13 10 189 https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/82b9052a14ab55c2b50c97ce0e02ac68.pdf db2c01da88cfa75a000d6d999a6052c2 PDF Text Text Vitf ■ art is Indian CREATIVE W RITING AW ARDS — In an effort to stimulate creative writing amo/ig-young people, the Indian Resource Center is soliciting original short stories, poetry, research reports, etc. by Indian youth 18 years or younger. Cash awards totaling S300 will be provided, during the next 12 months, to Indian youth submitting original work, the content of which relates to Indian life. All award winning material will be published in future editions o f the Wabanaki Alliance. This is being planned as an on-going event. The deadlinefo r the first go-around of material is June IS. All material should be sent'to the Indian Resource Center, 95 Main Street, Orono, Me. 04173. Indian ON THE WAY TO LUNCH — Indian youth representing the Penobscots, Passamaquoddies and the Association of Aroostook Indians met at the Indian Resource Center in Orono April 17 to discuss their involvement in present and future youth programs. The group, which numbered ^ o u t 40 in all discussed present youth activities, ways to increase youth participation and involvement in tribal attairs and future youth programs. The group concluded its meeting by affirming the need for additional �Wabanaki Alliance Page 1 Plan Developed to Attack Alcoholism In th e last edition o f the W abanaki A lliance, con­ siderable coverage was given to an alcoholism conference held by th e D epartm ent of Indian A ffairs. Since that conference, many people in the Indian community have acted to bring about a change in the conditions which cause abusive drinking by many Maine Indian people. At a meeting of tribal governors, AAI officials and interested citizens from each reservation and Aroos­ took County, an advisory board to the Department of Indian Affairs was expanded. At this meeting, which was held at the Indian Resource Center in Orono, the group was informed by DIA staff that resources for Alcoholism programs would soon be made available from the Nat ional Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse; this money had been impounded by President Nixon, but was recently released as a result of a court order. Those representing the reservations and AAI expressed a desire to seek these funds for assistance to Maine Indians. It was decided at this meeting, held January 14, that a planning committee with represen­ tatives from each reservation and AAI would.continue to meet to formulate a proposal based on the research findings of the DIA. The proposal was then to be taken back to each of the reservations for comment and review. Following this local comment and review, a finalized proposal was to be drafted and sent to Washington, D.C. Each of these phases has been accomplished and the document has been sent. The planning committee, which consisted of Hazel Dana, Pleasant Point; George Stevens, Indian Town­ ship; Mike Ranco, Indian Island; Richard Price, AAI; and DIA and Resource Center staff, began a series of meetings in late January to develop the proposal. Research provided by the DIA showed that alcoholism appeared to be more prevalent among Maine Indian people than among the general American Indian population. This sam e data, however, showed th a t, alcoholism prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services have been almost totally unavailable to Maine Indians in the past and that what services were available have not had a good rate of success dealing with Indian peoples. It was pointed out that Indian health care in Maine is sadly in need of upgrading, and for many Indian people, dental care is almost non-existent. Confronted with this and a great deal more specific data, the planning committee felt, that only a program which would deal with the whole individual and his health would be acceptable. The proposal prepared by the planning committee contained three systems of assistance to Maine’s Indian communities. A prevention system has been designed to help pre-alcoliolics, early alcoholics and victims of alcoholism meet and satisfy those basic human needs which, if untended, may lead to alcoholic behavior and alcoholism. This system includes a broad range of service, including medical and dental care, job prospects, rec­ reation, group therapy, individual counseling, herit­ age enrichment and increased educational opportun­ ity. A maintenance system has been designed to meet the immediate needs and heighten the hopes of those older individuals suffering as a result of chronic alcoholism. This system will provide shelter, counsel­ ing, emergency medical care at the local level and a program of rest, recreation and therapy at a centralized all Indian halfway house. A rehabilitation system has been designed to restore the individual to a better condition of health and to restore the individual to a more useful and constructive role in his community. All of these systems, or parts of them, according to the proposal, would be employed at each reservation and at Houlton and Caribou in Aroostook County should the proposal be funded. A physician, dentist and community health nurse would be employed if the program were funded, to provide medical evaluations and preventive health care for the Indian family. The prevention system also includes youth counselors and youth community workers who will be DISCUSSING DEVELOPMENT OF GRANT — From left, George Tomer, Alberta Nicola, Clarence Francis and Governor Matthew Sappier, discuss how to obtain involvement in the development of an NIAAA grant. HOW TO PROCEED — Edwin Mitchell, left, Indian Island, and Perley Giggy, Bangor, listen as what Mill be necessary to complete an NIAAA grant is explained. BEING CONSIDERED FOR HALFWAY HOUSE — This camp at Princeton is one site being examined for its potential as an all Indian halfway house treatment u m n ln v ^ rt n n p a r h r e s e r v a ti o n and in Aroostook employed on each reservation County. The youth counselor will be responsible for exploring with the community and with the individual what they consider a worthy use of leisure time. This individual will also work with young people to help them live with parents who arc recovering alcoholics.’ Counselors will develop, according to the proposal, such programs as AL-A-Teen and will work with those in education who are concerned with creating the best possible attitudes in children. Youth counselors will also work with the rehabilitation staff specializing in employment so that they may have access to job and training prospects. Recreation programs will be developed by the youth community workers. “These programs will be the product of what the youth counselor and the community have decided would be a good use of leisure time,” the proposal states. The youth community workers would coordinate and promote sports programs. Indian games, community picnics and arts and crafts work designed to heighten individual awareness of heritage, according to the proposal. Alcoholism counselors will work directly with the local alcoholic and his family, bridging the gaps between preventive, maintenance and rehabilitation services. They will serve as an intake point, according to the proposal, for persons who require intensive treatment of the sort that will be provided at the treat­ ment and rehabilitation center. The proposed maintenance system would provide life support to the chronic alcoholic, meeting first his shelter needs and then his medical evaluation and treatment needs. When these basics have been provided, the individual, still working with his coun­ selor, will be appraised of his desire to participate in the therapy programs offered at the all Indian halfway house, according to the proposal. If the project is funded, a shelter will be located at each reservation and at Houlton and Caribou. The all Indian halfway house will receive those in­ dividuals referred from the various communities. “At the halfway house a thorough medical examination will be provided each individual, and a program of easing the individual into the applicable therapy program will begin,” the proposal states. The program is to be run by Indian people for Indian people. The staff, with the exception of the physician and dentist, will be Indian, according to the proposal. A private, non-profit organization — the Wabanaki Corporation — consisting of representatives from each reservation and the Association of Aroostook Indians, has been created to administer the program. This was necessary as a legally incorporated body representative of all groups was necessary to receive federal resources. The Wabanaki Corporation board, will establish policy and operation procedures, carry out long range planning on the total project, contract for community based services and hire and fire staff. For a more complete story on the Wabanaki Corporation see story on oaee 2. center — a component of the grant discussed above. From left, these three pictures show the cabins, the camp dining center and an office building and residence overlooking a lake. �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance while the governor, lieutenant governor and Legislative representative hold office for only two years. 1 he Penobscots have a 12 person tribal council. By electing only six members, or half, every two years, continuity can be ensured. To vote, a Penobscot must be certified as a member of the tribe and be 18 years of age or older. To hold office, a Penobscot must be certified, 18 years of age or older and not have been convicted of a felony. Elections are held on the second Tuesday of Tribal government is an important aspect of Indian September on even numbered years. However, just life in Maine. It is often the means by which we get prior to election — on the first Tuesday of August — things done, or don’t get things.done. the Penobscots hold a caucus for the purpose of nom­ In March of this year,, the Legislature passed and inating candidates to be elected. At this caucus, the Governor. Kenneth Curtis approved changes in Penobscots have the right to establish, bv majority statutes relating to Passamaquoddy tribal govern­ vote, rules for the conduct of the following tribal ment. In 1973. changes were made by the Pcpobscots election. These rules cannot violate the constitutional in the way they conduct tribal government, and rights of any person. recently the Association of Aroostook Indians made New tribal council members and officers take office by-laws changes. on the first of October following the September This September, each of the reservations will hold election. elections for their choice of governor, lieutenant The governor, then, is to preside over all meetings governor, legislative representative, and members of of the council and be a member, ex-officio. In the the respective tribal councils. absence of the governor the lieutenant governor It is our purpose here to review the process by which presides. members of each reservation elect and guide the As mentioned, there are 12 tribal council members activities of their representatives. We will also do this on the Penobscot Council. It is necessary to have seven for AAI. members of the council at a meeting before any The Penobscot nation elects six tribal council business can be officially conducted. If vacancies exist members, a governor, lieutenant governor, and repre­ on the council, seven members are still needed. sentative at the Legislature. This is done on even When a vacancy occurs because of removal for numbered years U974). non-attendance, certified tribal members 18 years of Tribal council members hold office for four years age or older are to elect a replacement. It is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to post notice of the time and place of the election at least seven days before it is held. The Commissioner is Bishop Peter L. Gerety was a familiar face to many also responsible for counting the votes. Among the Maine Indians. Penobscots, tribal council members who are not in Most recently he was on hand when the Maine attendance at three successive tribal council meetings, Indian community dedicated, via the Bishop, its or at five tribal council meetings during a 12-month Resource Center in Orono. period can be removed from the council by the Bishop Gerety became Bishop of Portland during a governor, with the advice and consent of the council. Il is provided that the governor may excuse tribal period of great change — change within the Church in Tribal Governing on even numbered years. Those participating in the caucus by majority vote, are to establish the rules for the conduct of the following tribal election. No one’s constitutional rights can be violated by such rules. It is the Commissioner’s responsibility to give notice of the time and place, seven days before the day of the election, by posting notices at both reservations. The Commissioner also has the responsibility for counting votes in the presence of members of the tribe. If a candidate wishes to count the ballots he may do so if he provides a written application to the Commis­ sioner. The governor, lieutenant governor, legislative representative and tribal council members hold office for two years, beginning on the first day in October, immediately following the election. Vacancies in the office of governor, lieutenant governor or representative are to be filled by a special [Continued on page 3) New Corporations Formed EDITORIAL - Q O 'JJao .U . gp o ™ T »*»r«i - frjA xr-^-a.t t Q-p v lir x g J ^ r r v o Q tir ig - f e w - - - H V ^ l f y i Church’s involvement in social programs while developing greater communications capability through the diocese’s goal setting program. Bishop Gerety is now the Archbishop of Newark, N.J. — one of the country's largest diocese. His successor will be appointed by the Pontiff. The Indian community in its relationship to the Church and in its relationship to the government remains in a state of change. The Indian community is well aware that Truth in government does not assert itself; that it must be in­ stitutionalized somehow. Governments seem to specialize in small, intermediate truths. The Church can lead its people to perceive larger truths. With the nation gearing up for its bi centennial in 1976 an excellent opportunity, ie a challenge, for Truth is presenting itself. That opportunity is for the government to sit down with this country’s Indian nations and deal with rectifying the blatant and illegal treatment of this country’s treaty commitments to Indian people. Congress must do this. But Congress will not act without instruction from the people. The Church can assist the people in providing such instruction. Archbishop Gerety used to say he preferred talking about challenges and opportunities rather than problems. We are hopeful that 1976 will be a birthday we can all be proud of. ________ ___________ Vol. 2, No. 1 D RD April, 1974 Editor: David R. Depew Co-Editor: Roger Gabriel Editorial Board: DIS Board of Directors: Nicholas Dow, Chairman; Jean Chavaree, Allen Sockabasin, Pious Perley, Ron Gideon, John Bailey Published by Indian Resource Center 95 Main St., Orono, Me. or personal reasons. When a vacancy occurs in the office of governor, lieutenant governor, council or representative to the Legislature, a special election is to be called by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs within 60 days of the time of the vacancy. The governor, lieutenant governor, council member and representative may be removed from office. To do this, a petition, showing charges and signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least a majority of the number of votes cast for the tribal governor, is presented in writing to the governor, lieutenant governor, council and representative at the Legislature. The petition is to be presented at a formal hearing called by the Commissioner. The petition is then acted upon, providing that a majority of the persons legally registered to vote at the last tribal election are present. In the area of Legislation, the Penobscot tribal governor is responsible for calling a general meeting of the tribe for the purpose of affirming or rejecting legislative proposals prepared by the tribal governor and council for submission to the State Legislature. Proposals receiving an affirmative vote by a majority of those present and voting at the general meeting of the tribe will be taken by the tribal representative to the State Legislature for submission. Additionally, no private organization, church organization, state department, civic group or individual can submit legislation affecting the Penobscot tribe without first bringing it before the Penobscot governor and council for approval. The Passamaquoddy nation elects 12 tribal council members — six members for Indian Township and six for Pleasant Point —, a governor and lieutenant governor for each reservation, and a representative to the Legislature, chosen alternately between Indian Township and Pleasant Point. This is done on the even numbered years. Elections are held on the Tuesday following Labor Day in September with only certified members 18 years or older being allowed to vote. The Passamaquoddy tribe holds a caucus to nominate candidates on tile first Tuesday of August WABANAKI CORPORATION CHAIRMAN — Governor Matthew Sappier, Indian Island, was recently elected chairman of the Wabanaki Corpora­ tion, one of two recently created corporations. Indian people in Maine have created two private, non-profit corporations in recent weeks to increase their ability to receive federal resources. On March 23, reservation governors and the President of AAI signed papers initiating the incorporation of Tribal Governors, Inc. Tribal Governors, Inc. is an official association between the governors and the President of AAI. It was established to insure Maine Indians of a statewide lepresentative group legally capable of receiving resources. The need for this became more apparent as tribal governors became confronted by federal programs mandating a state approach to solving problems. Officers of Tribal Governors, Inc. include: Governor Allen Sockabasin, Indian Township President; Pious Perley, AAI President, Vice President; Governor Matthew Sappier, Indian Island, Treasurer; and Ralph Dana. Pleasant Point, Secretary. The other corporation to be recently created is the Wabanaki Corporation. The Wabanaki Corporation was created by representatives of tribal councils and AAI working to develop an administrative structure capable of administering an alcoholism program. Each of the councils and the AAI Board has approved the corporation which includes two representatives from each reservation and AAI and one representative from the Department of Indian Affairs. The W abanaki C orporation’s articles of incorporation state that the organization was created toi the purpose of carrying out programs designed to eliminate the diseases and economic poverty which plague the Indians of Maine. A story appears on page one in this edition on the Wabanaki Corporation s proposed alcoholism program for Maine Indians. �[Continued from page 2] n called by the Commissioner. Whenever the of the governor is vacant, the lieutenant or acts as governor until the offic< is filled by i. Wabanaki Alliance CENA Conference Held al council vacancies are to be filled through tment by the respective tribal governor with the and consent of the respective tribal council at ing called for that purpose. Eastern Indians met recently for the second annual :rnors preside over all meetings of their session of the Coalition of Eastern Native Americans ive councils and are ex-officlo members. In the (CENA) in Washington. D.C. A work and study e of the governor, the lieutenant governor program was designed to find ways of building :s, voting only when he is not presiding, stronger Indian communities and to seek ways in kes four of the six members of each tribal which to relate to the Federal establishment. to constitute a quorum at any meeting. A n is necessary for the council to conduct CENA president. Helen Attaquin said, in welcom­ ;s. At joint meetings of the tribal councils from ing participants, "both individually and collectively, servations, a total of seven council members is we share a common feeling of commitment to Native tor a quorum with at least three members American people." resent from one reservation, The three-day session was attended by about 100 he responsibility of the tribal governor of each bon to call a general meeting of all tribal official delegates and another 100 Indian participants rs residing on the reservation for the purpose and observers from regions easl of the Mississippi. Among the nearly 200 participants from the Eastern ming or rejecting legislative proposals. The d place of the meeting is to be posted seven or Tribes, were representatives of Maine's Penobscots, lys prior to the meeting. If a proposal is to be Passamaquoddies, and Association of Aroostook Indians. These included CENA board members, Tom ed it must be given approval by a majority of Battiste (Micmac), Andy Akins (Penobscot), and ■esent at this meeting. CENA staff member, James Sappier (Penobscot). governor, lieutenant governor and council Sappier is the Federal Regional Coordinator for rs ol each reservation can be removed from y the qualified voters of their respective reserIt is the Commissioner's responsibility, upon of a petition signed by 50 persons qualified to the reservation concerned, to call a special to be held in the same manner as a general — to vote on removal of the official in m. Prior to a removal election, the isioner is to call a general meeting on the ion in question, so that the person whose is sought can hear and answer charges. Aroostook Indian population, composed of Micmacs and Maliseets, has no trust ships or tribal lands in the State of Maine. 1 thousand_ IndLan_.Pt-‘ople can bc found, in ockets of family concentrations, throughout 0 square miles of Aroostook County. ;w of the numerous and complex problems ting the "off-reservation Indian" in Aroostook the need arose to establish an organization ould address these problems, in 1970, the Association of Aroostook Indians irporated as a private, non-profit organizaibling it to receive monies from Federal and vernments and private foundations in order to t slated objectives. :orporation consists of an elected board of 5which is chosen every two years in a general similar to that of the Penobscot and Passady tribal elections. General membership in iciation of Aroostook Indians is open to any if at least V blood, residing in Aroostook . * or a period of at least one year, eneral membership elects four officers from ibership of the board of directors to be ves” of the corporation. They include: t, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, ns of office for both executive officers and embers is for two years. ioard of directors, now numbering 14, may many as 25 members, as the need for more tation increases. Any vacancies occurring on -d may be filled by election at the next >general membership meeting. The executive > the board have the power to call a meeting 1 eneral membership whenever two or more : officers feel one is necessary, eneral membership directs the board in its n establish the policy under which the ion and the executive officers will operate, so board may make all the decisions necessary inent to the purposes of the Association. Such , however, may be specifically delegated to sons by the majority vote of a board quorum, m is constituted by a majority of the board hip. 7 he board also has the power to hire or rom duly any paid staff personnel, with a AT CENA CONFERENCE — Mike Ranco, Indian Island CAP Director, right, is seen here with W. J. Strickland, co-director of CENA. Region I. Official Maine delegates included: Nick Dow, Mike Ranco—Indian Island; Eugene Francis, Rita Altvater Pleasant Point; Eugene Stevens, Allen Sockabasin Peter Dana Point; Pious Perley—Association of Aroostook Indians. Other Maine participants were: Indian Affairs Commissioner John Stevens, Susan Stevens, Ralph Dana (Passamaquoddy), Aubrey Tomah (Malccite). George Tomer (Penobscot), Terry Polchies (Micmac). The entire Maine delegation caucussed several times during the Conference to discuss political matters in which “unprecedented unity” among all Maine Indian groups was evident. At a general assembly, former BIA Commissioner, Louis Bruce, now co-director of CENA, told the Eastern delegates: "I am delighted to be able to speak out without restraints now about what I think and feel." Bruce was fired by the White House in December, 1972, for his advocacy to extend services to all Indians across the nation regardless of their tesidency. Bruce stated that during his long career in Indian Affairs, "I never tackled anything without a challenge in it, and working with Eastern Indians is one of the greatest challenges — especially concerning the question ol Federal recognition." Bruce later introduced successor, BIA Commis­ sioner, Morris Thompson, who said Bruce could "realize particularly well what tasks and trials lie ahead for all of us.” Speaker, Earnest L. Stevens (Oneida), one of Bruce’s top lieutenants during his tenure at the BIA, urged the assembled Eastern Indians to probe individual and collective self-recognition,” together with the restoration ol the "old tribal visions” as one ol the most important undertakings of Eastern Pag tration in January of 1973. The CENA assembly, in political action, votcc retain the entire current membership of its exisl Board of Directors and to add four new position; the Board. Elected to fill the newly created positi were: Paul Johnson (Ottawa-Chippewa), Hasl Mich.; Sarah Peralta (Apache), Baton Rouge. 1 Evelyn Davidson (Creek), Atmore, Ala.; and Jos. Winchester (Potawatomi), Saline, Michigan. Major resolutions passed by the CENA assen: were: — Request for a petition to the U.S. Census Bur. to conduct an "accurate enumeration of East Indian populations” supervised by the tri themselves to correct what they called "untrue i inaccurate" 1970 Census figures of their populati which have resulted in lower funding levels Eastern Indian efforts; Condemnation of “ federal research grants white educational institutions where Indian progra arc not yet in existence," particularly at Harv; University, Stanford University, the University Chicago and Pennsylvania State University. 7 resolution stated that these four institutions have be receiving significant research grants for study of i Indian past and present and Indian culture I currently have no Native American programs, student recruitment, no Indians on faculties, and tl there are no American Indian colleges at all on t Eastern seaboard; — Request for support from all Indians for ( rebuilding of the first all-Indian college in the U. Old Main College in Pembroke, N.C. destroyed by f in 1972, as a culture center focusing on the cultures all American Indians; Creation of a five-member team of Easte Indians to review and provide guidance to t Smithsonian Institution on specific volumes of forthcoming “ Handbook on the American Indiai where that multi-volume series touches upon the p:: and present of the Eastern Indians. Indian Youths Visit Me. Maritime Acaderm Indian teenagers representing each of the fo Maine Indian communities gatiiered recently Maine Maritime Academy for a day of athie activities and group tours of the campus. The primary purpose of the “ Indian Day”, in whi some 45 Indian youths participated, was to expc Indian young people to the college campus setting a; to careers that are available to MMA graduates as result ol an education in Nautical Science or Mari Engineering. On hand to greet the Indian students was Wiilia AItvater Jr., a Passamaquoddy Indian from Plcasa Point who discribed the education potential th MMA offered college-bound Indian students. Altvat will graduate from MMA this month. Academy Superintendent, Rear Admiral E. Rodgers in speaking to the group, acknowledged th costs of tuition and living expenses may be a problc to Indian students of low income. Rodgers addc however, "it doesn't have to be a problem.” The Indian youths, later took full advantage of ti well-appointed athletic facilities of the Acadcm playing basketball, swimming, bowling, and weigh lifting. Participants were: Dana Point; Donna Stevens, Sylvia Sockabasi Balinda Sockabasin, Jeanie Sockabasin, Frar Sabattus. Steven Sabatlus. Patrick Sabatlus. Jeron Levesque. Charlie Dana, Nicky Dana, Augustii Stevens. Richard Stevens. A.A.I.; Dana Sappier, Wayne Morey, John More Gary Bennett, Tony Tomah, Chris Ennis, Jc Zcrnicki, Carl Gould, Paul Sabatis, Regina Sherwood, Jeff Hardy, Calvin Hardy, Steve Johnso: John Flewelling, Elwood Jewell. John McDonald. Indian Island; Vincent Norwood, Blaine Field Mark Mitchell. Burnell Mitchell, Barry Nelso; Wilfred Pchrson, Jr., Pal Francis, Raymon Chavaree, Edward Paul, �5age 4 Wabanaki Alliance Means Brings Wounded Knee to Maine — for the 10,000 Indians he served. Means joined the AIM movement in 1969, setting up the first AIM chapter outside Minnesota. Means renamed the Cleveland center, CLAIM (Cleveland American Indian Movement Center). He was assigned the role of "National Field Coordinator” for AIM and later participated in the occupation ot Alcatraz and the National Indian Day of Mourning at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS — Russell Means began his dialogue with Maine Indians and students with a lengthy discussion session at the University of Maine, Orono. (Editor’s note: We are grateful to the Ameri­ can Indian Press Association for much of the information used in developing this story] Russell Means, an Oglala Sioux, is known to every person in this country who reads a newspaper. It’s known that Means is a leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and that he is presently awaiting trial for his part in the occupation of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation this past year. Utile is known about AIM, and almost nothing is known about the questions posed by the occupation at Wounded Knee. Means — at an informal question and answer session and later as a guest lecturer at the University of Maine at Orono — has provided greater insight into these subjects and into the reasons behind the ignorance surrounding them. Although little of his own life was discussed by Means j i p is so much, a part of the American Indian harrassment, terrorization, brutalization, and in­ timidation, as well as physical injury to lawyers and legal workers for the defense." Means and Banks are not the only ones facing charges. There are according to Means, 139 for whom legal defense money is needed. Consequently, Means, when able, is out speaking to groups and University students raising the resources necessary for an adequate defense while raising the level of conscious­ ness among his largely white audiences. Means uses Early in 1972, many members of AIM, including Means, were in Omaha, Nebraska, attending a Wounded Knee to do this, discussing not only meeting or urban Indian center directors. While government oppression and deceit (beginning with the Treaty of 1868) but the shallow and destructive nature there, news stories appeared of the brutal beating and of the news media, as well as the extensive and eventual death of an elderly Oglala Sioux, Raymond unnoticed power of the Department of Interior. Mixed Yellow Thunder, just south of Means’ reservation. Means spearheaded an assult on the small Nebraska in with his observations is a discussion of the Indian psyche and the spirituality of AIM. town of Gordon where Yellow Thunder had died. Means informed his Maine audience that before the Most of the 11,000 Pine Ridge Reservation occupation of Wounded Knee "we met with the residents gave their support to the AIM protest. traditional chiefs and medicine men and decided to go Following the Gordon protest, while en route to his into Wounded Knee for the Treaty of 1868.” birthplace in Porcupine, Means led the first assualt on This treaty is not only the reason for going into the Wounded Knee Trading Post. He would return a Wounded Knee, but is the primary source of defense, year later. according to Means, for AIM leaders and other Indian people involved in the Wounded Knee case. Means told his Maine audience that it was after making contact with the people of the reservation that How this treaty came about and some of the more the AIM movement really became strong. blatant abuses of it, need to be discussed. Means resigned his position with CLAIM to return The 1868 Treaty was one of a series of treaties home to Porcupine, South Dakota, as director of the signed in 1867 and 1868 with the tribes of the Great local reservation AIM Chapter. Plains as a result of President Grant’s Peace Policy. From his new position, Means became involved in That policy was partly philanthropic and partly the planning for the Trial of Broken Treaties economic, it being noted at the time that it would be Caravans, which were to descend in November — infinitely cheaper to simply provide rations and services to the tribes on reservations guaranteed by the during national elections — on Washington, D.C. The peaceful demonstrations planned by Means government than to continue what was essentially a and others evolved into the seizure of the BIA’s war of attrition on both sides. All of these treaties had the same basic formulas central nerve complex. Means later led one of the M ovem ent and the occupatiom of W ounded-K nee th a t we would b e rem ise in not publishing m ore ab o u t this man. Means was born in 1939 on the Pine Ridge Reserva­ tion in the small community of Porcupine. He is one of four sons of Hank Means, and the former Theodora Feather, Santee and Yankton Sioux. When World War II broke out, the young Means family moved to northern California where Hank Means had accepted a wartime industry job. Means and his brothers attended public schools there, returning to South Dakota to visit in the summers. Russell Means completed high school in California, then successfully established residence on his father’s reservation in order to qualify for reloca­ tion assistance from the BIA. He relocated in Ohio where he took training in electronic computers. Later, Means was employed as a data processor in the Management Information System Office of a community action program. Following this experience, he moved back to Ohio where he became a director of Cleveland’s American Indian Center. It was from this point that Means began to be recognized as a national Indian leader, the road to which became his involvement in the American Indian Movement. Means informed those attending his Maine lecture that the American Indian Movement was created in Minneapolis, Minn., in July of 1968, to deal with problems related to police harrassment and intimi­ dation in a large Indian ghetto. Means stated that AIM organized a patrol to monitor police calls so that an AIM patrol would get to an area of reported trouble to quell a disturbance before the police arrived. A legal rights center was one of the early outgrowths of this effort. At the time AIM was developing to deal with the problems of the Urban Indian, Means was directing Cleveland’s American Indian Center. As director of the Center, Means became recog­ nized for his talent in community organization and administration, setting up youth programs, alcoholism rehabilitation programs, food and employment assistance programs — to name a few WATCHING MEANS — These Penobscot women, from left, Gayle Phillips, Donna Deschane and Cheryl Knapp, learned first hand from Russell Means of the problems encountered in his fight with the federal government. Caravans back to the midwest. On January 6, 1973, the slaying of another Oglala Sioux, Wesley Bad Heart Bull, prompted additional confrontations between AIM leaders and small communities viewed by many Indians as overtly racist. The move on Wounded Knee and the establishment of the Independent Oglala Sioux nation followed in March, lasting for 71 days. Following the evacuation of Wounded Knee, Means and other AIM leaders were charged with a 10-count federal indictment, the core of which was a conspiracy charge. At present, the Wounded Knee Legal Defense/ Offense Committee lawyers, representing Means and Dennis Banks are arguing for dismissal of the charges. Dismissal is being sought for, among other things, the U.S. Government’s alleged involvement and infiltrating of the defense team, and for its alleged “illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional surveillance, providing for educational benefits, reserved rights for hunting, tribal “ Land Books” for allowing tracts of land to individuals within the reserved areas, and provisions that no further land cessions would be asked from the tribes without the approval of threequarters of their adult males. The Sioux Treaty was the hardest to obtain. The army had built a series of forts through the Sioux hunting lands and the goldminers traveled along this row of forts toward Montana gold fields. Realizing that the extinguishment of game in the area would doom their way of life and remembering that the Treaty of 1851 at Fort Laramie guaranteed them hunting lands, the Sioux conducted a fearful war against the United States led by the great Oglala chief. Red Cloud. As the toll of dead mounted, the United States began to knuckle under. Red Cloud demanded the withdrawal of the soldiers from his lands before he [Continued on page 5] �Wabanaki Alliance CAPACITY CROWD — Russell Means addressed near capacity crowd at his evening lecture. [Continued from page 4] fould sign the treaty. Finally, the U.S. agreed to move he forts and called Red Cloud in. He refused to come ntil the soldiers had left, and the forts were empty so le was able to “walk through their ashes.^ This was ccomplished and Red Cloud arrived at Fort Laramie nth his band and calmly touched the pen signaling he end of the war. Following the defeat of the Seventh Cavalry at the ,ittle Big Horn in 1876, the U.S. sent a commission to eal with the Sioux and Arapaho for the cession of the Hack Hills area. The commission failed miserably to et the required three-quarters signatures of the ioux, but reported to Congress that they had made le agreement and in February, 1877, the Congress assed an act which purported to confiscate the Black [ills area. The Sioux complained bitterly that the cession did ol follow the procedures set down and ratified by the 'ongress in the treaty of 1868, but to no avail. “The Jnited States has always maintained in public that io deal was legal, while admitting privately that it -as one of the biggest swindles in world history/’ one xpert has noted. Today, 106 years after the signing of the 1868 realy, the Sioux still have not been paid for the lands ken by the U.S. Government. It would seem in a ation ol laws there should be means for recourse. Means told his audience “the white man made the ws, we only want them — the United States overnment — to live up to them.” Recently, prompted by the Wounded Knee cupation. legislation was introduced into Congress lich would create a 15-man commission that would vestigatc the fulfillment of the treaties and reements between the U.S. and all of the tribes. There has never been a commission that was designed to confront treaty issues directly. This legislation, which takes the form of a resolu­ tion, has passed the Senate and is now in the House Subcommittee on Indian Affairs. This legislation was not introduced, however, until after Senator James Abourezk and Congressman Lloyd Meeds — Senate and House Indian subcommittee chairmen — visited Wounded Knee and talked with people there. Means described the psychological and physical conditions at Wounded Knee during the occupation with reverence when discussing the establishment of the Independent Oglala Sioux Nation, but with disgust when discussing the starvation tactics the country allowed to be used to force the surrender of Wounded Knee. “We managed for 71 days. Ultimately, they agreed to our demands and within 10 minutes after the agree­ ments were signed, the government violated them. “ It has been difficult to impossible, to get the truth out.” Means continued, “the media for the most part used BLA news releases.” It is felt that coverage of the real facts of this case arc extremely important because, as Means stated, the 1 rcaty of 1868 is our defense.” and as some legal experts have noted, “what happens to the tribe rests with Congress" — a political creature sensitive to the attitudes ot the people — attitudes in many instances created by the media. Terri Schultz, writing for Harpers stated, “the reporters at Wounded Knee shredded their stories into pieces, tossed them into the air. and recreated them as they fell into designs of their own choosing. We wrote good cowboy-and-Indian stories because we throught it was what the public wanted, and they were Page 5 harmless even if they were not true. For the truth lies like fossils embedded in layers of shale. Let the recording of the event make do as the event — and don’t believe everything in the media." More to the point, were comments by John Trudell, a Santee Sioux and national co-chairman of AIM, addressing Indian journalists: “The white press distorted the real issue of Wounded Knee, which was the pitting of AIM against the BIA bureaucracy. The real need for the white press — and the Indian press — is research rather than emotionalism. Indians use the white press as a protection in some situations, but at Wounded Knee. Indians came to be manipulated by the white press.” A good example of what is being alluded to here can be found in the coverage given Means by Maine’s Bangor Daily News. The reporter, for lack of time or background, made light of what was discussed. Means, at both his Maine meetings on March 16. also discussed the power of the Department of Interior. As Means pointed out, the Department of the Interior is intimately involved with the power com­ panies, the oil companies, the cattle industry, the food industry, the wood products industry; in short, natural resources. Although AIM originated in an urban Indian ghetto, its substance and strength comes from the reservation where the issues are much older and much deeper and affect all Indian people. Wounded Knee and its defendants, by using the treaty as a defense, are forcing a confrontation between the system of interests which control this country and the conscience of Congress; how keenly Congress feels its obligation to do what’s right, will have a lasting impact on all Indian people. AFTER TILE LECTURE — Stanley Neptune, Indian Island, above, discusses Means’ comments with U of M students. SUPREME COURT RULING AIDS MAINE INDIAN CASE The U.S. Supreme Court on February 20 reaffirmed lower court opinion that a federally recognized dian living off — but near — his reservation was [titled to BIA services. The lower court (the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of opeals) has implied in its ruling that all Indians eluding those in urban areas and even non-federally cognized tribes, such as those in Maine, must be ovided services by the BIA. However, the high court a 38 page opinion stated: “Although we affirm the Igment of the Court of Appeals . . . we reach its ;ult on a narrower ground. We need not appraoch : issue in terms of whether Congress intended for all dians, regardless of residence and of the degree of iimilation, to be covered by the general assistance slfare) program. We need to ascertain the intent of ■ogress with respect to those Indian claimants in the ie before us." The high court did not turn off the possibility of dressing the broader issue of services to Indians not rognized, which is a question more germane to the iine Indian. On this point, the court stated: Whether other persons qualify for general assistance 1be left to cases that arise in the future.” rom Tureen, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Inc., lais, told the Wabanaki Alliance that the Supreme litigation involving the federal government, the State ol Maine and the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes of Maine. Tureen maintains that the decision was a positive one for Maine because the thrust of what was said can be interpreted to mean that the Secretary of the Interior cannot make ad hoc decisions on who is to get served. Tureen was referring to the fact that the high court based its decision on an interpretation of the intent of Congress, which “intent” it derived by looking at the BIA appropriation requests presented to and approved by Congress wherein the BIA stated that its service population included Indians living “on or near” an Indian reservation. Our problem in Maine, Tureen maintains, is that “we have to establish that Maine Indians are Indians. ’ This must be done before the question of services can be entertained. This is being done in Passamaquoddy vs. Morton — a case in which a team of lawyers headed by Tureen is seeking, at this point, to establish the right of Maine Indians to protection under the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790. If protection under this Act can be established, could then be dealt with. Secretary Rogers Morton, in a letter to Senator Edmund Muskie, has already stated that should the Passamaquoddies win their case, then Snyder Act services would be provided, according to Tureen. Considerable progress, according to Tureen, was made in the Passamaquoddy vs. Morton case on March 25. At that time, attorneys representing both sides agreed on a statement of the facts in this case. They also agreed that no trial would be needed. Tureen explained that each side would exchange legal briefs on May 3 and that each side would exchange replies to these briefs on May 28. Then, on June 3, in Portland, each side will present oral argu­ ments to the judge who, according to Tureen, will make his decision on whether or not Maine Indians are entitled to protection under the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790 by the end of July. New DIS Members from AAI New representatives of the Association of Aroostook Indians have been selected by the AAI for the DIS Board. 3 he new members include Pious Perley, president �Page 6 Wabanaki Alliance Little Big Foot One day while in furious pursuit of a low-flying duck. Little Big Foot inadvertently rammed his canoe into a deadhead. The .mighty Penobscotl that flowed serenely around him now flowed effusively into his canoe. He had no recourse but to abandon his duck hunt and paddle in furious pursuit of shore before he sank. The duck, taking note of Little B i| Foot’s mis­ fortune, quacked on merrily down the river. Birch bark was needed to mend the fractured vehicle, but all the birch trees in the vicinity had already been stripped. Little Big Foot climbed to the top of a tall pine tree, and, with palm shading eyes in the ancestral manner, surveyed the countryside. No­ where was to be seen any birch bark. Rats, he cursed to himself as he climbed down from the gooey tree, now 1 must venture into the hinterland in quest of birch bark. I wonder if they have anv syn­ thetic birch bark at the trading post? Thus Little Big Foot was to embark upon a journey that promised to be the greatest adventure of his life. The Deep Forest, as the wooded region beyond eyeshot of the village was called, was alleged to be inhabited by hideous creatures of flesh and spirit. He paused in remembrance of the campfire stories of his elders as they related their experiences in the Deep Forest. Little Big Foot shuddered at the prospect of encountering some of these monsters. But then in the true Indian spirit he stamped his little big foot to the ground and vociferously urged the monsters to beware. First, he carefully checked his armament, discarding several arrows whose paint showed signs of wear. After re-stringing and tuning his bow, he tested his spear. The wooden shaft hobbled through the air and struck nothing in particular. He declared himself invulnerable. Then he looked into his pouch to assure himself that he had brought along a copious supply of warpaint. Ceremoniously offering his safe passage under the aegis of the Sun-god, Little Big Foot commenced his journey. Ominously, a huge black cloud hid the sun as .Lvttlc* Big FqoI. .performed., his rite. .A brave-.of less temerity would have bailed out at this point, but Little Big Foot stood resolute. It took Little Big Foot three days to reach the Deep Forest; not because the distance was great, but because he trusted his navigational guidance to the heavenly bodies. Unfortunate-it was that the Deep Forest loomed eastward and the heavens were drifting westward. He finally proclaimed science a humbug and sought his own way. The deeper he penetrated the Deep Forest, the darker it became around him. Huge towering pines stood so close together that the sunlight never penetrated the interlacing limbs. Despite his general clumsiness of foot, he walked as if on silent air, for the forest floor was carpeted with pine needles of generations past. Now and then he would feel the chill breeze of an animal rushing past him, but the light was so dim that he couldn’t discern any shape to shoot at; what arrows he did shoot thudded against the adamantine bark of the ageless trees. Frequently slamming into trees, Little Big Foot trudged on. He knew not when to eat or sleep, for the perpetual darkness denied him the time-discerning positions of the sun. Famished and groggy, his head throbbing with a pine-colliding-induced headache, he finally stumbled through an opening in the Deep Forest. It was night and a full moon shone. Discovering that he was on a ridge overlooking a valley, Little Big Foot surveyed the countryside. There, down by a glistening river, was a village. The birch bark of the tepees brilliantly reflected the moonshine, and here and there could be seen campfires with smoke curling heavenward. It must be the Snaidni of whom my elders speak, thought Little Big Foot. They are our enemies and I must skulk toward their village; perhaps I am able to diminish their numbers. Thus Little Big Foot slithered down the declivity toward the village. Because of the greater expedient of waging war, he had now forgotten why he had made this journey. Lurking around the periphery of the village, Little Big Foot gave thought to how he would execute his attack, how best he could employ the element of surprise. Stealing toward what looked to be a bow ’n arrow factory, he became aware of the wailing of women and children and the moaning of men. Surely then, thought Little Big Foot, one of their numbers has passed on to the Happy Hunting Grounds — perhaps, it’s the Chief! The solemn grandeur of the proceedings seemed to indicate that a great personage had croaked. But no, it wasn’t the Chief, for he was leading the funeral procession; nor was it anyone of great stature, for the cloth-bound corpse looked to be that of a child, a child of Little Big Foot’s stature. Little Big Foot himself was overcome with grief and sorrow as the participants of the procession intoned dirge. The woeful, somber notes of the funeral son pierced his heart and melted the enmity he hel toward these people. He sadly contemplated tf oneness of the human race. Furtively watching the proceedings from behind pile of horse manure, he saw the Chief gently lay tf lifeless bundle on the pyre. And as the pyre was li Little Big Foot began to weep. Loudly an unrestrainedly he wept. Bitter tears of sorrow streake his face with warpaint. The villagers turned in amazement as they realize that sounds of weeping were issuing from the manui pile. The Chief became incensed at this outraged deviation from custom and ordered his braves to ari themselves and surround the errant celebrant. TF braves having done so, the Chief, unaccompanie< approached the fetid manure pile. In the moonlight the Chief saw the prostrai transgressor and nudged him with the butt end of h spear. Little Big Foot raised his head and shudderec for the shadowy outline of a monstrous being stoo over him. The Chief beckoned his braves toward Little Bi Foot. “ Sacrifice him to the gods and to the memory ( my son,” commanded the Chief. “Off to the pyre!” At once Little Big Foot recognized the voice of tf Chief. “ Father!” he cried, “It is I, Little Big Foot!” That night as the heavens wheeled the villagei reeled. A thousand beaver skins of firewater wei consumed, and the sad throb of the tom-toms bealin out the rhythm to the dirge soon transformed into tf lively beat of the “ boog-a-loo aborigine” , a loc; modification of the Straussian Waltz. Little Big Foot came to understand that tf villagers thought him dead after his punctured canc was found floating along the shore. He also learne that the cloth-covered figure burned on the pyre was wood-carved substitute of himself. Little Big Fot winced in disapproval that the villagers would offer wooden Indian to the everlasting keeping of the godThey don’t even smoke cigars, he said. “ But tell us,” the Chief implored, “where have yo been for the past quarter-moon?” Everyone of the village gathered around Little Bi Foot as he ascended the manure pile to recount hi adventures in the Deep Forest. Many a village deemed his rostrum appropriate for the yarns h wove. —Paul A. Francis, Ji Education: Then and Now MY GREAT GRANDFATHER HAD MANY TEACHERS: His grandmother taught him to make wise decisions. His grandmother taught him medicine to keep him strong and powerful. His father taught him what it was to be a brave warrior and a humble man. His mother taught him love, generosity, kindness and compassion. His uncles taught him the skills and arts o f hunting, singing and joyful dancing. His aunts taught him how to choose a worthy wife. His elders, the arrow-maker, the medicine man and the Tribal Chiefs taught him his history, spirituality, politics, oratory, philosophies, values and life’ work. s Mah-Oonah, the earthmaker, taught him which road to walk. MY GRANDFATHER HAD MANY TEACHERS: His grandfather taught him to make wise decisions. His grandmother taught him medicine to keep him strong. His mother taught him love and generosity. His elders taught him his history, values and spirituality. His Indian agent taught him he must become afarmer. His white Christian minister taught him Jesus Christ loves all men. His white homesteading neighbor taught him fear and hostility. His white school teacher taught him that it was senseless to retain his Indian ways. Mah-Oonah, the earthmaker, taught him which road to walk. MY FATHER HAD MANY TEACHERS: His grandfather taught him to make wise decisions. His mother taught him love and generosity. His elders taught him his philosophies and values. His BIA Superintendent taught him he was too incompetent to manage his own affairs. His white Christian minister taught him that Jesus Christ loves all men who give up their “ Pagan Beliefs " and enter into the whiteman's church o f stone and mortar. His white farm neighbor taught him all about racism, bigotry, prejudice and hate. His white school teacher taught him that his savage ancestors resisted “Civilization" with unrelenting, ferocious barbarity and inhuman treatment o f their benevolent white saviors. His white boss taught him how to “toe the line" and “stay in his place." His hopeless brothers taught him that escapefrom stark reality was contained in a bottle marked Alcohol 20% by volume. Mah-Oonah taught him which road to walk. MY SONS WILL HAVE MANY TEACHERS: Theirfather will teach them to be brave warriors and humble men. Their mother will teach them love and generosity, kindness and compassion. Their uncles will teach them the skills and arts o f singing, dancing and being a good provider. Their aunts will teach them how to choose worthy wives. Their elders, sofew in number, will teach them what is left o f their history, spirituality, politics, oratory, philosophies, values and visions. Their “medicine men" will teach them about Indian prophecies and visions and how to love Christ as an Indian. Their Indian teachers will teach them o f their ancestor's gloiy and greatness. Their white neighbors will teach them that even they can change and learn to live as brothers. Their Indian brothers and sisters throughout this great land will teach them that they can live their lives with dignity in a brotherhood o f all men. Mah-Oonah will teach them to lead us on the road we all must walk. (Rueben Snake) �Wabanaki Alliance Page 7 Sibayik Develops Health Clinics / What began as an elTort to help a snyill number of eople at the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reserttion suffering from chronic alcoholism has become vehicle for providing a much broader range of health ? rvices to the entire community. In December. 1973. Fr. Stanley Bowe called a lecting of interested citizens to discuss development i resources, locally, which could be used to assist in le “drying out*’ of alcoholics. At this meeting, scussion led those attending to believe that they lonld begin to treat alcoholism in its entirety, begin 1"treat the whole person." According to Fr. Bowe, Hazel Dana proposed the ca of creating health clinics — as a beginning — ght at Pleasant Point. It was felt that Indian people Pleasant Point might take more advantage of rvices offered locally and controlled locally than ofrvices offered away from home. Once the idea of using a health clinic was agreed >on. those involved began looking for resources. It is then decided that the two rooms in the back of the lurch could be used for the clinic. It then became apparent that a health committee is going to be needed. Members of that committee w include: Hazel Dana, Fr. Bowe, chairman, igene Francis, Mary Altvater, Sister Doris, Brother rry Smith, Richard Sockabasin, Elizabeth Sockasin. Margaret Nicholas, Stella Neptune, Barbara iylor and Roberta Richter. 