INDIAN ISLAND, Maine — Members of Penobscot Nation and residents of the Bangor area gathered inside the Sockalexis Arena on Indian Island Saturday morning to share homemade crafts and support a vital community program.
"Having community events like this is so important, it brings that community back in," Penobscot Nation Member Tiana Aurelio said while standing next to her booth full of art.
The event aims to raise funds to help the Penobscot Nation Youth Program provide kids with educational and recreational activities throughout the year, like the upcoming Christmas celebration in December.
"Kids come to the program for a safe environment after school. There are all sorts of cultural activities, and it really connects them to who they are," vendor and Wabanaki Youth In Science worker Jennifer Galapo explained.
Quinton Love is a member of the youth program and he says the group gives him a chance to learn more about Penobscot culture while making new friends along the way.
"Native people that don't live here come here and they're nice and stuff, so we get along. A lot of people play basketball, so that's how I meet a lot of my friends," Love said.
In addition to raising money for the youth program through things like a $20 fee for people selling their crafts and baked goods, vendors say the event also helps them network and make some extra money.
"Last year we did well, but this year, it seems like people are coming back and they are really excited, and they love the product so far," Aurelio explained.
Through art like handmade postcards with Penobscot writing and beaded jewelry, Aurelio and Galapo say they're also able to represent their Wabanaki heritage.
"For example, I have an ornament showing the legend about Glooscap turning into a cedar tree, so all of that information is very significant to our culture," Galapo said.
And for visitors like Tori Hildreth, these items are more than just crafts—they're tangible connections to Penobscot tradition.
"It's our cultural practices, like these earrings here have porcupine quills, so it's continuing those practices in more of a modern way," Hildreth said while showing off her new jewelry.