ORONO, Maine — Wabanaki people and allies gathered at the Wilson Center at the University of Maine on Indigenous Peoples’ Day for a potluck and panel discussion about the significance of the holiday and how to support Wabanaki Tribes.
The celebration comes five years after Maine dropped its official observance of Columbus Day, and began honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day.
“We're still here and we're still thriving, we're still celebrating our culture,” Liliana Sapiel, Voter Empowerment Coordinator of the Wabanaki Alliance said.
Attendees celebrated life while remembering the tragedies of the past.
“We are not the remnants of what was, we're an example of what can be, through death and destruction, culturally and genocidally,” John Bear Mitchell, University of Maine System Office Native American Waiver and Educational Program Coordinator, said.
Speaker Sage Neptune, a research coordinator at Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, emphasized the importance of learning about Wabanaki culture and history, and unlearning misinformation about Christopher Columbus.
“Once we have a better understanding of each other, and of the world around us, that's when we can move forward into a better future for all of us,” Neptune said.
Ahead of the election this November, leaders like Sapiel hope their voices are heard in the community and in the legislature.
“What is Wabanaki sovereignty, how can we help, how are we working with the Maine State Legislature to get our land rights, our water rights, our fishing and game rights,” Sapiel said.
Sapiel said it’s also important to put in the work to educate yourself and listen to Wabanaki voices.
“Trying to seek out Indigenous peoples and Indigenous voices, and uplifting their voices, not speaking for them, I think that's the best way to help as well,” Sapiel said.
She and other leaders are hoping to carve a path forward with respect and understanding.
“No matter how hard it may seem, we can work together, build together, and dream together for that better, brighter tomorrow that we all aspire to be in our deepest heart of hearts,” Neptune said.
If you would like to learn more about the Wabanaki Tribes and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Maine, you can go to the Wabanaki Alliance’s website here.