1 he committee has been responsible for developing 0 clinics, participating as the reservation’s represenive in the development of an alcoholism program ■ t to the National Institute of Alcoholsim and m cohot--Abuse; and approaching and receiving 'enue sharing money from the Tribal Council. rhe first health clinic was held January 29. At this nic. Dr. Lawrence Moore provided the physician ;istance necessary for a well child clinic. In February. Dr. James Bates, Eastport, provided /sician services for a “women’s health clinic.” ncer screening was undertaken at this clinic. According to Fr. Bowe the group is planning other “women’s health clinic” for April. ■r. Bowe, in commenting on the development of the ilth clinic and ancillary projects, stated that the ilth committee and its work must be a community )rt. ‘We’re trying to get more people involved so that re will be a greater understanding of what health blems exist and what a health problem is,” Fr. ve stated. mother project slated for the immediate future is -cning for lead poisoning, Fr. Bowe stated. :r. Bowe also stated that having a professional se (Hazel Dana) assisting in the development of the ilth clinic was of invaluable aid. n discussing what others wishing to emulate this jeet should do. Fr. Bowe stated that the presence of Indian health professional, or someone acting in t capacity, would be of immense value in dealing li other health professionals. t . Bowe also stressed the need to get something tig right away. “ Even it what you are doing isn’t the t thing in the world, it is important to get sometg going so that others can see that something .tally is being done.” r. Bowe also indicated that health education uld be an important part of what the community up undertakes. AAI Membership to Meet 1special membership meeting of the Association of 'ostook Indians will be held Sunday, April 28, in ibou at the AAI Center, which is located across n the municipal airport. he meeting which is tentatively scheduled for 1 . has been called to review and evaluate proposed nges in by-laws. DESTINATION KICKING HORSE — Cutting the cake at a “going away” party for David Tomer, above, and Rickey Love, below, is Betty Kimball. The going away party was held in the Parish Hall at Indian Island. Maine Boys Leave for Montana Job Camp ree Penobscot Indian youths are now participating in a Job Corps Program at the Kicking Horse Regional Residential Manpower Center in northwestern Montana. Penobscot Indian CAP, the designated screening agency for that tribe, provided the assistance necessary to enroll Ricky Love, David Tomer, and Donald Nelson, Jr., in the Job Corps Program. The Corpsmen will receive counseling and pre­ employment training specificially related to the job training being offered and, ultimately, job placement. Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, near Ronan, Montana, Kicking Horse is the only Center in Job Corps history that is designed for, and operated by, Indian people. years of age and are out of work or out of school and need counseling, education and training in order to get a good job. All trainees have a place to live, good food, and spending money, along with free medical and dental care. ' The length of training may be up to two years, depending on trade, and upon the abilities and desires of the individual trainee. Trainees may receive com­ prehensive, systematic training in forestry, automotive, heavy equipment, food service, custodial maintenance, carpentry, or truck driving. An Indian Studies Program is being developed whereby a Cultural Studies group will learn traditional Indian songs, dances, and costume making. Pauline Love of Indian Island, flew to Montana on a tribe-sponsored visit and to get a first-hand look at the Kicking Horse facility. Mrs. Love reported that the 200 Indian enrollees, representing some 57 different tribes . . . lived and worked together in close harmony . . . " It is hopeful that the enrollees may also develop a sense of the awareness of basic attributes and citizenship necessary for productive participation in tribal, local, state and national affairs. Upon graduation, men who have completed the program will receive $50 for each month they have been at the Center. The Kicking Horse Training Program is available to American Indian youths who are 16 through 21 Applications may' be made through the tribal offices. DIA Provides Legislative Report By S. GLENN STARBIRD, JR. Deputy Commissioner of Indian Affairs The program submitted by the Department of Indian Affairs to the State Legislature at the special session consisted mainly of the budget for the coming year and a few revisions in the Indian Laws. The basic change in the Indian Law submitted was to revise Section 4716 ol Title 22 concerning constables to make the law conform with the new situation existing now since the establishment of the Maine Indian Police Department. Although the Councils of the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes had originally been in favor of the changes they later decided that it would be better to wait until they could see how the new system would work in practice before any changes in the law were made. The bill was therefore withdrawn. Another bill L.D. 2355 revising certain laws relating to the Passamaquoddy Indians has already passed in a new draft and is now Chapter 740 of the Public Laws. Basically, what Chapter 740 does in its first section is to provide that baptismal certificates may be used to prove birth when no birth certificate is available. This had been somewhat of a problem in the past, particularly among the Passamaquoddies. when they applied for a driver’s license to the Motor Vehicle Bureau. The second and third sections of this bill concern revisions in the Passama­ quoddy Tribal election laws requested by Indian 1 ownship and some rearrangement of the older parts of the law to better incorporate the changes. Another item not directly promoted by the department or by the tribes concerns the pay raise for state legislators. The Indian Representatives to the Legislature are included in this bill’s revised version. The present salary of the Indian Representative is s i,500 per session with 20 days' expense allowance at the same rate per day as the other members of the legislature. The new pay as established by L.D. 2463 would be S2.000 per session and 30 days' expenses at each regular session. Indian Affairs fared fairly well with the Part I current services budget, receiving only minor cuts and adjustments. The Part I budget is the amount each department needs to keep its operations running at the present level. The total in Part I for the Departmental Operations of Indian Affairs was $543,509 and for the Housing Authorities $42,543 making a total of $586,052. At the time 1 am writing this we do not know exactly what the final total of our Part II or expanded services budget will be. In the original Part II budget document L.D. 2290. which is what we had after the Bureau of Budget and the Governor’s office had been over it we had a total of $94,941 with $56,366 going to the Housing Authorities and $38,575 going for Departmental Operations. Editor’s note: The Part II Budget was finally passed late Friday, March 29, with the $30,500 for the three Housing Authorities still intact. � 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> (April 1974) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974-04 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-417 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/f23e92c30b6b405705ff8cfd0f241138.pdf 71a9bcf37aa759cf19e79d301b9e14ad PDF Text Text 0l//47i" t/?.StanleyI Bow m. Rev. Indian Leaders D igest The following persons have recently been elected or appointed to fill leadership positions within tribal councils and committees and within Indian boards. INDIAN ISLAND P en ob scot T ribal C ou n cil: N ich ola s Sapiel, governor; Peter Neptune, Lt. governor; Helen Goslin, tribal clerk; Timothy Love, chairman; and members; Pauline Love, Emma Decora, Vivian Massey, Joe Polchies, Martin Neptune, Irving Ranco, Beatrice Phillips, Nicholas Sapiel, Jr., Matthew Sappier, Richard Hamilton, and Merlene Couturier. Penobscot Tribal Housing Authority: Erlene Paul, executive director; Francis Ranco, chairman; Jean Chavaree, secretary; Michael Ranco, treasurer; and other members; Pat Shay and Stephen Mitchell. Penobscot Indian Corporation Officers: Kenneth Paul, president; Irving Ranco, vice president; Erlene Paul, sccretary/treasurer. State Representative to Legislature: Ernest Goslin. Penobscot Indian C.A.P.: Michael Ranco, director; Elizabeth Kimball, secretary. Indian Island School Committee: Francis Ranco, chairman; Jean Chavaree, Madeline Paul, Kenneth Paul, Sr., Natalie Mitchell. ASSOCIATION OF A R O O ST O O K INDIANS Board o f Directors: Joyce Tompkins, president; John Joseph, vice president; Brenda Polchies, secretary; Joseph Tomah, treasurer; Gloria Tomah, Fred Perley, Maynard Polchies, Gary Ennis, Roy Paul, Betty Joseph, Terry Polchies, Joseph Morey, Roger Choutou, Robert Pictou, Charles Bernard, Grace McKee, and Robert Tomah. School Committee: Maynard Polchies, Joseph Morey, Mary Shaw, Grace McKee, and Brenda Polchies. INDIAN TOW NSHIP Tribal Council: Allen Sockabasin, governor; Albert Dana, Lt. governor; Raphael Sockabasin, George Sockabasin, Harold Lewey, Phyllis Sabattus, Eugene Stevens, and Archie LaCoote. Wayne Newell is the tribal clerk. Housing Authority: George Stevens, executive St. Ann’ Rector; s Pleasant Point Perry, 1 -Iaine O46 director; Edward Sockabasin, Jake Lola, Fr. Vickerson, Wayne Newell, and George Stevens. School Committee: Allen Sockabasin, Albert Dana, Eugene Stevens, Phyllis Sabattus, and George Stevens. PLEASANT POINT Tribal Council: Francis J. Nicholas, governor; John Nicholas, Lt. governor; Robert Newell, Clayton Cleaves, Ernestine Yarmal, Melvin Francis, Frederick Francis, and Judy Nicholas. Passamaquoddy Representative to Legislature: Joseph A. Nicholas. Community Action Program: Mary Yarmal, director. Housing Authority: John Bailey, Eugene Francis, Francis Nicholas, Jr., Francis L. Sapiel, and Mary Yarmal. School Committee: Andrew Dana, David Francis, John Nicholas, Julie Nicholas, and Roberta Richter. CENTRAL MAINE INDIAN ASSOCIATION Board o f Directors: Mary Francis, president; Jeanette Fitchner, vice president; Lorraine Gabriel, treasurer; Laura Massey, secretary; Ram ona Stackhouse, John Isaac, Melvin Vicaire, Romeo Morrison, and Marie Woodbury. INTER-TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS Maine Indian Education Council: Madeline Paul and Jean Chavaree, representing Indian Island; George Stevens and Eugene Stevens, representing Indian Township; Ruby Richter and Andrew Dana, representing Pleasant Point; and Brenda Polchies and Maynard Polchies representing the Association o f Aroostook Indians. Penobscot/Passamaquoddy Tribal Planning Board: Andy Akins, executive director; George Stevens, chairman, Erlene Paul, John Sapiel, Wayne Newell, Ralph Dana, Benjamin Neptune, Joseph Francis, Nicholas Sapiel, Harry Francis, Sr., and Edward Sockabasin. Tribal Governors. Inc.: Nicholas Sapiel, Sr., Peter Neptune, Allen Sockabasin, Albert Dana, Francis Nicholas, John Nicholas, Joyce Tompkins, John Joseph, Mary Francis, and Jeanette Fitchner. R E H A B IL IT A T IO N P R O G R A M TO BEGIN — An effort, which began nearly a year ago, to secure resources to deal with the abuse of alcohol has resulted in a program which is scheduled to begin in February. See story page 2. �Profiles of Indian Leaders administrative group," which is needed to examine belter ways and to project a single voice. Why have these changes com e about? Gov. Socakasin believes they arc the result o f Indian people wanting change and young people becoming involved in tribal affairs. “ Nine o f the twelve joint Passama­ quoddy council members are under thirty, and half have degrees," Sockabasin stated. “ There are Indian ■people speaking out, speaking out about schools and other issues; if there are things being done and being changed, it is because these people are speaking out.” GOVERNOR ALLEN SOCKABASIN The problems a tribal governor faces today are ifferent from those o f just a few years ago. Indian 'ownship Governor, Allen Sockabasin, has watched he change. “ When I was first elected, tribal affairs and my uties were simpler; the sophistication to which these ave grown is horrifying," Governor Sockabasin tated, referring to the influx o f programs and ^sources now being used by his tribal council to ttack old problems. There are programs for employlent, economic development, community action, utreach, police protection, etc.; and they all have heir cost, in terms o f time and money, on those who lust make decisions about program details. There is n enormous quantity o f paper which accompanies ach program, and these paper trails must be dealt /ith along with traditional tribal business. As a result Governor Sockabasin believes that one >f his and his colleagues most immediate needs is tetter management tools. As president o f Tribal jovernors, Inc., the Indian Township Governor has he additional administrative problems resulting from lis involvement in a group representing all Maine ndian people. But Sockabasin sees the Board of Sovernors and Presidents as a “ pressure and GOVERNOR FRANCIS NICHOLAS Francis J. Nicholas has been elected Tribal jovernor at the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation. Nicholas returned to Sebayik in 1971 ifter retiring from a 21-year career in the Army, which ncludcd eight years in the “ Green Berets,”a Special "orces group requiring courage and self-discipline imong other leadership requisites. Since his return, Nicholas has attended Washington bounty Vocational Technical Institute in Calais where lc received training in automotive mechanics, and vas later employed by the Georgia Pacific Co. in iVoodland. But, as the military establishment has become tomplex in the last several decades, so has tribal jovernment; yet, Nicholas feels himself equal to the ask of governing, though he admits that much homevork is required to familiarize himself with the many acets o f tribal government. In the years that Nicholas has been away from the eservation, many changes have occurred and new ipportunities have arisen to provide means to solve he many problems afflicting Indian communities. In he short time since his election. Governor Nicholas las favorably demonstrated his leadership abilities; tnd, with the strong council, which Nicholas believes ic has, there exists a greater potential to attack these ifflictions. Nicholas said he is anxious to learn all he can about ribal government so that he may better unite the rassamaquoddies o f Pleasant Point. ’ G overn or Sockabasin , the father o f three daughters, is also active and interested in education. “ m confident that my daughter is being offered a I’ better education than what was offered me.” Sockabasin is also a strong believer in self-help and self-help oriented programs. “ is going to take It Indian people helping themselves; it’ up to the s individual, and it’ up to those o f us in leadership s positions to provide access to resources which will make self-help possible.” AAI PRESIDENT JOYCE TOM PKINS Joyce was born in W oodstock, N.B. and spent much o f her early life moving back and forth between Canada and the United States. When she was thirteen her family took up permanent residence in Aroostook County. Joyce, like many o f the people she represents, used to move every fall to pick potatoes. She is aware o f the impact this kind o f migration has on a child’ formal education because she has s experienced it; she is aware o f the problems alcohol can have on a family because she experienced those as a child; she is aware o f the problems imposed on Indian people because o f prejudice and discrimina­ tion, because she lives in Houlton. “ Houlton is a poor community for an Indian. There arc people here who are prejudiced and who do not even know an Indian personally,”Joyce said. CMIA PRESIDENT MARY FRANCIS “ Since we are most interested in providing any assistance to insure equal opportunity for the Indians in Maine, I have approved Mrs. Francis’personal request for extended leave without pay.”The request was made by Mary Francis, president o f the Central Maine Indian Association, and the approval was granted by her employer — the Internal Revenue Service. The AAI president believes the schools should have Indian studies and that they should have Indian children involved in the development o f those studies. As a mother o f four children, ranging in age from three to eighteen years, she has had many personal ex p erien ces with A ro ostoo k County sch ools. “ Prejudice exists in the hearts o f many kids and I think it is ignorance; a school studies program would help,”she said. Possibly the biggest problem facing AAI. according to its president, is the maintaining o f people’interest, s in the “ translating o f what we do into things that people see as valuable.” Mrs. Francis is taking leave o f absence to devote full time to the development o f the Central Maine Indian Association, which was only recently conceived but has, in its short existence, flourished into a viable, relevant organization for the Indians o f central Maine. Through the efforts o f Mary and her board o f directors approximately two thousand Indian people in the central Maine area will receive various types o f assistance they otherwise would not receive. Mary, the mother o f four children, is making a significant sacrifice in taking full acceptance o f a position that offers less security, more frustrations, longer and more irregular work-hours, and more headaches than her position with the IRS. Though she anticipates returning to her IRS position someday, Mary has vowed not to abandon the development o f CMIA into an association which will communicate to its members the opportunities attainable through involvement. The leave o f absence became necessary for the CMIA president when her own involvement extended into the realm o f decision-making, a step she felt to be necessary if those whom she represents are to receive the programs and resources she feels they should have access to. As a result o f Mary’ involvement, CMIA has s already been granted representation on many Indian boards^and has secured membership in many o f the programs established for Maine Indians. For example, CMIA will be participating in this year’ s project fuel so that some CMIA members will have access to insulating materials; and CMIA will be participating in the CETA program, in which at least two new staff and five training positions will be available. CMIA is growing in resources and responsibilities, and much o f this growth must be attributed to Mrs.' Francis and the hard-working board which has assembled to represent the off-reservation Indians in central Maine. GO V ER N O R NICK SAPIEL Nicholas Sapicl is the new Governor o f the Penobscot Tribe at Indian Island. A life-long resident o f the Penobscot Reservation, Governor Sapicl has had eighteen years o f experience on the Tribal Council, which has provided him a broad perspective on various tribal concerns and objectives. Since his election to the governorship, however, Nick has found that most o f his past experience has been more in the area o f attending to the personal needs o f the tribe. His duties, now com pounded by the expanding responsibilities o f a modern-day tribal governor, will require a deeper look at the use o f resources. According to Governor Sapicl, this is necessary to deal with such long-range problems as housing, employment and economic development and such short-range needs as a person needing transportation. It has been the lack o f sufficient information, according to Sapiel, which has often created problems and inhibited the usefulness o f outside resources. It is the desire o f Governor Sapiel to improve com ­ munications to allow access by the tribe to whatever information is needed so that all can be informed on all tribal problems and resources. �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance Community Leaders Attend Training Session the drawing board. Concerning the Maine Indian Police Department, Akins believes the quality of law enforcement on the reservations has improved. But, he stated, additional resources, possibly via the legislature, are going to be necessary to meet the needs of this program. The Coalition of Eastern Native Americans was established through the influence of Maine Indian people. “ CENA,”according to Akins, “ now a voice is to have our input heard by the decision-makers of Washington D.C.” DISCUSSING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT — Vivian Massey, director of the Indian VISTA program, and management consultant Sam Gardpie discuss solutions to program management problems. A three day orientation and training session for some fifty newly-elected Indian leaders was held at the Indian Resource Center this October to acquaint them with existing Indian programs and to provide some Indian expertness in the management of Indian programs. On the first day various Indian administrators explained the programs for which they are responsible. The program included discussions on: The Department of Indian Affairs, by John Stevens; Fiobiems and Concerns of Off-Reservation Indians, by Terry Polchies; Penobscot/Passamaauoddy Tribal Planning Board, Maine Indian Police Department, and the Coalition of Eastern Native Americans, by Andy Akins; Office of Native American Programs (Indian CAP Programs), and Development of Tribal Governors’ Inc., by Ralph Dana; community VISTA programs, by Vivian Massey; The Wabanaki Corporation and Maine’ Indian Alcoholism Project, s by Susan Stevens; The Indian Resource Center, by Roger Gabriel; the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and its Potential for Employment of Maine Indian People, by Dave Depew; and the Federal Regional Council, by James Sappier. The meeting was opened by Andy Akins, who expressed hope that such sessions would become an annual affair at which Indian leaders from each tribe would gather to examine the specifics of all Indian programs, to assess progress, and to voice concerns. Commissioner John Stevens then discussed the need for Indian communities to assume greater control of the administration of programs now administered by the Department of Indian Affairs. He stated that the role of the Department should be determined by Indian People. He also stated that Indian agents should be replaced so that individual tribes could handle more of their own affairs. During a question and answer period Stevens was asked about his Department’ ability to assist with s fuel costs this winter. His response was that because there was such an escalation in costs “ our ability to meet all needs will be hurt.”Stevens suggested that a special bill to meet fuel needs be submitted to the 107th Legislature. Queried on the reorganization of his department, which he advocates, Stevens stated that the state’ hiring and firing policies make reor­ s ganization nearly impossible. Terry Polchies, a member of the Department of Indian Affairs and in charge of off-reservation Indian affairs, discussed his role as an advocate for the rights of those living off reserve or without a reserve. Polchies pointed out that most Maine Indians live off-reservation and that significant progress has been made in receiving recognition by the state. Polchies then called on Joyce Tompkins, president of the Association of Aroostook Indians, and Mary Francis, president of the Central Maine Indian Association, to discuss the activities of their organizations. Akins then discussed the Penobscot/Passama- quoddy Tribal Planning Board, of w'hich he is executive director, the Maine Indian State Police Department, of which he is Commissioner, and the Coalition of Eastern Native Americans, of which he is a board member. The tribal planning board, which was created by the tribal councils to do economic, community, and land use development planning, presently only represents the three tribal councils, but Akins stated that it was his hope that membership would be extended to include the Association of Aroostook Indians and the Central Maine Indian Association. Some of the planning board’ accomplishments s include: creation of the Indian Police Department, programs for water and sewer lines, development of resources for community buildings, campgrounds, basket co-ops, and small business loans. Akins stated that a furniture-making factory, a sawmill, aqua­ culture projects, and a wood products project are on Ralph Dana, staff person to Tribal Governors’ Inc. then explained the development of that organization to the assembled leaders. Dana stated that shortly after John Stevens became Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Stevens established a policy of scheduling meetings with tribal leaders to review common problems and to seek ways to improve services. And at these meetings the subject of creating a legal organization consisting of tribal governors and association presidents came up many times. Only after it became necessary to incorporate in order to receive employment (CETA) funds did Tribal Governors’ Inc. evolve. The corporation was formed in [Continued on Page 3] LISTENER — Kathy Paul, Indian Island, listens as Dick Wilson describes management techniques. Comprehensive Alcoholism Program to Begin After a year o f negotiating with federal bureaucracies, and two years of researching the need, M aine’ Comprehensive Indian Alcoholism Reha­ s bilitation Program is about to begin. The program will be funded for three years; but during this time, resources to extend the program beyond that period will be pursued. First year funds, obtained from the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), amount to $250,000. This money will be used to hire staff (director, nurses, alcoholism counselors, youth counselors, vocational education specialist), to provide temporary shelters at Caribou, Houlton, Indian Township, Indian Island, and Pleasant Point, each of which will have a caretaker, and to establish an Indian Half-Way House, which will have a manager, a cook, and a counselor. Also, a proposal has been submitted to NIAAA which, if funded, will finance the training of all personnel. But the training of personnel will not be restricted to Maine; if another Indian group in New England requests training of a counselor for its Indian alcoholism program, resources for that purpose will come from this proposal. But, at this time, there are no other Indian alcoholism training programs in New England. One hundred thousand dollars is being requested for first year funding, and, also, funding is hoped to be approved for a three and a half year period. Medical services provided for an alcoholic will be paid by state and federal monies. These services are designed to provide the following medical cares: detoxification, checkups, and follow-up services. All resources will be administered by the Wabanaki Corporation, an organization which consists of two representatives from each of the three tribal reservations, two representatives from the Association of Aroostook Indians, and the Central Maine Indian Association, and one from the Department of Indian Affairs. These representatives, appointed by the tribal councils or association boards, comprise the Board of Directors. This Board will be responsible for the hiring and firing of central staff and for providing direction to the staff. The Comprehensive Alcohol Rehabilitation Pro­ gram is oriented toward providing services at the local level. Therefore, each of the five Indian population centers — the three reservations, northern and southern Aroostook County — will serve as head­ quarters for its immediate region. A central head­ quarters for the five centers has not been selected. It is hoped that resources for the program will be received in February. This would enable services to begin by mid or late March. To the Indian alcoholic this program will offer shelter, medical care, counseling, an all Indian half-way house, rehabilitation and employment therapy, and under­ standing. To enhance the possibility of preventing the disease of alcoholism from occurring amongst the adolescents of our Indian communities, youth counseling and preventive health clinics specifically for the young will be conducted. Also, for the homeless alcoholic, especially in times of harsh weather, trailers located in each of the five population centers will offer shelter. Before the program is to commence, these things must be done: 1 Final commitment on the basic NIAAA grant . has to be received. ($250,000) 2. Decision on training funds — ($100,000) 3. Signing of medical services contract. 4. Wabanaki Corporation’selection o f a central s office site and initiation of recruitment. �Wabanaki Alliance Training [Continued from Page 2] Page 3 Employment Opportunities Expanded The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), which was passed on December 28, 1973, promises to be a major step toward the goal of selfdetermination, a concept advocated by Maine Indians. CETA provides that Maine Indians can now determine their own employment needs, and, most im portantly, control and operate their own employment programs. The purpose of CETA is to grant to local entities, such as Indian tribes, m ore con trol and decision-making in planning and implementing employment programs. Greater results in fulfilling employment needs of the disadvantaged, the unem­ ployed, and the underemployed should be realized, for now the web of federal and state bureaucracy can be lessened. It’ more efficient to have local control of s manpower programs than to have a state or federal agency dictate policy, just as it is more efficient to have a local government resolve laws for its community than to have the federal or state government dictate resolutions. Wilson describes better ways to run programs. early spring of 1974, and has since been meeting several times a month to deal with common problems and to formulate strategies for securing programs desired by Indian communities. One of the first programs initiated by Tribal Governors’ Inc. was a statewide Indian VISTA project. This project was discussed by the program director, Vivian Massey of Indian Island. Mrs. Massey explained that the VISTA program was geared toward self help. Nine volunteers now employed in the VISTA project are involved in programs which their community decided it wanted and for which it developed a program. The volunteers at Indian Township, Eleanor Mitchell and Anabelle Sockabasin, are developing a comm unity garden and recreation program s. Volunteers at Pleasant Point, Pamela Bassett and Bessie Socabasin, are assisting in tribal administration and in developing family recreation programs. Indian Island volunteers, Eva Bisulca and Madeline Paul, are working with senior citizens and the Save the Children Federation. Roberta Polchies and Shirley Levasseur, volunteers with the Association of Aroostook Indians, are to assist in implementing the food stamp program and communications. Mrs. Massey was followed by Susan Stevens who discussed the Indian Alcoholism program (see alcoholism story), and Roger Gabriel who discussed the role of the Indian Resource Center. Dave Depew discussed the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (see story on CETA.) The details of what programs and resources exist was followed by two days of how to avoid or overcome problems arising from the administration of programs. Richard Wilson, a Santee Sioux, and Sam Gardpie, a Pawnee, representing the American Indian Management Institute, began their work with a discussion of the principles, functions, and roles of management, then proceeded to discuss the specifics of accounting systems and financial management. Wilson, a PhD candidate and executive director of the Institute, stressed the need for an understanding by tribal council members of what their role is and should be in relation to that of staff which it hires to carry out programs. Wilson pointed out that programs cost money to operate and that the goals of some programs far exceed the resources being made available to accomplish them. This causes, said Wilson, concern among the bureaucrats and outright hostility at home in some instances. “ Too often,”Wilson stated, “ man will become one saddled with too much and doesn’ have the time to t devote to his various responsibilities, which will occasionally lead to a management blunder.”High on the list of blunders is the failure to provide or require adequate records, according to one study cited by Wilson. Wilson also cited the need for very definite policies. “ Political influence seems to have filtered into nearly every one of our activities. The tribal councils, being criteria^ for prime sponsorship varies with each Title. Eligibility for prime sponsorship under Title 1 requires that the State or local government serve a population base of 100,000 persons or more. Also, a consortium consisting o f several local governments can be formed. The State of Maine is the prime sponsor that receives Title 1 funds to operate com ­ prehensive manpower services for the State. Under Title 2, Indian consortia must be serving a population base of 1,000 people or more in order to be eligible for prime sponsorship (non-Indian consortia 50,000-100,000). Eligibility for prime sponsorship to control Title 3 funds requires that a plan be developed to provide additional manpower services to areas of particular need, and again a population criterion of 1,000 is a prerequisite. Because individual Maine Indian Reservations do not have enough people to be eligible for a prime sponsorship, a consortium, called Tribal Governors’ , As established in CETA, the control or extent of Inc., was formed. This consortium represents Passamanpower services to be provided, and the control of maquoddy Tribal Councils at Indian Township funds for each manpower activity is given by the and Pleasant Point, the Penobscot Tribal Council, the Department of Labor to States and local governments Association of Aroostook Indians (AAI), and the or groups of governments called Consortiums. If a newly-formed Central Maine Indian Association consortium, or governmental entity, receives any (CMIA). CETA funds, it is known as a Prime Sponsor. The Tribal Governors', Inc. can receive Title I and Title 2 resources from the State of Maine, which is the elected bodies, must of necessity listen to the demands prime sponsor for DOL, but the control of these of the voters. In so doing, however, these same resources is through the State and not the consortium. pressures have often caused problems.” Wilson Under State Title 1 and 2, Maine Indians are eligible suggested the development of invincible policies to only as a target group or subgrantee. The Department protect both the council member and the tribe from of Labor has established a special allotment of Title 2 its own special interests. monies for Indian reservations which can only be used Wilson also suggested a look at management by consortium members. structuring. “ Most of our ventures have developed In order for a prime sponsor, target group, or sub­ from modest and cautious beginnings. The members grantee to receive CETA funds, it must have a of the tribal council were the logical ones to assess the manpower services plan describing what the value of the endeavor of the tribe and to guide opera­ employment needs are, and how it intends to meet tions. However, as the ventures have become larger those needs. Because such a plan was required, Tribal and more diversified, the problems have increased to Governors’Inc. created a CETA Planning Committee , such an extent that the councils are no longer able to consisting of people who have knowledge of the Indian devote the needed time and still carry on other tribal communities and their employment situation and who affairs. Even where councils have enough time, there have the ability to draft proposals. The members is a need for a definite separation of the council from the operational policies of programs and businesses,” appointed to this CETA Planning Committee are: Andrew Akins, Executive Director of the PassamaWilson stated. Wilson believes that the political quoddy-Penobscot Planning Board; Dave Depew, pressures on council members are simply too great to Director of the Indian Resource Center; Roger permit businesses to operate on a sound financial Gabriel, Assistant Director of the Indian Resource basis. Wilson, therefore, recommended that boards Center; Michael Ranco, Director of the Penobscot and committees be created by each council to watch Indian CAP; Ralph Dana, staff person with Tribal over enterprises and programs, and that managers, Governors’Inc. and former CAP Director at Pleasant , selected for their creativity, education, experience, Point; and Operation Mainstream Directors, Richard interpretive ability, and confidence, be given the Hamilton of Indian Island, and Dave Francis of freedom to operate. Both Wilson and Gardpie dealt Pleasant Point. with the fact that “ program costs money to run.” a The employment needs of Maine Indians were It was the feeling of both individuals that an easily identified by the Planning Committee, but adequate amount of money had to be set aside to run formulating an approach to meet those needs meant a program — Wilson estimated that an average over­ having some idea of the CETA resources that would head would amount to 30% of the cost of the program. be made available for use by Tribal Governors’Inc. , Wilson told the assembled leaders that they should The Planning Committee assessed existing monetary not be afraid to tell bureaucrats “ no, we can not resources, and then developed a plan to acquire afford that program” if there is not an adequate additional CETA resources. amount of resource for the administration o f the Tribal Governors’Inc. has received $279,900 for its , program. CETA Title 3 allotment. Tribal Governors’Inc. has received $10,800 from , CETA Title 2 resources earmarked for Indian prime sponsors. This was for fiscal year 1974. Monies for fiscal year 1975 (this year) will be received shortly. ANNUAL M EETING — Andy Akins expressed hope that this session would become an annual meeting for all leaders to assess progress and voice concerns. Tribal Governors,’ Inc. will receive money from the State CETA Title 1 and Title 2 resources, but that amount has yet to be finalized. When resources from all titles have been received they will substantially exceed the present figure. But it must be greater because Tribal Governors’Inc. now , represents and serves all Maine Indians. CETA is new, and because it is new, and functioning in an old bureaucracy, there has been considerable difficulty in delivering the concept. Probably the greatest negative factors have been fallacious and deficient information and indecisiveness. Now that CETA is with us it will mean more Indian control o f how and for whom employment resources will be used. �Page 4 o i /7 £ Wabanaki Alliance Former Governor Comments on Civil Rights Report STATEMENT BY G O V ERN OR KENNETH M. CURTIS D ECEM BER 4,1974 Relying as they must on the state and soon, hopefully, the federal governm for econom ic survival, it is doubly difficult for Indians to resist assimilation ant maintain the ethnic identity on which continued sovereignty hinges. I like to think that the last few years have brought meaningful advances for life in this sensitive area, official attitude means nearly as much as official act in Maine’ Indian communities as well as considerable improvement in the state’ s s itself. relationship with Indians. Here in state government, mainly through the tireless efforts o f John Stevens, Even so, I hope the release o f this fine report in the last days o f my term will serve to remind us all that a great deal more remains to be done to set right what are slowly com ing to that proper frame o f mind. T o further that process, howe’ s our society has wrought on native Americans, not just in Maine but throughout our the 107th Legislature should react to this com m ittee’ report by creating a sp& study commission with a majority o f Indian representatives to review the sta country for three centuries. In maiiy aspects, I think this report strikes the heart o f the matter when it asks Indian statutes and to recommend appropriate amendments to bring grei slate and federal governments to affirm the inherent right o f Indian self- clarity and justice to Indian rights and Indian programs. determination and tribal sovereignty. As you know, the precise nature o f the relationship between state and federal governments, on one hand, and, Indians on the other, is now a matter o f litigation in the federal courts. It is my personal view, however, that legally and historically it is our responsibility to deal with Indian tribes as one sovereign to another, one nation with another. For me, this means we assist Indian tribes in Maine, not just out o f beneficent indulgence, but more because wc are obliged to do so by our treaty commitments as a nation and as a state. As prior inhabitants o f these lands, Indians have struggled for years to preserve not just their cultural heritage but their political sovereignty. That commission should also review the brief experience we have had with recently enacted off-reservation Indian office to see if that legislation provides adequate response to the committee’ recommendation o f an integra s government approach to Indian issues, regardless o f residence. As the state’ t s off-reservation Indian coordinator, Terry Polchies most likely will have sevt recommendations o f his own for improvements that might be made in the stati Finally, and I think most importantly, the extension o f federal Indian service: Maine Indians is critical. It is more than just the money, although that substantial enough both from the point o f view o f the tribes and for the st* More, it is the principle involved. Status of Report Recommendations Given [Editor’ note: The following recommenda­ s tions by the Maine Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights are divided into two parts. The first part — Policy and Law — contains seven recommendations. The second part — Services and Citizens — contains seven EDITORIAL The impact o f the report from the Maine Advisory Committee o f the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is already being felt, if not in the actual implementation o f recommendations the report made, then, at least, in the attitudes o f those who will affect implementation. On December 14, the Bangor Daily News editorialized about its, and other newspapers, negligent coverage o f former Governor Curtis’press conference on the report. The editorial promised that the paper would publish more in-depth coverage o f the fin din gs and recom m en d a tion s, and strongly endorsed the committee recommendation that “ the if Indians are successful in obtaining a favorable decision from the U.S. District Court for Maine on the recognition issue in the present litigation against the Secretary o f the Interior, then the attorney general should not appeal the decision.” At this time, a decision on the litigation has not been made, but one is expected in the near future. The case is important to the Indian people of Maine. A positive decision, unappealed, will mean access to federal resources now denied, and settlement with the state o f Maine. It was reassuring to have an editorial in Maine’ s largest daily newspaper endorsing this recommenda­ tion, particularly at a time when a new Governor and a new attorney general have just taken office. But, reassurance hasn’ purchased much in the past, and t Indian people should continue to seek political support tor having Maine’ new attorney general not s appeal this case. _________________________________________ D R D Vol. 3, No. 1 January, 1975 Editor: David R. Depew Co-Editor: Roger Gabriel Editorial Board: DIS Board o f Directors: Nicholas Dow, Chairman; Jean Chavaree, Allen Sockabasin, Roy Paul, Joyce Tompkins, John Bailey Published by Indian Resource Center 95 Main St., Orono, Me. sections and includes recommendations on economic and community development, housing, health, education, foster care, welfare and law enforcement and public safety. Between the time this report was completed and when it was published, Indian people have made substantial progress on some of the recommendations. Therefore, a terse statement will appear at the end o f each appropriate recommenda­ tion describing progress made.] POLICY AND LAW Recommendations: 1. ) That if the Indians are successful in obtaining favorable decision from the U.S. District Court for Maine on the recognition issue in their present litigation against the Secretary o f the Interior, that the attorney general not take appeal o f such a decision, and join with .the Maine Advisory Committee in vigorously pursuing Federal services for Maine Indians. (Decision expected in immediate future) DHEW, the funding o f Indian Community Ac P rogra m s be con tin u ed w ithout interrupt (Accomplished) 2. )That EDA Indian funds not be transferred tc BIA; and if they are, that Maine Indians conti eligibility for public works and planning gra (Monies will be transferred, eligibility uncertain) 3. ) That Federal and State laws and poli requiring non-descrimination in employment strictly enforced in Maine with respect to both pu and private employers. 4. ) That Federal agencies in Region 1 request fi their W ash in gton h ead q u a rters sp ecia l fu a designated for Indian programs and servi (Currently understudy) 5. ) That State planning boards and commissit and advisory committees, in the field o f econo development insure that Indians are represented such bodies. (Some progress being made) 6. ) That no Federal, federally-assisted or Si program for econom ic and community devclopnn 2. ) That the Secretary o f the Interior take every designed in whole or in part for Indians, be can administrative and budgetary action possible to out without the approval o f Indians and the ac assure Federal Indian protection and services to the participation o f Indians in the development o f four tribes o f Maine. program. 3. ) That the Secretary, U.S. Department o f Health, Section 2 — Housing Recommendations: Education, and Welfare, take every administrative 1. ) The moratorium on Indian Housing st: and budgetary action possible to extend services o f the should be lifted immediately so that plans to be Indian Health Services to the four tribes o f Maine. housing construction can continue as scheduled 4. ) That the present Governor take appropriate Penobscot Reservation. (Accomplished) the steps to carry out the 1968 recommendations o f the 2. ) Lack o f trust land should not be a criteria Task Force, recommendations in regard to clarifying denying such independent, off-reservation groups and interpretating statutes on Maine Indians so that the Association o f Aroostook Indians eligibility for Indians may lawfully exercise their rights under the same type o f housing grants made to reservat State Constitution and laws. *(Governor Kenneth communities. Tribal groups living in their aborigi Curtis has stated that the 107th Legislature should territory — like the Maliseets and M icmacs create study commission to d o this; follow-up action Aroostook County — may lack trust land now o on Indian people needed) *former Governor. because their land was taken from them improperly 5. ) That Maine develop an integrated program othe past. In such cases, the Congress should extend f services for members o f the four tribes, regardless of legislation the eligibility for the same hous residency on or o ff the reservations, and that the programs to these groups, for their members, as budget o f the Maine Department o f Indian Affairs be does for reservation groups. The case for such tre adjusted annually on a basis o f need. ment is based in the trust relationship betwt Indians and the Federal Government. 6. ) That any efforts to acquire Federal Indian services be made on behalf o f all Maine Indians. 3. ) Congress should pass legislation to insure l right o f Maine reservation Indians to- participate 7. ) That, as a matter o f basic principle, both State loan programs o f the Veterans Administration a and Federal governments re-examine their policies the Department o f Housing and Urban Developme toward Native Americans in Maine and elsewhere, (Accomplished with HUD) and affirm the inherent right o f Indian self-deter­ mination and tribal sovereignty. 4. ) Region 1 o f the Department o f Housing a SERVICES AND CITIZENS Section 1 — Econom ic and Community Development Recommendations: L) That when O EO funds are transferred to Urban Development should assign one staff meinl to work exclusively with the Indians o f Maine, on- a off-reservation. This person might have the additioi responsibility o f co-ordinating selected housi [Continued on Page 5] �W abanaki Alliance Recommendations (Continued from P age 4| activities o f other Federal agencies involved in the Federal R egion al C oun cil’ Indian T ask Force. s 5.) C on gress should allow for 100% H U D funding o f water and sew erage and n eigh b orh ood facilities in Indian com m unities. Penobscots O ppose Scenic River Plan Page 5 scenic, and recreational sections. (By definition, in regards to construction, wild prohibits m ost human construction, scen ic restricts new development, and recreational allows intensive development.) The stuav is scheduled to be com pleted som etim e this year, and at that time recom m endations and an environmental im pact statem ent will be presented to the Congress for approval. U nlike m ost o f the rivers which have been granted protective consideration under the act, m ost o f the Three hundred and fourteen m iles o f river alon g the land en com passin g the P enobscot branches is East, West, North, and South Branches o f the 1. ) T h e M aine Advisory Com m ittee, which privately owned. T he G reat Northern Paper Company Penobscot, including adjacent land area o f about two con clu d es that M aine Indian health p roblem s are o f owns 80-90% o f the W est Branch drainage area, and m illion acres, has been designated for special serious and ch ron ic p roportion s and that enough about 20% o f the East Branch drainage area. Great protection by the Departm ent o f the Interior. This official studies have reported the crisis, recom m ends Northern also ob jects to the designation, for it has designation is the result o f the W ild and Scen ic Rivers that all health agencies acqu ire the funding necessary announced the possibility o f constructing m ore dams Act passed by C on gress in 1968, an act intended to to attack.the health p roblem s o f M aine Indians. to generate m ore hydroelectric pow er for its mills. It preserve som e o f A m erica’ m ost wild and scenic s 2. ) T hat the Secretary o f H E W m ake the also stated that its own version o f protective waterways. But, as Section 1277 o f the act states, no adm inistrative d ecision that IH S serve M aine Indians land may be taken from an Indian T ribe w ithout its m anagem ent o f the river and adjacent land cannot be and request the necessary increase in appropriations. consent, and the P en ob scot Tribe, whose land claim s im proved u pon by the federal plan. Federal protection Also, that M aine health agencies, such as the State could take two form s: 1) actual acquisition o f land suit includes the designated waterways and land, does departm ents o f H ealth and W elfare, M ental Health not consent. one-quarter m ile on each side o f the river and and Corrections, and the R egional M edical Program, adjacent lakes, or 2) protection by zoning and the Yet aware that the P en obscot T ribe w ould ob ject to M aine M edical Association, take responsibility to purchase o f easements, restricting development but the wild and scenic designation, the Federal Bureau o f report these needs to the IHS. perm itting the land to remain in private ownership. If O u td oor Recreation, an agency o f the D epartm ent o f 3. ) T hat M aine Indians be properly represented on the land is purchased, it cou ld be administered by the Interior, assigned a task force to study the river the various health advisory b oa rd s in the State and on federal agency, or, m ore likely, turned over to the system. G u ided by m em bers o f a can oe clu b the task the IH S Advisory Board. Also, that any agency state. force travelled the river system in July o f last year with receiving fun ding beca use o f an Indian population in O n Septem ber 4 an inform ational meeting the m ajor objective o f classifying the river into wild, a particular area accept the responsibility to serve regardin g the study phase o f the project was held at these Indians. the Statehouse. T ow ard the latter part o f the meeting 2. ) T hat the Federal Indian Education Advisory Section 4 — Edu cation R ecom m endations: then P en obscot T ribal G overnor Matthew Sappier Board include eastern Indian representation to insure 1.) T hat M aine’ D epartm ent o f Education and s related the official position o f the tribe toward the that M aine Indians have input into the policy. Cultural Services, with significant Indian Input,, project. H e advised that “ neither the department of 3. ) T hat M aine’ D epartm ent o f Edu cation and s su bm it a plan to the Federal Governm ent for Johnsonthe Interior nor the. State o f M aine take any action on Cultural Services and the Federal O ffice o f Education O ’ alley funds for M aine Indian education. (Action M design atin g any part o f the P enobscot River as a Wild insure that Maine Indians are receiving their share o f n eeded in im m ediate future) and Scenic River until our land claim s suit is settled. Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I W e claim all the land in question and question the funds. (Accomplished) ownership claim ed by the State, Great Northern, or 4. ) T hat the recom m endations o f the M aine anyone else.”T he suit Gov. Sappier alluded to is the Education Council to the D epartm ent o f Education P assam aqu oddies vs. M orton suit in which Maine and Cultural Services be im plem ented, creating a Indians claim nearly two-thirds o f the state and are supervisor o f off-reservation Indian education who seeking $300 m illion in dam ages. Sappier’ statement s should be an Indian. (Position created) had a disqu ietin g effect on the invited attendants, 5. ) T h a t I n d ia n s b e a p p o in t e d to any many o f w hom expressed enthusiasm in the proposal-writing team s for any program s being designation, for now all the time and m oney spent on proposed for Indian education; furthermore, that the river study may have been a wasted effort if the Indian School Com m ittee m em bers be inform ed o f land claim s suit is ruled in favor o f Maine Indians. the funding for their program s, and that they be U nder the sam e act the Allagash was purchased provided annually the b udgets for sch ool program s through a state bon d issue, and the State Bureau of and an accounting o f how funds are spent. Parks was selected to administer. Though yet too early (Substantially accom plished) to evaluate the effect o f the river’ designation as a s 6. ) That an outreach program be established to wild and scen ic area, it is estim ated that usage o f the encourage Indians to take advantage o f the p ost­ river by canoers, fishermen, and cam pers has doubled. secondary education program s available to them in Maine, and that the post-secondary sch ools be com pleted, no record o f numbers) sensitized to Indian culture and educational needs. 4.) That M aine’ D epartm ent o f Indian Affairs be s (Progress being made; m ore action needed) authorized to m ake direct grants to the tribal 7. ) That the O ffice o f Child Development, CE N SU S U N D E R W A Y — T im Love has been governm ents s o they can handle their own welfare and D IIE W , R egion 1, and the O ffice o f E con om ic em ployed by T ribal G overnors1 Inc. to condu ct , rehabilitation. O pportunity insure that M aine Indians receive proper a census o f off-reservation Indians in Central Section 7 — Law Enforcem ent and P ublic Safety representation on the com m unity action agency Maine. R ecom m endations: boards in Aroostook, Penobscot, and W ashington 1. ) That M aine’ D epartm ent o f Public Saf s Counties, so that Indian children may participate fully T im othy Love, Indian Island, has been hired by chan ge the speed zon es requested by the Indian in Head Start program s. T ribal G overn ors’ Inc. to con d u ct a population , T ribes on State roads through reservation land and Section 5 — Foster Care R ecom m endations: census o f off-reservation Indians in all counties except erect a caution.light on the road on the Pleasant Point 1. ) T hat M aine’ D epartm ent o f Health and s Aroostook, for which data already exists. This reservation land. T he M aine department o f Public inform ation will be used by CM IA, T ribal G overnors’ W elfare identity and secure federal funds to upgrade , Safety should establish som e m echanism to deal with potential Indian foster h om es for Indian children, and Inc., and the D epartm ent o f Indian Affairs in a Indian requests regarding State roads which traverse that M aine’ D epartm ent o f Health and W elfare s m anner which would benefit all M aine Indians. their reservations. u pgrade the hom es which it built on the PassamaIt is estim ated that there are 3,000 off-reservation 2. ) That M aine’ D epartm ent o f Public Safety mak s qu od d y Reservation. P e n o b s c o ts , P a s s a m a q u o d d ie s , M ic m a c s , and an effort to recruit and train Indians for the State 2. )That the U.S. C om m ission on Civil Rights initiate M aliseets scattered throughout Maine, 1,000 o f whom P olice and establish the necessary guidelines with the a national Indian foster care project to determ in e if live in A roostook county. Thus, as a reasonable D epartm ent o f Personnel i f there are restrictions there is massive deculturalization o f Indian children. estimate, there are two thousand Indians in the state which w ould unnecessarily inhibit Indians from being whose identities are bein g sou gh t by the C M IA Section 6 — W elfare R ecom m endations: hired. census. 