noth
ing. The only worthwhile thing is tilling
the soil again.”
Four pass EMT exam
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - Four persons
recently completed training as Emergency
Medical Technicians.
They arc Mabel Newell. Renita Brown
Laura Nicholas and Lise Williams, and they
will work on local am bulance crews. In
July. Eleanor Socoby and Basil LaCoote
o f Indian Township will take their final
EMT tests. Indian Township has its own
ambulance service, currently operating
at a deficit.
6
At both reservations, payments are
scaled to an individual or family’ ability
s
Tompkins has lived in the mid-coast
to pay.
“ The biggest offenders arc high, in- area fo ra number o f years. He was raised
in a non-Indian foster family, and had two
place . . . officials.” a source said.
In other housing authority matters, the children by his first wife, Kineo and
Katadin. He recently re-married, and his
court battle to force state support o f bous
ing continues. At Indian Island, the second wife Emma lives in Northeast
housing authority has a $50,000-$60,000 Harbor. She works as a nurse in Bar
Harbor.
budget.
Litigation also continues against con
The exhibit received front page coverage
tractor J. W. Praught o f Roxbury, Mass., in The Ellsworth American.
who allegedly mishandled money and
cheated subcontractors working on Indian
Island housing.
New church
considered
INDIAN TOWNSHIP - A small group of
Passamaquoddy parishioners here has
begun meeting to consider construction of
a new Catholic Church on reservation land.
Larry Socobasin said plans are in pre
liminary stages, but one proposal is to
build a log-cabin style church half way
between the “Strip” part o f the com
munity. and Peter Dana Point, where the
present turn-of-the-ccntury church is
located.
A couple o f m eetings have been held,
and interested persons include Joseph
(Bobby) and Mary Ellen Socobasin. Larry
Socobasin, Wayne Newell, Linwood Sapiel,
Lester and Emma Nicholas, and John
Stevens. There is som e interest from
Pleasant Point, the sister Passamaquoddy
reservation.
St. Ann’ Mission at Peter Dana Point
s
is currently directed by the Rev. Joseph
Laughiin, a Jesuit who has led a Charis
matic movement on the reservation.
The Indian Island girls gymnasdes class in (heir sporty new uniforms.
Junior gymnasts to perform
NDIAN ISLAND — A group of young
nale gymnasts will present a special
Tormance June 14. at 7:30 p.m. at
sson College.
The Penobscot gymnastics class will
nonstrate technique in a variety of
ys. Tickets are available from Erlene
.il at the Penobscot Tribal community
subject ot TV show
building, and at the door.
Scheduled perform ers from Indian
Island are Greta Neptune, Clarice Chavaree, M elissa LcBretton, LecAnn DeCora.
Fawn Neptune, Darcic Corbett, Andrea
Corbett, M elanie Corbett, Denise Pehrson,
Susan Thompson, Winona Lola, Jillian
Paul and Tricia Sappier.
INDIAN ISLAND
SNACK BAR
NOW OFFERS
PIZZA
Try it today: Mushroom, hamburg,
pepperoni, regular, green pepper, double
cheese, or combination.
ALSO: Daily luncheon specials
Open for Breakfast at 7 a.m.
Howard Wilson, Manager
Alice Sockabasin. Josie Ranco.
Assistant Managers
W ITH HONORS — Graduating June 5
from Old Town High School will be Kelly
Nelson, daughter of Lorraine Nelson of
Indian Island. She is a member o f the
National Honor Society.
LAND USE PLANNER
Hie Penobscot Nation Department of
Heal Estate and Demography is accept
ing applications for a land use planner.
Hie position will be responsible to the
Director o f Real Estate and Demography
m trust responsibilities in the real estate
activities ot land use planning, environ
mental statements or assessments, and
water inventories. Salary is based on
experience and up to $16,000 per year.
Real Estate and Demography is a trust
department subject to 25 CFR rules and
regulations. Requirements include: B.S.
in Biology, Environmental Sciences,
Agriculture and Resource Economics or
Natural Resources Land Use Planning,
or six years experience in these or related
areas.
Please send resume to George Tomer,
Director o f Employment Development
and Training. Box 405. Old Town,
Maine 04468.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
<em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (May 1981)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Indian Resource Center
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1981-05
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Donald Soctomah
Julia Brush
Rights
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Steve Cartwright. Used with permission.
Language
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English
Type
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Document
Format
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pdf
Identifier
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DV-428