1. ) T hat the Social R ehabilitation Service, 3. ) T hat M aine’ D epartm ent o f Public Safety g s D H E W , establish a line o f responsibility to assure that T h e census will provide the statistical inform ation sensitivity training to the State Police regarding funds m ade available to M aine’ D epartm ent o f s needed by C M IA to determ ine the nu m ber o f Indians and law’ governing Indian reservations. And s Health and W elfare for Indians are used to serve off-reservation Indians who will be served by the that M aine’ P olice Academ y provide sensitivity s Indians. various program s which will be d eveloped by, or training in regard to Indians for all trainees and co­ extended to. that organization. 2. ) That a unit be established within the operate with the Indian P olice Departm ent by pro­ Departm ent o f H ealth and Welfare, with Indian Love is em ploying various m eans to inform the offviding training to the Indians who are hired. personnel, to assist in the m on itorin g o f Federal funds reservation Indians o f the central M aine region that a 4. ) T h a t th e M a in e S ta te L egisla tu re en a designated for use by M aine Indians. census is b ein g conducted. O n e such m ethod is the use legislation to continue the funding o f the Maine o f the m edium o f television, through which 3. ) That guidelines for general assistance be m ade Indian P olice D epartm ent and that this Department announcem ents are occasionally broadcast. It is statewide and adequate records kept o f the nu m ber o f be m ade a part o f the Departm ent o f Indian Affairs. expected that the censu s will take six m onths to Indians receiving general assistance for em ergency (Legislation accom plish in g this will be introduced in com plete. needs and how lon g they are receiving it. (Guidelines the 107th Legislature) Section 3 — Health R ecom m endations: Tim Love Conducts Census �Page 6 0 \)l£ W abanaki A lliance Can You Benefit From Food Stamps? Although the USD A food distribution program has been extended until Sept. 16, 1975 tor Indian reservations, it’important, in these times o f inflation, s that serious consideration be given to the Food Stamp Program. Those Indian households which are now dependent on the free government com m odities will suffer unless they increase the buying power o f the dollar by participating in the Food Stamp Program. There are many Indian households eligible to participate, such as those who now receive food vouchers from the State Department o f Indian Atfairs offices, but many do not; perhaps because they do not understand the program, or d o not know where and how to file an application. Eligibility for participation in the Food Stamp Program is based prirharily on the incom e ol a household and the number o f persons in that house­ hold. As a general rule, the lower the incom e of a household, and the greater the number o f persons in that household, greater will be the buying power o f the Food Stamps (Coupons) bought by that household. Besides those eligibility requirements noted above, there are several others which must be met: 1 the household must have cooking facilities, ) CMIA GROW S — At left, top, Ramona Stackhouse and attorney Alice Ballard review documents leading to the incorporation of CMIA; at right, top, Mary Francis, Laura Massey and Roger Gabriel attend one of the many meetings leading to the official organization of CMIA; at bottom, leaders from both CMIA and the Association o f Aroostook Indians meet to discuss mutual problems. Central Maine Indians Recognized The Central Maine Indian Association (CMIA), an organization newly developed by and for “ off-reser­ vation” Indians o f central Maine, was recently recognized by the board o f Tribal Governors, Inc., a consortium consisting o f the governors o f the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes and the president o f the Association o f Aroostook Indians. This recognition took the form o f including the president o f the organization as a member o f the board of Tribal Governors’Inc. , Involved in organizational development since May of this year, CMIA was incorporated on September 9 as a private, non-profit corporation. The purpose of CMIA is to deal with the special problems o f off-reser­ vation Indians who are scattered throughout the area of central Maine. toward a stronger Maine Indian community.” The first objective o f CMIA is to conduct an accurate census-survey o f off-reservation Indians in the area o f central Maine. CMIA has most recently hired a full-time coordina­ tor who is operating out o f the facilities o f the Indian Resource Center in Orono. Vicaire Hired as Coordinator Mary Francis, president o f the new organization, presented to each o f the tribal governors a copy o f the CMIA by-laws, along with a policy statement pledging “ cooperation with each o f the tribal governments full and the Association o f Aroostook Indians in working Bishop Edward O’Leary Installed Bishop Edward C. O ’ Leary has been installed as the Bishop o f Portland, replacing Archbishop Peter L. Gerety. Bishop. O ’ Leary is the second native son to be named Bishop of his home diocese — the first being Bishop Daniel J. Feeney. The Bangor native was ordained to the episcopacy on January 25, 1971, and had worked closely with Bishop Gerety during the ensuing years. Bishop O ’ Leary was born on August 21, 1920; served as an altar boy at St. Mary’ parish in Bangor; s graduated from John Bapst High School; and graduated cum laude from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass. He went to St. Paul’ Seminary, s Ottawa, where he received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He was ordained on June 15, 1946 by the late Bishop Joseph E. McCarthy. Bishop O ’ Leary has spent his entire priestly career serving the Portland Diocese. CM IA CO ORD IN A TO R — T om Vicaire was recently selected Program Coordinator for the Central Maine Indian Association. Tom, a 27 year old M icmac and a resident o f Mattawamkeag, is married and has three children. After attending Ricker College for two years, Tom worked for the Great Northern Paper Co. for five years before being employed as an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. for two and a half years. Within the next six months T om and CMIA president, Mary Francis, will be working closely to develop program objectives for the newly-organized Indian association. 2) all able-bodied household members over 18 must register for work. Those excluded from the criterion of employment registration are: 3) Mothers, or other members o f the household, who have to take care o f dependents under 18 years o f age, or o f incapacitated adults, 4) Students who are enrolled at least half-time in recognized schools or training programs, 5) People who are employed at least 30 hrs. per week, 6) Those who are physically or mentally disabled, 7) Persons over age 65. It’ important that all able-bodied members o f a s household register for employment; otherwise, that household will be denied participation in the program. But there are loopholes to this requirement: if an offered job is considered “ unsuitable” by the applicant, he does not have to accept the job. Further details may be acquired when the application for food stamps is filed. Based solely on the number o f persons in a house­ hold, a monthly Food Stamp allotment will be made. For example, in a household consisting o f 6 persons, the monthly allotment is $204. How much this house­ hold o f 6 has to pay to receive the $204 worth o f food stamps depends on how much money the household earns in a month, minus such expenses as rent, utilities, medical costs beyond $10 per month, home damage expenses, etc. What the household has to pay for its allotment o f food stamps is called the purchase requirement. And the difference between the monthly allotment and the purchase requirement is called “ bonus”or “ free”food stamps. The purchase requirement for any given sized household varies as to income. For the family o f 6, the purchase requirement ranges from 0 to $172. This means that the household o f 6 pays anywhere from 0 to $172 for its food stamp allotment o f $204. In most cases, especially in cases o f a large household, the purchase requirement will be low. In no case will the purchase requirement be more than 30% o f the house­ hold’ net income. For those households whose s income, after expenses are deducted, is zero, they pay nothing for their allotment o f food stamps. The household is not required to buy its full allotment o f food stamps at one time. In the state of Maine food stamps may be bought twice a month, so the household has the option o f either: 1 paying one-half price for the full one-half month ) allotment, or 2) paying one-fourth price for one-fourth the monthly allotment. For the household o f 6, whose monthly allotment o f |Continued on Page 7] �o \hs Wabanaki Alliance Page 7 THE RED SUIT By Paul A. Francis, Jr. One late fall day, while casually searching the shore of the river for flotsam that may have been discarded from the flotilla o f missionary canoes that passed the village that morning. Little Big Foot found a sizable box marked “ o Not Open ’ Christmas Eve.”Not D Til being able to read, nor having cognizance o f any Christian holidays, he tore off the top o f the box. “ Now what is this?”he asked himself aloud. “ Red pants, red shirt, black boots — even a fluffy white beard as I have seen on some White men.” Perhaps, he thought, it is the latest fashion o f the Whites. How noble it would be if 1 presented this fashionable attire to our Chief. And maybe, he thought with excitement, the Chief will reward me with the hand o f his daughter, the fair Toadstool, o f who, I have heard magnificent things. Thus off to the C h ief s tepee he went, carrying on his shoulder the box he had found. Though no one o f the village had ever seen the Indian princess, save for members of the immediate family, she was rumored to be o f awe-inspiring beauty, such that a sun-bathed summer’ day would s appear gloomy as a moonless November night in comparison. For years the Chief had promised to bring the princess before the villagers so that all might look upon her wondrous beauty; but, as yet, his promise remained unfulfilled. “ Halt!” ordered a guard, as Little Big Foot was about to bang on the inclined door with his tomahawk. “ What business have you with the Chief?” “ N-n-n-none,” stammered Little Big Foot. “ Only that I have a gift for him — a suit o f clothes, the latest fashion o f the Whites.” “ Why would the Chief want to wear clothes o f the Whites?” “ Perhaps,” offered Little Big Foot,” to show the Whites that Indians, too, have a taste for class.” “ Leave the box with me. I will tell the Chief just as you have told me. Now.go!” “ not forget to tell him who brought the gift. By Do the way, if I may inquire, have you ever seen the princess?” Food Stamps [Continued from Page 6] food stamps is $204, it may purchase either $102 worth o f food stamps for half o f whatever the purchase requirement is (one-half o f the figure between 0 and $172); or it can buy $51 worth o f food stamps for one-fourth the purchase requirement (one-fourth the figure between 0 and $172.) An application for food stamps may be obtained either from your local CAP office, or from a local Food Stamp office. In applying, the following items may be requested to determine eligibility and to compute your purchase requirement: wage stubs, heating fuel bills, electricity bills, cooking fuel bills, water bills, telephone bills, doctor or hospital receipts, savings account and checking account books, etc. Keep in mind that the more expenses you have, the less will be your purchase requirement. If eligibility is verified, the head o f the household will receive an identification card which must be shown whenever food stamps or food is bought. Also, the head o f the household will receive an “ Authorization-To-Purchase”(ATP) card which will be mailed to him. This card shows the total amount o f food stamps he will receive and how much must be paid to acquire these stamps. This card can only be used once and must be left with the person who sells you the food . stamps. The Food Stamps themselves are sold at approved municipal offices and in most banks. Under penalty of law, food stamps cannot be sold or given away. They are as good as money only upon the purchase o f food at participating stores. As far as the types o f commodities which can be bought with the food stamps are concerned, only those intended for human consumption can be bought. You cannot buy: 1 alcoholic beverages, tobacco or cigarettes ) 2) pet foods, soap, household supplies and equipment, and other non-food items 3) “ lunch counter”or food prepared for eating on premises. “ Never,”replied the guard, in a softer tone. “ But often I hear her sing; what an angelic voice she has.” For days after Little Big Foot kept a steady eye on the C h iefs tepee, waiting for him to emerge full-attired in the red suit, waiting impatiently for his reward. And while watching, Little Big Foot would daydream o f a crisp summer’ day that would find s himself and the beautiful princess lying peacefully on the bank o f the river, embraced in each other’ s affection. Finally, on the night o f the semi-annual, anti-White, intra-tribal, quasi-religious hoedown and general bash, the Chief emerged full-attired in the bright red, albeit somewhat baggy, suit, fluffy white beard, and the black, shiny boots. Oohs and aahs resounded through the congregation as he passed through. And over his shoulder he carried a large, bulky sack. Little Big Foot looked on and smiled complacently. He watched the Chief as he approached the rostrum to address the congregation. Now, thought Little Big Foot, the C hief will'praise me for my thoughtfulness and reward me with the hand o f his fair daughter. “ My fellowr tribesmen and dear friends,” bellowed the Chief. “ Here you sec me adorned in ceremonial garb bestowed upon me by the god o f the sun. Onequarter moon ago 1 went to the mountains to seek the blessing o f the benevolent, omnipotent one. It was then....” “ You lie!” screeched Little Big Foot, running towards the rostrum. “ was I, not the sun-god, who It gave you those clothes. I found them along the river, and I demand just reward.” “ Throw him in the stables and make him clean them,”ordered the Chief. “ That will be his reward for calling me, your god-inspired Chief, a liar. Off!” Little Big Foot was not carried off without a struggle. He was able to resist long enough to see the Chief quiet and appease the villagers by opening the sack and showering them with gifts. One brave received a teddy-bear, another a train set, a third a cap pistol with holster. The medicine man received a doll that could perform all the functions o f the human body. One and all received a gift, and faith in the Chief was restored. Little Big Foot was a hapless young brave indeed. Not,only did he not win the hand o f the fair princess, but now and then lie discovered in his hand a glob o f fetid manure. For three days he remained in the stables, shoveling and sweeping. And the flies! There were enough o f them to support the theory of spontaneous generation. Little Big Foot had dreamt o f being with the fair Toadstool and wooing her, but here he was in the stables, his head woozy from the work. Finally, with his labor completed. Little Big Foot was allowed to g o his own way, after having been cautioned to say no more about the red suit. But already he was bent toward vindictiveness. Everyone in the village, it seemed, was busily playing with his gift. Those who had received train sets united to lay one set o f tracks that circled the village. O f course, the trains couldn’ be ridden, but t how fun it was to crawl along the ground and push the little engines. And the medicine man announced his desire to marry the doll he had received. And the Chief? He yet proudly wore the red suit and the boots as a sign o f divine favor. Now, thought Little Big Foot, as he watched a couple o f braves duel it out with their cap pistols, I must plan my revenge. Tonight, when all the village is asleep, I will steal into the C h iefs tepee and kidnap the fair princess. Also, I must steal the red suit to make my plan work. So that night, when the village resounded with the sound o f snores. Little Big Foot made his move. As quiet as reindeer he fulfilled the first part o f his plan. Before too long he was heading for the mountain, the box containing the suit on one shoulder, the sack containing the princess on the other. Daybreak in the village was frantic. Already, news o f the missing suit and the abducted princess had been spread via smoke signals from one end o f the village to the other. The Chief quickly organized a search party, and he offered 10,000 clamshells for the return o f the suit. “ Any reward for the return o f the princess?” one brave asked. “ The return o f who? Oh, well, I’ give you her hand ll in marriage. Now find that suit!” Everyone o f the village, even the elders whose eye­ sight was so bad they couldn’ tell the difference t between a tepee and a manure pile, got into the act. But before long, one o f the braves looked toward the mountain, where the sun was just clearing the summit, and he saw a red-clad figure making its way down the declivity. “ There!” cried the brave, pointing towards the mountain. “ being dressed in red approaches. Could A it be the omnipotent one?” The village buzzed with excitement and a little fear. For eons they had implored the sun-god to com e down from the sky and dwell in their humble village for a while. Now, it seemed, their prayers were being answered. “ But why is he walking?”one o f the villagers asked. "W hy doesn’ he tly down with his winged t m occasins?” “ And what is that sack over his shoulder?”another inquired. Everyone o f the village fell to their knees in prostration, and no one, not even the Chief, doubted that the red-clad figure was indeed the sun-god. “ Arise, brothers,”the sun-god spoke. “ have come I to clear the air o f an irreverent lie. Your Chiel claims to have spoken to me atop the summit o f the mountain. That is not true; nor is it true that 1 gave him a red suit such as I am wearing. He stole it as I was bathing in your earthly river. And to punish him I have taken his daughter, the flower o f your village, and she will be my wife in the high heavens. Now I must return, for there is no one else, to shovel the coal to keep the heavenly campfire going. Farewell.” “ Wait, benevolent, omnipotent one,” one o f the braves meekly requested. “ For years we have waited for our Chief to show us his daughter. We, too, appreciate great beauty, and we would be grateful if you could allow us to see the fair princess before she is forever after to live in your heavenly abode. Grant us this one request and we will double the offerings we make to you.” “ will be a sensual pleasure for me also to behold It her pulchritude, for I have not seen her yet either.” answered the sun-god. With that, the sun-god hoisted the sack o ff his shoulder and placed it gently on the ground. With one deliberate pull the sack was removed, and there stood the princess for all to see. After the sun had set on the village that day.the cool late autumn night prompted the building o f many campfires. Around the campfires sat the villagers, and one by one they threw their gifts into the embers. The fires quickly consumed the gifts and the smoke curled heavenward. A puzzled lot the villagers were. Why, each thought to himself, did the sun-god substitute the beautiful Indian princess. Toadstool, with a hideous, grotesque monster o f womanhood? Why did he bolt towards the mountain, leaving behind the ugly creature who claimed to be the C h ief s daughter? Thus, every year, to commemorate the tragedy, one o f the villagers dressed in the red suit, which was found discarded half-way up the mountain, would com e down from the mountain in a horse-drawn canoe specially fitted with wooden wheels to spare the ribs, and he would shower the villagers with gifts. The villagers would then hang the gifts on a great fir tree, and the tree would be set ablaze. And what o f the princess and the ugly impersonator? The creature disappeared; and the fair princess, as verified by a guard, was back in her father’tepee. s And Little Big Foot? He claimed to have been on a hunt while the whole tragedy had occurred. It did not strike the villagers strange that he volunteered to work in the stables for a year. Better to be amongst manure and flies than to be married, he was frequently heard to mutter. � 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> (January 1975) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1975-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-418 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/ec70391e4ad9424ad5b08ee68ca0edc5.pdf a1a8a202445e4f7acaa12b5ad26c8486 PDF Text Text m .■ -— :... AS IT W A S __This photo of St. Ann’ Church at Indian Island was taken many decades ago. s The Indian Resource Center is attempting to collect pictures of Maine Indian Life “ it was.”If ns you have a photo depicting life “ it was”the Resource Center can have it reproduced and as return your original. If you have an interest in contributing to our growing collection, please write us at 95 Main St., Orono. m �Wabanaki Alliance or A p p e a l No Sign of Appeal Yet _ _ Page 1 _ la n d ca se decision w o n meaning .............. T_ Tnnrt literal meanine o f the words employed in the statute, action sought by the tribe. In addition, the Court used in their ordinary sense, clearly and unambigu­ directed defendants, in the event their decision was m ously encompasses all tribes o f Indians, including the the negative, to state their reasons for so deciding and Passamaquoddies; the plain language o f the statute is to show cause on June 23, 1972, why they should not consistent with the Congressional intent ; and there is be ordered to bring suit. On June 20, 1972, the Acting no legislative history or administrative interpretation Solicitor o f the Department o f the Interior advised the which conflicts with the words o f the Act.” Assistant Attorney General, Land and Natural “ The provisions of the Nonintercourse Act Resources Division, Department o f Justice, by letter, prohibiting dealings in Indian land without the that no request for litigation would be made. consent o f the United States have remained essentially At the conclusion o f the show cause hearing held on unchanged since passage o f the first Act in 1790. The June 23,1972, the Court ordered defendants to file the statute in effect in 1794, when Massachusetts requested protective action against the State o f Maine negotiated its treaty with the Passamaquoddies, prior to July 1, 1972. The federal government applied to land transactions with “ any Indians or complied with the order by filing a S150 million suit nation or tribe o f Indians,”within the United States. against Maine on behalf of the Passamaquoddy tribe. Subsequent versions o f the statute, including the Following negotiations with the Penobscot nation the present codification, have applied to land transactions federal government filed a similar S150 million suit on with any Indian nation ot tribe o f Indians. The words behalf o f that tribe on July 17,1972. employed in the statute are clear and unambiguous; Judge Gignoux then deals with the issues presented the prohibition against dealings in Indian land by the legal action just outlined. In their second without the consent o f the United States is applicable amended and supplemental complaint, the Passa­ to any - - -tnbp nf Tndi^ns. a ga in st G r e a t Britain. maquoddy Tribe sought a declarator, ju d g e ­ “ is eminently cleat,”the Judge continues, “ It that in 1790, in recognition of the primary responsibility ment. The Passamaquoddies’ position, according the literal interpretation o f the statute is required to of the newly formed Federal Government to the to Gignoux, is that the Nonintercourse Act applies to give effect to the Congressional intent. The Court is Indians in the United States, the First Congress all Indian Tribes in the United States, including the aware o f no legislative history o f the Nonintercourse adopted the Indian Nonintercourse Act, which states Passamaquoddies, and that the Act establishes a trust Act, which might reveal whether the First Congress in part that: relationship between the United States and the Indian had in mind the Passamaquoddies when it enacted the No lease, or other conveyance of lands, or of tribes to which it applies, including the Passama­ 1790 Act. Nor have defendants been able to call to the any title or claim thereto, from any Indian quoddies. “ Therefore, they say, defendants may not Court’ attention any administrative interpretation s nation or tribe of Indians, shall be of any deny plaintiffs’request for litigation on the sole prior to the filing o f the instant litigation as to the validity in law or equity, unless the same be ground that there is no trust relationship between the applicability o f the Act o f the Passamaquoddies or made by treaty or convention entered into United States and the Tribe. In opposition, the any similarly situated Indian tribe. Every Court, pursuant to the Constitution.” government contended that only those Indian tribes however, which has considered the purpose o f the Act w h ic h have b e e n “ recognized” by the Federal J u d ge G ig n o u x ’ d e c is io n p o in ts out. however, that s has agreed that the intent o f Congress w a s t o p r o te c t Government by treaty, statute or a consistent course in 1794, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the lands o f the Indian tribes in order to prevent fraud o f conduct are entitled to the protection o f the Nonnegotiated a treaty with the Passamaquoddies, by and unfairness.” intercourse Act and, since the Passamaquoddies have which the Tribe lost practically all o f its aboriginal Judge Gignoux later states, “ plain meaning a not been “ federally recognized,” the Act is not territory. Gignoux also states that “ o f the 23,000 out interpretation o f the phrase “ any... tribe o f Indians applicable to them. The government also denied that acres which the 1794 treaty reserved to the Tribe, is also the only construction o f the Nonintercourse Act the Nonintercourse Act created any trust relationship Maitie and Massachusetts have sold, leased for 999 which comports with the basic policy o f the United between the United States and the Indian tribes to years, given easements on, or permitted flooding of States, as reflected in the Act, to protect the Indian approximately 6,000 acres.” which it applies. right o f occupancy o f their aboriginal lands.” But, in addition to denying that the Passama­ The legal action by the Passamaquoddy Tribe Grasping at straws, the state and federal quoddies are protected by the Nonintercourse Act, the asserts that the United States has not consented to government then tried to deny protection under the Federal and State government raised several other these transactions and therefore that these actions Nonintercourse Act, by implying that the Nonmterdefenses. Judge Gignoux addressed each o f these violated the express terms of the Nonintercourse Act. coursc Act applies only to federally recognized tribes. defenses but the most Important was d e n ia l of Gignoux’ decision concludes Its history o f the s T o do this, their attorneys cited many Supreme Court protection under the Nonintercourse Act. situation by pointing out that “ since the United States cases which Gignoux found less than relevant. was organized and the Constitution adopted in 1789, “ The rules o f statutory interpretation by which this “ There is nothing in this language,”Gignoux states the Federal Government has never entered into a Court must be guided in determining the applicability referring to the cited Supreme Court cases, “ which treaty with the Passamaquoddy Tribe and that, since o f the Nonintercourse Act to the Passamaquoddies are would indicate that the Nonintercourse Act applies 1789, the contacts between the Federal Government summarized in United States v. New England Coal only to “ federally recognized”Indians. and the Tribe have been sporadic and infrequent. It is and Coke Co.. 318F.2d 138 (1st Cir. 1963) as follows: Shortly after wrecking the arguments o f the state also pointed out that, the State of Maine has enacted ‘ matters of statutory construction the In and federal government Gignoux states: The Court comprehensive legislation which has had a pervasive duty of this Court is to give effect to the intent holds that the Nonintercourse Act is to be construed effect upon all aspects o f Passamaquoddy tribal life of Congress, and in doing so our first reference as its plain meaning dictates and applies to the and that the Commonwealth of Massachustees and is of course to the literal meaning o f words rhe State of Maine, rather than the Federal Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe. employed. Unless the contrary appears, it is Government, have assum ed alm ost exclusive T o substantiate hk position on “ rights to aboriginal presumed that statutory words were used in responsibility for the protection and welfare of the lands,”Judge Gignoux then quotes a recent supreme their ordinary sense. A primary consideration Passamaquoddies. court summary o f this policy as follows: is the mischief to be corrected and the end to In presenting a history o f the current action, Judge “ very early became accepted doctrine in It be attained by the enactment of the legislation; Gignoux states that on February 22, 1972, represen­ this Court that although fee title to the lands and, where possible, its terms should be tatives of the Passamaquoddy Tribe wrote to the occupied by Indians when the colonists arrived construed to give effect to the Congressional Commissioner o f the Bureau o f Indian Affairs, became vested in the sovereign— first the intent. Extrinsic aids such as the legislative Department of the Interior, and requested that the discovering European nation and later the history of the Act, and the accepted interpreta­ United State Government, on behalf o f the Tribe, original States and the United States — a right tion of similar language in related legislation, institute a suit against the State o f Maine, before a of occupancy in the Indian tribes was never­ are h elp fu l in interpretin g am b igu ou s July 18,1972 statute o f limitations barred the action, theless recognized. That right, sometimes statutory language. Finally, administrative as a means of redressing the wrongs which arose out of called Indian title and good against all but the interpretation by the agency entrusted with the the violations o f the Nonintercourse Act. However, sovereign, could be terminated only by enforcement o f the statute are persuasive. despite repeated urgings by repiescntativcs o f the sovereign act. Unce the United States was However, the power to issue regulations is not Tribe, the Department failed to take any action upon organized and the Constitution adopted, these the power to change the law, and it is for the tribal rights to Indian lands became the their request. courts, to which the task of statutory construc­ exclusive province o f the federal law. Indian The decision goes on to explain that-on June 2, tion is ultimately entrusted, to determine title, recognized to be only a right of 1972, the Tribe filed the present action seeking a whether or not administrative interpretations occupancy, was extinguishable only by the declaratory judgment that the Passamaquoddy Tribe are consistent with the intent of Congress and United States. The Federal Government took is entitled to the protection o f the Nonintercourse Act the words of the Act. 318F. 2d at 142-43. early steps to deal with the Indians through and requesting a preliminary injunction ordering the [citations omitted.’ ” treaty, the principal purpose often being to defendants to file a protective action on their behalf Gignoux goes on, "applying these rules of recognize and guarantee the rights of Indians against the State of Maine before July 18, 1972. construction, the conclusion is inescapable that, as a to specified areas of land. This the United Following a hearing on June 16, 1972, the Court matter o f simple statutory interpretation, the Nonordered defendants to decide by June 22, 1972, (Continued on page 2) intercourse Act applies to the Passamaquoddies- The whether they would voluntarily file the protective On January 20, 1975 U.S. District Court Judge Edward T. Gignoux declared that the Nonintercourse Act is applicable to the Passamaquoddy Indian Tnbe; that this Act establishes a trust relationahip between the U.S. Government and the Tribe; and that the U.S. Government may not deny the tribe its request for litigation in its bphalf on the sole ground that there is no trust relationship between the U.S. and the tribe. It is important that all o f us understand the significance o f this judgement, the background of this 200 year old story, the present action and what it means now and in the future. Possibly the best source of information for answers to most o f these questions is the judgement as prepared by Judge Gignoux. In providing a historical background. Judge Gignoux states that until 1794, the Passamaquoddy Tribe occupied as its aboriginal territory all o f what is now Washington County, together with other land in the State o f Maine and that during the Revolutionary War the Tribe fought with the American colonies �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance New VISTAs Employed Seven additional VISTA volunteers have been added to Maine's Indian Community Action program, according to Vivian Massey, director o f the program. At Indian Island. Laura Loring has volunteered to teach bead work and to teach the Penobscot and/or Passamaquoddy language to all those interested. Editorials Concerned Penobscot tribal leaders gathered recently at the State Capitol in Augusta to voice complaints against the handling o f an investigation regarding charges against Raymond Ellis, the Indian Agent for the Penobscot Tribe. In tribal council action, a vote was unanimous to bar Ellis from the Penobscot reservation at Indian Island following a series o f complaints by tribal members varying from outright favoritism to harrassment and intimidation o f welfare recipients, When a “ thorough investigation”conducted by state officials determined that Ellis was “ innocent o f all charges” it spurred the decision o f the Penobscot , Governor and Council to go to Augusta to address the issue with Governor James B. Longley and his staff. As Governor Sapiel and other tribal members reaffirmed individual complaints, Longley asked that more time be granted to evaluate the situation and to explore the options. Longley then requested one week in which to formulate a decision .on the matter. “ It may not be the answer you will want to hear” said , Longley, “ but I will guarantee an answer in seven days” Longley further stated, “ . . any decisions on . . this matter will be my decision and my decision alone — not Commissioner Stevens’ or the Attorney Generals’ .” Ellis publicly denies the allegations and is challeng­ ing the tribe on the matter o f his removal. It is quite evident, however, that regardless o f whether the charges can be proven, Ellis is not wanted on the Penobscot Reservation and the tribe is determined to keep him off Indian Island. RG * * * More information about Indian activities must reach more people more often. In an effort to accomplish this, the Wabanaki Alliance will provide two pages of Maine Indian education news prepared by the Maine Indian Education Council staff. Additionally, staff has been asked to prepare six editions this calendar year. Part of this additional cost is going to be met by the Maine Indian Education Council. This is just one example o f a recently developed cooperative effort which will assist all and save all. Another, and significantly more important, is the centralizing o f statewide Indian programs into one Center. An unused building next to the Resource Center is being converted into office space to house the staffs involved in the running o f the statewide CETA program, the statewide alcoholism rehabilita­ tion program, the statewide VISTA program and related projects. By using a singular facility all programs can begin to share in the costs o f main­ taining and operating programs. It has become increasingly apparent to all leaders involved in the administration o f numerous programs that there is a cost to running them and that those who provide resources for services do not do so without strings and that these strings are usually attached to paper trails. It begins to boil down to running an inefficient program, not taking care o f some o f the administra­ tive requirem ents, or figh tin g b ack through cooperative efforts. Cooperation is also needed to secure continuity o f services as leadership changes. This step is being taken by Maine Indian people rough its present leaders. DRD Pleasant Point is developing a similar program. Mary Sapiel has become a volunteer to coordinate arts, crafts, leather work, basketry, bead work, dancing and to help teach the Passamaquoddy language. She will also be assisting students in the collection o f old tales and new stories which are to be compiled into a book for the use o f the community and the school. MEETING W ITH LONGLEY — At top, Maine Governor James Longley listens as members o f the Penobscot Tribe discuss with him problems relating to Indian Agent Raymond Ellis. Above, Commissioner John Stevens, Penobscot Representative Ernest Goslin, Richard Mitchell and Lt. Governor Peter Neptune assess the discussions. Eleanor Trueworthy and Richard Frazer, both of Millinocket, will assist the Central Maine Indian Association in its efforts to promote programs and relay the availability o f services to off-reservation people in the Central Maine area. Brenda Baer, Mary Pollard and Marlene Shumate, Aroostook County, will be assisting the Association o f Aroostook Indians in its outreach programs through­ out Aroostook County. LAND CASE (Continued from page 1) States did with respect to the various New York Indian tribes, including the Oneidas. The United States also asserted the primacy of federal law in the first nonintercourse Act passed in 1790, I Stat. 137, 138, which provided that no sale o f lands made by any Indians . . . within the United States, shall be valid to any person — or to any state — unless the same shall be made and duly executed at some public treaty, held under the authority of the United States. This has remained the policy o f the United States to this day.” “ is thus clear that the policy embodied in the It Nonintercourse Act is to protect Indian tribes against loss o f their aboriginal lands by improvident disposi­ tion to members o f other races. The Passamaquoddies, an Indian tribe, fall within the plain meaning of the statutory language, and there is no reason why they should be excluded from the protection which the Act affords,”Gignoux states. “ The Court holds that the Nonintercourse Act Is to be construed as its plain meaning dictates and applies to the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe.” Gignoux then moves to the question o f a trust relationship. “ Defendants have rejected plaintiffs’request for assistance on the ground that no trust relationship exists between the U nited States and the Vol. 3, No. 2 April, 1975 Editor: David R. Depew Co-Editor: Roger Gabriel Editorial Board: DIS Board of Directors: Nicholas Dow, Chairman; Jean Chavaree, Allen Sockabasin, Roy Paul, Joyce Tompkins, John Bailey Published by Indian Resource Center 95 Main St., Orono, Me. Passamaquoddies. The Court disagrees. In the only decided cases to treat this issue, the Court e f -Claims has, in a series o f decisions during the last ten years, definitely held that the Nonintercourse Act imposes a trust or fiduciary obligation on the United States to protect land owned by all Indian tribes covered by the statute.” Judge Gignoux then reviews a long series o f legal battles and concludes by stating: “ view o f the In foregoing, the conclusion must be that the Noninter­ course Act establishes a trust relationship between the United States and the Indian tribes, including the Passamaquoddies, to which it applies. The Court holds that defendants erred in denying plaintiffs’ request for litigation on the sole ground that no trust relationship exists between the United States and the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe.” A number o f other ploys were used by the federal and state government to keep Judge Gignoux from making the decision he did. Each o f these was disected in the same manner by Judge Gignoux. He states: “ Defendants and intervenor have raised a number o f affirmative defenses which they assert preclude the Court from ruling upon the substantive issues presented by the action. The Court finds these to be without merit.” H is d ecision con clu d es by stating: “ Judgement will be entered for the plaintiffs1 declaring that the Indian Nonintercourse Act is applicable to the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe; that the Act establishes a trust relationship between the United States and the Tribe; and that defendants may not deny plaintiffs’ request for litigation in their behalf on the sole ground that there is no trust relationship between the United States and Tribe.” We have discussed the background o f this case, the present action and the reasoning behind the judgement provided by Judge Gignoux. At this point, we do not know all the specifics of what this means for the future. It is clear, however, that the discussion represents a major breakthrough in the Passama­ quoddy and Penobscot land cases, and that the decision should also clarify the eligibility of Maine Indians for most federal Indian services. �Wabanaki Alliance Page 3 Alcohol Program Staffing Begins INTER-TRIBAL OFFICES — The numerous offices contained in this old convent are being renovated to create a central office site for the many recently developed statewide Indian programs such as Indian Manpower, Maine Indian Alcoholism Services, and CETA the Indian VISTA. The building is located next to the Indian Resource Center in Orono. Mike Francis, left, is one of those from the CETA program who is assisting in the renovation o f the building. The Wabanaki Corporation has hired an interim director — Michael Ranco — to get Maine’ compre­ s hensive Indian alcoholism rehabilitation program started now that funding has been received. Ranco, who has served for three years as CAP director at Indian Island, was a member o f the planning committee which developed the basic proposal to the National Institute o f Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA). In late February, the Wabanaki Corporation learned that the basic proposal had been funded for $247,500 for the first year and was to begin March 1st. It was also learned, at that time, that the training proposal to NIAAA was funded for $154,941 for the first year and was to begin July 1. The medical services component to the program has been approved by the State’technical review committee and is in the final s stages o f approval. This component was for $102,448 for the first year. The basic grant will provide resources for out-reach programs at Indian Island, Caribou (Houlton is covered in another grant) Indian Township and Pleasant Point. Each o f the out-reach or satellite programs will have a staff consisting o f an alcoholism counselor, a community nurse, a youth counselor and a caretaker who will operate a shelter. The basic grant also provides for a halfway house, which will serve those in need o f such services and for a central office staff. The large training proposal is to train boards and staffs o f Indian alcoholism programs in New England. Training would be geared toward the individual needs o f the person. A nurse, for instance, may need more training in the medical aspects o f detoxification while a board member may desire management training. - - - ;.. : Indian Manpower Program Gets Under Way On February 3, Maine’ Comprehensive Indian s Manpower program employed one person; at last count there were 106. The program is big, getting bigger, and constantly full o f surprises — many o f them very rewarding. Dick Hamilton, manpower director for Tribal Governors, Inc., cites, for example, the excellent cooperation he and the field supervisors have had with private industry. Hamilton’ staff has placed Title III trainees in s positions ranging from legal secretaries to X-ray technicians to mill workers for Georgia Pacific. In each case, Hamilton stated, a contract is developed for the enrollee in which it is agreed that at the end o f the training period the potential employer will indeed employ the trainee. The length o f time for training varies; in the case o f Georgia Pacific we already have graduates and new enrollees on the way. Hamilton explained that five CETA enrollees earned early graduation from the Indian Manpower training program and became employees o f the new Georgia-Pacific Corporation CHIP-N-SAW stud mill in Baileyville in late March. Seven others have also been hired by the GP plant. Gloria Brown, her brother, Kevin Stevens, and David Tomah, Indian Township, and John Francis and Leon Sockabasin o f Pleasant Point, displayed such unusual aptitude and ability for specific jobs that they were elevated from the training program and put on the payroll three weeks ahead o f schedule, according to GP. The first-of-its-kind training program was a coop­ erative effort involving Tribal Governors’ Inc., the , Washington County Vocational Technical Institute and Georgia-Pacific. A comprehesive curriculum was devised by the Adult Education Division o f WCVTI in cooperation with G-P’ training department. Tribal s Governors’ Inc. provided the school with financial , assistance through CETA Title III funds, and G-P’ s W ood Processing Division agreed to employ those who successfully completed the program in its new CHIPN-SAW stud mill. Training program participants were selected by local field supervisors o f the Maine Indian Manpower Services program. They received orientation to production processes at the stud mill including familiarization with plant layout, machine operation, union organization and industry goals. Instruction included first-hand involvement with all phases of safety practices, and specialized training was given in efficient material handling and proper use o f trucks, hoists, conveyors, chainsaws and power and hand tools. G-P stud mill manager Pat Bailey praised the ef­ fectiveness o f the training program and noted that participants progressed very smoothly from the training phase to the production line. On-the-job training is only part o f the employment program, however. Public Service Careers, Title II and Title VI, have provided jobs for 13 people in occupations which lead to unsubsidized employment. There are also many Indian people taking advantage of the State’emergency employment funds s and its Title I resources. Recently, for instance, community action agencies — among others — received Title I positions which were to last 15 weeks and pay $2.50 per hour. Indian programs were able to take advantage o f both their own Title I resources and those o f other programs. There is, according to Hamilton, a great deal of book work attached to each o f these programs. “ is It necessary to process eight separate pieces o f paper for each Title III enrollee,”Hamilton stated. Because of high unemployment and the integration o f the old operation mainstream, “ had as many as 17 new we enrollees a day. That’136 pieces o f paper.”If the jam s gets too heavy then the doors are closed, temporarily. to allow the bookkeepers the chance to catch up. This is necessary, according to Hamilton, to insure smooth payrolls and the necessary kinds o f records. Hamilton believes that the paper work is not as tough a problem as transportation has been, however. Getting people to work who have no means o f trans­ portation has been overcome by getting one person in the group to use his/her own car and to repay this person for their travel. Because the program is so large and has so many parts, confusion often arises among those in need of work as to why this or that can’be done and who is t responsible for what. Possibly this will help. The prime sponsor o f the group responsible for the Indian Manpower program is Tribal Governors’Inc. , This organization is a consortium o f tribal governors and Presidents o f the Association o f Aroostook Indians and the Central Maine Indian Association. This “ leader’consortium”is responsible for hiring s the manpower director and field supervisors. The manpower director is responsible for the overall administration o f all CETA titles. Tribal Governors’Inc. is responsible for policy, goals, objec­ , tives. The field supervisors were hired to provide out­ reach for the Title III program, which is oriented toward on-the-job training. Another function is to serve as a local liason with the overall manpower program. The field supervisors include Russell Sacobey, AAI; Wally Pehrson, Indian Island,- Phyllis Sabattus, Indian Township and Dave Francis, Pleasant Point. Hiring to fill training positions is done at the local level with the approval o f the Indian manpower director. Title II positions and staff positions have been approved by Tribal Governors’Inc. , The number o f positions available to each consor­ tium member is decided by Tribal Governors’ Inc. , �Page 4 Wabanaki Alliance 'She Loves to Teach' OUTSTANDING TEACHER — Sister Maureen is seen here with two of her students from Beatrice Rafferty School using a rather novel teaching tool — the sewing machine. Editor’Note: The following story was first printed in s the Department o f Education and Cultural Services newspaper. * * * Last year five Passamaquoddy boys spent six Friday afternoons in a fish house and boat, learning skills which may help them make a living some day. In the process they also learned about their unique ancestry from the Indian who operates the weir. Thanks to a program designed by Sister Maureen Wallace, Maine’ 1973-74 teacher of the year, and s Sister Ellen Turner, some Passamaquoddies and others are making elementary age children more aware of job opportunities and helping them begin thinking about their life’work. Originally funded by s a Title III teacher mini-grant the program is now part of the local budget and is expanding to other Indian schools. But the career education program -is only one reason why a committee o f representatives from the Maine Teachers Association, the Maine School Management Association and the Maine Department of Education and Cultural Services (MDECS) chose Sister Maureen as a symbol of teaching excellence. The major reason was what committee members saw when they visited Sister Maureen’ classroom where s 25 vibrant, imaginative first and second graders like to draw colorful pictures for visitors, teach them Passamaquoddy words, and make them feel like part of the class. Her class is informal, ungraded and individualized. With patience and humor she promotes a way of life for her students that is free o f the tension and animosity that can stunt creative development. 9 to 11 a.m. four mornings a week is a good example o f how an individualized program can be efficient and humane at the same time. Each night Sister Maureen draws up different lessons for each student in a series o f five steps, the difficulty o f each depending upon his reading level. In the morning each student gets his “ What Step Are You On” folder. Then the child moves independently between steps. Here’ an example o f how a lesson might work. In s Step 1 he reads the day’ new words; Step 2 is a s phonics worksheet based on sounds in the words; Step 3 takes him to-the board to practice writing and spelling the word; during Step 4 he practices phonics and reading aloud with a partner or listens to taped stories with visual accompaniment; during Step 5 he is free to watch the Electric Company or play games. Each morning Sister Maureen and Inez Nicholas, her teaching assistant, give each student at least one 10-15 minute conference which serves as a time to give extra help to a child and to find out what he has actually learned. T hu s each child works independently or with a friend and gets individual help and evaluation. Sister Maureen has the imagination to successfully execute her plans as well as design them. How d o you get the concept o f measuring feet and inches across to primary children? “ s easy,” says It’ Sister Maureen, “ Use a dinosaur!” Using the fascination these prehistoric beasts hold for this age group, she first had discussion during science period about their size. During math class that same day they took a skein o f yarn and their rulers to the gym and unwound 80 ft. o f yarn, measuring as they went, to THEN . . . July 18, 1967 “ Dear Mrs. Altvater: Thank you for your letter o f interest by you and the Parish Council in the education o f your children. A school board, per se, with its powers and duties as prescribed by statute, is not possible for Indian education. The school privileges-for children living on Indian reservations “ shall be provided under the direction o f the Commissioner under such rules and regulations as may be made from time to time by him and approved by the Governor and Council. (Title 20, Chapter 119, Section 1451.) The responsibility for the education of Indian children is, then, entirely that o f the Commissioner of Education and the Governor and Council. It is exactly the same relationship as exists for the unorganized territories in the education o f their children. In the short time that we have been responsible for them, we have felt the need for consultation with the parents o f the Indian children, and plan to ask for the election o f an advisory committee for each of the Indian schools. Such an advisory committee could not make decisions but could meet regularly with our staff members in the discussion o f school matters. We know this would be helpful to our Department and think that it would be advantageous for the committee members and the children. I hope this clarifies the possibilities and indicates our com m on interest in the quality o f education in the reservation schools. Sincerely yours, » /s/ William T. Logan, Jr. Commissioner o f Education” Maine Indian Education News have a visual demonstration o f the length o f an 80 ft. dinosaur. What sound does the letter ‘ make? Have your B’ students create a monster, have him make a sound starting with that letter, and paint his picture. They remember the sound, and they enjoyed learning it. Sr. Maureen compiled the pictures, named them after the book entitled “ Where the Wild Things Are” and , made a tape recording o f the children talking about their monsters. Finally, after the basic academics, how do you get a child to value his ethnic background in a culture that has treated it as a novelty or inferior? “ o build up T Students move about as they please during “ free their pride as Indians, I tell them how proud I am to time”(which can be declared at any time) they play be Irish,”said Sister Maureen. “ child might say to A constructively — whether strengthening their finger me, “ You’ Indian aren’ you?’and another will re t muscles with clay, flashing arithmetic cards with a reply, ‘ Course not — she’ Irish.’They know I’ s m friend, or telling Sister Maureen a story with a small proud to be Irish.” group o f children in a corner. Sister Maureen brings Passamaquoddies into her Play period ends quickly and Sister Maureen’ s career education program wherever possible. Four requests are heeded even though disciplining is times a year children have a new set o f careers from limited to occasionally placing a child in a chair until which they may choose one to study. he is quiet. “ She loves to teach, and she teaches with Sister Maureen and her students also study love. Her students in turn give her their hearts as well Passamaquoddy culture for half an hour every as their attention,” said Supt. Meredith Ring who afternoon. Four days a week, Rita Altvater teaches the nominated Sister Maureen as Maine Teacher of the Passamaquoddy language which is spoken in most Year. homes. On Friday children do traditional dance steps. When the children enter Sister Maureen’ class s Sister Maureen has also taken a Passamaquoddy from the Reservation Headstart program they learn at culture course at the Peter Dana Point Reservation. their own rate. One girl, for example, entered first “ teacher’ role is not confined to her immediate A s ’ ade at mid-year last winter, and was doing second • class but encompasses the whole community,” says ' work this September even though her friends Sister Maureen whose work takes her out o f her class­ ow it. room during non-school hours. She lives across the Maureen’reading program which runs from s AND N O W . . . On October 1, 1969, legislation (PL 463) became effective, establishing School Committees in these words: “ The Passamaquoddy Tribe o f Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe o f Pleasant Point and the Penobscot Tribe o f Indian Island shall each be authorized to elect by popular election a school committee . . . to provide educational and cultural services for its residents. It shall be the responsibility o f the school committee to approve all programs, expenditures of funds and procurement of personnel . . . The Indian school committees shall jointly . . . select a superintendent o f schools . . . The committees shall jointly select a treasurer . . . Each school committee may establish personnel regulations and a system for purchases and accounting . . . All bills, including payrolls, must be approved for payment by the school committee members . . . The biennial budgets shall be drawn up by the superintendent and school committees ...” street from Rafferty School in St. Ann s Convent. During her off hours Sister Maureen tutors Passama­ quoddy high school students in business subjects twice a week, teaches home economics to adults and children twice a week, is a member o f the St. Ann Church Parish Council, and secretary/moderator of the Ladies Sodality. Since her graduation from St. Joseph’ College, s North Windham, she has taught children with learning disabilities and emotional problems at a clinic conducted at the St. Joseph’ Convent in s Portland. It was while a teacher at the clinic that she was introduced to the individualized learning concepts that guide her classroom work. Finally, Sister Maureen did not shy away from the role o f lobbyist in 1972 when she appeared twice before the 106th Legislature to speak in behalf of funding an addition to the Rafferty School for its early childhood program. The addition was not approved but the proposal will be back in the hopper again this winter and Sister Maureen said she will return to Augusta again if the bill appears in trouble. The number of students at the Rafferty school rose from 117 to 150 this fall as a resurgence of cultural pride and newly available federal housing brought Passamaquoddies back to the reservation. Sister Maureen not only represents the best of the teaching profession but also the best of a fusion between the public sector, a private religion and an ethnic strain unique to Maine. �Wabanaki Alliance Page 5 Longley Cuts Indian Education Budget The Maine education budget request for the next biennium has been cut nearly one half million dollars, according to Meredith Ring, superintendent. The money requested by the three Indian school committees and the Maine Indian Scholarship Committee totaled $872,612 for fiscal year 1975-76 and S912.800 for FY 76-77. “ Governor Longley s recommendation of $659,306 and $732,800 represents a cut o f 24 per cent in year one and 25 per cent in year two,”Ms. Ring stated. These drastic cuts take place at a time o f increased enrollment. Pleasant Point has an increase in enrollment o f 35 per cent from the last budget presentation to this. Enrollment in the Indian Island school is increasing 27 per cent and 15 per cent at Indian Township. Enrollment projections do not consider new housing anticipated on the reservations which could make the percentage cuts 15 to 20 per cent higher, money. The State Department of Education and Cultural Services has ruled that the Indian schools can receive no special education reimbursement because no property taxes are collected. This means the Indian Education Department must seek these funds directly from legislative appropriations. Put another way, a school committee must-— in its budget — provide for the full cost o f all students or be in violation o f Maine State law. The cost of compliance with this law is estimated to be $226,877 for the Indian community for the biennium. According to Ms. Ring, this is money that has to be included in our operating budget, but is not included in other operating budgets. The number o f Indian students in school that require scholarship aid has more than doubled in the last two years. Due to a lack o f funds, the Maine Indian Scholarship Committee has established a limit of $1000 per student regardless of need (the Maine State Legislature established a maximum o f $3000 per student). This year the number of awards are 88 still. The Indian school committees are hound by the costing $66,104 — an average of $750 per student. same legislation as all other school committees and The cut in funds would mean either that the average these are compeled by LD 1965, the new special award would be reduced by approximately 25 per cent education law, to educate all handicapped children or an additional 25 per cent o f the students with needs regardless o f cost. will be turned away. All other school committees in Maine receive a Although each school committee and the scholar­ special education reimbursement because that ship committee would have to approve the budget cuts reimbursement is partly funded by property tax the Maine Indian Education business office has computed the following as an example of the magnitude o f cuts. Administration: superintendent, principals, busi­ ness manager, bookkeepers — cut 20 per cent. Elementary education : programs for students in early childhood, primary, elementary, and junior high — cut 20 per cent. Secondary education: tuition to another school can not be cut unless some students are told they can not attend high school. Adult and community services: adult training and education classes, high school equivalence classes, school committee expenses — cut 40 per cent. G uidan ce and sp ecia l edu cation : guidance counselors and special education funds to meet requirements o f LD 1965 — cut 40 per cent. Physical facilities: building operations can't be cut. New equ ipm en t and m ain ten an ce would be eliminated. School nutrition and food service: cut 20 per cent. Transportation: provided by contract; this can t be cut unless students are transported part o f the way or part o f the time. Scholarship committee: provides aid for students to attend vocational training, college or high school from home — cut 25 per cent. Guidelines for Indian Book The following were developed by the participants in the Library Services Institute for Minnesota Indians, conducted by the Minnesota State Department of Education and the University of Minnesota College of Education. Summer 1969. 1 Would the book help an Indian identify with and . 6e proud o f his heritage? 2. Does the book express Indian values? Might the book help an Indian reader to reconcile his own values with conflicting ones? 3. How might the book affect the non-Indian reader's image o f Indian people? Does it foster a positive or a negative image of the American Indian? 4. Is the book sympathetic to the distinctive FUTURE VIOLINIST — Kelly Nelson of Indian characteristics of Indian culture? In terms of whose Island, recognized for her outstanding musical values and attitudes is Indian culture being abilities with the violin, demonstrates her talents. evaluated? His own or those o f another culture? 5. Do the illustrations authentically depict the Indian ways of life? 6. Is the image o f the Indian presented one o f a real human being, with strengths and weaknesses, who Kelly Nelson, 11-year-old sixth grader at Indian acts in response to his own nature and his own times? Island School, has been selected for the Central Maine 7. If fictional, are the characters realistically Youth Training Orchestra. She has been taking violin developed? Are situations true or possibly true to lessons after regular school hours for three years. Indian ways of life? Students are selected on a competitive basis from all 8. Are the images o f the Indian stereotyped? O f the Old Town schools to participate in the training stereotyping, Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. says in his book, orchestra. The Indian Heritage o f America (Knopf, 1968, p.8): Mrs. Helen Morin, music teacher for the O ld Town “ More common among most whites are the schools, comes to Indian Island School on Monday false understandings and images which they afternoons to work with beginning music students. retain about Indians. For many, the moving The Central Maine Youth Training Orchestra will pictures, true portrait o f all Indians: the dour, be touring eastern Maine this Spring, playing in stoic, warbonneted Plains Indian. He is a schools which do not now have a music program. warrior, he has no humor unless it is that of an incongruous and farcical type, and his langu­ Kelly, having been selected for the training age is full o f ‘ hows’ ‘ , ughs’ and words that , orchestra while only in sixth grade, is a likely end in ‘ . Only rarely in the popular media um’ candidate for the high-school-age Central Maine o f communications is it hinted that Indians Youth Orchestra in a few more years. Kelly recently too, were, and are, all kinds o f real, living started taking drum lessons, and, at this point, persons like any others and that they included doesn’know which instrument she prefers. t peace-loving wise men, mothers who cried for Over a dozen students at Indian Island are learning the safety o f their children, young men who to play musical instruments, and two pupils who got sang songs o f love and courted maidens, their first musical instruction at the school, Lori dullards, statesmen, cowards, and patriots. Nelson (Kelly’ sister) and Donald Paul (now Junior s Today there are college-trained Indians, High pupils in Old Town) were also chosen to perform researchers, business and professional men with the training orchestra. Lori, a seventh grader, is and women, jurists, ranchers, teachers, and second clarinet; and Donald was selected for second political office holders. Yet so enduring is the trumpet. stereotype that many a non-Indian, especially Kelly says she likes all kinds o f music, particularly if he lives in an area where Indians are not rock and currently, is learning a very pretty composi­ commonly seen, expects any American Indian tion named “ Echoes” . Indian Island Girl Excels on Violin he meets to wear a feathered headdress. When he sees the Indian in a conventional business suit instead, he is disappointed.” 9. Does the book present both sides of the event, issue, problem, etc.? Does the book contain any factual errors or misleading information: Does it perpetuate myths about the American Indian? 10. Are loaded words (i.e., chief, savage, buck, squaw, red skin, etc.) used in such a way as to be needlesly offensive, insensitive, inappropriate? 11. Does the book put the contributions the American Indians have made to Western civilization in rightful and accurate perspective? 12. What additional information might be needed to make the book more relevant, useful, or to present both sides? Is comparable information presented more effectively in another book? 13. Is the author qualified to write a book dealing with American Indians? 14. Has the book been reviewed or evaluated by a person who is knowledgeable about American Indians as well as about the subject o f the book? 15. Where and how might this book be used in a school curriculum to increase awareness and understanding o f the American Indian?_______________ I Am an Eagle By Lorene Dana I am a big eagle I live in the mountains I breathe the mountain air I see the sun set at night I belong to the sun and flowers the mountains and the river If I should fight for my mountains and die The mountains would be sad For I no longer see the sun set, Or breathe the mountain air, Or see the flowers bloom Or see the river flow. (Lorene Dana is 13 years old. She is a student at Beatrice Rafferty School at Pleasant Point, Perry, Maine. Lorene is Passamaquoddy.) Lorene’ poem was first published in the Marchs April, 1974 issue o f “ The Weewish Tree” a magazine , o f Indian America for young people. Published by the American Indian Historical Society, this magazine is used in many schools throughout the country in their libraries and classrooms. �Page o 6 W dO Wabanaki Alliance dlldW rniiaui-v ^ 0 BlAJHead Discusses Recognition By Roger Gabriel At a meeting of the Federal Regional Council (FRC) in Boston, Maine Indian leaders and members o f the FRC Indian Task Force gathered recently with Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Morris Thompson. The meeting was held to discuss issues pertinent to the question o f Federal recognition and how it might affect Maine Indians and those o f other Indian tribes situated throughout New England. O f particular interest to the Federal Regional Council and to the representatives o f the'various New England Indian tribes was the recent Federal Court decision which proclaims that a trust relationship in fact exists between the Federal G overnm ent and the Passamaquoddy Tribe. This decision, yet subject to appeal, would make the Passamaquoddies eligible for programs and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, setting the precedent for other Indian tribes in New England and in other areas throughout the Eastern Federal recognition, characterizing the situation at one point as a “ battle for survival". BIA Commissioner, Morris Thompson com ­ plimented the (Region I) FRC for its efforts in behalf of Indian people in New England and for the unusually close ties which have been developed. Thompson noted that he knew o f no other Federal Regional Council which was presently dealing with Indian problems to the extent addressed by Region I. Commissioner Thompson and his staff then presented a background o f the Federal recognition process and described briefly the implications of Federal recognition status. Reed Chambers, BIA Associate Solicitor, stated that the Department of Interior has made no decision as yet concerning possible appeal o f the decision which would make the Passamaquoddies eligible for up to $5 million dollars per year in additional programs and services In reference to the figure. Chambers said that while it may not appear to be a large amount ot money compared to an annual BIA budget o f $800 to $900 million dollars, difficulties may arise m seeking states. Richard Putnum o f the FRC Indian Task Force, approval o f the additional amount from Congress. described the unique characteristics of the Task Force Tom Tureen, Attorney in the Passamaquoddy case, and the encouraging results already achieved in requested the Department o f Interior not to appeal cutting red tape and obtaining Federal funding for the Passamaquoddy vs. Morton court decision since New England Indians, but emphasized that additional the case was based on sound legal grounds and the special Indian funds and services were being denied appeal process could take an extended period o f time through lack of Federal recognition. in which the tribe would be further denied the eligible ben efits conferred by the present decision. Commissioner lohn Stevens of Maine took the Commissioner Thompson replied that the decision opportunity to voice frustrations experienced by him­ was too recent for the Department o f Intenor to make self and other Maine Indian leaders in trying to obtain any final determination relative to a possible appeal. In council action following discussion on Federal recognition, the FRC voted unanimously to accept and endorse a Federal Recognition Paper which would be forwarded to the key staff o f the Secretary of Interior along with a cover letter raising issues regarding the Passamaquoddy vs. Morton decision and its effect on the gaining of access to Federal grant programs for Indians. The Federal Regional Council is made up o f nine Federal agencies from the New England Region which through its Indian Task Force provides a means of communication between New England Indians and the Federal bureaucracy and to enable New England Indians to make an impact on those groups formulating Indian policies on the national level. Pleasant Point Featured in Washington County Documentary A documentary film on Washington County life will include a section relating to the Passamaquoddy Indians at Pleasant Point Reservation. The purpose of the film funded by the Maine Humanities Council and the Department o f Commerce and Industry, is to illustrate life and work in Washington County for promotion purposes. The producer, Margaret Kenda and her film crew obtained permission from the tribal governor and council to interview individuals and to take film footage o f various aspects o f reservation life related to community development, bi-lingual education and personal attitudes toward the environment in which Vernon Mitchell Hired As Indian Police Captain they live. The film will be the subject o f public showings in Washington County and on W EM T Channel 7 television in May o f this year. RG Vernon Mitchell, a Maine native, has been hired as Captain of the Maine Indian Police replacing Harold Lewey. who resigned in January. Mitchell, 37, has five years of police experience including three years as police chief for the Town o f Ashland, Maine. Captain Mitchell also has two years o f college and is presently studying for his B.S. degree in criminology with sociology as his minor. "O ne o f our biggest problems," according to Mitchell, -is developing necessary trust with local, county and state police agencies and restoring that common bond upon which the necessary inter-coop­ eration is based." "S o far." says Mitchell, "we ve received good cooperation in this area. The Indian Police Commission, established a year ago, serves the two Passamaquoddy Reservations in Washington County and the Penobscot Reservation in Old Town, with headquarters in Calais. Although the new Commission has experienced some initial "growing pains," Captain Mitchell feels that the Maine Indian Police will develop into a successful and effective law enforcement organization. The Commission, with police equipment which is for the most part above the standard o f many other local agencies, represents the latest attempt at securing an effective law enforcement program for Reservation communities. DHRS Board Requests Non-Appeal of Land Case i The Diocesan Human Relations Services Board of Directors discussed and approved a motion to request Maine's attorney General to NOT appeid the January 20 decision by Judge Edward Gignoux in the case of Passamaquoddies vs. Morton. In a letter dated March 20, Attorney General Joseph Brennan, alludes to the importance o f the decision for Maine Indian people then states: ‘ can I assure you that prior to making any final decision whether or not to take an appeal, I will, together with my staff, make a thorough review o f the entire matter, giving due consideration to all appropriate factors.' Basket Co-op Building To Be Renovated The Passamaquoddy Housing Authority at Indian Township has been awarded a $56,000 contract to renovate the Passamaquoddy Indian Basket Co-op. A grant for that amount was awarded to the tribe by the Economic Development Administration in Washing­ ton, D.C. earlier this year. Extensive renovations o f the 25 year old structure will include leveling of the floor, installation o f a new heating system, electrical system, toilet facilities and reinforcement o f the roof and walls. The Housing Authority plans to use qualified reservation manpower to do much of the renovation. The building used for the Basket Co-op is the former Lake View Theater which was built about 1950. For years, this was the only form o f visual entertainment for many miles. Several thousands of dollars o f Indian baskets have been made at the basket co-op since its inception four years ago. Through its existence, a dying art threatened with extinction has been permitted to survive through modern times when the “ almighty dollar”tends to ignore the amount of work which goes into the making of an Indian basket. The co-op also has provided a means to instruct those who do not yet know the age-old tradition o f basket making. This is to be the first project whereby the tribe, through its Housing Authority, has been the prime contractor. Another project of this type will be the Passamaquoddy Campground project scheduled to begin later this spring. RG �Wabanaki Alliance Page 7 Cribbage Takes Its Toll Paul A. Francis, Jr. INDIAN REPRESENTATIVES — Penobscot Representative, Ernest Goslin, left, and Passamaquoddy Representative Joseph Nicholas, right, were recently seated in the State House of Representatives with speaking privileges following several decades in which Indian representatives had been denied this right. Spring Flooding Ominous around Indian Island where all but one o f the 370 The time o f year is rapidly approaching when island inhabitants reside. Each spring the April rains Indian Island residents are very often plagued by the and melting snow force the waters o f the Penobscot up flooding o f reservation property due to a combination and over the banks o f Indian Island, spilling into low o f melting snow, jamming o f ice flows and rising o f areas which often divide the village proper into three waters due to spring rains. The flooding generally sections. A few years ago the Army Corps o f Engineers affects all o f the 146 islands which comprise the constructed temporary dikes to retard some o f the Penobscot Reservation. Several o f the islands within flooding, but the waters o f the Penobscot continue to the expanse which stretches from Old Town to Mattawamkeag have been known to disappear * seep through them backing up toilets and sinks o f some of the island’residents when the river rises. s completely from view in torrential currents which erode away portions o f the Penobscot Reservation. A number o f land owners have turned down previous proposals by tribal leaders who tried to The seasonal concern, however, generally centers secure easements for the purpose o f installing permanent dikes which would help protect the land from flooding. However, legal language in the ease­ ments seems to pose more o f a threat than the rising waters. Although the tribe has the legal power of “ eminent domain,”Tribal Governor Nicholas Sapiel, has said that despite the fact the easement problem is “ very frustrating”he has “ intention o f taking any no drastic steps”to secure easements at this time. CETA Workshop Held To Assist New Staff Members A combined effort involving Andrew Akins o f the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy Tribal Planning Board and Meredith Ring o f the Maine Indian Education resulted in the development o f an Indian CETA workshop for those who will be directing CETA activities. The purpose o f the workshop was to identify some o f the problems which have plagued previous training efforts with the long range goal o f improving work skills and habits. In the workshop, which was held January 20-21, Ms. Ring asked the 14 participants to identify possible reasons why other programs have failed. Next, the person responsible for handling the individual problems that might arise were identified as: the supervisor, the trainee, the placement agency or the grantor. Responsibilities o f the supervisors (16 were listed) range from working with the training agency, evaluating the trainees and operating within thenbudgets to helping the trainee acquire employment at the end o f the training period. The training agencies will be responsible for providing assurance that they are qualified to train workers, that there will be no discrim in ation , and for m eeting all CETA requirements, as well as hiring the trainee at the end o f the training period. Trainees will be held accountable for their own attendance and punctuality, for following CETA and employer’ personnel policies and regulations, for s maintaining the training schedule and cooperating with co-workers and employees. They are also expected to con d u ct m onthly self-evaluation, measuring their own progress, and to seek employment at the end o f training. Perhaps the most useful document produced by the workshop participants was an “ On-The-Job-Evalua­ tion Sheet.”Regular evaluation o f each trainee will be made on nine categories o f general work habits and seven catagories of job skills. Such detailed and regular evaluation should help those involved to better judge the successes and shortcomings o f the program. According to local sources, the last two years have been the most severe in recent times. In the spring o f 1973, the National Guard was called in to reinforce temporary dikes with sandbags and to pump out flooded areas in the village. Last year a pump had to be rented to pump out water seeping through the dikes. With all the snow that has fallen this winter, officials from the Water Resources Division o f the U.S. Geological Survey in Augusta say it’ anyone’ s s guess to what extent flooding will occur this spring since much will depend on the April rains. The one thing that is certain is that flooding will occur again this spring as it has for years at Indian Island. RG Home Winterizing Program Cited for Its Excellence The Indian Island Community Action Program has become a model o f efficiency for the State office of Economic Opportunity’Project Fuel. s Tony Reddington, a member o f the state O EO ’ s project fuel staff, was impressed by the Indian Island program’capability to document accountability. s Mike Ranco, Indian Island CAP director at the time, said: “ Our reporting system can be used to show money outgoing and services received for those in need o f service. In addition, we have substantiated the subjective impact o f our work by providing service recipients with forms on which to comment. Such things as ‘ no longer shiver when I watch TV’ I suggest the elimination o f drafts. Ranco stated that most o f their forms had been developed by Miles Francis, the agency’ carpenters supervisor. Working with Miles are Harry and Douglas Francis, who worked to put the winterizing material in homes needing such. Ranco also stated that one o f the purposes o f the followup forms was to see “ we’ really curtailing if re the costs o f heating to those in need.” O f cribbage, Jim Sappier, who represents Maine Indians at the Federal Regional Council in Boston, modestly confides, “ father introduced the game of My cribbage to Indian Island, and such as he had no equal in the game, I too, have no equal since I learned the game from my father.” Such, then, ran the braggadocio in the island community. But however convincingly one braggart presented his claim to another, rebuttal to the sam e. was swift, unmerciful, and equally convincing, or, at least, equally presumptuous. And the only way to settle an issue such as this is to have the boasters lay their claim on the line and square off in competition. Thus evolved the idea to have a cribbage tournament. An entry fee o f $5 was charged to each participant so that in addition to clear, unquestionable claim to the title o f “ Cribbage Champion o f the Penobscot Indian Reservation,”a cash prize o f $50 was awarded to the winner. The second place finisher received $20. The tournament was held March 15 at the Indian Island School gym, and 27 claimants to the title submitted entry fees. Such notables as Gov. Nicholas Sapiel, Lt. Gov. Peter Neptune, Council-members Joe Polchies and Irving Ranco, Interim Director of the Indian Alcoholism Program Mike Ranco, and Jim Sappier laid their reputations on the line. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. the action proceeded fast and furious for five gruelling hours* before a victor emerged, exhausted but jubilant, fifty dollars richer and undisputed cribbage champ o f Indian Island. Paul A. Francis, Jr., emerged as the victor, and Miles Francis finished second. Seriously, the tournament was held in benefit of the M en’ Softball team and the Andrew Sockalexis s Track Club to help finance them through the coming seasons. Yet, rumbles continue, issuing from those who believe themselves to be invincible cribbage players but who would not stake $5 on their claims of invincibility. So, another tournament is planned for the near future featuring doubles as well as singles. And from there? Perhaps there are a few Passamaquoddies at Pleasant Point or Indian Township who are familiar with the game o f cribbage. If so, I wonder if they would be worthy opponents o f the Penobscots? Indian Island Man Cited for Bravery March 14,1975 W e the members o f the Old Town Fire Department would like to see some com ­ mending action taken on behalf o f Nelson Francis for his quick and unselfish act on March 14,1975. At 11:25 A.M., we responded to a fire at the Kagan-Lown Shoe Co. for a fire in the dust , hopper. As we were digging the leather dust out o f the hopper, firefighter Duane Brasslett was applying water to the fire when it exploded, blowing Brasslett back against the fife truck, burning him about the eyes and face. Nelson Francis immediately jumped between Firefighter Brasslett and the fire, grabbing the nozzle from the ground and guarded Firefighter Brasslett with his body, and started to extinguish the fire. His unselfish act in regard to his own safety, prevented Firefighter Brasslett from more serious bums. If we had a medal for valor, I certainly would recommend Nelson Francis for it. Asst. Chief James Monk � 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> (April 1975) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1975-04 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-421 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/8317462f2f8b0b961ff0b0286d7acf7f.pdf 869b7dc72184668822dff097ef722d39 PDF Text Text Wabanakl Alliance Non-profit org. U.S. Postage Paid 2.1* Orono, Maine Permit No. 14 September 1977 Border talks focus on call for Indian rights INDIAN ISLAND — A three-day confer­ ence of U.S. and Canadian Indians here climaxed with passage of several resolutions calling for restoration o f aboriginal rights, increased government services and benefits, and removal o f customs and immigration requirements. Those resolutions will be presented at a 1977 World Council o f Indigenous People, in Sweden, and at the Geneva Peace Conference slated this month. [The full text of the resolutions appears elsewhere in this newspaper.] An estimated 300 eastern Canadian and U.S. Indians attended the three days of workshops, meetings and talks. Indian leaders described the occasion as an un: precedented and historic gathering o f native peoples. Resolutions drew little disagree­ ment and won majority support from con­ ference participants. A majority of persons attending the con­ ference were chiefs or other tribal officials, representing Indians from Rhode Island to Nova Scotia. Some o f them pitched tents beside the Penobscot reservation community building, where meetings took place and meals were served. The tone o f the conference was open and friendly, with a serious attitude toward issues discussed. Evenings included traditional singing, drumming and dancing around a fire. Although the conference was open to the press, only a few reporters were seen at the meetings, working for Indian newspapers. A resolution committee chaired by James Sappier, Passamaquoddy tribal coordinator from Pleasant Point, reviewed at least a dozen different resolutions submitted by persons attending the conference on behalf of causes ranging from crossing the U.S.Canadian border without intimidation to Indian women’rights. s Sappier’ com m ittee extracted five s general resolutions from all o f those submitted, attempting to incorporate many of the ideas and purposes o f the original resolutions. Among final resolutions are three papers that spell out the findings and consensus of three conference workshops. The first, on aboriginal border crossing rights, seeks to abolish customs and immigration requirements imposed on Indians by U.S. and Canadian governments, and asks officials to recognize Indian rights as guaranteed under the Jay Treaty and other agreements. The second broad resolution, dealing with tribal government, land and the border, calls for action allowing reunification of border-divided tribes; self-determination of what constitutes a tribe; fishing, hunting and trapping rights; a review by Indians of any planned c ' nstruction affecting Indian land. The third resolution seeks medical, educational, welfare and housing benefits for Indians, whether they be U.S. Indians in Canada, or Canadian Indians in the U.S. A further resolve asks a proposed interna­ tional joint commission on Indian affairs to explore alternatives and make recommen­ dations. Resolutions will be forwarded to the National Conference o f American Indians (NCAI), a U.S. organization, and the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB), its Canadian counterpart. Tribes represented at the meeting included Micmacs, Mohawks and Maliseets from Maine and Canada, Narragansetts from Rhode Island and Con­ necticut, Penobscots and Passamaquoddies from Maine, plus others in smaller numbers. Few whites were present at the confer­ ence. Two o f them were central figures in organizing the event. Gregory Buesing, co­ ordinator o f an Indian task force for the Federal Regional Council o f Boston, has been credited as largely responsible for the conference, assisted by Edward Bernard, cochairman with Terry Polchies, a Maine Indian, o f the task force. “ The task force’desire was to generate a s forum to gather recommendations and in­ formation from the Indian community,” Buesing said, adding that border crossing problems and problems with government (Continued on back page) Fisheries plant nearly complete PLEASANT POINT — A fish processing plant and pier complex at the seaside Passa­ maquoddy reservation here is scheduled for completion by the end o f September. Despite a few defects in quality control during construction, the project is on schedule and generally satisfactory, accord­ ing to CTayton Geaves, a local housing traveled from his Atlanta home at the request o f the tribes . . . I will make a authority official. request of tribal leaders. He toured Penob­ report,”Gunter said. First discussed four years ago, the fish scot and Passamaquoddy reservations, and Gunter defended his recommendations, plant construction began last June 15, later met with Gov. James B. Longley and calling them “ fair and practical.” But he funded by a Federal Economic Development state Attorney General Joseph E. Brennan. said Indians and the administration are still Administration public works grant of Gunter has recommended an out-of-court far apart in terms o f mutual agreement on several hundred thousand dollars. solution to the Indians’ claim that they were any settlement o f the land claims case. Cleaves described the tribally-owned wrongfully deprived o f 12 million acres in Asked when he thought a settlement project as, “ stepping stone to more a Maine, because treaties were not ratified by might be reached, Gunter said, " I ’ economic sovereignty. Instead o f pounding m Congress, as required under a 1790 Con­ doubtful it will be in the next 30 days . . . on welfare doors, we’ employing people,” re gressional act. Gunter’ proposed offer of Congress is on vacation during the month o f he said. s $25 million plus 100,000 acres has been August.”He said a solution may be worked “ The housing authority will turn the fish rejected publicly by Maine Indians. out in "several more months.” processing plant over to the tribal govern­ However, that offer may not be as “ final” Questioned about the state’firm position ment, and they will hire a plant manager,” s as Gunter has maintained. Gunter also opposing the land claims. Gunter said he Geaves said. Area fishermen will be invited stated his recommendations are “ set in doubted the state would be involved in a to sell their produce to the plant, which is not concrete. settlement unless the solution involved state- expected to employ 15-20 persons. "I can see where these two tribes are dis­ owned lands. Problems with quality control have been appoin ted in my recom m en dations,” Governor Longley has been reported as spotted by “ competent inspector who is a a Gunter said in an interview with Wabanaki favoring a court settled case, rather than a Passamaquoddy Indian,”Cleaves said. The Alliance. He promised to relay the Indian negotiated solution to the land claims case. contractor for the plant building and pier is position to the President. “ came at the I (Continued on back page) Bridge Construction Co. o f Augusta. Indians, Gunter seek compromise ORONO — Maine Indian officials called it a negotiating session, while the President’ s special representative called it a meet%g where he "listened”only, because he was not a mediator on the Indian land claims case. Penobscot Tribal Governor Nicholas Sapiel said after meeting with Gunter, “ s It’ progressing pretty well. Gunter wouldn’be t here if his recommendations were final.” Gunter has repeatedly stated his recom­ mendations are non-negotiable. Indian leaders and retired Judge William B. Gunter of Georgia refused to comment on what they discussed behind closed doors. But Gunter, members o f a Maine Indian negotiating team, and Thomas Tureen, lawyer for the Indians, appeared in good spirits following a two-hour meeting here. Aug. 19 at Indian Resource Center. Gunter, appointed by the President as an advisor on the Maine Indians’ lawsuit. Resolutions will be presented to Canadian and U.S. governments according to Sappier, Central Maine Indian Association Director Michael Ranco, and others who organized the border issues conference. Indian leaders plan to follow up on the resolutions to determine if they are an effective politicial force. Ranco suggested the conference could become an annual event, demonstrating unity and solidarity o f native peoples. A theme o f the meeting was expressed by an Indian who suggested the answer to whether one is a Canadian or U.S. Indian should be, “ m a North American Indian.” I’ �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 editorials Valid claims That Maine Indians deserve a favorable settlement of the land claims case is a position that should be supported by all reasonable, compassionate people, in this state, in Washington, D.C, and else­ where. A reasonable person simply cannot ignore a long and ugly history of injustices done to Indians by others, whether it was trading blankets contaminated with smallpox, or unlawfully grabbing aboriginal lands. There is no way this history can be rewritten to benefit native peoples, but there are things to be done that will improve the current status of Maine Indians. Resolving to return certain lands to the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Tribes, plus a cash settlement, is one way to improve that status. After decades of mistreatment, Indians are now seeking some justice, using the white man’system. s That the Maine tribes can win court decisions in the non-Indian system is a tribute to democracy and human rights. But if govern­ ment then denies Indian rights to land and damages, the system is a farce. Many people have become unreasonable because they fail to understand the Indian position, the background, the history of swindles and deceit that stripped Indians of their lands. Many people continue to see Indian claims as unreasonable. But Indian leaders have shown good faith, a willingness to compromise, and have remained cordial and fair in their public statements. The same cannot be said for state officials in Augusta. While others have sensationalized Indian land claims, Indians themselves have tried to assure private property owners they will not lose their homes, farms and woodlots. It’ possible a large s corporation would be involved in a land agreement, but no lands would be stolen as they have been from Indians, time and again. It's also possible state-owned lands would be involved in a settlement, but no-one will be barred from visiting Mt. Katahdin. Indians have shown as much concern as anybody for the welfare of the state. They are not seeking a prolonged court battle. Instead, Indians want a swift settlement that will boost rather than harm the Maine economy. Judge William B. Gunter’ recommended settlement of 100,000 s acres plus $25 million is a step in the right direction, but it is a low bid, and Indians were wise to reject it. Whatever course of action is finally negotiated, Indians have our unequivocal support in the land claims case. Non-Indians have misunderstood the case. Some individuals have deliberately encouraged misunderstanding. Finally, misinterpreting the land claims case is part of a larger failure, that of non-Indians misunderstanding Indians themselves. poetry We, The Indians You came across the water. In a very large canoe. You say to us. can we land? We moved over, so you could have room. We fought for our land and our life. Battles were lost and won. They weren't Indian victories. Only massacres when you turn to run. To you we sold “ much land, so” we sign this called paper. You tell us exactly what it means. But it means different, a little later. You are now a great nation. You stretch from East to West. Yet we fought back fiercely Our greatest chiefs are now at rest. We move where you dare not explore. But traders come and kill our Friends. You kill them for trophy or fun And also us. your fellowmen. You stole our lovely wildlife. Many will never roam or fly. You polluted our lakes, and our streams. You stole the blue from the sky. And now you are a country. A proud and noble thing. You rejoice, for your good fortune. The deathsong is all that we can sing. Now all o f our land is gone. And o f us there is few. Now you think that you have won. No. you are wrong, you have lost too. You steal our land without our word, and now some of us rebel. You shoot us with your tiresticks. Then we move, and all is well. Patti Fitzgerald Penobscot, age 12 Bloomington. Ind. POSSIBLE HARM CAN JH£y p c ? " An Indian nation When Maine Gov. lames B. Longley commented recently that he The conference was a historic occasion, the reunion of the Wab­ feared Indians were trying to create a separate nation, he couldn’ anaki Confederacy nations after 137 years. Penobscots, Passamat have been more wrong. quoddies, Micmacs and Maliseets were there. Mohawks and Narragansetts were there. Abenakis and Apaches were there, and the list The answer is. of course, that Maine Indians have always been a goes on. separate nation, although subject to all sorts of outside discrimina­ Indian leaders talked about a new spirit of brotherhood and unity, tion and coercion. Indians today have little to show of their nation, about a new self-image for Indians. For years Indians have been their because other Americans have taken away just about everything but own worst enemies, accepting white paternalism and their own the Indian s cultural identity, and inroads have been made on that, defeatism. too. The conference showed that Indians have found their voice. They want to keep their aboriginal rights, they want to keep their There are seeds of hope, however, and some of these seeds bore traditions and customs. Above all, Indians want to keep their nation fruit at the recent U.S.-Canadian border issues conference held at alive, and they are willing to work together — a sort of United Indian the Penobscot Nation's Indian Island. To see 300 Indian leaders Nations — to do it. gather in one place to discuss their common problems and share There is nothing to fear. Governor, unless you fail to acknowledge their proposals for solutions was inspiring. these people as equals entitled to their rights. �Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 Page 3 letters To our Readers: This space in future issues will be reserved for your letters. We ask that you feel free to write us with your ideas, opinions and criticism. The letters columns are open to any subject matter about which you have strong feelings. Letters from anyone, anywhere, are welcome. We reserve only the customary right to edit or refuse letters in consideration of length, libelous statements or highly un­ suitable language. It's unlikely we would invoke this right except in an extreme, unusual case. Writing a letter to WABANAKI AL­ LIANCE is an immediate, personal way for readers to become constructively involved in the newspaper. Our experience with other publications shows that a lively letters column is not just an asset to a newspaper, but a vital part o f the communications process. Communication is what newspapers are all about, and letters to the editor make communications a two-way street. Letters often stimulate dialogue and clarification. Ultimately, an active letters column results in more vigilant, investigative reporting on the part o f the newspaper. In the same way an author would want reviews o f a new book, we want feedback on WABANAKI ALLIANCE. We want to hear our readers’voices, discussing the topics that concern them. Do you like the newspaper’ format? It’ s s' content? Do yofi agree with editorial policy? Writing us a letter is one o f the most effec­ tive ways we can evaluate our efforts. A letter is your personal input into your news­ paper. You don’need to be a great writer to t send in a letter. Any letter that is sincere is a valuable contribution, and will be considered with the respect it deserves. Letters to the editor should be so marked, and should be mailed or delivered to WABANAKI ALLIANCE, 95 Main St., Orono, Maine 04473. We request that letters be dated and signed by the author. We regret that unsigned letters cannot be published. Please include your home address. Once again, this space belongs to our readers. We guarantee this opportunity for your views to appear in print. Make use o f it. WABANAKI ALLIANCE Washington To the Editor: The U.S. Department o f Agriculture (USDA), through the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) can now provide technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal members on uses and conservation practices for trust land. This service is the result o f a recent SCS policy revision worked out in conjunction with the Bureau o f Indian Affairs (BI A ). Through approximately 3000 local soil and water conservation districts (SWCD). SCS administers a national program for conserving and developing the nation's soil and water resources. Land users who are cooperators in these districts can receive technical help from SCS conservationists to help determine land use and to plan and apply conservation practices such as dams, grassed waterways, irrigation systems, strip­ cropping and terraces. Since the Reorganization Plan o f 1940. however, SCS has not been able to work on Indian trust land except where reimbursed by BI A. A recent legal opinion by the USDA General Counsel now permits SCS assist­ ance for planning and implementing soil and water conservation m easures to individuals and groups on trust land within a conservation district in the same manner and with the same requirements that assist­ ance is provided to any other land user. In order to participate in this program, Indian trust lands must be within a soil and water conservation district organized under State laws and tribes or tribal members must request the services o f the local conservationist. Complete details on how to participate in an existing SWCD or form a new one can be obtained from the SCS State Conservationist, a Federal official whose name and address appear on the enclosed list. In addition, the State Conservationist can provide inform ation on SCS career opportunities. Interested Indian students majoring in soil conservation, engineering, agronomy, biology, forestry, agricultural economics and other agricultural sciences may be qualified for part-time student trainee positions leading to full-time profes­ sional employment. ON THE ISLAND — Mrs. Celina Newell chats with Sister Helen McKeough, principal of the island school, at Indian Island. Mrs. Newell, a Mohawk Indian, has moved to the island with her husband, a Penobscot, from a Florida home. They are residing with their daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Howard Newell, at 2 Center St. Stuart Jamieson, Supervisor Indian Desk Vol. 1, No. 2 September 1977 Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services [DIS] at the Indian Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Me. 04473. Steven Cartwright,Editor DIS Board of Directors Jean Chavaree [chairman] John Bailey, CAP director Albert Dana Timothy Love, CAP director Janet Neptune Erlene Paul, Central Maine Indian Assn. Roy Paul, Assn, of Aroostook Indians Maynard Polchies, president, Aroostook Indians Michael Ranco, Centra] Maine Indian Assn. Indian Island Pleasant Point Indian Township Indian Island Indian Township Orono Houlton Houlton Orono DIS is an agency of Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc. of Maine. Subscriptions 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. Contri­ butions are deductible for income tax purposes. Artists needed for newspaper We are seeking anyone interested in sub­ mitting drawings, paintings, sketches, photography or similar works that we could consider for publication in Wabanaki Alliance. Work by amateurs and children is welcome, and all material will be handled carefully and promptly returned. Send your work to Wabanaki Alliance, 95 Main St., Orono, Me. 04473. Brennan: Indians lack basis for land claims AUGUSTA — Maine’Attorney General s says Indians have no legal basis for their land claims, and also have no rights to monetary damages* In a nine page letter to Maine Legislators, Atty. Gen. Joseph E. Brennan said he would like to see the Indians’ claims to 12.5 million acres o f land (or $300 million) settled “ a in court o f law,”where Brennan is confident the State would win the case. Brennan also discounted the validity o f a 1790 Indian Non-Intercourse Act, passed by Congress,_ that said all treaties thereafter must have Congressional approval. The Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes of Maine have based their claims and a lawsuit on the provisions o f that Act, citing a number o f violations. In 1972 the tribes asked the U.S. govern­ ment to sue the State o f Maine, and two years later, a U.S. District Court ruled that the U.S. must protect the tribes’ interests. But despite the court ruling in favor o f Indians, Brennan said he believes the Indians do not have a case. “ We firmly believe that the Indians will not be successfull in their claim. We assert that view after careful historical and legal analysis, and without equivocation,” Bren­ nan said in the letter. Brennan claims that at the time o f the Non-Intercourse Act, Penobscots and Passamaquoddies had no legal claim to Maine lands because o f a 1759 proclamation by Provincial Gov. Thomas Pownal of Massa­ chusetts. Pownal declared that all land in what is now Maine was won by conquest. Therefore, argues Brennan, tribes “ lost any right of aboriginal possession.” “ Distinguished record” Brennan says in his letter to legislators that Henry Knox, a Maine resident who was Secretary o f War, 1784-1794, was in charge o f Indian affairs. Knox did not intend the Non-Intercourse Act to apply to Indians in any o f the states, or to Eastern Indians, Brennan claims. Knox bought three million acres o f land from Massachusetts in an area now claimed by the two Maine tribes. Brennan argues that in purchasing that land, Knox proved it did not belong to Indians. “ Unless one is to assert that Knox was acting illegally, an assertion wholly un­ supported by Knox’distinguished record of s public service, one can only conclude that Knox correctly believed that the land he purchased did not belong to any tribe, and that the Non-Intercourse Act did not apply in any event,”Brennan said. Brennan, in another argument, states that the admission o f Maine as a state in 1820 was tacit approval o f all previous treaties with Indians. Although Brennan admits there was no debate on Indian affairs when Maine joined the Union, he said, “ even if we assume that the Non-Intercourse Act applied to New England Indians, it seems clear that in admitting Maine to the Union in 1820 Congress approved all the treaties up to then,” Apparently, land claims were disputed in the 1700’ Massachusetts and Penobscot s. Indians signed a land agreement in 1796, after ten years’ refusal to sign the pact on the part o f the'Indians. Brennan said that agreement was to “ resolve a long standing dispute.” Another dispute was resolved when Passa­ maquoddy Indians were granted 23,000 acres in 1794, Brennan said. Brennan said the current dispute raises the question o f whether the U.S. has a “ moral debt” to Indians. He said this question should not be confused with the legal issues o f the land claims case. In terms o f the land claims, the Indians are owed nothing, according to Brennan. �Page 4 Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 Wilderness Pursuits challenge youth ORONO — The Wabanaki Wilderness Pursuits Program is about to begin here, taking Maine Indian youth on adventurous hiking, camping, climbing and canoeing ex­ peditions throughout the year. A written proposal for the project states, “ believe that an Indian youth can attain We greater knowledge of himself through direct encounter with stress. In coping with and understanding stress, he discovers strengths within himself that he may be able to tap at a later time. Dale Mitchell, 26-year-old director of the state-funded but privately organized co-ed program, said the purpose o f Wilderness Pursuits is to teach self-confidence and con­ fidence in others. A wilderness experience will teach responsibility and resourceful­ ness, he said. M itchell explained that a rugged wilderness experience involves a joint effort that can bring out the best in young people, age 12 and up. “ Everybody seems to need to get high. We want to show there are other ways to get high than alcohol and drugs,”he said. A camping experience fosters self-reli­ ance, leadership, as well as love and compassion, said Mitchell, who has himself undergone tough training sessions. “ ve I’ seen some pretty dynamic results,”he said. “ This thing has just sort o f brain­ stormed,”Mitchell said. Actually, a year’ s worth of planning has gone into a proposal that won a $40,000 grant from Maine Criminal Justice Planning and Assistance Agency last March. Mitchell’ program is sponsored by s Wabanaki Corporation Inc. o f Orono, a non-profit agency dealing with alcoholism and related services. Help has come from Project USE Maine, a private wildernessoriented group with a base camp at North Turner. Wilderness Pursuits are tentatively set to officially start within the next few weeks, using the Debsconeag Lakes area north of Millinocket, and other suitable sites. Mitchell has perm ission from Great Northern Paper Co. to use the Debsconeag region. To maintain the wilderness character of Debsconeag, not even so much as a trail will be blazed to campsites, Mitchell said. In the area are opportun ities for m ountain climbing with ropes, canoeing on the West Branch o f the Penobscot, hiking the Appalachian Trail and Mount Katahdin. Katahdin is incorporated in an emblem designed for Wilderness Pursuits. Wilderness trips will include eight young men and women, plus two qualified, trained instructors. Trips will range from weekend outings to a full 21 days, depending on the time of year and other conditions. Mitchell said all Maine Indian youth — including Passam aquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac and Maliseet — are eligible to join a Wilderness Pursuit trip. There is no charge to the participant or his or her parents. A Passamaquoddy from Pleasant Point, Mitchell heard about plans for a wilderness program while operating heavy equipment at the reservation. He now heads the program from an office at 93 Main St., Orono. Mitchell attended Eastport high school, spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended University of Maine at Farmington. Mitchell has traveled around the U.S., and is devoted mountain climber, using ropes and other technical equipment. Perhaps more difficult than any climb was Mitchell’ job of selecting eight s instructors from a group o f 14 Indians who underwent a stiff training course at Project USE, and in the White Mountains o f New Hampshire. O f the eight leaders, six remain. Instructors for Wabanaki Wilderness Pursuits pose informally at the program’ 93 Main s St., Orono, headquarters. The group was, preparing for a reconnaissance outing to Debsconeag Lakes area. Instructors for the program are Mitchell, Richard Love, Tony Joseph, David Socoby, Mark Altvater, and Jessie MacGregor. The four-season program has already tried trips with small groups at Pleasant Point. Mitchell, an articulate and thoughtful speaker, said “ teamwork builds confidence in others, as well as in yourself. Our program gives everybody the opportunity, to participate, but nobody is treated any better than anyone else.” Mitchell explained that part o f the program’ purpose is to let young people s make mistakes and take on new challenges, as long as these don’ threaten health and t safety o f those involved. “ a person sleeps in a gulch, and it rains If and he gets soaked, he sure won’ do it t again. We feel that if a person makes a mistake, its experiencial learning,”Mitchell said. Another kind of learning takes place in a blin dfold game, that M itchell calls “ empathy.” He said a person can under­ stand what it’ like to be blind if he must s feel another’face to identify that person, or s must rely on others’ judgment as he walks blindfolded. A written program description says Wilderness Pursuits means “ forgetting .for a brief period the technological society we live in and dealing primarily with basics — food, shelter, actions, feelings.” It means, “ becoming part o f a team — living as a community, solving problems together, sharing the excitement, the dis­ appointments, and the joy — reaching out to help others, having others reach out to you.” The program will provide all equipment outside o f basic clothing, including tents, winter boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, life vests, food and related items. For further information contact Mitchell at his office, telephone 866-5577. Christ taught virtues Indians uphold, AIM says INDIAN ISLAND — Vernon Bellcourt, an American Indian Movement (AIM) spokesman and an Ojibwa from Minnesotta, was questioned by a reporter here recently on the role o f the Church in Indian society. In random comments on the role o f Chris­ tianity in Indian culture, Bellcourt said, “ The number one enemy o f Indians is Chris­ tianity. Not, I want to add, the teachings of Christ.” Bellcourt said Jesus Christ taught many of the same virtues that Indian peoples have followed since pre-Christian times. White Americans no longer follow the true teach­ ings, according to Bellcourt. “ True spiritualism is man’ respect for s nature, for the earth. What was brought here (by white settlers) was un-civilization.” he said. Indians do not make wars, bombs, and dehumanize people’ lives. Therefore, s Indians are actually the “ civilized”people, not whites, Bellcourt said. Bellcourt said he had nothing against Indians practicing the teachings o f Christ: “ We have deep love and respect for (Indians) who have followed Christianity,” he said. But Bellcourt maintains that historically, the Church has been “ advance force”of the government takeover o f Indian land. He said the Church has been part o f “ spiritual genocide" against Indians. Indian spiritualism and Christianity are like oil and water, according to Bellcourt. One can shake them up, “ and they mix pretty well as long as you keep shaking,”he said. But let them settle, and they separate, he added. The worst offense o f whites has been “ cultural genocide," Bellcourt said. “ Who was it who destroyed this culture? It was education — European philosophies that frankly overwhelmed us. “ The strength o f Indian-ness was educated right out o f (Indian children in white schools). That's why we have the high pushout rate — we call it pushout instead of dropout because they are pushed out by racist education that teaches Columbus dis­ covered America,”Bellcourt said. “ (AIM) have several schools operating We across the country: the concept we have there is pro-Indian; a true history of America that deals with spiritualism. W e’ re developing a student that has first his own identity intact, through knowing about his own culture, his spiritualism and history. “ We want the minds o f our children back,”Bellcourt said. Bar group to meet OAKLAND, Ca. — The American Indian Bar Association has slated its annual meeting Nov. 4-5, at Phoenix, Arizona. The agenda includes speakers on the topic of Indian criminal jurisdiction. A recent asso­ ciation newsletter said directors hope to change the organization from “ purely paper” into one that “ provides genuine service to the Indian legal community.” �Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 Page 5 Indian policy report issued WASHINGTON — The Senate Select control at the local tribal level; restoration Committee on Indian Affairs has reported o f Federal recognition to terminated and that the Final Report of the American non-recognized tribes and a reestablishment Indian Policy Review Commission is ready of their land bases and tribal self-govern­ for public distribution. ments; tribal control over economic and The report consists of over 600 printed natural resource development; and the pages contains thirteen chapters and establishment o f an, independent agency or proposes a total o f 206 recommendations to separate Department of Indian Affairs. the Administration and to Congress. "Although the Commission’ work over s the past two and one half years has received a fair amount o f publicity and notoriety, the significance o f this Final Report has yet to be realized,” Senator James Abourezk (DS. Dak.), chairman of the Senate Select ORONO — Wabanaki Alliance has-been Committee on Indian Affairs, said. awarded a grant o f $8,788 in federal funds, "It is the first comprehensive study in our to hire an assistant editor. nation’ history ever to be conducted by s The newspaper applied to. Penobscot Indian people themselves and contains the Consortium of Bangor, area sponsor for most accurate and well researched account federal Comprehensive Employment and ever written about the Federal-lndian rela­ Training Act (CETA) monies, and the full tionship. While the primary purpose o f this application was approved after a formal report is to ipake a case for recommenda­ review process. tions calling for long needed reforms in the The new position will be listed with state Federal Indian policy, it will also be a employment agencies and will also be valuable educational tool to enlighten the advertised, as soon as a contract is worked American public who are largely unin­ out by Penobscot Consortium. The assistant formed about the significant historical rela­ ed ito r’ resp on sibilities will include s tionship o f the U.S. Government with reporting, planning, and assistance in the Kim Mitchell, at work at Maine Public Broadcasting Network [MPBN] studio, on the Orono Indian tribes and the unique status o f the day to day operation and production o f the campus, University of Maine. American Indian in our society today,” newspaper. Abourezk said. “ re delighted the position has been We’ Among the recommendations contained approved, and we hope qualified individuals in the report are: the development of will apply for the job," said Steven Cart­ Federal policies to assist Indian tribes in wright, Wabanaki Alliance editor. “ are We their transition into fully operational gov­ especially interested in Indian applicants,” ernments with the same powers and respon­ he added. sibilities as other local governments; a Wabanaki Alliance is published monthly reorganization o f the Bureau of Indian by Division o f Indian Services, Diocesan ORONO — A young man who has He said the damaging “ lazy Indian, unwill­ Affairs from top to bottom changing it from Human Relations Services Inc. o f Maine, a straddled both white and native Maine ing to work” stereotype is the result of a program management to a technical non-profit corporation o f the Catholic Indian worlds says it’ time for ‘ s ‘ people to whites misunderstanding Indian culture. assistance or service agency emphasizing Church. get back to their Indian roots.” As an example o f misunderstanding, “ s a time for rediscovery. 1 really take Mitchell cited the concept o f time and It’ pride in being an Indian,” said Kimball scheduling. “ Time with the Indian is Mitchell, Penobscot Indian and a program nothing. That’ why Indians have a lot of s director at Maine Public Broadcasting Net­ trouble with the white man’world. One of s work (MPBN)in Orono. the elements that keep the Indians in their Kim Mitchell, 23, is married to a non- own little world is the time element. Often Indian woman, and the couple lives in Still­ the whites can’ understand this,”he said. t water, not far from the Penobscot reserva­ As a radio director, Mitchell must follow tion at Indian Island, where Kim was bom strict schedules, putting him in a position and grew up. “ lot o f people on the island where he “ see both sides” f how time is A can o might say I’ abandoned my Indian handled. In many other ways, being an ve heritage. 1 have a nice white-collar job, a Indian working with whites, and married to nice wife, new car. But it’not so,”Mitchell a white, offers Mitchell a chance to see both s said. sides. Mitchell said in a brief interview at “ Generally, the Indians get along with MPBN studios-that he is not an “ apple,”a white people pretty well. O f course, this land metaphor o f being red outside and white claims issue has gotten blown all out of inside. But he said there are persons who proportion,” Mitchell commented, adding, might call him one. “ there is more tension than a couple o f years Asked why he moved off Indian Island, ago. But not as much as people think.” Mitchell said, “ the opportunities aren’ t Asked his opinion on the outcome o f the there. I’ not going to let that fact hold me Maine Indian lawsuit to regain 12 million m back. Mitchell comes from a low-income acres o f land, Mitchell said, “ s going to be It’ background and has had to rely on his own a long time before anything’ settled. s determination to achieve personal goals, he Especially with the adamant stand the state Judge William B. Gunter glances at newspaper during break in secret land claims taBts at said. is taking (asserting Indians have no valid Orono. Although he is a full time radio producer- claims). It’ going to be a long time before s director, Mitchell still finds time to belong we see anything.” to the 12-member Penobscot Indian Tribal A 1976 graduate o f University o f Maine at Council. He said he believes in his work, Orono, Mitchell has said he has been in­ teels what he does is important and interest­ terested in communications for years. “ s It’ ing. something I always wanted to do as a kid. I Did Mitchell have advantages as a child? went into the wrong major, natural resource No. he said. “ parents were as poor as a management. Broadcasting is the thing I've My lot of people. always liked.” said. he "The Indians have to have something they Mitchell switched majors, graduating can reaily believe in.” Mitchell said. His with a degree in broadcasting with a minor father is currently an advisor to Penobscot in journalism. He is working at MPBN Indian Enterprises. Indian Island, and was under a two year federal minority assistance a former stitcher at Old Town Shoe. His grant. R ecalling earlier sch ool days, mother, a former Indian affairs agent on the Mitchell said. “ made it through high I island, now works with a vocational reha­ school with about an 84 average. I was no bilitation program at Bangor. ‘ wiz’ kid. but that (high average) was con­ Mitchell has two older brothers, both sidered tremendous on the reservation." living and working outside the reservation. Kim Mitchell “ definitely”identifies him­ Kim Mitchell has never had a problem self as Indian, but at the same, time he with motivation, but he was quick to point observed. "My world is really split between Mrs. William B. Gunter, left, received a tour of Indian Island from Ann Pardilla, Penobscot out he does not believe Indians are “ lazy." the Indian and the white world.” Indian. Paper wins grant for new job slot Broadcaster sees need for Indian cultural roots �Page 6 Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 Resolutions of border conference (See story on front page) On Geneva Peace Conference On native peoples conference On land, government, the border WHEREAS Native People o f New England WHEREAS the Six Nations Confederacy WHEREAS the border frequently dissects and Eastern Canada assembled in con­ will be presenting the Jay Treaty issue Tribal populations and Tribal Terri­ ference at the Penobscot Nation in at the Geneva Peace Conference in tories and thereby confuses and ob­ Maine to discuss the impact o f the Can­ September, 1977; and structs the functions of Tribal Govern­ adian-United States Border on Indian WHEREAS the Tribes o f Eastern Canada ments on both sides; and Affairs; and and the New England States have con­ WHEREAS this division has further created WHEREAS resolutions were passed ex­ vened at the Penobscot Nation to dis­ confusion about the Tribal Status of pressing our concerns; and cuss Indian Border issues; those portions o f Tribes, living in their WHEREAS the resolutions adopted are THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aboriginal territory, but divided by the being forwarded to the National Indian findings and resolutions o f this assem­ border from their Tribal Government. Brotherhood o f Canada and the Na­ bly be forwarded to the Six Nations and And the Abenaki peoples o f Quebec this assembly fully support the Six tional Congress o f American Indians; and Vermont have taken initial steps to Nations in their presentation of the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the deal with this problem; and Jay Treaty in Geneva. National Congress o f American Indians WHEREAS Tribes possessing aboriginal and the National Indian Brotherhood title to unified geographical areas and form a joint committee to pursue the depend upon the land and waters of On Canadian-U.S. border crossing rights implementation o f the resolutions voted these areas as a necessity o f life have WHEREAS from Time immemorial, the In­ at this conference, and that this joint seen these areas artificially divided by dian Nations o f the Northeast United committee immediately establish con­ the border and have seen their abor­ Noel Knockwood, a Canadian Micmac States and Eastern Canada have main­ tact concerning these matters with the iginal rights and Tribal sovereignty Indian attending border conference, said he tained tribal territories through their Federal Governments of the United jeopardized by the intrusion o f alien is interested in reviving authentic Indian Political Sovereignty as Nations; and States and Canada, and that this joint laws; and spiritualism. Knockwood has taught school WHEREAS our Nations have permitted ac­ committee regularly inform the Indian WHEREAS the aboriginal people and In­ in Canada, but felt his Indian pupils were cess through our territories to other Nations represented at this conference dian Tribal governments should re­ not learning their native language, nor were Indian Peoples; and on its actions and accomplishments assert their aboriginal rights as either they being exposed to Indian cultural tradi­ W HEREAS foreign powers have established relative to the resolutions; band or Tribal entities and should work tions. many invisible lines or borders through BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this to abolish all foreign governmental con­ our Nations which do not relate to our joint committee pursue the establish­ trol over determination o f their mem­ traditional, hereditary territories; and ment o f an International Joint Com ­ bership which should be entirely con­ On Indian services, benefits mission on Indian Affairs composed of WHEREAS the Treaty of Peace, signed in trolled by the Indian Tribal govern­ Paris in 1783 by the United States and Indian representatives to implement WHEREAS members o f Indian tribes from ments; and Great Britain, which fixed the border the Federal responsibilities o f the the United States and members o f In­ WHEREAS the Penobscot and Passamabetween the United States and the D o­ United States and Canada towards dian Bands from Canada who cross the quoddy Tribes and the Micmac and minion o f Canada, was not intended to North American Indian people; and International Boundary are denied Maliseet people on the United States and did not affect Indians and made no side o f the border have worked with ap­ services in the areas o f Welfare, Educa­ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the division o f our Country; and National Congress o f American Indians tion, Health and Employment; and propriate governmental jurisdictions to WHEREAS the Jay Treaty signed on No­ and the National Indian Brotherhood secure hunting, fishing and trapping WHEREAS Indians from Canada are re­ vember 19, 1794, by the United States present the resolutions adopted at this quired to register as “ Aliens” in the rights for their Canadian brothers and and Great Britain provided for the con­ conference to the meetings o f the sisters, but such rights are not recipro­ United States in violation o f U.S. laws tinual,' unmolested Aboriginal Right World Council o f Indigenous People, cated for any tribal members crossing to become eligible for such benefits and o f North American Indians to freely scheduled for late August, 1977 in Indians from the United States are re­ into Canada; and cross and recross this foreign imposed Sweden. quired to register as “ Landed Immi­ WHEREAS such major incursions and en­ imaginary line; and vironmental alterations to aboriginal grants” in Canada to be eligible for WHEREAS on May 4, 1796, both parties lands as dams, pipe-lines, oil refineries, benefits; and declared the Indian provisions o f the highways, and dangerous waste dis­ WHEREAS there does not now exist an Jay Treaty to be “ permanent”through agreement between the two govern­ posal have been planned and executed Urban Indian council an Explanatery Article; and ments to provide services to Indians in without Indian consultation and con­ WHEREAS on December 24, 1814, the tinue to be planned at the present time any consistent manner; and supports conference Treaty o f Ghent further reaffirmed the without Indian participation; and WHEREAS the existing non-Indian child terms o f the Said 1794 Jay Treaty; and WHEREAS on many occasions both Great welfare systems in both countries have Britain and the United States have seriously undermined the Indian family WHEREAS: The United States-Canadian WHEREAS representatives o f both the United States and Great Britain met made treaties and otherwise dealt with structure and have contributed to the border disects many tribal territories and with the chiefs o f all Nations and Tribes Indian Nations without regard to the loss of Indian identity and families and their tribal populations, and of Indians from the East and West and children who have crossed the border WHEREAS: this has resulted in denial o f or border; from the North and South and assured are particularly vulnerable to these sys­ confusion concerning the tribal status of THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that them that by the Treaty o f Ghent no those members who are citizens o f one action be taken to permit the rejoin­ tems; boundary line should exist between our ing of border-divided Tribes and the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the country and residing in the other, and people and no duties, taxes or customs establishment o f reunified Tribal gov­ United States and Canadian govern­ WHEREAS; this has further resulted in inshould be leived on us; and ernments; and m ents through the appropriate consistancies concerning immigration and customs policies as well as denial o f social W HEREAS the Indian People o f the North­ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the agencies — Bureau of Indian Af­ east are North American Indians Tribes with aboriginal title to unified fairs, Department o f Indian Affairs and health care services in urban New whether born in what is now called the — establish an agreement to provide England areas for these non-citizen Indians, geographical areas which have been United States or what is now called assistance including, but not limited to, and sundered by artificial boundaries can­ Canada; and WHEREAS: the Region I Indian Task not properly and should not forcefully the following service areas; be compelled to observe restrictive Medical — hospitalization, medica­ Force o f the Federal Regional Council, Con­ WHEREAS North American Indian people are not border-conscious; and border-related laws; and tions, examinations, transporta­ federation o f Indians o f Quebec, Union of BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the de­ tion, dental, optical, alcoholism, Nova Scotia Indians, and Union of New W HEREAS neither the United States nor Canada honor their obligations to termination o f Band or Tribal mem­ mental and physical examinations, Brunswick Indians, through initial meetings Indian People under these treaties; and on Aug. 16-18 and subsequent meetings, are bership is an aboriginal right reserved etc. endeavoring to seek clarification and WHEREAS these powers have established Education — kindergarten, primary, to Indian governments; and vague and arbitrary immigration and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that action high school, university, technical, solutions to immigration, customs, and customs regulations which restrict our similar to that taken by the Penobscot tuition, supplies, stipends, trans­ social and health care problems o f the tribal freedom at the border; populations disected by the border, with one and Passamaquoddy Tribes and the portation, counsellors, etc. Micmac and Maliseet people in Maine Welfare — Food, shelter, clothing, intent being that of developing a proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the customs and immigration requirements to secure hunting, fishing and trapping child welfare, deserted families, service agreement between Canadian and which are imposed by the Governments United States government agencies, for rights to Wabanaki Tribes from beyond social workers, etc. o f the United States and Canada be consideration by those Indian populations Maine’ border be taken in the Can­ s Housing, Employment, Legal Assist­ abolished with respect to North Ameri­ affected, adian Provinces and appropriate States ance, Recreation, etc.; and can Indian People; and within the United States; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the National Urban Indian Council fully BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that both BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed International Joint Commis­ powers accept the inablienable rights of planning process for any construction sion on Indian Affairs begin to explore supports the endeavors o f these groups to North American Indians included in project affecting Indian land include a methods by which this could be done clarify and recom m en d solu tion s to the Jay Treaty, the Treaty of Ghent and problems affecting these populations who strict requirement for formal review by and to recommend how such an agree­ other similar agreements. reside in urban areas in New England. the affected Indian governments). ment might be established. �Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 Page 7 A border conference workshop panel discusses issues. In each workshop, all persons attending were invited to comment or ask questions of the panel. Bids rejected on town building INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Bids on a budgeted for the new building. proposed new municipal building here were At the Aug. 12 meeting o f the council, the. rejected at a recent tribal council meeting Project Division was instructed to explore becau se qu otations far exceeded a acceptable alternatives and to make a report construction budget. to the council at a later date. Bidding on the proposed fire and police Attending the meeting were Lt. Gov. municipal building complex were Cyr Con­ Harold Lewey, Brian Bowdoin, business struction, Caribou, and Dalton Industries, manager, Robert Lewis, project developer, Chelmsford, Ma. Dalton’ bid of $279,000 George Stevens, housing authority executive s was disallowed due to improper format, director, Steven Kuruntz, architect’ repre­ s according to the Passamaquoddy Reserva­ sentative, Edward Paul, general manager, tion Housing Authority at Indian Township. and Councilman Dennis Tomah. Also, Dale Cyr Construction’ adjusted bid of Powers o f Cyr Construction, and Ralph s $316,550 was way above the $129,000 Dorr, Dorr Construction. Charles W. Rhynard Longley to replace Rhynard as commissioner AUGUSTA — Gov. James B. Longley is expected to appoint a new Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the next few weeks, choosing from a half dozen candidates recommended for the job. The candidates are all Indians, according to Charles W. Rhynard, the current commissioner who submitted the recom­ mendations. Rhynard, a non-Indian, said his candidates met with approval from tribal goyernors at a recent meeting attended by Governor Longley. Rhynard’predecessor, Penobscot Indian s George M. Mitchell, quit the commis­ sioner’ post. s When Rhynard, a political consultant, agreed to take the commissioner’ job in s May, he told Longley he would serve only until a replacement could be found, 60-90 days. Ninety days were up at the end of August, and Rhynard said he now thinks he will not serve beyond the end o f September. Rhynard said a commissioner does not necessarily have to be an Indian. The first Indian to serve in the post was Mitchell’ s predecessor, John Stevens, a Passama­ quoddy. Stevens is governor o f Indian Township reservation. Border conference was filmed by a crew from Akwesasne, Rooseveltown, N.Y. Chief Agnes Sanipass of Bactouche Reserve, Buctoache, New Brunswick, attended the U.S.-Canadian border conference at Indian Island with her husband, above. Her reserve is 275 acres, but only 14 Indians occupy the area, all of them relatives of Chief Sanipass, a Micmac. The Chief has a sister, Elizabeth Phillips, who resides in Houlton. PEACE PIPE is passed between Penobscot Gov. Nicholas Sapiel, center, of Indian Island, and Abenaki Chief Walter Watso of Quebec, during evening ceremony by firelight. The ritual symbolized the unity of Canadian and U.S. native peoples. John Sapiel, a Penobscot, looks on. �Page 8 Wabanaki Alliance September 1977 A flashback to the past Land claims compromise sought (Continued from page 1 ) Both the Governor and Attorney General Brennan have said the case should be handled “ the proper legal fashion.” in Brennan has often stated Maine would win a court battle over the Indians’ claims. Gunter opposes a court settlement. “ I don’think the matter could go on through t the courts because o f the economic chaos it would cause,” said. he Gunter went on to say, “ The tribes did not understand what my assignment was. I think the tribes thought that I was to be a mediator.” Gunter said he considered his assignment on Maine Indians completed, but he remains directly involved in the case as President Carter’representative. Gunter s was also busy preparing a report on Mashpee Indians in Massachusetts, a tribe that has also presented a land claims suit. Meeting with Gunter were members of the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy negotiating committee, including Wayne Newell of Indian Township, Gail Dana and Robert Newell o f Pleasant Point, Andrew X. Akins, Perry, and Timothy Love, Indian Island. Also present were Governor Sapiel, Indian Island, and Gov. Francis Nicholas of Pleasant Point. At least a dozen interested tribal members attended the session. The only non-Indians admitted were Gunter and lawyer Tureen. Keeping up Indian named to BIA post WASHINGTON — Forrest J. Gerard, an American Indian, was nominated recently to take a job as the first assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. U.S. Interior Secretary Cecil D. Andrus described Gerard as “ intelligent advo­ an cate o f Indian causes and an outstanding executive.” A member o f the Blackfeet Tribe, Gerard headed the professional staff for the Senate Subcommittee on Indian Affairs from 1971 through 1976. In this period he was involved in the development o f the Indian Self-De­ termination and Education Assistance Act, the Indian Financing Act, the Menominee Restoration Act, the Indian Education Act of 1972, the Indian Health Care Im­ THREE PASSAMAQUODDY Indians pos* n.u. a Jesuit priest, left, in this circa 1860-75 provement Act and the legislation establish­ photo. The first Jesuit mission was established among Abenaki Indians in 1613. [From the ing the American Indian Policy Review photo collection of the Smithsonian Institution.] An; historical photos submitted to Commission. Wabanaki Alliance will be handled carefully and promptly returned. Gerard, 52, opened his own consulting office after leaving the Senate Subcommit­ tee Staff in 1976. He had previously worked for the Indian Health Service as Tribal Relations Officer and for BIA as Legislative Liaison Officer. (Continued from page 1 ) Both NIB Vice President Dennis Nicholas services to North American Indians have and NCA1 Executive Director Chuck “ obviously been there for a long, long time.” Trimble spoke at the conference, noting that Indians are showing their strength and New confederacy Chief Walter Watso, o f the Confederation asserting their rights. The meeting itself was of Indians o f Quebec (CIQ), com mented. a show o f strength and unity, they said. W A SH IN G TO N — The National Talking about a white backlash against during the opening day o f the conference, Advisory Council on Indian Education They are disturbed “ We speak o f rejuvenating the Wabanaki Indians, Trimble said, “ (NACIE) has asked all interested tribes, over the increasing sophistication o f tribal Confederacy... I think we can do it.” agencies and individuals to attend a full Watso said Indians, “ citizens o f North government, and the assertion o f our council meeting Sept. 17-19, at Dallas, Tex. America,”should not be restricted in their sovereign powers.” On the agenda for the three-day session Ending oppression movements across the U.S.-Canadian are an executive director’ report, commit­ s Trimble called for “ end of dominance the border, whether for work, family, health or tee reports, plans for future NACIE activi­ and oppression o f Indian people everywhere. whatever reason. He spoke o f “ consider­ a ties, special reports and regular council able awareness among Indians o f their I think we can take heart in the unity and business. The meetings will be followed by he rights, and at the same time a lessening of brotherhood ... shown here,” said. the National Congress of American Indians, Commenting„ on the final resolutions of awareness on the part o f customs officials.” The res­ slated Sept. 18-23, in Dallas. Watso called for a reaffirmation o f the the conference. Chief Watso said, “ A call for Indian rights Education panel slates meeting 1794 so-calied Jay Treaty, that established Indian rights to freely cross the border. Many Indians at the conference claimed rights have been eroded over the years, with requirements for work visas, alien registra­ tion and general harassment at the border. Tom Paul, a Canadian Indian and a member o f the American Indian Movement (AIM), told the conference, “ ve had a lot of I’ experience crossing borders, and I’ had a ve lot of hassles. To me a treaty is just a dirty word. The white man has broken all his promises. "W e are caught up in their ways on top of their language. Alcohol has killed thousands of Indians,” Paul said, adding, “ m I’ familiar with the white man’ laws because s I’ done time in prison for assault. ve It was because o f alcohol.” Taking a more extreme position than many Indians at the conference, Paul said, "What 1think we should do is write our own laws, and present them to the government of Canada and the United States.” Women's group seeks members BOSTON — An Indian women’ group s that claims several thousand members has invited Maine Indian women to join the association. Organized seven years ago, the North American Indian Women’ Association s (NAIWA), has chapters across the nation, plus members in Canada, Mexico and South America. Pam Kiser Colorado o f the Boston Indian Council distributed information and an invitation to join the group at a recent U.S.-Canadian border conference at Indian Island. Colorado is associated with an area chapter o f NAIWA. A printed circular describes the associa­ tion’purpose as working toward family and s tribal stability, and increasing understand­ ing among people o f different backgrounds. In recent years, younger women have become involved in NAIWA, although older, more traditional women were the first members, the circular said. “ you see If things that need to be done on your reserve or community and (you) are willing to work on them, NAIWA would like to welcome you as a member,” said. it For further information contact Colorado at Boston Indian Council, 105 South Hunt­ ington Ave., Jamaica Plain, Boston, Ma. Tribal review deadline changed WASHINGTON — The Bureau o f Indian Affairs (BIA) has agreed to extend a dead­ line for comment on procedures to decide if an Indian tribe should be given federal recognition. The action moving the deadline to Sept. 18, 1977, follows numerous requests for more review time, according to a news release from the U.S. Department o f the Interior. olutions we have here will probably have to be revised, but at least we have a starting point. That’why this is a historic meeting.” s Anniversary marked by traditional rite INDIAN ISLAND — A traditional wedding anniversary took place here recently for Mr. and Mrs. Francis C. Sapiel o f 4 Oak Hill Street. Attending the ceremony were relatives and friends o f the Sapiels, including John Sapiel. Arlene Capp and former state Deputy Commissioner o f Indian Affairs S. Glenn Starbird. Jr. The event included auth­ entic Penobscot ritual dancing and clothing. "Let’ have more traditional weddings.” s said Francis Sapiel. whose Indian name is Bobcat Glossian. His wife is the former Edwina Neptune. HOULTON — Four area students graduated recently from Houlton High School, and at least three of them have definite plans for the future. They are [from left, above] Deloris [Dee] Francis, who will attend University of Maine at Orono; Sue Silliboy, to attend North­ ern Maine Vocational Technical Institute; Ken Breedon, to join the U.S. Army; and Annette McKee, who hasn’decided on her plans yet. t � 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> (September 1977) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-09 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-422 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/8aaf5ae48594953ba52045e38099b3f6.pdf 93431ac6282b09f3db767302f5531cf6 PDF Text Text Wabanaki A llia n ce Non-profit org. U.S. Postage Paid 2.1' Orono, Maine Permit No. 14 October 1977 Fraud found In sale of Suit alleges contractor botched job Townships INDIAN ISLAND — A lawyer for the housing authority here is preparing a law suit of several hundred thousand dollars, against a contractor who has allegedly bungled the job. The suit is expected to be filed soon at U.S. District Court in Bangor, and will seek $300,000 to $400,000 in damages against a Bosion general contractor, according to Paul F. Zendzian. lawyer for Penobscot Reservation Tribal Housing Authority. To be named in the suit as defendants are J. W. Praught Company, chief contractor for $1.2 million 29-unit housing project here, and Home Indemnity Company of New York City, Praught’ bonding firm. s Among alleged problems with Praught are a failure to complete 21 units o f family housing plus eight units o f housing for elderly under terms o f an original contract. Praught was allegedly more than 100 days late in constructing the homes, for which he BIRD’S EYE VIEW of Penobscot reservation village on Indian Island was snapped from has been assessed a $500 per day penalty as plane piloted by Rep. Michael Pearson of Old Town. [Cartwright Photo] specified in the contract. Also, three existing homes in the project were reportedly built on improperly com pacted soil, in violation o f the contract between Praught and the housing authority. Indians say they have repeatedly showed a WASHINGTON — The White House has Carpenter said typical problems with announced appointment o f a three member willingness to negotiate a compromise settle units include faulty caulking, missing plates task force to discuss a settlement o f Pen ment to their claims. At a meeting with for electrical outlets, defective windows and obscot and Passamaquoddy land-claims in Gunter in August, Indian officials asked unpainted areas. “When you come down to Maine. that a negotiator be appointed, and the it. it’ just lousy workmanship,” he said. s Named to the panel and expected to meet recent White House move is seen as a “con Praught has already threatened a soon with Maine Indian leaders were Leo cession” by the Administration, according countersuit o f $2 million in a letter to Krulitz. solicitor for Department of Interior; to one Indian leader. Zendzian. Members of the Penobscot-Passama Stephens Clay, who works with Judge The 29 units were built last year as the William Gunter, the President’ Indian land quoddy tribal negotiating team were s first phase of a three phase housing claims advisor; and Elliott Cutler, former expected to meet soon with the new task aulhority construction program at Indian campaign aide to Sen. Edmund S. Muskie, force in Washington. Island, funded through the federal D-Maine. Department of H ousing and Urban Officials of the Penobscot and Passa Development (HUD). maquoddy tribes have called the White An official of HUD’ architectural and House action a favorable development in s engineering division rated Praught as “very negotiations to settle the Maine Indians’ (Continued on page 5 ) claim to 12.5 million acres of the State. ORONO — Wabanaki Corporation, a statewide Indian alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation program, has applied for re newed three-year funding from Federal sources. Organized in March 1975. the non-profit group submitted a proposal before an Oct. 1 1 ORONO — Is being a Micmac Indian an and attitudes. Some o f the most difficult deadline, seeking close to $ million for the next three years of operation. The monies times they can recall led to their expressions important part o f your identity? of trust and self-confidence, in a recent sought represent a “ substantial increase” It’ important for two freshman women at s over funding appropriations for the first University o f Maine here, who also have in interview at UMO. That self-confidence shows when Freda, a three years, according to George M. common that they are roommates, and Mitchell. Wabanaki executive director. share similar interests in life. “ When people former beauty contest winner, and her Wabanaki Corp. has applied for funds ask if I'm an Indian I say I'm a Micmac equally attractive roommate smile and joke about their careers. The two students were through the National Institute on Alco Indian.” said Margaret (Freda) Harper. holism and Alcohol Abuse (N AAA), an arm 1 delighted to room together at UMO. where Delora (Dee) Francis, her Micmac room mate. is equally enthusiastic about her they can compare notes on everything from of the Health. Education and Welfare De partment. Mitchell said his agency will cultural background. She said she has come classes and professors to sports and dating. probably not hear about final approval of a Freda is so friendly she at times “gives to realize that Indians are "beautiful.” grant until spring, following a Federal everything away, and I end up bumming. Neither Dee nor Freda is in any way smug s about being Micmac. and both of them It’ lucky 1have a generous roommate." she review process. Wabanaki Corp. is involved in combelieve people can live as respectful equals said. munity education, counseling services and Both women want to work in psychology, and treat one another with consideration Wilderness Pursuits, a program started this and are considering the subject for their and love. year that gives young people experience in In their respective upbringings. Dee and major field o f study. Freda said she might cooperation, dealing with challenges, and like to do psychiatric work on an Indian Freda underwent many hardships . . . ex building self-confidence. ( . omiiuied on page 9 ( ) periences that in 18 years shaped their lives White House names claims task force New funds sought by alcoholism group 1 Proud to be Micmac say two UMO students By S. Glenn Starbird, Jr. In all the publicity attending the Maine Indian Land Case as it has progressed through the last few years an item has been largely overlooked, an item though seemingly small in the overall picture, slicks out as one o f the biggest land frauds in the history o f the State when one examines thoroughly the documents relating to it. The item 1refer to is the supposed sale of the so-called Four Townships, owned by (he Penobscot Tribe, to the State in 1833. The legal minds on both sides o f the Indian Land Case can come up with all sorts o f arguments and counter-arguments as to whether the Indian Land sales between 1790 and 1820 were or were not violations o f the 1790 Federal and Non-interco'urse Act. but a fair-minded examination of the records concerning the sale o f the Four Townships o f land reserved to the Penobscots in the Treaty of 1818 will leave the researcher as tounded if not sickened by the casual violation o f both State and Federal law. by the Commissioner appointed by the State and by their complete disregard pf common decency, morality and ehiics. Indians retained Townships The Treaty o f 1818, also known as the Treaty o f Bangor, was signed by the Chiefs, Captains, and Chief men o f the Tribe on the one hand and the Commissioners appointed by the Commonwealth o f Massachusetts on the other, at the old Penobscot County Court House in Bangor, Maine on June 29, 1818. (Continued on page 1 0) Indian home solar heated PLEASANT POINT — Construction has just begun here on 44 new units o f housing on the Passamaquoddy Indian Reservation, and one o f those units is designed to benefit from a solar heating system. The new solar heated house will be the second experiment o f its type built by the tribal housing authority. A first solar heated home was created through a $15,000 dem onstration project grant from the Federal Department o f Housing and Urban De velopment (HUD). “ HUD’ trying to interest people in solar s energy,” said Russell Lawson o f Eastport, an engineer who supervised the demonstra tion project for the housing authority. Lawson claims the first solar conversion project may cut heating bills in half, with the sun providing as much as 60 per cent of heat and hot water for the home. “The real telling is going to come this winter.” Lawson said. The first solar home, otherwise oil-heated, has 28, three by eight foot solar collectors attached to the roof, each containing a system o f copper pipes leading to a 950 gallon storage tank. Besides a hot water supply, the storage tank provides heat for rooms in the house. The second solar home will have a modified design involving ten collectors and a re flector. plus heat storage built into inside walls. Lawson said. �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 editorials As Maine goes . . . Cultural roots “Roots” has lately become an overworked word and a sort of fad, but its essential meaning in a cultural context remains as valid as ever. Roots are vitally important to all of us, whether or not we are conscious of them. Our roots provide us with nothing less than our beliefs, customs, traditions and values — our roots are the past. For Indian society, roots are lifelines to a culture that has suffered much oppression and many losses and setbacks. To research and preserve Indian roots is to rescue Indian cultural traditions. Such work is no dusty anthropological undertaking or some dry academic exercise. To identity and establish roots — the patterns o f the past — is to pump new blood into the heart of Indian identity itself. For several years, Wayne Newell and others at Indian Township and Pleasant Point have worked on a bi-lingual program that provides Indian children with native Passamaquoddy language instruction and ex posure to traditional legends, rituals and practices. The ultimate benefit of the bi-lingual program is more than fluency in the native language, it is a sense o f “who you are.” Who we are, after all, determines our attitudes toward ourselves and each other, and how we interact in the community. The bi-lingual program, and such endeavors as Joseph Nicholas’ Project Indian Pride at Calais (part of a Maine Indian education program) are both effective efforts to ensure the survival and expression of Indian cultural roots. Giving children a positive, personal sense o f pride and identity could be more important than anything else learned at school. Without a sense of “who you are,” and just basically feeling good about oneself, all else to some extent fails. One of the most heartening aspects of renewed interest in Indian cultural roots and identity is that the movement comes from within the native community. Until Indians perceive themselves as a people with a rich cultural heritage, one that needs to be studied, ap preciated and expressed, they are missing a piece of their identity. That a movement is underway to restore awareness of deeply rooted Indian identity is reason to rejoice. History is in the making. Whatever the outcome o f the PenobscotPassamaquoddy land claims case in Maine, the results are likely to set a national precedent. Whether that precedent would be favorable to the return of aboriginal Indian lands across the U.S. remains to be seen. Thomas Tureen, lawyer for Maine Indians, has said he is confident the tribes can win a substantial settlement, including both cash and land. Maine Atty. Gen. Joseph Brennan is equally confident that in a court battle, Indians would lose their claims — at least as those claims apply to State lands. Both the claims by Tureen and those Brennan has made may be inflated for public relations purposes, but we are inclined to think Maine Indians have a substantial crack at winning their case, either through the courts or through negotiated arrangement. We take this position after noting that the U.S. Department of the Interior saw fit to order a suit against Maine for $300 million damages, on behalf of the two tribes. And we note that in New York State, an Oneida Indian land claim was recently upheld by the courts. Brennan’ argument that we cannot rewrite history in favor of s Indians is a hollow one. Obviously a history of many injustices cannot be undone; but if there are the means at our disposal to right certain wrongs, why not pursue those means. Lincoln could not undo a history of slavery in this country, but he changed the course of events by his Emancipation Proclamation. Indians are becoming aware of, and demanding their rights. Persons outside the Indian community are listening. Some non-Indians react with dislike and distruct, but many others show increasing sympathy for the Indian cause. Not least of the supporters is former Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox, a Harvard law professor with a summer place at South Brooksville. Even Brennan admits concern that someone of Cox’ reputation has taken up the cause o f Indians. s We hope there are persons like Cox in our government, because if there are, there is a genuine chance Indians will see justice done. If the Indians here in Maine truly succeed — even if they receive By itself alcohol is a powerful word. Add an “ism” to it, and we’ re far less than $300 million or 12.5 million acres o f land — their talking about a subject of epidemic proportions. success will reverberate not only across the U.S., but worldwide. Alcoholism is a worldwide problem that strikes without regard to [SC] race, creed, color or place of national origin. Abuse of alcohol is a particularly severe problem among native peoples in the U.S., and Maine Indians are no exception. O f course, all of us must liberate ourselves from old, tired stereo types of drunken Indians and related false images. A drunk is a drunk. A person who drinks to excess is a person with a serious problem, a person who needs help. Unlike some diseases, alcoholism cannot really be cured by outside substance or intervention. Not unless the victim of the problem himself decides to reform. Just as victims o f other serious medical problems must have a will to live, so the alcoholic must decide to do something about his condition. Many Maine Indians have lived through an experience with alcoholic abuse, and as veterans of that problem are highly qualified to assist others in recognizing their plight. But though an alcoholic may reform, and never touch a drop, there are times when it’ too s late. Alcohol has caused countless deaths. Death can be on the highway Or from cirrhosis of the liver, but in both cases can be alcohol-related. It's too late for those who have died, but it’ never too late to work s with those persons around us who need help, and need to help themselves. NEW LOGO — Diane Newell Wilson of Indian Island submitted this design which took To struggle to overcome alcoholism is to fight for our lives, and first prize in a contest sponsored by Penobscot Indian Health and Social Services. The logo will be used on the department’s stationery. that is worth fighting for. Alcohol and Indians �letters Lincolnville To the editor: Your newspaper is great, with so many articles that peaked our interest and en thusiasm to be involved. Wish we had known beforehand about the border con ference. Is there some way you could send dates for such things and University o f Maine Indian happenings coming up? 1 guess that’ your intention with the paper. s We’ like to come up to visit sometime d this fall. Thanks for the newspaper. Pat and Richard Tompkins Palmyra To the editor: I was very glad to pick up a copy of Wabanaki Alliance at the “Common Ground Country Fair” in Litchfield this weekend. Like some other whites, I am very deeply distressed over the Indian predica ment and it is good to have some news that is not filtered through the bias o f our usual sources. I was unaware o f the border crossing problem until reading your report. The con ference resolutions, in my opinion, are cogently stated and persuasive, but are con siderably weakened by the inclusion of the resolution on Indian services and benefits. 1 mean, there is an essential absurdity (at least in white thinking) in saying in one breath: ‘ We are a soverign people; lets us alone . . . but provide for all our wants and needs.’ This combination can only evoke paternalism in response. I believe it would be a more effective strategy to seek recogni tion o f soverignty in border crossings with out raising the services issue. Once that is gained, a stronger argument could be made for obtaining the services you need, an 1 believe, separation o f the issues could result in quicker resolution o f both. One final observation on the border issue. The conference resolutions specify the border as a white mans’ fiction, yet you caption Noel Knockwood as a Canadian Micmac! is he not a Micmac who simply ’ lives in Canada? I think there is a differ ence. I was very surprised at the size of the bids on the Indian Township Municipal Build ing. $129,000 seems like it ought to build a lot of building, especially when there are people in Maine who are building handsome and spacious houses (in the commerciallybuilt $40,000-$60,000 class) for $3,000$10,000. Has the township considered the alternative o f having a young non-estab lishment architect design a low cost building, and using Indian and maybe other sympathetic craftsmen to construct it? 1will be glad to supply what information I have if there is interest. Robert L. Daly WABANAKI ALLIANCE Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Red Eye St. John's Newfoundland T o the editor: An article in the Quoddy Tides informs us that you propose to start a newspaper. This is very interesting to me, and 1 wish to become a subscriber. Will you please let me know how 1may obtain your paper and what a subscription costs? I am interested in all things pertaining to the Indians o f Maine and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. At present I am trying to learn the Passamaquoddy language, not an easy task in isolation. It is like learning to swim where there is no water. However 1 have received help from the school at Indian Township (Robert Leavitt) and a couple of individuals at Pleasant Point as well as some Maliseet material from two professors at UNB in Fredericton. Can you tell me if there are any people left who can or do speak Penobscot. It is my impression that the Indian spoken at Old Town is now Passamaquoddy. As you no doubt know, the Maliseets and Passamaquoddies speak the same language, but the Penobscot, although a close relative, is different. Here in Newfoundland we have a few old Micmacs who can speak their language, but it is very different and no help in trying to learn Passamaquoddy. Although I do not expect your paper to be written in Indian, perhaps there may be some articles sometimes in a native language? I wish you success in your venture and look forward to many years of reading your work. Thank you for your attention. Lloyd Leland ASSISTANT EDITOR The Wabanaki Alliance, a statewide month ly newspaper for Maine Indians published at Orono, has an opening for a full time assistant editor for one year. Duties will include reporting, writing and editing. Photography skills an asset; car useful. Residents of Penobscot and Hancock Counties eligible to apply; Indian preferred. Total salary $8,780, paid through federal CETA Title VI LIFTE funds. Interested persons should contact Maine Job Service, 45 Oak St., Bangor, for details. Tel. 942-6351. Vol. 1, No. 3 October 1977 Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services [DIS] at the Indian Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Me. 04473. Steven Cartwright, Editor DIS Board of Directors Jean Chavaree [chairman] John Bailey, CAP director Albert Dana Timothy Love, CAP director Jeannette Neptune, Tribal Clerk Erlene Paul, Central Maine Indian Assn. Roy Paul, Assn, of Aroostook Indians Maynard Polchies, president, Aroostook Indians Michael Ranco, Central Maine Indian Assn. Indian Island Pleasant Point Indian Township Indian Island Indian Township Orono Houlton Houlton Orono DIS is an agency of Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc. of Maine. Subscriptions 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. Contri butions are deductible for income tax purposes. New York City To the editor: One aspect of the Maine land case has been its effect on the tribal rolls. In your August issue, page 8, under headline, “Tribal census shows upswing,” you report: “ Membership in the tribe totaled about 800 persons several years ago. and now hovers around the 1,200 figure, according to Nicholas H. Sapiel, tribal governor . . . Sapiel said there are about one hundred more persons on a “waiting list” for tribal membership .. . genealogical research must prove persons are at least one quarter blood Indian ...” Page 3 Indian Island To the editor: Within recent months newspaper articles are generating from Augusta, which in dicate that Governor Longley opposes an Indian Nation. - 1would like to take this opportunity as a private person to explain the concept of Indian Nation in the Indian context. When they (Indians) refer to themselves as a nation, which many o f them do, they are not renouncing the United States. Rather, they are proclaiming that they are a distinct people, who share a common historical ex perience, a common set o f values and a common world view. They just want their s But the one quarter minimum Indian children and their children’ children to be blood requirement is the standard set by secure in the knowledge of who they are and where they came from. They want their own United States Government’s Bureau of Indian Affairs! Yet, your September issue experiences, traditions and values to occupy reports, under title: “ Border talks focus on an honorable place in the contemporary call for Indian rights.” “An estimated 300 society o f our country. When viewed in this eastern Canadian and U.S. Indians prospective, the Indian people say their attended the three days o f workshops, meet claims will lead to the enhancement of the ings and talks . . . a majority o f persons Constitution, not its renunciation. attending the conference were chiefs or The term “ Indian Nation” should not other tribal officials representing Indians frighten the non-Indian society. Special from Rhode Island to Nova Scotia . . . the status for Indian people is a strong element second broad resolution dealing with tribal o f the constitutional tradition o f this government, land and the border calls for country, treaties, resolves, agreements, etc. action allowing reunification o f borderThe attainment o f native goals implies divided tribes (and) self-determination of one thing: The Indian people must be what constitutes a tribe ...” allowed a choice about their future. During my tenure as a law enforcement The actual resolution itself reads: officer for this great state and involvement "Whereas, the aboriginal people and Indian in the area o f Indian affairs, 1 have con tribal governments should re-assert their cluded that the meaning o f democracy from aboriginal rights as either band or tribal an Indian’ point o f view is: That system s entities and should work to abolish all that allows mistakes to be made but it’ also s foreign governmental control over deter a system that allows us as human beings to mination o f their membership which should correct those mistakes. be entirely controlled by the Indian tribal As previously stated in prior meetings, I governments, and . .. be it further resolved that the determination o f band or tribal want to live under the arm o f democracy and also my children. However, I want my membership is an aboriginal right reserved children to be secure in the knowledge of to Indian governments .. who they are and that their heritage and traditions, values and experiences, will hold If the Penobscot tribal council wishes to a respectable position in today’ society. s show its sincerity and implement these As we venture into our third century, resolutions, it should immediately abolish this BIA requirement o f one quarter which many o f us will not see the end of, let’ begin by honoring and respecting s minimum Indian blood. The origin o f the theory that a culture, Indian rights and the rights of all minorities. either Aryan or Indian, can be determined To allow Indian people a choice about their by one’s blood quantum is too well known to own future is to enhance the meaning of the be repeated here. I am a member o f the United States. To deviate from that goal is National Association o f Metis Indians. We to undermine the whole concept o f the do not require that a member have Indian United States. blood, and prove it, but only because we As a young boy, I can remember vividly wish to remain an Indian “family.” the words o f my grandmother and they However, we do not measure our members’ Indian-ness by their Indian blood quantum, but their knowledge and practice o f Indian culture, (i.e., religion, language and traditions) and their devotion and service to the Indian people. In my opinion the Penobscot and Passa maquoddy tribal councils would do well to set such standards for tribal membership, and discard the BIA standard o f one quarter minimum Indian blood. Charles E. Colcord, Penobscot Metis Council Head, N.Y.C. Chapter National Assn, o f Metis Indians were: “ Many people are trying to destroy our traditions and culture but son don’t let them because what you lose can never be brought back because THEY will not allow George M. Mitchell San Jose, Calif. To the editor: Received your first two issues o f news paper. Very good ' well-written and news — worthy. Would like to keep receiving them Ruth Blank, Librarian Indian Center of San Jose, Inc. �Page 4 Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Bishops voice support for Indian justice The Rev. Raymond Picard of St. Ann’s Parish, Indian Township, with Mary Ellen Socobasin, a Passamaquoddy, and Sister Janet Campbell of the parish. Cursillo: Indians find new faith in self, God INDIAN TOWNSHIP — The Rev. Ray mond Picard doesn’ claim miracles for his t Christian encounter group. But he says that the Cursillo has brought new meaning to people’ lives. s The Cursillo movement in the Catholic Church is widely recognized as an experi ence for groups of adults that has resulted in a renewal of Christian faith and a new sense of personal purpose in life. Father Picard, who joined St. Ann’ s Parish in January, has introduced Cursillo sessions here with considerable success. More than 100 persons at this northern Maine Passamaquoddy reservation have attended the once-only per person three day sessions. Results can be anything from better attendance at Church sendees, to a feeling of self-esteem and new motivation toward a fulfilling life. "It’ a renewal o f faith for the s Indian people who are discouraged with themselves. It’s giving them a new lease on feeling good about themselves and about God,” said Father Picard. Cursillo (Spanish for short course and pronounced kur-see-yo) is an intense, con centrated experience intended to be joyous and rewarding. The session is led by a priest, plus a team o f laymen who spend weeks in prayer and preparation. Persons attending a Cursillo are called Cursillistas — they live and work together, and listen to talks on topics such as Grace, the Sacraments, environment, community action, and “ After the Cursillo.” Father Picard, a 37-year-old Biddeford native, defines a Cursillo as simply, "Getting to relate, to understand; to realize that all life is based on one thing, on love.” Father Picard recalled that one partici pant in a Cursillo commented later, “I’ m finding out the most important thing (in my life up till now) was not my wife and kids, but business and making money.” The participant switched the priorities in his life after the Cursillo. Groups of men and women meet sep arately for a Cursillo, but Father Picard said he feels the overall effects o f the sessions strengthen family ties. He said the Church’ s role in general is "to bring stability to the family.” A pamphlet from St. Paul’ Cursillo s Center. Augusta, says the movement "pro poses no new type o f spirituality, but simply a method through which one's spirituality may be developed, lived and shared in any area o f human life where there are Chris tians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an on-going manner.” The pamphlet says, “The Cursillo gives those who attend it a living understanding of basic Christian truths and the desire to serve the Church. What’ more it provides a s means to continue the Christian formation which is just begun in the three day exercises.” For the Passamaquoddies o f St. Ann’ s, the Cursillo has shown the Indians "they are a loveable people,” Father Picard said. “ If everything in society tells you that you’ no good, that you’ second rate, re re eventually you believe it, if not intellectually, then emotionally,” Father Picard said. But he added, “I see the Indians as a people rich, although not necessarily in material things, in spiritual and cultural values. I see the Indian as definitely going ahead. People are now aware that they can control their own destiny. I don’ think they t were allowed to in the past.” BIA slates funds for Maine tribes W ASHIN GTON — Federal funds totaling $870,000 are budgeted in 1978 for Maine Indians, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Those monies will be available to the Fed erally recognized Penobscot and Passama quoddy tribes, “ As soon as we and the tribes can get together,” according to Raymond V. Butler. BIA chief o f social services. Butler said he has been meeting with Maine tribal officials, and that decisions about how services are delivered to Indians, “Will be entirely those o f the tribes.” Federal recognition o f the tribes in a trust relationship is the result of a process started about four years ago. That relationship officially became effective Oct. 1 . Butler said BIA probably would not have completed the process without the impetus o f the Indian land claims case in Maine. Originally, the U.S. House approved $916,000 for Maine Indians, but this was cut five per cent by the Senate. O f the $870,000, $137,000 is earmarked for Indian services, $252,000 for econ om ic developm ent, $147,000 for natural resources, $270,000 for trust responsibility, and $64,000 for admin istration. W ASHIN GTON — U.S. C atholic Bishops have issued a printed statement on American Indians, that explains the Church position, and spells out the Bishops' com mitment to join native people in their struggle for justice. Their statement, published earlier this year, said in part: “The American Indian people had developed rich and diverse cultures long before the first Europeans came to the American continent. Migrating across this great continent, they dispersed over thousands o f years, from the coasts o f the Pacific Northwest to the arid mesas of the Southwest, the vast grasslands o f midAmerica and the mountains and woodlands o f the East. Adapting themselves to changing environments as they went, they developed over 200 distinct languages and a variety o f carefully developed social, econo mic and political institutions to meet their needs. “ But the arrival o f later immigrants created conflicts not yet resolved. Indian ways o f life were challenged; their very existence was continually threatened by newcomers who were their superiors in the arts o f war. For the Indians, the saga of nation building in America has been a story filled with sorrow and death. “ American Indians in the United States today comprise less than one percent of our total population. In all, they belong to more than 25 distinct tribes and bands. “ Many tribes have retained a special trust status with the United States and continue to live on reservation lands held in trust for them by the federal government. Over the long years, however, many tribes have been deprived o f their communal lands, and with them have partially or entirely lost the traditional vestiges of their culture, their languages, customs and ways o f living. ‘‘During recent decades, increasing numbers o f American Indians, especially the young people, have migrated to cities in search of jobs, shelter and social services which are sorely lacking on many reserva tions. Those who have chosen or been forced to migrate to cities in response to promises of employment and a better life have too often found only new frustrations and broken dreams. Many contend with a deep sense of uprootedness. trying to maintain ties with their families and tribes while coping with the economic hardships and social prejudices, even racism, o f urban society. “ American Indians today are struggling against great obstacles to renew the special values o f their unique heritage and to revitalize the ways o f their ancestors. They are striving to achieve economic develop ment and social justice without compromis ing their unique cultural identity. For some American Indian peoples the struggle is to retain rights to their land and resources; for some it is to gain employment and economic security; and for others, it is to obtain political power in order to set their owrn goals and to make decisions affecting their own futures. These goals, to be achieved within the framework of Indian culture and traditions, test the strength of the American ideal o f liberty and justice for all. America must respond, not to atone for the wrongs of the past, for that in a sense is beyond our power, but to be faithful to our national commitment and to contribute to a truly human future for all. “ As American Catholics, we have a special responsibility to examine our atti tudes and actions in light of Jesus’ com mand to love our neighbor and to proclaim the Gospel message and its implications for society. The Church is compelled, both through its institutions and through its in dividual members, to promote and defend the human rights and dignity of all people. "Accordingly, we recognize our own re sponsibility to join with our American In dian sisters and brothers in their ongoing struggle to secure justice. We realize that there is much that we can and must do within our Church and in society to make our support real. We must first o f all increase our understanding o f the present needs, aspirations and values of the American Indian peoples. This respon sibility can only be carried out effectively in dialogue with American Indians.” Longley opposes State paying reservation priests AUGUSTA — Gov. James B. Longley says he is strongly opposed to the State of Maine picking up the tab for Indian reservation priests, plus paying for other parish expenses. In a recent interview with Wabanaki Al liance, Longley said, “ 1 just feel the State should not be telling you what denomination to believe in.” The Governor said he supports separation o f Church and State, and paying priests’ salaries is in his opinion a clear violation o f that concept. Traditionally, Maine has paid the salaries of the Catholic priests at Indian Township, Indian Island and Pleasant Point. The State has also footed the bill for fuel and utilities for reservation churches and rectories. Longley did not say he is against funds for reservation schools, which are administered by the Catholic Church. Longley has corres ponded with tribal governors and with Dio cesan officials in Portland, but issues have so far not been resolved. Because withdrawal of State support for reservation chaplains appears likely, the Catholic Diocese in Portland has applied for additional funds from a national Catholic commission for Blacks and Indians, to ensure the continued work of the Indian parishes. Longley declined to say what further action he might take in the matter, “1 think I have made my position clear,” he said. Health and social services director sought INDIAN ISLAND — The Penobscot Indian Health and Social Services Depart ment is seeking a Director o f Community and Health Services to plan, organize, and manage programs in the areas o f health services, social services, senior citizens, and youth programs. Preference will be given to a Penobscot Indian, according to a Community Action Program (CAP) official. Applicant must have high potential, interest and experience in the health and human services field. Must be willing to work over and above 40 hours per week. Applicant must he highly mobile and have own transportation, the official said. �Indian panel says land means survival Posing in front of Penobscot Indian health center are from left, Ruth Davis, Paul Buckvalter, Violet Francis and Denise Gilman, all members of a planning committee for the new juilding. [Cartwright Photo] Health services complex under construction INDIAN ISLAND — Construction o f a 5468,000 medical services building is well jnderway here, on a site opposite the Com munity Building. Consisting o f two buildings joined by a passageway, the new center will house the Penobscot Indian Health and Social Services Department. Special programs, previously not available on the reservation, ire planned, along with continued medical services from the tribal health department. Among planned programs are day care, activities for the elderly, various medical clinics, home health aid and a complete range of primary care and social services. "The Penobscots have been underserviced in the Bangor region, explained health department Director Paul W. Buckwaiter, who will become deputy director of the department as soon as a new director is found. “The tribal government is developing its own health department to serve its members and the residents o f the island. We’ setting re up a primary care unit and a social service unit to provide doctors and dentists, medical social workers, day care, senior citizens, family counseling and crisis counseling,” Buckwalter said. The new center is expected to create a number o f new jobs. "One thing that needs to be emphasized and underlined is that preference will''be given to Penobscot people,” Buckwalter said. Buckwalter credited a health and social services committee and the PenobscotPassamaquoddy Tribal Planning Board as, ‘‘ The ones pulling together that made it happen." Construction on the project began last spring, and is slated for completion April 1,1978. Architect for the project was Penobscot Indian Watie Akins o f Lewiston. A Bangor contractor is handling construction. Fund to build the health and social services center were obtained through the Federal Economic Development Administration. Additional funding comes from Indian Health Services, a Federal program o f the Department o f Health, Education and Welfare. If Penobscots were not a Federally recognized tribe, these monies'would not be available. Buckwalter pointed out. Violet Francis, Senior Citizens Club president, said the new center will include a meal site for the elderly, including kitchen, dining room and lounge. "What we want is to have our own cultural foods whenever possible, depending on the season,” she said. Denise Gilman, VISTA worker, health department administrative assistant, and senior citizens treasurer, said the day care program will probably be set up for 25 youngsters. Ruth Davis, R.N., tribal nurse, said the health department hopes to contract with a physician to be at the new building on a regular visiting basis. Rural pediatric services from an Eastern Maine Medical Center mobile unit will continue, she said. ORONO — The cultural importance of land to Indians was described at an informal discussion of Penobscot and Passamaquoddy land claims, at University of Maine here. Oct. 11. "Land is very important to the Indian people. Within the Indian culture we don’ t survive if we don’t have land. Everything relates to the land. We revere the land,” said George M. Mitchell, director of an Indian alcoholism program and one o f three speakers at the evening program. “ From the land we obtain food, clothing and shelter, which are necessities,” said Mitchell, a former Maine commissioner of Indian Affairs. Recalling his days as com missioner, Mitchell said trying to discuss Indian land claims with Gov. James B. Longley was, “like walking into a stonewall. ‘‘Finally, it came to a decision o f what side I was going to take on the land claims. The decision was quite obvious: I went back to my people.” Mitchell said, “We can argue all night, but it (land) was taken away from us. no question.” Mitchell said the current land claims case in Maine shows a desire for Indian self-de termination. “ Some people are trying to create the impression that we’ monsters,” re he said, adding, "W e’ concerned for our re future . . . we want to make changes, but make changes so the traditions and culture are not lost. “ Negotiations (with Federal government to settle claims) are being conducted in an honorable way. Non-Indians have no reason to be afraid o f us,” Mitchell said. Mitchell told about 30 students and a few others at the meeting that Indians were fighting 200 years ago, and “we’ still re fighting today.” He pointed out that Maine Indians helped fight the British in the American Revolution. "Many inferences are going to come from this case. It’ going to change for one thing s history books. You may not think so, but it’ s going to." Mitchell said. Another speaker. Penobscot-Passamaquoddy Tribal Planning Board Director Andrew X. Akins, said he wasn’ surprised t that the State, which opposes Indian land claims, did not show at the meeting. "They only seem interested in publicizing their views through the newspapers,” Akins said. UMO Dean o f Student Activities David Rand, organizer o f the land claims discus sion, said Dr. Ronald F. Banks, a UMO his torian who has been working on the State’ s case against Indians, declined an offer to participate in the program. Akins presented an overview of the two tribes’land case, noting, “As we’ stated in ve the past, we’ not interested in harming in re dividual property owners. We do want land back, that’s true. We want a good land base.” Akins, member o f a land claims negotiat ing team, said he would “welcome" going to court over claims, “that’ how confident we s are.” The third speaker, Penobscot Tribal Lt. Gov. Wally Pehrson, said that despite Fed eral acknowledgement o f some validity to the land claims, “ We have two men in the State of Maine, Gov. Longley and Atty. Gen. (Joseph E.) Brennan, that say our claim has no merit.” Pehrson said a settlement o f land claims favorable to Indians could mean, “We won’ t have to run to Augusta for help, or even to Washington. We’ be able to take care of ll ourselves. "W e’ not lawyers but we do abide by the re law. We’ play the game. All we want is ll what’ rightfully ours,” Pehrson said. s mihtaqsityspomkik eyin, komoc kcit p ot kwlsowon. Mecimite knihk on ape ks in. Tan elipawatomon me cimite k is i le yic, skitkomiq nakate spomkik. M i ii n e pemkiskahk ntopanomon. Onheltomuwine nto la kmiksowakononnul, tal ute n i l u n eli Brewer seeks minority contractors BREWER — Indian business enterprises are being solicited for a variety o f public works projects in the City o f Brewer. The City is undertaking a sanitary sewer project using federal Local Public Works funding from the Economic Development Administration, and under EDA guidelines must spend 10 per cent o f its total grant on services or supplies from minority busi nesses. A letter from Assistant City Manager Reynold Perry says Brewer would like to fulfill its requirement using local or in-state minority enterprises, "so that the maximum benefit of Local Public Works funding can be realized preferably at the local level or at least within the State.” Work on the sewer project will require sewer and pumping station construction, landscaping, structural steel erection, excavation, plumbing, paving, carpentry. masonry, electrical wiring and various supplies and materials, such as hardware and industrial machinery. For more information contact Perry at Brewer City Hall. Botched job (Continued from page 1 ) poor,” the architect for the project as “fair,” and the housing authority as "good," according to housing authority executive director Morris Carpenter. Asked why plans to file suit in federal district court, rather than a county court, Zendzian said, " I ’ much rather have a d federal judge and jury deciding the issues than a Penobscot County judge, not because o f any prejudice but because we’ end up d there (in federal court) anyway.” onh eltom uk ot tan yuhk k is i wa poleyowinokot . Wi cuhkemine skat ntowapoli pec iyahtiw newin. Sami KiI kn ih ka n eya w, kin son, naka komac kocitpos, toke nakate oskomiw. Niy alic . THE LORD’S PRAYER as translated into native Passamaquoddy at S t Ann’ Parish, s Indian Township. The translated text is shared with Passamaquoddies at Pleasant Point reservation. “We have to translate the liturgy into Passamaquoddy,” says The Rev. Raymond Picard, Catholic priest at the Township. �Page 6 Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 An explanation of Penobscot and MAINE: Passamaquoddy and Penobscot The President’ special representative has s expressed confidence that a negotiated settlement can be reached by the first o f the year in the historic land claims case in Maine. Following a series o f meetings in Maine during the month of August, Judge William B. Gunter (Georgia Supreme Court, Rtd.) stated that he will conclude his role in the matter by pressing for mediation and settlement within three months. Unless settlement is reached within this time, he predicts that the economic consequences will become severe within the state. Judge Gunter was assigned by the President in March to study the Indian land cases in Maine and Mash pee, M assachusetts. Widely perceived as a mediator, negotiator and representative o f OMB, he has de scribed his role variously as catalyst, fact finder and “more that of a judge.” Earlier, on July 15, 1977, Judge Gunter recommended that the President urge Con gressional extinguishment o f the legal rights of the Indians in Maine if they did not acquiesce in his proposed settlement terms. (Details o f that recommendation appear in the cron ological listing.) The Passaaquoddy and Penobscot Governors reacted to the recommendations in a joint statement of July 26, stating that they were shocked that the President’ representative made no s provision for negotiating with them and appalled that he had recommended that 90% of their claims be extinguished without compensation should they not accept his offer. “We spent five years getting the courts to force the federal government to act as our trustee. Now this man says that if we don’ t accept his terms, the President should protect the big timber companies by taking away our rights. I just don’ understand it,” t stated Governor Francis Nicholas o f the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reserva tion. Governors Nicholas, John Stevens o f the Indian Township Passamaquoddy Reserva tion and Nicholas Sapiel o f the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation said that the very recommendation that the claims should be settled was further affirmation o f their long standing belief in the validity o f those claims and that, in this regard, "Judge Gunter has come to the only conclusion that any rational man could reach.” The State’ top s political officials. Governor James Longley and Attorney General Joseph Brennan, have consistently maintained that the claims are without merit and. therefore, too weak to settle. However, when Interior and Justice concluded otherwise and informed the court that they intend to file suit on the Indians' behalf unless settlement is reached, the Do you have a d rin k in g p ro b le m ? Wabanaki Corporation offers an alco holism program for Indian people who need help because o f problems with alcohol. If you have such a problem and need help, or know o f someone in need, please contact the Alcoholism Counselor in your community or area. Indian Island Alcoholism Coun selor — Clarence Francis — 207-8277484 or 866-5577. Indian Township — Alcoholism Coun selor— Martha Baustis — 207-796-2321. Pleasant Point — Alcoholism Coun selor — Grace Rudeniek — 207-8532537. Association o f Aroostook Indians — Alcoholism Counselor — Pious Perlev — 207-762-3751. Central Maine Indian Association — Alcoholism Counselor — Alfred Dana — 207-269-2653 or 207-866-5587. State’ politicians recommended total ex s tinguishment o f the claims in order to avoid the test o f litigation. At the request o f the White House, Indian, State and Congressional represen tatives from Maine met in late July to discuss the recommendation with Judge Gunter and Robert Lipshutz. Counsel to the President. In separate sessions, the State rejected the recommendation, the Congres sional delegation urged that settlement talks continue and the Indian representatives in sisted upon negotiation, stating that they would consider the recommendation “a point o f departure.” Following these sessions, Judge Gunter met with various parties in Maine and found the climate fav orable for a negotiated settlement. 1777-1977 The Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation recounted the events o f 200 years and the facts o f their land case in their statement o f March 8,1977: Both our nations fought on the side of the Americans in the Revolutionary War pursuant to a treaty negotiated by a federal Indian agent in 1777. Because of our efforts, much o f Maine is in the United States today rather than in Canada. In that 1777 treaty, the federal government promised to provide us with supplies and promised to protect our hunting grounds. That federal treaty, however, was never ratified by the Con gress and, in a series o f transactions starting in 1794, Maine and Massa chusetts took practically all our lands (ten million acres, half o f the present State of Maine) and left us totally destitute. For 150 years we knew nothing but hardship, although we did keep alive our reservation communities, our cultures and our languages. In 1971 our prospects brightened considerably when we dis covered that, even though our 1777 federal treaty had not been ratified, the state transactions through which we lost our lands were legally void under the 1790 federal Indian Nonintercourse Act, since they had not been federally approved. When we asked the federal government to represent us in our claims, however, the government refused, saying that the Nonintercourse Act did not protect us. We sued the government (and the State o f Maine), and in 1975 won a decision holding that the Nonintercourse Act does protect us and imposes a trust responsibility on the federal government to represent us in our claims. On February 28, 1977, the Depart ment o f the Interior and the Department o f Justice announced that they had con cluded that our tribes have valid claims to at least five million acres in the State o f Maine, and they intend to file suit for return o f between five and eight million acres o f land on June 1 1977. unless a , settlement is negotiated before that time. The government also announced that it will seek monetary damages for the wrongful use o f our lands. As a matter of grace, we agreed that the government should take no immediate action against any o f the 350.000 homeowners and small business people within the claim area, and said that we would accept a substitute claim against the State of Maine or the federal government for the value o f our claim against these individ uals. The State o f Maine, which has stead fastly refused our offer to negotiate, re sponded to these developments the fol lowing day by having the Maine Congres sional delegation submit identical bills in the House and Senate providing for the total elimination o f our claims by retro actively ratifying these illegal trans actions. While the members o f the dele gation tried to tell us that these bills would preserve our rights to sue for money (as though that should be enough), anyone who reads the legisla tion can see that it leaves no claim at all. February 25, 1977 In its modified liti gation report, the Department o f the In terior committed itself to a central role in the efforts to achieve a just settlement o f the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot claims. With tribal agreement. Interior recom mended to the Justice Department that: Claims be filed on behalf o f the Passa maquoddy and Penobscot Tribes for those lands which the Tribes actually used and occupied as o f 1790. Thus, omitted from the claims are those coastal areas which had been substantially settled by nonIndians by that time, and those lands which had been granted prior to 1790, the date o f the passage o f the first Trade and Intercourse Act. . . . these coastal areas are presently the most densely populated portions o f the claimed area. Therefore, the Tribes have agreed at this time to seek an alternative legislative solution with respect to these coastal areas. With respect to those areas ... in which a claim will be asserted, the Tribes have indicated their intention not to pursue any remedy against any homeowner or other small property owner if they can substitute a satisfactory monetary claim against an appropriate sovereign body for the full value of such claims. Accord ingly, we have agreed to assist them in developing a legislative package sub mitting a monetary claim in lieu o f other claims and to support them in obtaining passage o f appropriate legislation. With respect to the coastal areas on which land and trespass .claims will be withheld at this time, we have agreed to work with the Tribes for a similar just legislative solution for these claims. February 28, 1977 The Justice Depart ment announced its intention to proceed on the Tribes’ behalf. In requesting an exten sion o f time to report to the Court, the Justice motion stated: There are two basic reasons for the ex tension. First, an extension is necessary to enable plaintiffs to adequately pre pare proposed claims discussed herein and to coordinate them with other claims against major landholders in the affected areas. While substantial work has been completed additional work is required. Second, the President has announced that in response to the request of the Maine Congressional delegation he is appointing a special representative to help the parties reach an amicable settle ment for submission to Congress. The extension o f time is necessary to allow all parties to engage in meaningful settle ment talks and to permit Congress suf ficient time to adopt any agreement reached. As stated in our memorandum o f January 14, 1977, only Congress can correct past injustice to the tribes with out causing new hardship to other citizens o f Maine. We therefore fully support and endorse the settlement process. On the other hand, if it proves unsuccessful, we have no choice but to proceed with the litigative course. . . . March 4, 1977 Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman James Abourezk (D-S.D.) declined to hear the extinguish ment bills, H.R. 4169 and S.842. He re sponded to the Justice announcement and to the proposed extinguishment legislation in a meeting o f the American Indian Policy Review Commission. (The Maine delegation had requested that the Commission not take a position on the land claims issue at that time and the Indian Governors agreed, in order to avoid precipitous action in the Congress regarding their litigation and settlement talks. The Commission agreed to withhold full consideration of the issue and commended the Indian people in Maine for their patience and statesmanship. One Commission Member, however, later violat ed the agreement. Rep. Lloyd Meeds, DWash., within weeks o f the meeting, pub lished his Separate Dissenting Views to the Report o f the Commission, which included a chapter recommedning extinguishment of the legal rights o f the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot people. As his views, prepared by a private attorney at a cost o f 537,000 to the Commission, dissented to a non-existent Commission position, he urged for inclusion o f a settlement on the Maine land claims in the Commission Report. At the final Com mission meeting, a brief and hastily pre pared statement was inserted into the Report.) In the March 4 meeting. Sen. Abourezk made the following statement: I think it is highly commendable of the Administration to come out as they have with a very positive position on this, to say that we are going to help the tribes because we owe them that duty . . . . I would say that, speaking only for the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I do MUSEUM LACKS FUNDS — The Indian Tribal Museum at Unity ended its regular season recently, mostly because the building, a former meeting hall, is unheated, but also because attendance was low. The independent museum is in dire need of funds, according to Director Lloyd Varney of Waterville, who volunteers his services. Varney has been cataloging material at the museum, about 75 per cent of which is connected with Maine Indians. �Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Page 7 Passamaquoddy tribal land claims not intend to have any hearings on that legislation that was introduced . . . . If the time comes when we ever have to have hearings on anything, it will not just be on that legislation. It will be on the entire question o f negotiations o f the rights of the Indian tribes in Maine, and where the justice o f the situation can be aired to the Congress. It is not going to be any one-sided consideration o f that kind o f a bill, and 1 don’ much like the t bill either myself. 1just want to say that on the record. It just seems to me that it would be a very one-sided attempt to obviate and preclude any just claim on the part o f the tribes. Now, for how many years have we been saying that the Indians ought to get into the political process and the legal process, and once they are in it they get screwed up against the wall. That is not very good encour agement for Indian tribes to do that kind o f thing; the same thing we have been encouraging them to do. They are entitled to their day in court, and I commend the Indian tribes o f Maine ... for their efforts to negotiate this matter in a very reasonable manner . . . I don’ t know about the House, but I’ not going m to hold any hearings .... legal and public relations staff. Judge Gunter, who characterized his role as that of a “catalyst,” was never to call a meeting of all the parties. Subsequently, Judge Gunter held separate sessions with all o f the above parties, private interests, members of other Eastern states’ Congressional delegations, representatives o f the Office o f Management and Budget and the chairmen o f Congres sional committees with jurisdiction over Indian legislative matters. At Judge Gunter’ request, legal issues were briefed s over the next two months by Maine Attorney General Brennan, Attorney Edward Bennett Williams (Special Counsel to the Maine State Governor), NARF attorney Tom Tureen for the Tribes, Professor Archibald Cox (Special Counsel to the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation) and others. One meeting held during Judge Gunter’ s period o f review was with representatives of the American Land Title Association, which was reported in the ALTA publication. Capital Comment: ALTA representatives met in May with Judge William B. Gunter . . . . The pur pose o f the meeting was to express the title insurance industry’ concern with s pending and potential ’Indian land claims. The uncertainty o f status o f land titles in Maine and Massachusetts be March 12, 1977 President Carter an cause o f such claims was given particular nounced the appointment of his special emphasis. Federal Legislative Action representative in the Maine and Mashpee Committee Chairman Dawson described cases. Judge William B. Gunter, whose the difficulties o f transferring land in the identity was unknown to the Indians prior to ‘ claim’ areas because o f the inability of the public announcement. House Interior sellers to provide assurance o f market Committee Chairman Morris Udall (D.-Az.) able title. Dawson also stated that the and Indian Affairs & Public Lands Sub interest o f ALTA is essentially identical committee Chairman Teno Roncalio (D.to that o f the land owners. As long as Wy.) responded to the recent events in a there is a question regarding title to news release the same day, stating that they property, he explained, hardship and in would “take a dim view" o f any party not justice will be experienced by land participating in good faith in the negotia owners holding property in good faith. tions: In order to alleviate these inequities, the Whatever the ultimate merit and legal ALTA representatives recom m en ded validity o f these claims, there is no that any federal legislative solution in denying the impact that they have had clude the following two ingredients: (1) within the affected states and communi land owners, purchasers, lenders and ties . . . . Yet, despite this impact, we local tax authorities must be assured that must support the right o f the tribes to existing titles are marketable and in initiate and proceed with litigation to try surable; and (2) land owners must not be their claims. Under our Constitution and subject to financial liability for trespass system o f law, every individual has a damages or any other forms o f damage. right to his day in court, whatever the ul Judge Gunter stated at the meeting that timate legitimacy o f the claim. If we deny his primary concern is to relieve the it to one, we can deny it to all. Neverthe eco n om ic uncertainties that have less, we are not unsympathetic to the resulted from the Indian claims. How local problems caused by the claims nor ever, the judge stated that if legislation is the desire for an expeditious solution and proposed to extinguish aboriginal title, settlement o f the claims . . . . We are he feels confident that the Indians would advised that there is a serious effort to challenge such extinguishment on con achieve a negotiated settlement. We stitutional grounds unless it provides full understand that the Indian tribes, the compensation for the value o f the ex Interior Department, and the Justice De tinguishment title. partment support this approach and Judge Gunter indicated that he had been have obtained consent from the Federal told the Maine Indian tribes, the PassaDistrict Court to extend, until June 1 the , maquoddys and Penobscots, have placed deadline for filing the Federal suit. We a claim as high as 525 billion to reflect also understand that, at the request of the full compensation for the value of certain members of the Massachusetts 1 */2 million acres in Maine that are 2 C on gression al delegation. President under dispute. Carter has agreed to appoint a Federal ALTA Special Indian Research Coun mediator to work toward a negotiated sel John Christie, Jr., stated that he is settlement. At this time, we would confident Congress could devise a strongly urge this approach. solution that would be upheld consti Therefore, we feel that it is inappropriate tutionally^ and agreed to furnish the for the Congress to involve itself in the judge with a legal memorandum in dispute at this time. Under existing cir support o f this position. Later in May, cumstance. it is our position that the ALTA forwarded to the Judge a legal House Committee will initiate no legisla analysis indicating that a legislative tive or oversight activity on the matter in proposal can be — and should be — order to facilitate the possibility o f a developed to resolve the hardships and negotiated settlement. inequities that have resulted from the pending Indian land claims. It was March 20, 1977 The President's special contended that such legislation would representative held a “ get-acquainted clearly be within the power o f Congress meeting” with the State and Indian Gov to enact and would not give rise to any ernors and their counsel, the Maine Con valid fifth amendment claims. Presently. gressional delegation. Interior and Justice ALTA’ Indian Land Claims Committee s officials and members o f the President’ s is structuring a legislative approach and language that would protect present and past land owners from financial liability or any other form o f damages and would make certain that present titles are mar ketable and insurable. Judge Gunter said he was uncertain as to whether he would recommend a legis lative solution. His present focus is on the need to devise a procedure by which the litigation will continue to an end, with Congress determining a ceiling on the amount o f property and money damages that could be recovered if the Indians prevail. Following a June meeting with the Chair men o f the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and the House Interior Committee, Rep. Udall and Sen. Abourezk communicated with Judge Gunter and President Carter and issued a joint statement calling for a Con gressional-Administration effort to provide funds for neutral third party mediators for each claim, where needed. Such an initiative, the Chairmen stated, “places a premium on obtaining the agreement of all affected parties” without extinguishing “those Indian claims which are meritorious and thus repeating historical injustices to the Indian people.” Their requests for the mediation effort and for consultation prior to the announcement o f recommendations regarding the Passamaquoddy and Pen obscot case went unanswered. July 15,1977 Judge Gunter submitted his written recommendation to the President: I have given consideration to the legal merits and demerits o f these pending claims. However, my recommedation is not based entirely on my personal assessment in that area. History, economics, social science, justness, and practicality are additional ele ments that have had some weight in the formulation o f my recommendation. My recommendation to you is that you recommend to the Congress that it resolve this problem as follows: (1) Appropriate 25 million dollars for the use and benefit o f the two tribes, this appro priated amount to be administered by In terior. One half o f this amount shall be ap propriated in each o f the next two fiscal years. (2) Require the State o f Maine to put together and convey to the United States, as trustee for the two tribes, a tract o f land consisting o f 100,000 acres within the claims area. As stated before, the State reportedly has in its public ownership in the claims area in excess of 400,000 acres. (3) Assure the two tribes that normal Bureau o f Indian Affairs benefits will be ac corded to them by the United States in the future. (4) Request the State o f Maine to continue to appropriate in the future on an annual basis state benefits for the tribes at the equivalent level o f the average annual ap propriation over the current and preceding four years. (5) Require the Secretary o f Interior to use his best efforts to acquire long-term options on an additional 400,000 acres o f land in the claims area. These options would be ex ercised at the election o f the tribes, the option-price paid would be fair market value per acre, and tribal funds would be paid for the exercise o f each option. (6) Upon receiving the consent o f the State of Maine that it will accomplish what is set forth in numbered paragraphs (2) and (4) above, the Congress should then, upon obtaining tribal consent to accept the benefits herein prescribed, by statutory enactment extinguish all aboriginal title, if any, to all lands in Maine and also extin guish all other claims that these two tribes may now have against any party arising out o f an alleged violation of the Indian Nonintercourse Act of 1790 as amended. should immediately extinguish all aborigi nal title, if any, to all lands within the claims area except that held in the public owner ship by the State o f Maine. The tribes’ cases could then proceed through the courts to a conclusion against the state-owned land. If the tribes win their cases, they recover the state-owned land; but if they lose their cases, they recover nothing. However, in the meantime, the adverse economic conse quences will have been eliminated and Interior and Justice will have been relieved from pursuing causes o f action against private property owners to divest them o f . title to land that has heretofore been con sidered valid title. (8) If the consent o f the State o f Maine cannot be obtained for what is herein proposed, then the Congress should appro priate 25 million dollars for the use and benefit o f the tribes (see paragraph num bered (1 should then immediately extin )), guish all aboriginal title, if any, and all claims arising under an alleged violation of the 1790 Act as amended, to all lands within the claims area except those lands within the public ownership of the State. The tribes’ cases could then proceed through the courts against the state-owned land. If the tribes win their cases they recover the land; but if they lose their cases they recover nothing against the state of Maine. However, in the meantime, they will have received 25 million dollars from the United States for their consent to eliminate economic stagnation in the claims area and their consent to relieve Interior and Justice from pursuing causes o f action against private property owners to divest them of land titles that have heretofore been con sidered valid. It is my hope that the Congress can resolve this problem through the implemen tation o f numbered paragraphs (1) through (6) above. Paragraphs (7) and (8) are mere alternatives to be utilized in the event consensual agreement cannot be obtained. (Reprinted with permission from Announce ments, August 1977, Native American Rights Fund.) HEW okays bi-state welfare services plan ORONO — The Federal government has agreed to fund a two state, six county research and demonstration project for child and family welfare services to Indians. First year funding from the Department o f Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) totals 5110,000, according to Michael Ranco, director o f Central Maine Indian Association here. That association, the Association o f Aroostook Indians, and the Boston Indian Council had requested the grant in a proposal submitted to HEW several months ago. Wabanaki Alliance incorrectly reported in its August issue that an initial grant had already been awarded at that time. The story should have said only that a grant proposal had been delivered, and was under consideration by Federal officials. The grant monies will be used for research in Maine’ Penobscot, Washington s and Aroostook Counties, and in Massachu setts’ Lowell, LawTence and Worcester areas. Ranco explained that the project will seek to improve foster care for Indian children, who are often placed in non-Indian homes on an arbitrary basis. Other parts o f the (7) If tribal consent cannot be obtained to study will deal with family reunification and what is herein proposed, then the Congress solutions to child abuse, he said. �Page 8 Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Indian scholarships said not in jeopardy OLD TOWN — A Maine Indian Scholar ship Committee awarded a number of grants improperly, according to an opinion by the Attorney General’ office. s However, officials of the Indian Scholar ship Committee told Wabanaki Alliance, that thg improper awards were an oversight that can be easily corrected by “ratifying” those scholarship grants already awarded. No students will lose their funds, an official said. At the request o f Rep. Michael D. Pearson of Old Town (D-District 7 9). Assistant Attorney General S. Kirk Studstrup wrote in a Sept. 1 letter. “ It is our understanding that the Indian Scholarship Committee ... met during the month o f July 1977, and sent letters to applicant scholars awarding grants for the coming school year. "These letters were apparently sent without knowledge by the Committee of legislative action by the 108th Legislature . . . any award of scholarships by the Com mittee to individuals who do not meet the current definition o f North American Indians residing in Maine would be contrary to statute and must be considered as improperly granted." Studstrup stated in his letter to Pearson. The legislative action Studstrup mentions was a bill (LD 415) introduced by Pearson that defines North American Indians residing in Maine as any current member of the Penobscot or Passamaquoddy tribes, or any Micmac or Malacite Inidian who can prove one quarter Indian blood and who has resided in Maine five consecutive years prior to apply for a scholarship. To belong to either the Passamaquoddy or Penobscot tribe, an Indian must be at least one quarter blood, but for Micmaes and Malacites. the case may be difficult to prove. In any case, if scholarship grants were awarded to Indians who did not meet the new requirements, those awards would apparently be invalid. Further complicating the matter is Studstrup's statement that. “The Committee had no statutory authority to award any scholar ships, regardless of the qualifications o f the applicants, during the period from June 27. 1977 to July 25. 1977." Earlier this year, at a House budget vote. Pearson said he opposed passage. "Because there wasn't a cent in there for Indian scholarships.” Later, with Pearon's new definition for Indian scholarship aid. the 108th Legislature passed the budget as emergency legislation. The budget in revised form earmarks $55,000 for North American Indian Scholar ships. Pearson’ bill. L.D. No. 415, defines s the qualifications for scholarship aid. which will probably total $1,000 or less per individual. Pearson defended his definition o f eligible Indians, saying he acted in the interests of his Old Town constituency, which includes Penobscot Indians at Indian Island. “ 1did it (presented a bill) because the Penobscots asked me to do it and because I feel that now Indians scholarships will be going to Indians.” In past years, scholarship monies were not guaranteed to Maine Indians, he said. Pearson explained that scholarships can cover "anything from learning how to be a beautician to going to college.” The funds can be used for all kinds o f secondary and post secondary education, he said. HOUSING was the topic of a recent training session at Bangor. Among participants were from left, Robert Newell, Passamaquoddy housing commissioner from Pleasant Point, Jack Partridge, an official of National American Indian Housing Council, Clayton Cleaves, Passamaquoddy housing authority director, and Joel Frank, housing authority vicechairman from a Seminole reservation, Hollywood, Fla. Housing leaders hold session BANGOR — Indian officials from local housing authorities from Maine to Florida gathered for two days o f intensive training at a Bangor hotel recently. Represented at the teaching sessions, sponsored by National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), were Passamaquoddies and Penobscots from Maine. C herokees from North Carolina dn Seminole Indians from Florida. “We’ providing training not as a comre merical endeavor, but to ensure" that Indians are aware o f their rights and power tinder existing housing regulations. “They are in the process of learning about the regulations that govern their housing programs." said Jack Partridge. NAIHC training coordinator. Partridge called the lectures, discussion and video tape lessons a form o f "orienta tion training” for Indian officials. He and co-teacher Wynema Coyle, both from NAIHC headquarters in Carson City. Nev., led 25 other participants through work shops. Partridge and Coyle's program is funded by the Department o f Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Partridge said HUD’ s Indian housing programs are so difficult to understand. “ It's an absolute wonder that there has been any success at all o f the housing programs (on reservations).” HUD has its own trained experts for various programs. Partridge pointed out. But Indians have no such advantage, he said. The Bangor conference was called Preparation for Decision Making. Addi tional training sessions will cover other topics, and will be scheduled elsewhere. Vickie Tibbetts [Laber photo] Penobscot woman learns drafting skills By Dottie Laber U.S. Soil Conservation Service ORONO — Vickie Tibbetts of Hudson is a budding draftsman with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. She is well-liked for her combination o f a peppery personality and hard-working attitude, according to her co-workers. Vickie has been working since she was 15 years old. He first job, making sock linings in a shoe factory, was followed by a series of others in shoe shops and woolen mills. These jobs were not to her liking. Yet with an eighth grade education, Vickie, a Penobscot Indian, had limited choices for employment. Then she got a break. A cousin told her about CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) which helps unskilled people find jobs. Through the local CETA office Vickie was placed in the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) as a supply clerk. After that things began to improve. Vickie caught on quickly to the supply system that serves five U.S. government agencies on the University o f Maine, Orono campus. Secretaries soon recognized that a tricky reproduction job was easy for Vickie. She enjoyed tinkering with an old offset duplicator to get top-notch printing results. SCS — a U.S. Department o f Agriculture agency which helps landowners, organiza tions and town conserve and wisely use both soil and water — renewed her first appoint ment. But regulations eventually ended the job. Meanwhile another section o f the agency needed a person to do simple, but accurate drafting on soil survey maps. Vickie was given a new, temporary appointment. Though neither skilled nor familiar with the material, she caught on and produced clean, correct maps. A professional draftsman with SCS com mented that Vickie showed a natural skill for drafting. But again, the work was temporary. When she found that she might not get a good, permanent job without a high school education, Vickie turned back to her school-, books. In less than six months she successfully completed her high school equivalency tests. With the GED (General Educational De velopment) diploma in hand she qualified for a worker trainee appointment and returned to the Soil Conservation Service in the spring o f 1977. But even the earlier ex perience w'as limited background for the engineer drafting she now does for the Watershed Staff o f SCS. “ I couldn’ do it without the help of the t guys here. Without them 1 wouldn’t have understood what 1w-as doing.” And, by im plication, she would not have been able to do a good job. Vickie’ work includes drafting on maps s o f flood prone areas in the state, being studied under Flood Hazard Analyses or Flood Insurance Studies. The work requires a steady hand and sharp eye for detail. Lettering and demarcation lines must be drawn precisely as she transfers statistics reported by a survey crew onto maps. “Vickie is a valuable addition to our Watershed Planning Staff,” says State Conservationtist Warwick Tinsley, head of the SCS in Maine. “We appreciate her sparkl ing personality as well as her expert drafting skills, which we so sorely needed in our or ganization.” Vickie and her husband, Duane, have a daughter, Lori, 10, and son, Floyd, seven. Vickie is expecting a new baby before the year is out, but will be back at her job before long. Catawba Indians seek tribal land WASHING I ON — The Catawba Indian Tribe is considering legal action to recover its 140.000 acre reservation in South Carolina, according to a recent news release from the U.S. Deparpent o f the Interior. The Interior Department recommended that the Justice Department begin legal action on behalf o f the Catawbas, according to Interior Department Solicitor Leo M. Kulilz. Caiambas want the return o f 1 5 square miles at Rock Hill. S.C. The news release said the Catawba claim is similar to land claims by Maine’ s Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indians. As with Maine, the Catawba claim is based on alleged violation o f the 1790 Non-Intercourse Act. which required all treaties be approved by Congress. By 1840 the Catawba's Treaty reservation was overrun by non-Indians who continually ignored the Tribe's protests. “ In 1840.” Krulitz said, “ the Tribe finally purported to convey their remaining title and interest in the 140.000 acres to the State of South Car olina by treaty. The Federal Government was in no way involved in the negotiations and never subsequently gave its consent. The 1840 conveyance was therefore void under the Non-intercourse Act.” “ The action we recommend is that the United States finally act upon its long neglected duly under the Non-Intercourse Act to nullify the 1840 Treaty with South C arolina and restore possession of the 1763 Treaty reservation to the C atawba Tribe.” Kriilitz said. �Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Proud (Continued from page 1 ) reservation; Dee said “it doesn’ matter t where" she does her work. Both bright and articulate, Freda and Dee participated last summer in an Onward program at University o f Maine, preparing them for college. Dee reports there are more than 100 native Indians attending UMO as freshmen this year, a dramatic increase from previous years. Although Indians may attend the univer sity tuition-free, that doesn’ necessarily t make life easy. There are still many bills to pay. Money is only one problem. Dee and Freda have had more than their share of problems growing up, but have emerged from trying circumstances as strong and mature individuals. Freda is a graduate o f Ellsworth High School. She left home in the Boston area at age 14, and was invited to live with an Ells worth family. She credits that family with making it possible for her to be where she is today. Freda has three brothers and one sister, but her mother was generous and tried to care for a total of 11 children. Freda tried to help, but the responsibility was over powering for a young girl. In school in Boston, Freda recalls being teased about being Indian. So she pretended she was Oriental, and that worked for awhile. Living on her own, moving to Maine, made Freda, in her words, “tough and bitter.” to be But her contact with the Ellsworth family showed her people could be gentle and caring, and she wouldn’ have missed that t experience for the world. Freda has not been in touch with her parents, Margaret and Wilburn Harper of Moncton, N.B., in some time. She wants them to know she loves them very deeply. And she also loves her “family" in Ellsworth. Dee has only lately become close with her mother, but is very happy to share things with her today. Her mother, Irene Aug ustine, recently moved to Bangor, and the two can see a good deal of each other. “ I didn’ do w’ in school in Bridgewater, t ell but my foster mother in Houlton really encouraged me,” Dee recalled, adding that in Junior High School, “ 1 was going to quit school. But (my foster mother) stood by me. It was such a hard year; I cried a lot. But it felt so good to be loved.” Dee has four sisters and three brothers. The next year of junior high, Dee decided to make the Honor Roll, and she did. She won a Citizenship award, and that made her extremely proud and grateful. Freda also won a Citizenship award at her school. Both Dee and Freda have lived on New Brunswick Indian reservations. Dee at Big Cove, Freda at Eel Ground. The women said their sense o f Indian-ness deepened with that experience, and both would like to revisit the reservations, located near New Castle, N.B. Micmac students attending UMO are Freda Harper, left, and Dee Francis. Thomas quits PIE, Wehrman hired INDIAN ISLAND — A 32-year-old Bangor man has been hired as general manager of Penobscot Indian Enterprises (P.I.E.). replacing Michael D. Thomas who resigned in September for employement elsewhere. Hired to direct the Penobscot Indianowned business was George F. Wehrman. a New York City native who graduated from University of Maine with a degree in business. Wehrman has marketing research and development experience, and formerly owned a construction firm. P.I.E.. organized through Thomas’efforts in 1976, operates a moccasin factory at Indian Island that employs 24 persons. A retail outlet store is maintained at Bar Harbor. Since its founding, P.I.E. assets have grown from $27,500 to $430,000. P.I.E. o fficials have recently been negotiating for a sizeable loan to expand business enterprises. Other P.I.E. projects include a heating firm and service station, wilderness waterway recreation program, and several proposed new ventures. Wehrman said he is currently developing new plans and marketing strategy, but he declined to discuss details. Wehrman spent eight years as a pilot in Air National Guard, Bangor. He and his wife have two sons. Gerrard warns of political pressures WASHINGTON — Forrest J. Gerard, recently confirmed Interior Assistant Secre tary for Indian Affairs, has challenged national Indian leaders to join in the prepar ing o f a national policy statement on Indian affairs. Gerard made the challenge in an address at the 34th annual convention o f the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)in Dallas. Texas. Gerard acknowledged that “there has been concern on the part o f the Indian Page 9 people that this Administration has yet to announce a comprehensive Indian policy statement.” He said that the Administration wanted the Assistant Secretary to take the lead in policy initiative for Indian affairs. Gerard then asked NCAI and the other major Indian organization, the Na tional Tribal C hairm en’ A ssociation s (NTCA). to "com e up with a joint policy statement... so that we will have your input in formulating policy.” Passamaquoddy educator Wayne Newell looks over text in native language. Bi-lingual project thrives at reservation INDIAN TOWNSHIP — “ It’ like learn s ing to read twice, except the second time it’ s much more beautiful.” That’ how Passamaquoddy educator s Wayne Newell began describing a program he has helped create to bring the native Indian language into the classroom. Since 1971, with a grant from the federal Depart ment o f Health, Education and Welfare, and with diligent work by concerned staff, the program has flourished. Newell is modest about his own role in developing the language program at Indian Township elementary school, and would rather not take credit personally for its success. He said that Indians working together, with a unified purpose, deserve the credit and recognition. Newell, 35, a Passamaquoddy Indian born at Pleasant Point, chose to return to his people rather than seek a career away from the reservations. A graduate o f Ricker College with a master’ degree in education s from Harvard, Newell directs the only Indian bi-lingual project in New England. More than 50 books have been published through the program, most of them written in a standardized Passamaquoddy, and a few of them in both English and the native language. These books, a great many of them illustrated for children, recount traditional Indian legends and stories that were almost lost to present Indian genera tions. The books are used in the school, o f which Newell is a co-principal, and Indian teachers instruct pupils in spoken and written Passa maquoddy, one lesson per day. Passama quoddy teachers share duties with certified (non-Indian) teachers in the classroom. Schools such as the one at Indian Township are part of the state system, but remain under jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. Newell, who said he much prefers actual teaching to administrative work, believes education goes well beyond the classroom walls. Already a progressive curriculum in a cheerful, modern building, education at Indian Township involves field trips, com munity involvement and creative use o f a variety o f resources such as graphic arts and audio-visual equipment. A field trip to dig up a traditional Indian medicinal herb is at least as important as a lesson in algebra, Newell said. “ We’ ve changed the attitude — 1 guess that’ what s we’ done mostly. In the 20th century there ve are certain skills we need, but they’ not re our savior,” he said. Newell talked about “reshaping our thinking” during an interview at the school. "The values we are trying to keep are those values that our forefathers had. “We’ not re paddling canoes, but we can shut off our TVs and tell stories,” he said, adding, “We do this in the Newell household.” Newell said he hopes the bi-lingual program will show Indian children their cultural roots, so that they may become aware and proud o f their heritage. Newell became involved in the language program when he realized, “Things were slipping out o f our grasp.” Is Indian culture being preserved? “Time will tell,” Newell said. “ In the school we try to teach that every body has a part, that we’ all in it together. re When you examine it, there was always something missing in education, at least in my education, in the so-called white m an’ s education,” Newell said. An advantage o f the Passamaquoddy language project, officially known as Wabnaki Bilingual Education Program, is that the Maliseet Indian language is virtually the same, and the two tribes have little difficulty understanding one another when conversing in their native languages. A similar language was shared by Indians of the Algonkian group, from Newfoundland to the Great Lakes. Newell explained that know and using on e’ own language leads to a sense o f pride s and self-worth for Indian children. “You don’t talk about pride, you experience it. You find ways to feel good about being Indian," he said. Although federal funding for the bi-lin gual project is about to expire, the program itself is expected to continue and expand. Newell said he has seen many programs come and go, but this one is different. "I never say that this is the way to do it. I just want to lay the foundation,” Newell said. The language needs to be taught, “ Not in the sense o f somebody forcing it on you, but because it’ part o f you. s “ One o f our goals is to make this school the happiest place on the reservation,” he said. Rhynard still on job as commissioner AUGUSTA — Maine Indian Affairs Commissioner Charles W. Rhynard was still on the job as o f press time, although he hinted he might work only part time until a replacement is named. Rhynard, a consultant from Camden, took the commissioner’ job at the request s of Gov. James B. Longley last spring, with the understanding he would leave after 90 days. However, the State has been unable to find a successor to Rhynard, and Rhynard has already overstayed his original tenure by a month. Rhynard’ predecessor, Penobscot s Indian George M. Mitchell, quit the post over a dispute with Longley. The Department o f Indian Affairs was created in 1965 by then Gov. John Reed. �Page 10 Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Fraud discovered in Townships purchase Upper Townships returned to the State Although Trafton sent his report accom the various accounts however apparently are (Continued from page 1 ) panied by the affadavits of the Indians and Land Office show at least a quarter of the In that treaty the Tribe gave up all claims the work of one Stephen Lovejoy of Old sent them directly to the Governor by the lots in Township 3 were marked Smith as to lands in the State o f Maine except the Town, who does not seem to rate very high hands o f Joe Sockabason and Peal Mitchell, well as several in No. 4. Whether this is the islands in the Penobscot River above Old in Indian Agent Mark Trafton's opinion. t who as he says in^a letter to the Governor of same Smith who was Governor I don’ know The report o f the sale made to the Gov Town, two acres of land in Brewer and four Maine dated June 18th, 1833 can give a but it looks somewhat odd considered townships o f land each six miles square, ernor and Council of Maine by the Com good explanation o f what went on and against other known facts. whose locations are described in the treaty missioners is a model description o f how1 think with this information at hand it answer any questions. It would seem that and which are to be surveyed and laid out as land transactions with Indian peoples isn’t too hard to figure out why Lovejoy, Governor Smith did nothing. soon as possible. This was eventually done should be carried out. They speak o f their Roberts and Bartlett showed such arrogance When Trafton’s four year term as Agent but not without some prodding from the proposition of sale being “cordially was up in 1836 a certain Joseph Kelsey was and contempt to Trafton and his Penobscot Tribe since we find that the Resolve passed received," o f the Tribe "convening their t appointed to succeed him. Kelsey was the friends. It isn’ too hard either to see why in 1826 to re-survey the two lower townships Council and Chiefs, consisting o f members man who was chosen by the State to survey their Prayers and Petitions encountered did not occur until the Legislature was of both parties." o f "having public delib and lot the Townships in 1834. In 1835 the blind eyes and deaf ears when they reached erations on the matter — for several weeks.” directly petitioned by the tribal officials. second conveyance o f land on the Townships Samuel Smith, Governor o f Maine. During the fifteen years the Tribe held the o f “frequent interviews with us by delegates T o the above account I have an inter to an individual by the State was tor a tract Townships they derived a considerable appointed by their convention and receiving from us a full explanation o f the subject.” o f 2,881 acres which was bought by Amos esting Postscript to add, taken from Louis income from them. The Agent could, under Roberts, Samuel Smith and Edward Smith. C. Hatch’s History of Maine (1919) VoL I This report filed with the Governor and the law. lease cutting rights to persons or (Note the first two names.) This was in Page 197 in giving a short account o f Gov. companies who wished to cut on Indian Council is exactly opposite to the facts as s February 1835. In April o f the same year Smith’ life, a postscript that fits ideally land, the income from which was set up in a presented by the reports and affadavits of Roberts bought 8.467 acres more. The entire with what we have learned: "Judge Smith trust fund for the Tribe. The Agent however, Mark Trafton, the Indian Agent and the was an able lawyer, industrious, well cost o f the two sales was about SI.00 per was not long in finding out that much o f his Penobscots themselves. s acre. Between this time and 1838 when an supplied with this world’ goods, and said to Apparently on June 10, 1833, Tribal Gov lime was being spent in trying to keep out ernor John Attean and some others signed a investigation o f the whole affair was made be very diligent in acquiring them.” lumbermen cutting illegally, or in Court One more item needs to be added also by the legislature the State Land Agent had trying to get those who had already cut and deed purporting to sell the Four Townships s to the State. According to Trafton and the issued 66 deeds to land on one or another of from Hatch’ history; and that being that sold illegally, to pay up. Smith was an “ Ardent Supporter" of the Four Townships. Indians’ report Stephen Lovejoy had been State pressures Tribe President Andrew Jackson’ s Indian Investigation dropped Soon the Agent had another problem to on the Island for about a week previous to The next reference found to the matter is Removal Policy. contend with. Squatters began to move in this trying to get the Indians to sell their Copy of deed located the Legislative Investigation o f 1838. In and build camps and houses and sometimes lands. What Lovejoy was doing there instead I wish also to add that in addition to not their papers we find where Governor Kent only the presence o f the Sheriff with the o f the Commissioners is unknown. Accord submitted copies o f the documents as being recorded the Original o f the Four Agent was sufficient to remove these later ing to later reports by most Tribal members requested. It is among these copies that we Townships Deed has apparently been lost. no one was aware the Commissioners had comers. find the only surviving text of the Four After a diligent search o f material in Maine Finally in the middle 1820’s the State any intention o f purchasing Indian land. Townships Deed. What this committee of State Archives including quite a bit o f help Lovejoy promises new homes officials began to pressure the Tribe to sell After a while, by some means, Lovejoy the Legislature discovered we do not know by the people working there, we have been their two lower Townships where most o f the unable to find the Original Deed. but they quickly dropped it. trouble was occurring. The tribe consistently prevailed upon the Governor and several However, some time after our search a On March 22, 1838, the committee refused to sell and there the situation rested, others to meet him and Bartlett on the day reported to the House and Senate that they copy was located. The copy was found in a until an unfortunate chain o f circumstances following at the Indian School at a set time collection o f papers from the various past wished to be “relieved from any further con conspired to change the whole picture and to sign a paper. For doing this Lovejoy sideration o f the subject.” The report was legislatures known as the “ Legislative in time to change the whole course o f Pen promised them all that the State would t read and accepted without comment in both Graveyard.” Much o f this material hasn’ build them new houses. He cautioned them obscot Tribal history. Houses. From there on the record tells us yet been sorted and indexed. All this not to mention this to anyone else. Tribal disruption material in relation to the Four Townships At the hour appointed they met at the nothing, except as I said in the beginning, in In 1816 John Attean had been elected the summer following a joint tribal meeting in the form o f copies had been presented to Governor or Chief of the I ribe and John school but two or three men standing near the schoolhouse saw them go in with Bartlett to impeach Attean and Neptune and choose the Legislature by Governor Edward Kent in Neptune Lieutenant Governor. Both were response to a legislative order for an inves new leaders was held. chosen for life in accord with the law of that and Lovejoy and resolved to go in and see lt was destined to be the last time that tigation into the matter. time. The Chiefship had been aemi-heredi- what was going on. When they arrived and The copy o f the deed shows one defect such a convention was to be held between tary for several generations although it did found the question was the sale o f the the three Federated Tribes, Malaseet, Pass- that quite likely prevented its being not necessarily descend to the sons o f the Townships these two or three opposed it recorded. It shows no evidence o f ever being amaquoddy and Penobscot. The old leaders former Chief. The office of Chief was with vigor. The Governor then seeing how things refused to step down and the new leaders acknowledged before a Justice o f the Peace elective but the new Chief had to be related elected at that time (August 31, 1838) or Notary Public as required by Law. in some way to the old. Over the years since were going, requested that the signing be The plain record o f what took place attempted to assume authority resulting in a 1816 a number of differences had arisen put off until the next day but Lovejoy political confusion that was to last for the during the transaction combined with a between Attean and Neptune, some o f them refused and urged them to sign, promising legally defective deed that has been lost and next three decades. In such a state of con personal rather than of a political nature. that next day the Commissioners would fusion in the Tribal Government, lasting for never recorded gives the State and all who The rift grew and eventually divided the reutrn with a legal document that would such a long period, (a whole generation) it derive title from her a very shadowy claim at secure them in all their rights. Some o f those Tribe into two political factions. was fairly easy for the State officials to cover best to land on the Four Townships. In time (some time after sale of the Four present then signed the deed after which Note: S. Glenn Starbird, Jr. is currently Townships) Attean and Neptune again Bartlett and Lovejoy left and had still not up their part in the affair. employed by the Penobscot Nation as tribal Deed lost or destroyed became friends and put aside their other come back when the Indians finally told The deed to the Four Townships has been historian and genealogist. He is a former disagreements but the opposition party who Indian Agent Mark Trafton o f the above lost or destroyed and has never been deputy commissioner o f Indian Affairs for had originally sided with Attean now felt described events some two days later. recorded. The State Officials who figured Maine. A general meeting o f the Tribe was called that he was no better than Neptune and decided that they both should be thrown out on the 13th of June and a messenger was prominently in the affair later as purchasers sent to get the Agent who was in Bangor. He o f land on the townships or in the possession of office. The final rupture o f the Tribe into the agreed to meet with them and did so on the o f more lucrative State jobs. I believe the two deeds to Roberts and his Old Party (favoring the Old Governor & Lt. 14th o f June. On learning the truth of what Governor) and the New Party (who wished to had happened and the strong opposition of Associates however, viewed against the choose new leaders) did not occur until the the whole Tribe to the sale of any of their background o f the Trafton Report and the summer o f 1838 but the party factionlism lands, even the Governor and those others Affadavits o f the Tribal Members submitted INDIAN TOWNSHIP — A Massachu with it, as well as the curiously worded and political unrest in the Tribe, an unrest who had signed, “ appeared to be sorry,” report o f the Joint Select Committee on setts contractor has been hired to construct that had risen to such heights as to prompt and “all requested me to write to the Gover Indian Affairs submitted March 22, 1838, a municipal building here, by a vote o f the John Neptune to completely vacate the res nor o f the State not to take away their lands Passamaquoddy tribal council, Oct. 3. ervation early in 1832. was sufficient for the without the consent o f the Tribe." So throws a flood o f light on the whole dirty Dalton Industries o f Chelmsford, Mass., business. State to take advantage o f it and try again to reported Mark Trafton the Indian Agent. has agreed to construct the new fire and An odd circumstance In addition to the charges of Bribery and purchase the Four Townships o f Penobscot police complex for $137,550, a figure With the material presently available we land that certain State officials had long corruption levelled at the Commissioners by slightly higher than the $129,000 the tribe Trafton should also be added that of can prove nothing against those men of viewed with covetous eyes. budgeted for the building. False report filed forgery, lt is plain that at least one man’ s course, but isn't it an odd circumstance that Approval o f Dalton’s bid took place at a In 1832 the Stale Legislature passed a name was signed to the document without one o f the Commissioners appointed to buy joint meeting of the Indian Township Resolve (Chapter 1 1 o f the Resolves of either his knowledge or consent, that of the Indian lands should be almost the first 1 housing authority and the council. At an to purchase part of those lands from the 1832) authorizing the Governor and Council Captain Peol Sockies. earlier council meeting several bids on the John Neptune did not sign either for he State, along with a certain Samuel Smith. to appoint two "commissioners who are em proposed project were opened, but all tar powered on behalf o f the State to purchase had been gone for over a year. Peol Molley Whether this is the same Samuel Smith, exceeded the project budget. from the Penobscots such o f their lands as signed for him claiming to have been given who was Maine's Governor in 1831-32-33 1 In other business, the council recently t they may be disposed to sell, at such price, authority to do so. but that claim was later have been unable to determine. Isn’ it also voted to approve spending a local public lime and mode o f payment as may be agreed denied. Joseph Poris' (Polis) name is also very strange that Joseph Kelsey the surveyor works grant on grading and drainage work, upon." The two commissioners appointed affixed, signed by a mark. Why should Polis who lotted No. 1 Indian Purchase for the and a "good gravel collector road,” at Peter were Amos M. Roberts o f Bangor and sign by mark when only a few days later he State should be appointed Indian Agent in Dana Point. Funds for those projects total 1836 to replace Mark Trafton? In addition signed a petition protesting the whole Thomas Bartlett o f Orono. $78,000. to this the Copy o f the survey o f the Two Most o f the maneuverings described in business in his own hand? Bid awarded on town building �Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 Page 11 Reprint of recent Maine map showing Indian PurchasesT^ Map showing Indian purchase areas. See story front page and opposite. \ Brennan says history supports State's case against Indians AUGUSTA — “ History is on our side,” says Maine Atty. Gen. Joseph Brennan, discussing the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy Indian land claims case. And that’ what Brennan wants to con s vince the nation’ top counsel to believe. s Brennan met recently with U.S. Atty. Gen. Griffin Bell in Washington to present the State’s side o f the 12.5 million acre Indian and claims suit in which the federal gov ernment is suing Maine on behalf o f the ribes. Brennan called his meeting with Bell, "A ;ood meeting, a healthy meeting. Our liscussion was fairly general. We weren’ t lown there to negotiate, we were there to alk about this case in reference to how trongly we feel about our defenses.” Bell /as “very receptive,” Brennan said. Also attending the Washington meeting 'as Thomas Tureen, lawyer for the Maine -ibes. Brennan said he and Bell, "Discussed the ase rather generally and we feel we have ;ry substantial and historical defenses . . . nportant for us to bring to the attention of ie chief lawyer o f the country.” (Brennan later told a Maine Sunday Tele ram reporter that he is considering asking lat a Federal court case granting the tribes le right to pursue land claims be opened.) In an interview with Wabanaki Alliance, rennan said he is critical o f Federal govnment. "1 don’ see how they can sue t nocent people." the Attorney General id. referring to non-Indian citizens of aine. “I’ not unaware of the less than proud m history o f this country and the tribes. But you cannot ignore that 200 years is a long time. You run into problems when you try to rewrite history,” Brennan said. Brennan bases the State’s case on the fact that Maine did not achieve statehood until 1820, and is not responsible for actions involving Indians prior to that time. Also, Brennan claims a 1790 Non-Intercourse Act — the crux o f the tribes’ claims — does not apply to Maine Indians and never did apply. Brennan maintains the 1790 Congres sional act was intended for Indians in other parts o f the country, and does not apply to New England Indians. The Penobscot-Passamaquoddy claims are based on the argu ment that treaties subsequent to 1790 were not ratified by Congress as required under the Non-Intercourse Act. Also, Brennan argues tribes lost their title to land in the period 1755-1790. “The more research we do, the more confident we are that our defenses are strong,” Brennan said, citing research being done by historian Dr. Ronald F. Banks at University o f Maine at Orono. Brennan is confident he is well prepared for any upcoming court battles. Widely known lawyer Edward Bennett Williams is a consultant on the case, and Brennan himself is a former Cumberland County District Attorney, and spent eight years in the Leg islature. However. Brennan conceded that Indians have "articulate voices” on their side, in cluding Native American Rights Fund, a national organization. Asked if he favored a Presidential adviser’ compromise recommendation that s Indians be given 100,000 acres plus $25 million, Brennan said, “It would be rather awkward for me to recommend giving away the State’s lands when we feel we have a strong defense.” Brennan said since there is a dispute, “ 1 guess disputes are best resolved in the courts. I don’ support paying off claims t that are unfounded,” he added. Brennan said if the land claims case ends up in court, proceedings could last five to six years. He does not think any immediate out-of-court settlement is likely to occur, he said. In his role as Attorney General, Brennan said he must, “ Look at whether we’ being re responsible to all the people o f the State o f Maine.” Brennan also said, “ I think whatever takes place in Maine will set a national precedent.” Planner needed MERIDEN. C l. — American Indians for Development (AID) has announced a job opening for a planner. The Indian advocacy group is seeking someone to fill a slot with an annual salary o f $17,000. A job description says the planner will work closely with five consortium tribes in developing a compre hensive plan, and will develop broad management and administrative policy for AID programs. Other duties will include evaluation and accountability techniques. Forrest Gerrard confirmed BIA head WASHINGTON — Forrest J. Gerard has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the first Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior. Gerard's confirmation came after the Select Committee on Indian Affairs gave its unanimous approval to the full Senate. In the past the top job at the Bureau has been Commissioner o f Indian Affairs, but Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus announced when he took office that the position would be upgraded to that o f Assistant Secretary. Gerard, a Blackfeet, was nominated for the position by President Carter following an extensive selection process. His nomina tion had been questioned by Sen. James Abourezk, D-S.D., but before the Commit tee vote Abourezk explained to the members that his doubts about Gerard’ willingness s to make changes in the Bureau had been overcome during the confirmation hearings and that he was going to vote for his con firmation. Gerard brings an extensive background in Indian affairs to the post. He retired last year from the staff o f the Senate Interior Committee which had been responsible for Indian Affairs in the upper chamber. He also has worked in the Bureau o f Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and prior to his nomination had operated a private consulting firm working with Indian tribes. During the confirmation hearings Gerard said his top three priorities upon taking office would be to strengthen the trust functions o f the Bureau, to help strengthen tribal governments, and to improve service delivery to the tribes, either through direct delviery by the bureau or through self-deter mination mechanisms initiated by the tribes. �Page 12 Wabanaki Alliance October 1977 News briefs A flashback to the past AAicmacs list demands ESKASONI RESERVE. N.B. — A 400page document that lists a series o f demands by Canadian Micmac Indians was presented to government officials here recently by 1 2 Micmac chiefs, representing 5.500 reg istered Indians. According to a story in Indian News, a Canadian publication. M icm acs have spelled out demands in the areas of education, economic development, social services, welfare, local sovereignty, royalties on mineral and other leased resource rights, and “an increased land base for the sole use and benefit of Micmac people and complete taxation exemption."’ Also. Micmacs slated in the report that they want a range of medical services, and a program of cultural preservation. At the presentation of the document. National Indian Brotherhood President Noel Slarblanket said. " If the government refuses to recognize and guarantee the aboriginal rights of Micmacs. it will display to all. the complete disregard the govern ment could have toward the fulfillment of its lawful and moral obligation. "All the eyes of Canada will be upon us and watching how we negotiate . . . do not compromise or concede aboriginal title,” Slarblanket said. Indian talks held at Geneva GENEVA, Switzerland — A conference on discrimination against American Indians ended here last month with a resolution asking for United Nations protection. A wire service story said that concern was expressed at the week-long conference about “plunder and exploitation” o f native lands by multinational - corporations. A U.N. Human Rights subcommission was asked to study the case. Other resolutions o f the conference included demands that Indians have the right to own their own lands and natural resources, and that legal services be provided to ensure those rights. TV program set ORONO — Maine Indian Journal is the title o f a half hour, monthly television program being organized here at Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) studios. The first segment o f the program is scheduled for 10 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10. on MPBN TV stations. The show will be taped Oct. 7, at the network’ studios on the s University o f Maine campus here. The first Maine Indian Journal program will tentatively include an interview with the heads o f Maine’ three Indian reservations. s Penobscot Gov. Nicholas Sapiel. and Passamaquoddy Governors Johii Stevens and Francis Nicholas. Hosts for upcoming Journal programs may be Joseph Nicholas, Project Indian Pride director at Maine Indian Education offices. Calais, and Jean Mitchell, a Univer sity o f Maine student and a member of the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy Tribal Planning Board. Inc. Nicholas is a Passamaquoddy; Mitchell is a Penobscot. WINTRY SCENE — Three unidentified Penobscot men pose in the snow for anthropologist Frank G. Speck in 1910, in this photo from the Museum of the American Indian collection, New York City. Reprinted with permission. Andrew X. Akins o f Perry, who submitted the photo to Wabanaki Alliance, asks if readers can supply any information. Quaker group tapes talk on land case ORONO — A Quaker service group filmed and taped a discussion o f Maine Indian land claims recently, at Maine Public Broadcasting Network studios here. The Maine Indian Program Committee, plans to use the videotape program to educate people on the land claims case. "The purpose o f it is really to reduce ten sions, to get people talking,” said Robert L. Cates of Bradley, committee member and producer o f the program. Called Four Perspectives.* the program consists o f a panel discussion o f Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indian land claims to 12.5 million acres of the State. Panelists are Wayne Newell, Passamaquoddy Indian, educator and member o f a land claims negotiating team; Willard Walker of Wesleyan University, anthropology profes sor; Robert Reuman o f Colby College, philosophy professor; and lawyer James Mitchell, former Maine State Housing Authority director. The Indian committee contracted with the public broadcasting studios to make the film and tape. Assisting with production was Kim Mitchell, a Penobscot Indian employed at the studios. Cates said the videotape may be used in schools, and will be available to interested groups of any kind. Someone will hopefully accompany the program at showings, to explain background. Among remarks on tape was a comment by Newell that he thinks, “ A settlement can be reached in 1977 that is acceptable to the Indian people. The legal system o f this country continues to back us,” he said. Q u estion s for the panelists were moderated by Winnie McPhedran o f Readfield, another Quaker committee member. At one point Mrs. McPhedran asked why don’ Indians join the traditional “melting t pot.” Newell answered, “We want to participate but on our terms. In the past 200 years it’ s always been us giving up something.” Mrs. McPhedran asked about an image of Indians as people who are “lazy and drink too much.” Newell responded humorously that the same could be said about the Maine Legislature. Newell defended Indians’ handling of the land case in terms o f economic disruption, saying, “We have gone out o f our way to seek a negotiated, out-of-court settlement.” Mitchell said that if Indians “win” their case, “we all win” because o f an expected increase in jobs and revenue. Mrs. McPhedran asked why Congress doesn’t simply extinguish land claims. Mitchell answered, “Because it’ outrage s ous. Congress has done a lot of bad things, but they wouldn’ do that. 1 don't believe t Congress is in the mood, now that the Indians are using the court system, to cut that out from under them.” Mrs. McPhedran ended the panel discus sion, saying, “ I hope that in some way our consideration will be helpful.” Land claims seminar slated at Portland PORTLAND — The University o f Maine at Portland-Gorham is sponsorin g a seminar on Maine Indian land claims, Sat urday. Oct. 29. at the college’s Portland gymnasium. Scheduled speakers at the all-day program include Thomas Tureen, lawyer for the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, Maine Atty. Gen. Joseph E. Brennan, Passa maquoddy Gov. John Stevens, Penobscot Gov. Nicholas Sapiel, and Wayne Newell, Passamaquoddy educator and member o f a land claims negotiating team. Members o f Maine’ Congressional dele s gation may also attend. On the agenda, entitled A Claim o f Ancient Right, is dis cussion o f the history, economics, politics and legal aspects o f the Penobscot-Passa maquoddy claims to 12.5 million acres of aboriginal land. The U.S. Justice Department has been ordered to file suit against the State on behalf o f the tribes, seeking S300 million damages based on the land claims. That suit has been in abeyance while a Presidential advisor seeks an out-of-court settlement of the case. The seminar is set to start at 9 a.m., ending at 4:30 p.m. Registration is open to the public, for a $20 fee that includes lunch. � 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> (October 1977) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-10 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-423 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/e13bdfd55188b8b34e65691eaf38d538.pdf fb8172a151bb85b6f26a68fc3850d302 PDF Text Text Wabanaki Alliance Vandalism halted at Pleasant Point Non-profit org. U.S. Postage Paid 2.1* Orono, Maine Permit No. 14 D ecem ber 1977 State ends priests' pay AUGUSTA — An opinion this month by Maine’s Attorney General says the state is under no obligation to continue paying salaries of Catholic priests on Indian reser­ Lewiston, headed by Watie Akins, an vations. PLEASANT POINT — A recent spate of Payments have already been discon­ Indian. Negotiations are underway with an vandalism to new housing here has ended Indian contractor for construction, Geaves tinued, and the Catholic Diocese of Maine is with the occupancy of the homes. expected to pick up the tab. A spokesman said. Vandals broke enough windows, and for the diocese said more than the priests’ Another project planned for a spring 1978 kicked in walls, to total an estimated $6,000 salaries is at stake, since the state also has construction starting date is a Passama­ damage at the Passamaquoddy reservation traditionally paid other parish costs on here. But those problems are now a thing of quoddy tribal municipal building, at a site Maine's three reservations. the past, according to Clayton Cleaves, on the south side of Route 190 on the The diocese does not plan to get involved Passamaquoddy Tribal Housing Authority reservation. A federal Economic Develop­ in a dispute with the state, the church ment A dm inistration grant of about executive director. spokesman said, adding that the matter $150,000 will fund the project. Cleaves said in a recent interview at his should in his opinion be settled between reservation office th a t incidents of state and tribal officials. vandalism have been “cleared up” by full For many years the state has paid parish occupancy of the Phase III housing by expenses at Indian Island, Indian Township Indian families. and Pleasant Point. The diocesan spokes­ INDIAN TOWNSHIP — A Passama­ Cleaves went on to say, “the vandalism man said the Catholic Church will have to quoddy Indian says that contrary to a state­ concept is not as bad as people are led to ment by a tribal official, members of his expend an additional $20,000 to $30,000 to believe” by newspaper accounts. “People make up for the lack of state support. tribe sold land to non-Indians. are led to believe there are riots down here. Simon Sockabasin, disputes tribal We’ve never experienced a fire in relation to spokesman Wayne A. Newell’s statement vandalism here, like other places have had,” that Passamaquoddies never sold land, a he said. comment made at a land claims seminar at Cleaves did acknowledge the PassamaPORTLAND — Southern Maine Indian Portland. quoddies have had “petty vandalism. We Sockabasin says in a letter to Wabanaki Association no longer exists, following a take every precaution to avoid vandalism,” recent unanimous vote of its board of Alliance, “there were 22 Passamaquoddy he said. directors. The reservation now has 81 units of Indians that sold land to non-Indians, from "After nearly two years of existence the 1889 to 1909. I can substantiate this. housing, all occupied, and another 40 units, Anyone is welcome to come to my residence Southern Maine Indian Association closed Phase IV, are being planned. Construction its doors and went away almost like it never here on Indian Township to scrutinize these is set to begin in spring 1978. existed,” said executive director Jason Of modem design, the new homes will be valuable documents.” Sockabasin said he has documents dating Mayes, writing in a Westbrook Indian news­ built so that solar heat collector panels can from 1799 pertaining to tribal land and letter called Eastern Woodland News. be added at a later date. Architect for the Apparently bitter over the closing of new housing is Alnabe Design Associates of alienated lots. Indians sold land Brennan’s opinion says no state agency may spend state funds without authoriza­ tion by statute, and “in this case we find no such authority . . . and conclude that there is no legal basis for the payments.” N e w fish p la n t r e a d ie d PLEASANT POINT — A new fish processing plant, and adjacent pier, have been built here as a move toward economic self-sufficiency for the Passamaquoddy tribe. The fish plant, a 56 by 24 foot metal building, was completed Dec. 1 by Bridge Construction Co. of Augusta. The 275 foot pier has almost been completed, according to tribal officials. A variety of seafoods could potentially be handled at the plant, which may employ as many as 15 Indian persons. Tribal officials hope to obtain a federal Small Business Administration loan to develop a market for fish plant products. Southern Maine Indians disband SMIA’s offices at 142 High St., Mayes, a Cherokee, said, “many agencies, govern­ ment and private, lied to us and physically threatened us in what seemed to be a con­ certed effort to not recognize Indians as equals. For a long time I tried to figure it out but the only explanation I came up with was racism. It is deep, ugly and very powerful in Maine, the white man’s playground.” Mayes has joined the staff of the news­ letter. Artist-poet has many interests By Steve Cartwright Artist-poet Richard Tompkins and his wife Patricia, and sons Katadin, left, and Kineo. LINCOLNVILLE — Richard Tompkins has been a miner in Kentucky, a forest ranger, logger and steelworker. The 37-year-old Indian was wounded while serving in the U.S. Army, has served time in prison, has recovered from alco­ holism and drug abuse — and is now a most successful artist. Best known in Maine and elsewhere for his paintings, Tom pkins also builds fu rn itu re and explores other artistic mediums. He is interested in people in all their variety, and his caring for others shows in many ways. Tompkins grew up in Detroit (Maine) in a non-Indian foster home, knowing almost nothing of his Indian background. A few days ago he dropped by the Central Maine Indian Association office at Orono, and with director Michael Ranco’s help, traced a Micmac band number that will help identify Tompkins'Indian ancestry. Attracted to art at an early age, Tompkins began painting and drawing while a boy attending Hartland Academy. He has taken numerous courses through the University of Maine, but has had no formal training in art. Tompkins and his wife Patricia live on a 100-acre farm at Moody Mountain, with (Continued on page 7) �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance December 1977 editorials Moving back home Indians are quietly returning to the reservation. There is William B. Newell, the retired anthropologist who moved home to Indian Island, although his father had moved away many years ago, and the younger Newell was born in Boston. There is Dr. Eunice Baumann-Nelson, now Penobscot director of health and social services at the Island. She grew up on the reserva­ tion, but spent much of her life as far away as South America. Very few persons were there to hear it, but at a recent Orono Both of these people, featured in last month’s Wabanaki Alliance, Historical Society meeting three faculty members from Bangor are highly qualified professionals who succeeded on the “outside.” Community College presented an enlightening program on Cree But somehow, somewhere in their hearts, it became important to Indians. identify with home, the Penobscot Nation. Newell’s daughter Diane and heir husband Howard Wilson also The trio spent a bare two weeks at Moosonee, a Cree village on have settled at Indian Island. Similar stories come from Pleasant Hudson’s Bay in northern Ontario, but the experience obviously left Point Passamaquoddy reservation, and Indian Township Passathem with lasting impressions. „ maquoddy reservation. Tribal rolls are on the increase. Penobscot tribal historian and genealogist S. Glenn Starbird, Jr. For example, as a Provincial Police van headed down Moosonee’s main street, a Cree woman tossed a rock through the windshield. said he expects at least 60 new names to be reviewed at the council’s annual census meeting this January. Why? So she would be sentenced to a correctional center where she Numbers will be revealing, but won’t tell the whole story of why could learn a skill, and possibly find a job. One has to break the law Indians are returning home. in Moosonee to get a bit of education to try to survive. The crass, superficial opinion is that these returning Indians want That was only one of several ironies of life in Moosonee. Another a piece of the land claims pie, if Indians should win their case. Only a outrageous situation was the government liquor store, a large second glance is needed to disprove this theory. The real reasons are both more subtle and more profound. Indians modem building that stood out among the weather-beaten Cree homes. Every brand of liquor is available there at standard Canadian are returning to the reservation to identify with their past and their kin. In coming home, they are finding themselves. prices, and alcoholism is rampant in Moosonee. The case of the Cree The liquor store thrives, but Canadian government has cut the budget for Moosonee’s vocational training center, and its director says it may have to close. Cooperation Moosonee has a rail link to the rest of civilization, but it’s hard to see it as a blessing. Hudson Bay Company has exploited the Crees for years. Still standing in front of the company store is a press used to squeeze down furs so that Indians would have to supply more for less. A new sense of cooperation emerged in a bi-state Indian welfare services program that will concentrate on improved foster care. Covering portions of Maine and Massachusetts, the federally funded program is proof that Indians of different backgrounds and (Cree trappers used to be paid by a musket-high pile of furs, so geographic origin can work together toward solving common clever Hudson Bay officials built extra long rifles to trick the problems. _ Gregory Buesing, coordinator of the Indian Task Force of the Indians.) Federal Regional Council of New England, said the new program At least trapping was a living. Today most of Moosonee is on could be a prototype, with other shared services programs to follow. welfare. The sled dogs were executed in favor of snowmobiles. The foster care program involves the Boston Indian Council, Coca-Cola is consumed by small children at an alarming rate, to the Central Maine Indian Association and Association of Aroostook exclusion of anything nutritious. Indians, which together represent a number of different tribes. Buesing said the cooperation these groups have demonstrated is an One of the speakers at Orono said he would often see someone incentive to push for similar cooperative programs in other areas. consume a six-pack of Coke on the spot. Indian culture has become Indian foster care involves a history of much abuse, where so -skewed that when a welfare check rolled in, one Indian family youngsters were yanked from Indian homes (sometimes for valid used it to hire a taxi^o go fishing. reasons) but then placed in totally non-Indian homes (for no valid There is a grain of hope in a group that wants to return to reason). In an article in this paper, Penobscot Vivian Massey calls traditional native ways and native pride. It will be a long hard road, that practice “cultural genocide.” The new program is an important step in correcting long-term and non-Indians in Moosonee are not exactly paving the way. problems through Indian agencies. And there are few problems that The police force, for instance, is non-Indian, and none of the men cannot be overcome through cooperation. speak Cree. Why learn it, they say, since what they want most is to be transferred out of Moosonee. WABANAKI ALLIANCE Some of the Cree problems are familiar to groups of Indians in Maine: The Crees have a low self-image and therefore little motiva­ tion to work for change; the welfare syndrome tends to perpetuate itself; alcoholism robs families of stability and harmony. Vol. 1, No. 5 December 1977 Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services [DIS] at the Indian Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Me. 04473. Steven Cartwright, Editor William O’Neal, Ass’t Editor DIS Board of Directors In the case of the Crees, isolation involves economic dependency and cultural degeneration. One might say that while Moosonee is isolated, it hasn’t been isolated enough. Its Cree inhabitants haven’t escaped the ravages of white exploitation and indifference. And the churches in Moosonee seem unable to do much about it. Jean Chavaree [chairman] John Bailey, CAP coordinator Albert Dana Timothy Love, CAP director Jeannette Neptune, Tribal Clerk ErienePaul, Central Maine Indian Assn. Roy Paul, Assn, of Aroostook Indians Maynard Polchies, president, Aroostook Indians Michael Ranco, Central Maine Indian Assn. • Perhaps the Crees’ only ray of hope is an end to isolation, and the beginning of recognition and support from within the community and outside Moosonee. / . ' Indian Island PleasantPoint IndianTownshi Indian bland IndianTownshi Indian Island Honlton Honlton Orono . ’ • * I s ' - N * « DIS is an agency of Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc. of Maine. Subscriptions to this newspaper are available by writing to Wabanaki Alliance, 95 Main S t, Orono, Me. 04473. Diocesan Human Relations Services and DIS are a non-profit corporation. Contri­ butions are deductible for income tax purposes. �Wabanaki Alliance December 1977 letters Very informative Dorseyville, Pa. To the editor: A member of our Center recently brought in the September 1977 issue of the Wabanaki Alliance. We found it to be a very informative periodical, especially regarding the battle going on up there involving the Penobscots and Passamaquoddy. The Council of Three Rivers also pub­ lishes a Newsletter on an irregular basis. However, we would like to receive the Wabanaki Alliance on an exchange basis with our Newsletter if you are interested. Our funds are low and we find this the best way to exchange information and ideas. If you are interested, please continue to send us the Wabanaki Alliance. We are adding you to our mailing list for the News­ letter. We wish you good fortune in your battle, which ultimately affects all of us. May the Creator keep you strong and on the good red road. Lisa Yeager Assistant Librarian Council of Three Rivers Free re a d in g skills Waterville To the editor: 1have received your November 1977 issue and found it very interesting. In looking carefully at the articles and “ads" (Do you have a drinking problem?), 1 saw you focus a great deal on services to the Indians of Maine. Literacy Volunteers provides another service you may wish to share with your readers — free, confidential, one-to-one tutoring,in basic reading and writing. Presently there are over 700 volunteers tutoring in 17 large geographic areas of the state. For further information, call toll-free 1-800-452-4648. Thank you for your help. Jonathan D. McKallip Director Keep it up Perth New Brunswick To the editor: I just got copies of issues for August, Sep­ tember and October, 1977 of Wabanaki — great stuff. I was glad to find your publica­ tion so informative. All I can say is “keep up the good work.” Darryl Nicholas E xpose trade-offs Surry To the editor: 1 enthusiastically support your publica­ tion and look forward to articles exposing the “trade offs” which Maine natives have involuntarily accepted as a result of living on reservation (tax free) property — in particular education funding difficulties! Kathy Rogers Director of School Services The Counseling Center Bangor Indian in prison Atlanta, Ga. To the editor: It has been brought to my attention that one of our Brothers who is in the Norfolk State Prison is receiving undo and uncalled for harassment, intimidation, and ill treat­ ment, and threats against his very life, all because our Brother is Indian, Apache-Micmac. Our Brother’s name is Dave Brady. Brother Dave is receiving harassment from the white inmates in his cell block, just because Dave is Indian and won't give in to the white inmates, as Dave wishes to uphold his Indian culture and traditional ways of his people. What these white inmates are trying to do to Dave, is to keep up the harassment and intimidation against Dave and to make Dave do something rash so that he will be sent to the maximum security at Walpole. Brother Dave has used all the means to draw the attention of this harassment to the Superintendent of Norfolk State Prison, Mass. The very attitude of the Superintendent, shows that he is biased against Indians and is a racist of the first order and should be dismissed from his job as Superintendent of Norfolk State Prison. Please write your letters of protest to Commissioner of Cor­ rections, Leverett Saltonstall Building, Boston, Mass. 02109. Larry D. Hester Cherokee Correction A story on Central Maine Indian Associa­ tion elections, in last month’s Wabanaki Alliance, should have stated that Shirley Bailey was elected to a one year term as president. The editor regrets the error. Page 3 Some guildelines for living (From a re a d e r ) A certain amount of tension is healthy and necessary for concentration On the job to be done. But the time may come when tension increases to the point of anxiety, fear, and stress. This can en­ danger mental ability, emotional control, and in time physical vigor. Here are some ideas for dealing with tensions every day so that they do not build up to unman­ ageable proportions. LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME. Trying to live tomorrow is dangerous and dif­ ficult. It’s often said, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” The same holds true for the good! Don’t borrow trouble from the future. And do not do any other job but what is before you now. Decide what is most important, and concentrate on that one thing. ESCAPE IS HEALTHY. It’s perfectly normal to escape for a. time to regroup your forces and relax a bit. This will give new strength to come back and deal with the problems facing you. Don’t expect these problems to evaporate into thin air, but take a different perspective on them and attack them from various angles. GET HELP FROM OTHERS. Con­ fining worries within yourself builds up tension. Find a person you can trust and talk things out. This in itself is good therapy. Sharing the load makes it easier to carry but and will relieve the stress of the moment. You may get new ideas on what to do. BE WILLING TO BEND. Even steel must have a little flexibility. Anything with no give to it will break under pressure. You may be in the right, and you’re sure of it, yet a bit of give-andtake will help remove tension and lead to a workable solution. If you are willing, probably the other fellow will be too. PUT OTHER FELLOW FIRST. Carefully consider your goals in trying to be first. Thinking of someone else, even helping him get a break once in a while, will tend to relax you. And this will often open the ways for the breaks to come your way. Many so-called “breaks” are only the natural outworking of a mutual respect between people and their desire to put others before themselves. DEVELOP A SENSE OF HUMOR. Most people take themselves too ser­ iously, much more seriously than those around them do. Nothing will break ten­ sion more than a well-placed laugh or a good-natured smile. Anyone who can laugh at himself occasionally and see the funny side of things, will be hard put to be pressured by stress. PLAN AHEAD FOR RECREATION. Just as the workday needs to be planned, so does periodic recreation. No one person can concentrate forever on his work without a change of direction once in a while. Nature’s cycles are built on work and play, tension and then relaxa­ tion. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you have helped a person. It takes the stress off your own troubles. EXPEND EFFORT FOR OTHERS. It often helps to go out of your way to do something for another person. You may find he has many more problems than you have. It’s a wonderful feeling not to have troubles caused by constant tension without change. EXPEND EMOTIONAL ENERGY. When pent-up feelings build up to the bursting point, get out and take a walk, play a game of tennis, or rake the lawn. Physical exercise helps cool a hot head and allows a little extra time to make careful decisions in ticklish situations. DON’T RUN OTHERS DOWN. It’s very easy to try to fit everyone else into your ’own pattern and expect them to measure up to your preconceived ideas for them. Focus on their strong qualities and cooperate in every way possible in this framework. RECOGNIZE YOU HAVE LIMITS. Do you expect too much from yourself? After all, you can’t do everything, as much as you might think you must! Every person has limits, both in the quantity he does and the quality. It’s well lo do a good job, but extreme perfection­ ism is a hindrance. Be happy with your skills and abilities and constantly strive lo improve them, but don’t expect to do ihe impossible. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND WHEN. There is a close connection between the stomach and the mind. It’s surprising to see how good, nourishing food improves one’s outlook. Regular habits at the table can help knock tensions out. SOCIAL LIFE IS IMPORTANT. Rubbing shoulders with people is a part of life, both in business and otherwise. Take the initiative in making friends, in meeting new people, in getting involved in active projects. Don’t always wait to be asked. DEVELOP TRUST AND FAITH. For serenity of life, trust and faith in both God and man are essential qualities. Rest in the assurance that God loves you’and wants the best for you and that basically those around will respond in positive ways if you show your trust in them. Do you have a Duty of police Indian Island To the editor: Indian law enforcement has a duty to interpret to the community, with truth and objectivity, those conditions that create both law enforcement and community problems. The Indian law enforcement service has the responsibility to recognize that the authority and power to fulfill its function is dependent upon tribal approval and tribal support and cooperation. The Indian law enforcement service has the responsibility to maintain, at all times a relationship with the tribe that gives reality to the historic tradition, that law enforce­ ment is the tribe, and that the tribe is law enforcement, law enforcement officers being members of the tribe. A police officer is to enforce the laws equally in war and in peace, and cover with the shield of its protection all classes of men, at all times, and under all circumstances. Howard Wilson d rin k in g p ro b le m ? Wabanaki Corporation offers an alco­ holism program for Indian people who need help because of problems with alcohol. If you have such a problem and need help, or know of someone in need, please contact the Alcoholism Counselor in your community or area. Indian Island — Alcoholism Coun­ selor — Clarence Francis — 207-8665577. Indian Township — Alcoholism Coun­ selor — Martha Barstis — 207-796-2321. Pleasant Point — Alcoholism Coun­ selor — Grace Roderick — 207-8532537. Association of Aroostook Indians — Alcoholism Counselor — Pious Perley — 207-762-3751. Central Maine Indian Association — Alcoholism Counselor — Alfred Dana — 207-269-2653 or 207-866-5577. OUTDOOR M URAL — Passam aqnoddy artist D iane E nos, w ilrttd by D eanna Franck, painted th is brightly colored m oral on the w all o f a bam , facing R ente 190 a t P leasant Paint �Page 4 Wabanaki Alliance December 1977 Sockabasin arson trial set MACHIAS — Former Passamaquoddy tribal Governor Allan Sockabasin, 32, will face trial Jan. 9, on a charge of arson in Washington County Superior Court. The charge, in connection with an incident alleged April 16 at Indian Town­ ship reservation, is one of a number of charges against Sockabasin. Charges of dis­ orderly conduct, assault, obstructing gov­ ernment administration, criminal mischief and criminal threatening are still pending, according to a court clerk. NEW STAFF AT PLEASANT POINT — Robert Bundy, left, was hired recently as project manager for the Passamaquoddy Tribal Housing Authority, and Jeff Hill began work this month as tribal planner and assistant to Gov. Francis J. Nicholas. Tribal planner backs tidal power PLEASANT POINT — A tidal power minimal a bureaucracy as is necessary,” he project at the Passamaquoddy reservation said. Hill said he thinks his job should be here could be “on line” by 1986, according “terminal,” at some future point. In the to recently hired tribal planner Jeff Hill. meantime, he hopes to learn to speak PassaHill, 35, also serves as administrative maqouddy. assistant to Gov. Francis J. Nicholas. He Hill studied social welfare at State said the tribe currently is working on a grant of about $400,000 from the federal Depart­ University of New York at Stony Brook, ment of Energy to study the tidal power and has also studied architecture. He has project, proposed for Half Moon Cove at the attended Rhode Island School of Design and Boston University, as well as Ecole des reservation. “ We’ll come out of it with specific recom­ Beaux-Arts in Paris. A native of Massa­ mendations on how construction will be chusetts, Hill now lives in Robbinston. done, said Hill, adding, “we don’t have any Also recently hired by the tribe was doubt at this point it’s economically Robert Bundy, 45, of Cranberry Island. feasible.” He said the entire project could Bundy will serve as project manager with the cost as much as $14 million, and would tribal housing authority. A graduate of Uni­ supply all the power needs of the reserva­ versity of New Hampshire with a degree in tion, with power left over to sell elsewhere. geology, the New Hampshire native is a He figures a tidal plant could generate two Navy veteran and obtained a Master’s to five megawatts of electrical power. degree in Business Administration from Hill said he is not a bureaucrat. He wants Harvard. He has previously worked as a “to help enable the tribe to operate with as contractor. All of the charges were brought in court several months ago, but the court clerk said “there have been delays” in scheduling trial dates. She said in a telephone conversation that, “if you want to know anything else you are welcome to come down and look at the file.” Sockabasin was accused earlier this year, in a grand jury indictment, of attempting to set fire to the elementary school at Peter Dana Point, Indian Township. A more recent charge of criminal threatening alleges Sockabasin pointed a gun at Roger Gabriel, a Passamaquoddy, and John Stevens, current tribal governor. That charge was transferred in August from Calais District Court to superior court. A ttem pts to reach Sockabasin for comment have been unsuccessful. Cutler hopeful on claims talks WASHINGTON — Eliot R. Cutler, one of three members of the President’s Indian land claims negotiating panel, said he is hopeful a resolution will be reached that satisfies all parties. Cutler was contacted by phone at his Washington office with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Asked if he expected any developments in the near future, he said, “like any discussion, we could suddenly come to a resolution.” Cutler’s panel has met once formally with the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribal negotiating team, and another meeting is planned in the next few weeks, he said. C utler declined to com ment on negotiations, saying he had an agreement with Indians not to talk about it. The two Maine tribes are seeking some 10 million acres plus $25 billion damages in their suit, which alleges they were illegally deprived of tribal land. The federal government offered the tribes 100,000 acres plus $25 million as a compromise settlement that would also extinguish Indian claims to private lands. Indians rejected the offer. The State of Maine has consistently said the tribes have no case, and state officials are not partici­ pating in negotiations. CMIA to open branch office ORONO — Central Maine Indian Asso­ ciation plans to open an office soon in the Portland area, to serve former members of the Southern Maine Indian Association. The Southern group has apparently dissolved, and no longer maintains a Portland office as in the past. Officials of the Central Maine group hope to offer Indians residing in Southern Maine the same variety of services provided by the Orono office. In other matters, CMIA announces a general membership meeting for Jan. 12, 1978, at 7 p.m. at Indian Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono. An opinion on abortion alternatives By Isabelle Toney Obstetricans, gynecologists and pediatri­ Alternatives to abortion include birth; cians are reluctant to say for certain that the education and treatment of the alcoholic unborn children of alcoholic women will mother and father; adoption, preferably to suffer from ‘fetal alcohol syndrome'. Testing the alcohol blood level of the fetus is not native parents; and treatment of the child. The dictionary defines abortion as included in routine medical check ups in premature birth occurring before the fetus detoxification units. can survive; also: an induced expulsion of a Serious considerations are given in rape fetus. and incest cases but these are rare. Another The first meaning indicates that abortion may be involuntary in that the body rejects and expels the baby. It is the second form of termination of the growth and development of the unborn that I want to express my views about; particularily in the case of alcoholic native women. This type of abortion cannot happen unless we let it. The main factor about the induction of uterine contractions to ‘get rid’ of the embryo is that drugs may be used with or without surgical instruments. Added to this is the danger of infections, reactions and traumatic after effects requiring psychiatric treatment. Psychiatric counseling is important and required before abortion as a preventive measure and afterward as a therapeutic step in maintaining mental health. Mainly, the purpose of psychiatri * counseling is to help patients cope with, and conquer guilt feelings. Guilt is nature’s way of telling'uF that a violation of a moral code or natural law has occurred. The natural law is the moral code important missing factor to be researched is of traditional native people. the effects of the father’s drinking on off­ The major reason put forward by the pro­ spring. ponents of abortion is that the mother is In controlled study programs of alcoholic alcoholic and therefore the baby m&y also be alcoholic. You don’t get rid of people just females who are pregnant, statistics look because you can’t deal with problems they bad: 30 to 50 per cent of babies born will may present because that’s the same suffer the same disease of the mother and mentality behind warfare, termination and the symptoms may or may not include brain extermination. A possibility that the disease damage. of alcoholism in the unborn child may exist is one side of the coin while the other is the probability that it may not exist. How can we be sure that abortion is just not eliminating the possibility of alcoholism in infants? What can we do to eliminate social and economic conditions th at encourage the setting of habits that lead later to uncontrolable intoxication? Education is one answer, social change, another. Does the expectant mother under­ stand completely that her baby is being adversely affected by her drinking habits and if so is she willing to undergo treatment which may include any of the following: — Detoxification followed by institution­ ally supervised group therapy and chemo­ therapy — Mega-vitamin therapy — Psychiatric treatment Half-way house live-in treatment specifically for native women alcoholics — Family counseling — Pre-natal instruction and care — Alcoholics Anonymous programming — Organized women’s groups to deal with unwed mothers, single parents, alter­ native lifestyles, adoptions and other women’s issues of the day. Then there’s the time factor that’s in favor of a healthy delivery. Nature has given us nine months to prepare for one. On the other hand, there’s the chance that the baby may die if the disease is terminal. Almost every organized religion of the world has very strong views about birth control and abortion because both methods involve violations against life and interfere with natural flow of energy and life force. Native women must speak from the position of strength when they are teaching the children and advising as well as supporting their men. This can be done easily if enough time in invested in listening to the counsel of the elders. Growing up to maturity in this maledominated society is a task in itself when you are a woman and it’s downright energy-con­ suming if you happen to be native. Being born female means having to fight racism and sexism in the classrooms and media and chauvanism in employment. Should you come out of that unscarred you either had to compromise your individuality or are helping others attain their goals . . . your vision for their vision. Because children have no power to map out their destiny parents and guardians must do it for them until they are old enough to choose their values and beliefs. I would be the first to admit that Indian alcoholism is extremely high and the educational level extremely low, and sometimes it does appear that one has no choice but to lie down and die. The rate of success among alcoholics is not complete but it’s improving one day at a time. Alter­ natives for recovery that are not available to us now will be available to our children and those yet unborn just as more alternatives to abortion will develop. After all is said and done for and against abortion, native women still have the freedom to choose their destiny. NOTE: Isabelle Toney is a Micmac Indian residing at Chester Basin, Nova Scotia. �Wabanaki Alliance December 1977 Page 5 Penobscot claims job discrimination INDIAN ISLAND — A 36-year-old steel­ worker here says he has been deliberately denied jobs because he is Penobscot Indian. Dana Mitchell, graduate of an apprentice program and an experienced worker, has filed a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission alleging discrimina­ tion. “ Since I instituted the case about a year ago, I haven’t had much work,” he said. The commission has scheduled a public hearing on Mitchell’s complaint at 10 a.m., Dec. 19, at their Augusta offices. Commis­ sioners will vote that afternoon on whether reasonable grounds for discrimination charges exist. If so, the commission will first attempt to resolve Mitchell’s complaint through concil­ iation, but if that fails, may file suit in superior court, according to Jane Lepore, administrative assistant. “I can hang iron just like any of them,” said Mitchell, who is finding the Christmas season difficult without an income. He has two daughters in Old Town by his ex-wife. He said he has been laid off several Maine jobs for no apparent reason other than prejudice against Indians. “The gist of my complaint is they (em­ ployers and his local union) are not in pursuit of minority people in their pro­ grams, and they show prejudice to minorities . . . I’m talking especially about Indians,” Mitchell said. Mitchell claims Iron Workers Local No. 496, of which he is a member, has done nothing for him. He said the local union’s president and its business manager are Masons like himself, but “they’re not even practicing the fraternal oath.” Business manager Bill Shirland of Old Town, contacted at the union’s Portland office, said Mitchell's claims are groundless. ‘Tve talked with people who say he has no basis for his claim,” Shirland said. Shirland said he feels the union is not obligated to follow federal affirmative action guidelines for hiring minorities because Indians are such a small percentage of Maine’s total population. “Actually, we don’t have to comply with it (affirmative action),” he said. Shirland said Mitchell may have been laid off a couple of jobs, but that “in this business” is what workers expect. “ It’s a temporary situation,” he said. Mitchell said he was unjustly laid off at Scott Paper Co. construction in Hinkley, and at a Central Maine Power Company job, at Cousins Island. At the CMP site, he was replaced by two other workers, he said. When Dana Mitchell suffered a hand injury on a job in Massachusetts, his union gave him no support, although he was married and had a family at the time. The mistreatment was “basically because I’m Indian,” he said, adding that many of his co-workers treat him well. NEW CASEWORKERS — Recently hired by Central Maine Indian Association, Orono, were Vicki Almenas, left, and Bridget Woodward. Mrs. Almenas, 21, and Mrs. Woodward, 33, will be involved in a foster care program the agency is developing, and will do outreach work providing food, clothing, shelter, education and medical services to needy Indian persons. Mrs. Almenas, a Penobscot Indian, lives at Indian Island; Mrs. Woodward, a Bangor resident, is a Micmac Indian. Both positions are federally funded CETA jobs. Women's Year delegate complains of NOW takeover ORONO — M aine’s only native American delegate to a recent International Women’s Year (IWY) meeting at Houston said she was disappointed in how the con­ vention was run. Vivian Massey, Penobscot from Indian Island, said the National Organization for Women controlled the passage and defeat of women’s resolutions at the four-day event, attended by 14 Maine delegates. “As far as I’m concerned, it was a NOW convention,” Mrs. Massey said. She said a resolution proposed by a coali­ tion of U.S. minority peoples won NOW’s endorsement, and was passed by the conven­ tion. The resolution was “ a step in the right direction,” Mrs. Massey said. Resolutions and recommendations of the IWY will be forwarded to President Carter. “What happens after that is anybody’s guess,” Mrs. Massey said. Mrs. Massey was also disappointed in a concluding IWY meeting for Maine members, held at Augusta recently. “ I’m willing to compromise, but I got the feeling that nobosy but nobody is willing to com­ promise. I have my own ideas, but I want to listen, I want to hear what the other side has to say.” However, Mrs. Massey said, “ I’m very glad I was a delegate because of my chance to meet other native women delegates.” She said about 45 Indian women attended, and she felt strong ties of unity with them. Mrs. Massey said she sometimes was aware of anti-Indian sentiment from non-Indian women at the convention. Among issues discussed by Indian delegates were foster care and sterilization of native American women. Mrs. Massey called past foster care practices “cultural genocide,” because Indian children were removed from anything Indian and placed in non-Indian surroundings. Comm enting on sterilization, Mrs. Massey said, that Indian Health Services (IHS), a federal program, “is one of the major offenders as far as Indians are con­ cerned. What they’re doing is taking doctors and using Indian women as guinea pigs.” On the plane home from Houston, Mrs. Massey talked with a woman who works at the United Nations, and the woman asked her if she would speak at the UN. “I didn’t have the money but if I had a sponsor I would do it,” Mrs. Massey said. Tomer fakes job Stanley N e p tu n e e x p la in s quill jewelry. Native craft lessons begin INDIAN ISLAND — Stanley Neptune, 29, has been making and selling a variety of native craft products for years. Now, under a one-year federal CETA grant, he has been hired to develop a training program for Indian youth that involves learning beadw ork, carving, porcupine quill jewelry-making and other traditional skills. As Neptune, a Penobscot, points out, “if you make something yourself, you feel pretty good about it.” A number of Indian Island young persons, both boys and girls, are beginning to feel good and take pride in their craft accomplishments through Nep­ tune’s program. Neptune said he needs any donations of tools, materials or money. He has generously brought in his own tools and supplies from his shop, paying for materials himself. But help is needed, he said. Elwin Sapiel, Penobscot job counselor, said he hopes the craft instruction program can be expanded and continued beyond the one year funding. Neptune said he enjoys the work, par­ ticularly when a youngster finds he can create something beyond his initial expec­ tations. For instance, “ an 11-year-old carved a cane a did a fine job,” Neptune said. Besides canes, Indian youth make pendants, “ choker” necklaces, watch straps, belts, leather pouches and wooden ceremonial clubs. Neptune is skilled and eager to teach in all of these areas. Indian exhib it sla te d INDIAN ISLAND — George Tomer, 29, a Penobscot, has accepted a full time position as planner with an Indian advocacy group at Meriden, Ct. Tomer was expecting to begin work soon with American Indians for Development (AID) of Meriden, where he will be respon­ sible for devising management and admin­ istrative policy. Tomer will work closely with five consortium tribes, according to AID. An Indian Island native, Tomer most recently worked as a task force specialist on terminated and non-federally recognized Indians with the American Indian Policy Review Commission, in Washington, D.C. His role there included being a professional staff counselor. Pnor to his position with the commission, Tomer worked with the Coalition of Eastern Native Americans, Washington, D.C. BANGOR — An exhibit on North Ameri­ can Indian culture will be on display through January at the Penobscot Heritage Museum. Sponsored by the museum and the Bangor Historical Society, the' exhibit includes artifacts and information on the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac and Maliseet tribes of Maine. Rhine in Who's Who OLD TOWN — Karen E. Rhine, 18, will be listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. The Penobscot Indian daughter of Marlin and Mary Rhine of 757 Stillwater Ave., Miss Rhine is a recent graduate of Old Town High School. She is interested in law, and is considering attending Colby College. She is currently tak in g evening courses at A l a s k a m e e tin g slated University of Maine at Orono, and was recently hired as a secretary with Penobscot DENVER — A second annual Indian- Indian Health and Social Services Depart­ Alaska native health conference is slated ment. Feb. 12-15, 1978, at Albuquerque, N.M. Miss R hine is also interested in National Indian Health Board, Inc., of journalism, and writes poetry. A letter from Denver, sponsor of the meeting, said topics Paul Krouse, publisher of Who’s Who, said for discussion will include alcoholism, she is among fewer than five per cent of all national health insurance, self-determina­ upperclassmen in the nation’s high schools, tion and various areas of legislation related and she is “heartily commended for her to Indian health. achievements.” �Page 6 Wabanaki Alliance December 1977 Crees trapped by welfare ORONO — It was a dismal, depressing, but not hopeless picture that Stephen Hyatt and Richard Pare of Bangor Community College painted for the Orono Historical Society recently at the Orono Community House. Their lecture and slides concerned the condition of the Cree Indians living in the sub-arctic town of Moosonee in Ontario, twelve miles from the southern end of James Bay and the historical factors leading to the present situation. Their descriptions were like flashbacks to a Maine of 100 years ago with a few modem twists. In a community of 1,000 Indians and 260 whites, 80% of the native Americans are receiving welfare. According to Hyatt the •causes of welfare at Moosonee are seated in the past, but are perpetuated in the present. Until 1932 Moosonee was little more than a trading center for the Hudson Bay Com­ pany. The Cree living in the area were nomadic hunters and to a lesser' extent trappers, selling their pelts to Hudson Bay or to another dealer, Revillon Freres, but still independent. In 1932 a railroad was built to Moosnee, for the first time connecting Southern Ontario to Hudson Bay. With the railroad came employment. Gradually the Cree began to abandon their nomadic lives and settle in Moosonee to work on the railroad. With the outbreak of World War II an early warning system station was established in Moosonee, bringing more employment and money and attracting more Cree to the town. The period since the war has not been prosperous. The dreams of the railroad have failed to materialize and much of the business that had begun is gone. The early warning station is gone, as is most of the fur business. The Cree have been left mired in Moosonee, lacking both the skills and in­ dependence of the past, yet without any means of dealing with the present or future, according to Hyatt and Pare. It is not surprising that crime and alcoholism are “quite apparent and quite destructive,” according to Pare. Hyatt em­ phasized the fact that the most modern, in fact the only modem building in Moosonee is a new, attractively-designed Government Liquor Store. Pare contrasted this with the fact that the budget of the regional education center was cut from $1 million to $100,000. Pare pointed out that in 1976 alone over $300,000 worth of liquor was sold to the 1,260 residents of Moosonee. A Catholic priest remarked to Pare, “ What they’re doing is recycling the welfare.” The incidence of murder, robbery, vandalism, and arson is soaring. In the two weeks the researchers stayed in Moosonee, there were three stabbings and one murder. There had been eight murders in five months. According to Hyatt practically nothing is being done to discourage it. Hyatt stated that even in cases of murder, often the police, none of whom speak Cree, merely place the culprit in the custody of his parents, his punishment being that he must stay in Moosonee. In one case two girls set the railroad station on fire and then ran to the police station to turn themselves in. By doing this they hoped to be sent away to a disciplinary training center, where they would learn a skill and where their lives would actually be more comfortable. Hyatt pointed out "the irony of having to commit a crime to get training, to make something of your life. It was rather depressing at times.” Hyatt expressed surprise at the fact that practically all the crime in Moosonee involves Indian against Indian. He stated that the Cree in the town have a very low self-image, a situation which Clayton Pinette, the third member of the research team hopes to study in the future. No doubt, it is one major factor in the desire of the people, particularly the young to leave Moosonee. Hyatt suggested that this is in part due to the fact that the Cree feel that the whites look down on them and dislike them. This impression has been repeatedly reinforced by tourists who come to Moosonee. In an effort to compete with the airlines, the railroad to Moosonee launched a massive advertising campaign in North America and Europe inviting tourists to come ride the Polar Bear Express into a land of primitive beauty with Indians and a return to the romantic past. When the Polar Bear Express pulls into Moosonee, only to find junked cars, poverty, and a crowd of people who seem to find the tourists interesting, rather than the other way around, the tourists are usually quick to express their disappointment and contempt, not taking the time to meet the people or set straight the false image fostered by the rail­ road. Hyatt found that this rejection hurts the Cree and drives their self-image even lower, since, despite the miserable conditions in Moosonee and the squalor in which they live, many of the people still love their settle­ ment and value it. But, he said, “we’ve over­ whelmed them with our culture to the extent that they’re losing their language.” One group in Moosonee is trying to stop this loss of culture and reclaim the pride the Cree of this area once had. Called Treaty Number Seven, this group, composed mainly of younger Indians, many of them from outside Moosonee, have been helping the people of Moosonee fight alcoholism. They are attempting to replace the emptiness of alcohol, which is forbidden within the group, and the sterility of their lives with a return to the richness of the ways of their forefathers. Another builder accused of bungling housing job PLEASANT POINT — In October this newspaper reported a botched housing con­ struction job at Indian Island Penobscot reservation. Now the Passamaquoddy tribe is finding a similar situation. The Passamaquoddy Tribal Housing Authority is considering legal action against Ibec, Inc., an Oklahoma contractor that built a number of brick homes at Pleasant Point. Housing Authority Director Gayton Geaves said serious defects are turning up. “After completion of that project people began to observe defects like deteriorating ceilings, cracked cellars, cracked founda­ tions . . . those are the major problems, there are others,” Geaves said. At Indian Island, windows were defective, electric outlets uncovered, areas were left unpainted, and floors actually began to sink. Penobscot Tribal Housing Authority Direc­ tor Morris Carpenter said the Boston con­ tractor, J. W. Fraught Co., was responsible Cor “lousy workmanship.” The housing authority has a lawsuit against Praught, contractor has returned to and corrected several of the unacceptable. been planning although the Indian Island items listed as Hustler visits Indian Island INDIAN ISLAND — The current issue of Hustler magazine is being talked about here and at Pleasant Point and Indian Township, because of a story on American Indians that includes the Penobscot tribe. In its January 1978 issue, the national “ X-rated” periodical published an interview with Penobscot Gov. Nicholas H. Sapiel, and included a color photo of the Governor in front of the Indian Island filling station. Sapiel commented briefly on the Penobscot Passamaquoddy land claims case. The H ustler reporter apparently did not interview any other Maine Indians for his story. David L. Rudolph, health and social services director for Central Maine Indian Association, discusses plans with Suzanne Letendre, director of a new two-state Indian foster care program. Foster care program starts ORONO — A 23-year-old Cree Indian woman has been hired to direct a two-state demonstration project for Indian family welfare services. Suzanne Letendre , of French and Indian descent, will coordinate a $100,000 project designed to provide foster care and other services in three Maine counties, and also in the Lowell, Lawrence and Worcester areas of Massachusetts. The Maine counties are Aroostook, Penobscot and Washington. Miss Letendre, who is based at Boston Indian Council headquarters in that city, recently visited with Central Maine Indian Association officials here. Boston Indian Council and CM IA are co-sponsors of the federally funded welfare project. Also involved is the Association of Aroostook Indians (AAI). At the recent informal meeting, Miss Letendre told CM IA officials and two state Department of Human Services workers that “We just have to repeat to ourselves now and then that we’re trying to keep the family together. That’s the whole point of the thing.” Persons involved with human services often become involved with details, and could lose sight of overall goals, Miss Letendre said. David L. Rudolph, CMIA health and social services director, told the group that recent figures show 92 per cent of Indian foster children are placed in non-Indian homes. “ We feel this m erits some attention,” he said. CMIA Director Michael Ranco said he hopes the program will emphasize Indian cultural kinship ties and the “extended family concept.” George M. Mitchell, head of Wabanaki Corporation Indian alcoholism program, said he hopes to see “a system that is equit­ able and fair to the Indian family.” He said he also hopes Indians will be hired to work in the foster care program. “ With an Indian coming in, it’s a totally different atmosphere because we can relate," he said. Ranco said five persons to administrate the program in Maine will be hired soon. The bi-state program coincides with recent Senate approval of a national Indian child welfare act, but there is no connection with that legislation, Ranco said. Representing the Maine Department of Human Services at the meeting were Mary Small of Bangor and Michael Fasulo, Houlton. On the advisory board for the project are Fasulo, Ms. Small, Peter Walsh of human services; and Indian representatives Mitchell, AAI President Maynard Polchies, and Laura Massey, director, Indian Island early childhood program. Paper hires assistant editor ORONO — Wabanaki Alliance has hired an assistant editor. William O’Neal, 32, comes to the paper from the University of Maine at Orono, where he has just com­ pleted a Master’s degree in genetics. O’Neal also holds a Master’s in writing from The Johns Hopkins University in Bal­ timore, Maryland, and was a winner of the Steve Grady Memorial Writing Fellowship at UMO. A native of Kentucky, O’Neal came to Orono after serving for two years in the U.S. Navy and quickly decided to stay. Like most people in Maine O’Neal feels strongly about living here. “ Before coming here, I had lived in quite a few states, but never felt that I’d want to settle down and spend my life in any of them. When I got to Maine, there was no doubt. This was where I wanted to stay.” O’Neal says he saw the job for assistant editor advertised in Wabanaki Alliance. “There wasn’t a job in this state that I would have rather had than this one. It combines the opportunity to write with a chance to work closely with one of the most dynamic groups of people in the state." O’Neal’s enthusiasm and interest in the Indian com­ munity were instrumental in his being hired. William O’Neal O’Neal had already talked to Tom Tureen, attorney for the Maine Indians, and Maine State Attorney General Joseph Brennan, at the recent land claims seminar at Portland. O’Neal’s interests outside of writing include camping, canoeing, scuba diving, birdwatching, sailing, playing the recorder, and playing in a bagpipe band, The Argyle Highlanders. Editor Steve Cartwright said he is confi­ dent O’Neal will be an able addition to the staff. �Wabanaki Alliance December 1977 Richard Tompkins, artist-poet (Continued from page i) their two sons Kineo, two and one half years old, and Katadin, eight months — named after the Maine peaks that figure in Indian folklore and spiritualism.. While Tompkins is outgoing and fond of people, he likes his independence and open space of his farm-studio. “I’ve had a lot of scholarship offers from various universities but I never cared to go,” he said. Tompkins has also had offers of teaching positions, but his rural life is full to the brim with activities. Tompkins has exhibited his work widely, both in Maine and out-of-state, in group and one-artist shows. "1 have a lot of commissions now I haven’t even started. Plus 1 make furniture. And I’m in the process of learning the art of tanning hides,” he said, pointing to his interest in traditional Indian practices. “ I’d like to begin trapping this year, going back to the old way,” he said. Plus Tompkins has his Moody Mountain Rangers, a group of area young persons he likes to take on hikes and other expeditions for the sake of togetherness and something positive to do. Richard and Pat Tompkins are consider­ ing having an Indian foster child join their family, a situation that Central Maine Indian Association would, call ideal. CMIA is co-sponsor of a new Indian foster care program designed specifically to keep Indian children from being placed in nonIndian foster homes. Recalling his boyhood, Tompkins said he always “ kept apart. I was the only Indian in the schools I went to, and I took a lot of guff. Fortunately I was athletic and my talents balanced out the prejudice.” Tompkins later became a close friend of Peter Terry, who established an Indian tribal museum at Unity College. He said he has always been conscious of his Indianness, and that in his art, he is “trying to express the Indian’s inner spirit.” His art is by no means limited to Indian subject matter, nor Is it limited to painting. Tompkins is an accomplished, published poet (see a selection of his works in this newspaper). Many of his poems mention Pat, his nonIndian wife. The couple met through an article Tompkins wrote for Akwesasne Notes, a national Indian publication. Pat is a licensed practical nurse and has worked for Diocesan Human Relations Services in Portland and Waterville. Both husband and wife enjoy the peace and simple beauty of wilderness. “We’re outdoors as much as possible,” Tompkins said. In the following poem, which could be seen as autobiographical, Tompkins speaks of himself as a bird with a song, and his love of nature is apparent; FREE SPARROWS When winter is fulfilled, and the flowers began to grow. There’s a place in time I long to be Where the rushing streams of spring, flow onward into summer And they, who keep me caged, shall set me free. Free — free to be, to fly away. Away with my song — with my song. For I am like a sparrow, who in flight broke a wing. Now waiting for the time to come, so I can move along Over fields and woodland, where flowers grow in spring That’s where I’ll be if you want me. Free. Where the rushing streams of spring flow onward into summer, sparrows There are three. Today flows from tomorrow, but never yesterday. THE STARS They look at us with murderous eyes yet they are not Tacked there in the awry universe like fiery jewels The rulers wear on crown, tho wrong it be signifying mightiness with useless stone Tho stars, these mighty stars, are the supreme, worn by time they look at us with wonder, the stars. Richard Tompkins CRIES IN MY MIND I came to my chamber to escape, the sights and sounds of a war. My mind like a camera drew a picture, the crudest picture you ever saw. When mankind’s journeys exceed the echos, he reaches his destiny before its time. And the things that disturbs the picture, I can’t escape the cries in my mind Tho’ I’ve tried to pretend it’s just a dream, Created by an unknown season, But the fact is true in their screams, mankind is past his reason. The vojces of children hurry by, as the shade of time crosses my eyes, I turn on my electric lamp for comfort, but still can’t escape their cries, With pencil and pad I captured these moments, though I’m in misery of what I found. And the things that improve the picture, I’ve built cities deep underground, I’ve let my visions run wild like them, but used in a fashion for best, Yet their screams creep through my ears, and shatters scatters my rest. Richard Tompkins Let me tell you what it’s like Upon the road never dreamed Just I alone walking nowhere To someplace it seemed My feet were sore my back was raw And not a tree in sight To rest my bones but for awhile To journey into night So on I went for days I guess Months and years I sought The greatest mystery before us all Where light enters naught Reaching here 1begin to laugh “What a fool it is to be” Thinking there’s something beyond within But it’s light in darkness we see Soft, soft, and warm, the sun rose Over earth, embracing Transfused, I am a man, the searcher. Richard Tompkins C ho c ta w land not Indian The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Choctaw Indian lands in Missis­ sippi are not legally “ Indian Country” sub­ ject to federal rather than state, jurisdiction. The Mississippi Choctaws are a federally recognized tribe, and their reservation lands are held in trust for them by the United States. In delivering the ruling, the court said the United States relinquished its claims to the Choctaw lands in Mississippi under terms of the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. The court said that the provisions of this treaty were “ not amended, modified or ab­ rogated” by the lands being placed in federal trust in 1939. The court concluded that the Choctaws are “subject to the inherent police powers of the state anywhere within its boundaries.” It is expected that the decision will be brought for review to the Supreme Court. THE GNAW Look at me my friends, upon my face these words God knowing this pain inside, in silence where it’s heard Confined long years I’ve felt these aches, and here in hell I see No way, no place, to stop the gnaw, that’s slowly killing me. I’d like to die but can’t, for some must warn the youth There is a hell upon this earth, oh yes, 1 speak the truth But can’t forget I wish I’d died, for who? to s help the blind? For these “rewards” some men have found, his only, peace of mind. And I shan’t rest my friend, until my seeds are sown And may one fall within your heart, if so, then 1 am home Someday 1 say, “the time will come” , and these old walls shall fall For then I’ll rest and maybe smile, this 1 need, most of all. Richard Tompkins THE SEEKER The hungry cry Starving silence Crept through the darkness, seeking Not the sleeper In his still But preys upon the righteous man, The poets Of the light It’s me he seeks To kill. Richard Tompkins THE MORNING SUN In the early morning hours, when Everything is still Silent he came slowly, creeping Down the hill He touched her soul and body, with The spirit of his might Then everything within her sang, once Kissed by his light Like a rose revealing beauty, she Gave herself to he For it’s a truth, without her, he could Not b e ........ The Morning Sun. Richard Tompkins Official s u p p o r ts M ichigan trib e Assistant Secretary for U.S. Indian Affairs Forrest Gerard has denied an appeal by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., which would have blocked putting approximately 80 acres df land in the city in trust for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe. The tribe plans to use the land for a housing project. In a November 17 response to an attorney for the city, Gerard said that he was very concerned about the “apparent increase in tension between the city and the Indian community.” He also noted that a Civil Rights Com­ mission rep o rt asserted th a t Indian residents were deceived by city officials concerning revenue sharing funding and that nondiscrimination assurances signed by city officials were false and in error. He said “we would welcome an opportunity to work with the city and the tribe in a joint effort to resolve mutual problems." Page 7 Christmas gratitude By Charmaine Meyers Whether we call Him Jesus Christ, or the Great Spirit, or Yahweh, at Christmas we give gifts symbolic of the love of a Creator of the Universe. 1 would like to offer to my Indian brothers and sisters a gift of gratitude. Although unable to fully atone for the sins of our ancestors, we can at least thank you for the great land that we took from you. Unfortunately the spirit of Christmas is only a momentary lull from the greed and cruelty with which man treats his fellow man. O r perhaps not even that — maybe it is just so much easier to give a present, a "thing” , easier than changing ourselves — easier than giving up our prejudice or our selfishness. You lived with respect for the gifts and for the laws of nature. You took from her only what you needed for survival. We came and raped the land. It has been said that the wheels of justice grind slowly, but grind they do, and we are now paying the penalty. Polluted sky and waters, ravaged land, inadequate natural resources — will we finally be forced to admit that we must regain that harmony with nature which you had? Do you see as I do some hope in the younger generation? Many of them are so vitally aware of the need for ecological management. My son hiked part of the Appalachian Trail alone in winter. That, to me, takes a deep attunement with nature. The peace and harmony that our youth revere in nature is reflected in their love for its Creator and all his Creatures. They are pacifists, not because of fear or cowardice, but because they feel so deeply that man was meant to live in peace with his environment and with his fellow man. Can we teach our children to forgive us our trespasses? Can we teach them to reach out to each other with the open hand of friendship, not the closed fist of hate? If we can do this, can we learn from them? We have bought land in Maine and are building a home on it. We do not fear that you.want to take our land or our home. We feel only that you want back a share of the land that is rightfully yours. We wish you a just settlement of your land claims which would be much more than the "token” comers of the land, called reserva­ tions, that we have given you. We hope that a government based on the premise that governing should be “by and for the people” would acknowledge that principle in their dealings with all people. We pray that the day will come when neither race or creed or color will be the criteria for our motives or our decisions. A selection from the poet Robert Blake might give us all pause for thought: “Men are admitted into Heaven not because they have curbed & govern’d their Passions, or have no Passions, but because they have cultivated their Understandings.” Note: Mrs. Meyers recently moved with her family to Stillwater. She has held various jobs with youth groups, and has worked as a teacher aide. She has also done volunteer work for this newspaper. Indian music sought INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Authentic Passamaquoddy music may become part of the educational curriculum here. A collection of early recorded Passa­ maquoddy songs have been located at University of New Brunswick by Wayne A. Newell, director of Wabnaki Bi-lingual Ed­ ucation Program at Indian Township reser­ vation. Newell said he looks forward to the possible teaching of traditional music to members of the tribe. �Page 8 W abanaki Alliance December 1977 News briefs G e r a r d opposes tax es on t r i b a l r o y a l t i e s Assistant Secretary for U.S. Indian Affairs Forrest G erard has told the Big Horn County Attorney in M ontana th at he will not authorize the payment of claimed state taxes on the Crow Tribe’s coal royalties. In a November 17 letter, Gerard said that with the Solicitor’s advice, he instructed the Billings Area Office not to release monies held in escrow for taxes claimed to be due by the state. G erard wrote, “ I have concluded th at neither 25 U.S.C. & 398 nor any other federal statute auth<?rizes state taxation of the tribe’s royalties in this instance.” C arter m ay boost e d u c atio n funds Thoughts on Indian ways By Big W hite Owl 1. “Think Indian,” and you will always be re sp e c tfu l, c o u rte o u s , frie n d ly , helpful, to your fellow man. 2. “Think Indian,” and you will always be grateful and proud of your ancestry. 3. “ Think Indian,” and you will never be wasteful, you will never pollute and destroy. 4. “Think Indian,” and you will never take part in thoughtless, indiscriminate, senseless, vandalism. 5. “Think Indian,” and you will learn how to respect, and how to love, our m other, the good earth. 6. “ Think Indian,” and you will always be a good conservationist. 7. “ Think Indian,” and you will never need to use the W hite M an’s m ind de­ stroying drugs. 8. “Think Indian,” and you will better understand what our forefathers m eant, when they said: “ D rink not too excessive­ ly of the white m an’s fire-water for it can turn a good m an into a whimpering fool.” 9. “Think Indian,” and you will realize that life is good and beautiful, that there is life even in the rocks and stones; that there is life in the earth, around the earth, and beyond the earth; that the Creator of All Life is “ Kitche M anitou” The Great Spirit. 10. “ Think Indian,” and you will help to preserve, and to retain, our own native religion and heritage. 11. “Think Indian,” and you will revitalize your inner spirit, and you will learn how to walk on your own, and how to do things for yourself. 12. “ Think Indian,” and you will be better able to commune with nature, and nature will commune with you in return. 13. “ Think Indian,” and you will be helping to build a new kind of unity, brotherhood, progress, peace, among our people. The Native People. I Have Spoken! Big White Owl (Jasper Hill) lives in Keswick, Ontario. He is a Delaware (Lenni Lenape) Indian. WASHINGTON — The Carter adm inis­ tration is trying to increase the Federal aid for Indian education program, a member of the W hite House staff told persons at the National Indian Education Association annual meeting in St. Paul, Minn. Elizabeth Abramowitz, education adviser on C arter’s domestic policy staff, said th at it many take two years for some of the plans and program s of the adm inistration to make an im pact. She said th at the administration was asking Congress to increase funding for adult education programs, for most of the existing Indian education programs and for some program s which had never gotten off the ground because they had never been funded. O ld C o y o t e p r a i s e s v a l u e of la n d TULSA, Okla. — Barney Old Coyote, a speaker a t the recent American Indian Cattlem en’s Association convention here, says land must be protected. “ Indian tribes must develop educated cabinets to protect their single most valuable resource besides people . . . their land,” said Old Coyote, a former president of American Indian National Bank. “You cattlemen are on the first line of land management because you know your land and its value,” he told the rodeo gathering. “ When the Shah of Iran goes to Wash­ ington to talk with President Carter, he doesn’t go alone. He has his whole cabinet with him and they talk with the President’s cabinet. When Indians send a tribal council president to Washington to see the Presi­ dent, too often he goes alone and doesn’t have the experience in land management and natural resources to deal effectively with the government,” Old Coyote said. N a v a j o s m ull g r e a t e r tr ib a l ju risd ic tio n Navajo tribal officials have proposed that the tribe assume jurisdiction over non-In­ dians who commit crimes on the reservation. The proposal is one provision in a proposed revamping of the tribe’s present criminal code. Currently the tribe can only arrest non-Indians for fishing and hunting violations. The expanded jurisdiction would extend only to crimes tribal courts are authorized to hear. Indian rituals often banned WASHINGTON — In a speech prepared for the Senate, Senator James Abourezk asks Congress to return the rights of American Indians to practice their native rituals, including the forbidden sun dance fertility rites, free of government inter­ ference. Abourezk, D—S.D., said officials mis­ understand Indian ritual in term s of Christian taboos, leading to confiscation of such harm less, sacramental objects as turkey feathers and pine needles. In a copy of his rem arks Abourezk says he will introduce a resolution in which Congress would proclaim a U.S. policy “to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right o f freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religi­ ons . . . including, but not limited to, access to sites, use, and possession of sacred objects, and the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites.” Abourezk asserts th at federal officials, responsible for supervising Indian affairs, and by implication, the American people in general, have historically misinterpreted Indian cermonies. “ Even today,” he says, “ certain symbolic portions o f the sun dance which deal with fertility and the cycle of life are banned. The prejudice involved an official belief that it was sinful in Christian terms. “ Such misunderstanding is analogous to attributing the taking of Communion to cannibalism,” Abourezk said. Unlearning Indian stereotypes NEW YORK — A group th at is devoted . called Unlearning “ Indian” Stereotypes. to interracial children’s books has produced The filmstrip features seven native a teaching unit to combat Indian stereo­ American children at an Indian cultural types. center and on a trip to a children’s library “ Indians always were feathers and head­ with their teachers. They discuss the dresses; frequently brandish’ tomahawks; insulting stereotypes of Indian people found live in tipis; are fierce and violent; lurk in many children’s picture books and behind trees; spend much time dancing on counter-point these with the realities of their one leg; and live in a mystical past. Indians own lives, their own cultures and their own are so unreal th a t non-Indian children, and viewpoints. A variety of historic and current even animals, regularly ‘play Indian’ or visuals provide an informative contrast to ac tu ally ‘beco m e In d ia n s ’ sim ply by the stereotypes in the books. In addition to donning a feather.” debunking these stereotypes and providing According to a recently published study information on the diversities of past and by the New Y ork-based Council on Inter­ present Native American cultures, the film­ racial Books for Children, these stereotypes strip educates simply by showing a diverse represent the predom inant image of Indian group o f Native American children in a nonpeople that non-Indian children learn from stereotyped manner. their early picture books. The study con­ The 48-page booklet which accompanies cludes th at this image dehumanizes Indian the filmstrip contains many classroom people, degrades their cultures, and distorts activities for grades two through six, guide­ non-Indian children’s perceptions of Native lines for teachers, publishers, illustrators Americans. These findings are based on an and writers, discussion o f why activities such analysis o f the stereotyped illustrations in 75 as "playing Indian” should be discouraged, children’s picture books — including many and other useful readings. The study of recent books by illustrators and publishers. stereotypes in children's picture books, by To accompany this study and to help Dr. Robert B. Moore, of the Council on counteract these dehumanizing images Interracial Books and Arlene Hirshfelder of among non-Indian children, the Council has the Association on American Indian Affairs, produced a filmstrip and teaching unit is included. � 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 Wabanaki Alliance (December 1977) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-12 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-424 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/a589ac68d305cb171448df948c2d73a4.pdf 481ffff3ea35567b979f23b05ff0417c PDF Text Text W abanaki A llia n ce Non-profit org. U.S. Postage Paid 2.1* Orono, Maine Permit No. 14 N ovem b er 1977 Brennan agrees Tureen calls land claims test of system PORTLAND — The Maine Indian land claims case puts the nation’ legal system s to the test, say both the lawyer for the tribes, and the State Attorney General. But beyond that mutual opinion, there is little agreement between spokesmen for Indians and the State. Their views on the 10 million acre, $25 billion tribal land claim suit were made public recently at an all-day seminar at University o f Maine at PortlandGorham. An estimated 200 persons listened to Thomas M. Tureen, lawyer for the Pen­ obscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, as he commented that the claims were, “ an incredible mixture o f history, politics and morality. This is not an ordinary lawsuit; it really puts the system to the test.” Later, Atty. Gen. Joseph E. Brennan repeated Tureen’ remark, saying “ s This case is a test o f our legal system, I agree, but for. different reasons. I believe their (the Indians’claim cannot withstand historical ) analysis ... we cannot remake history. That in a nutshell is the case,” said. he Both Brennan and Tureen elaborated on their arguments, and in an unusual move. Tureen rebutted Brennan’talk. “ s That’the s way it’done in court,”he said. s Other speakers in the University-spon­ sored program were Passamaquoddy Gov. John Stevens, Passamaquoddy educator and claims negotiator Wayne Newell, Penobst > i Gov. Nicholas H. Sapiel, Portland I; James J. Purcell and Deputy Atty. Gen. John M. R. Patterson. Newell talked about Indian cultural traditions and his own life, in which he was told he would “ never get anywhere”because he was Indian, and that “ Indians need not apply” job openings. for Newell, who has a master’ degree from s Harvard, commented that land claims "are not a political question to be debated at Harvard or Portland-Gorham. It’ a s question for you and me.” He discussed native spiritual values, legends, and the Maine Indians’desire for a good life in harmony with the environment. “ This case involves more than land claims. It involves the very system o f govern­ ment,”Newell said, adding, “ have not we yet dealt with the Indians in the State o f Maine with honor.” Newell said a charge by Gov. James B. Longley that tribes are being led oy nonIndian lawyer Tureen is “ close to a racist as INDIAN ISLAND — Thanksgiving remark as you can come. It implies Indians commemorates a jolly feast involving In­ can’think for themselves.” t dians and early white settlers, right? Wrong, Noting that in the past Indians were ex­ ploited because they could not read or write says a retired professor o f anthropology and and yet were persuaded to sign treaties they ethnology; the harvest meal celebrates a couldn't have understood, Newell said: brutal massacre o f Indians. Thanksgiving honors a bloodbath, ac­ (Continued on page 6) cording to Prof. William B. Newell, a Pen­ obscot Indian and a retired chairman o f the University o f Connecticut anthropology de­ partment. He and his wife Celina. a Mohawk Indian, recently moved from Florida to Riverview Drive, Indian Island. Newell said his research is well-documented Although Dr. Baumann has many years and based on facts. He explained the origin experience behind her, she is far from con­ o f Thanksgiving in a recent interview at his reservation home: sidering retirement. She had several offers "Going back to the early times, when o f teaching positions at western U.S. colleges, but preferred the move to Maine. Jacques Cartier discovered the St. Lawrence River in 1554, leading up to Thanksgiving Her husband has remained in Lima, Peru as head o f a co-operative technical assistance Day, there have been many incidents that I Thanksgiving grim reminder to Indians New health director returns to her people INDIAN ISLAND — A search for a director o f Penobscot Indian Health and Social Services Department ended recently with the hiring of Dr. Eunice Baumann, a Penobscot. Dr. Baumann, who sometimes adds her maiden name as Baumann-Nelson, is a native o f Indian Island who has spent several decades working with third world peoples, mostly in South America. After a career that has included teaching stints at U.S. universities plus a dozen years living in Peru, Dr. Baumann is now living with her sister Mildred Akins on Oak Hill. “ roots are here. I was bom and went My through the university living here at the island,” Dr. Baumann said. She is looking forward to her new respon­ sibilities, and already has a temporary office in the tribal com m unity building. Meanwhile, construction o f a $468,000 medical services building is progressing toward an April 1 completion date, using funds from an Economic Development Ad­ ministration grant. While the Indian health department is itself not new, the scope and handling of primary care services at an island-based facility is a first for the Penobscot Tribe. Former health department director Paul W. Buckwalter, now deputy director, said the new center will offer day care, family and crisis counseling, and will provide social workers and hom em aker services in addition to routine health care. agency. A warm, articulate person with a bright sense o f humor, Dr. Baumann said she looks forward to a long life. She noted her mother died at 90 last January, and five o f her six aunts lived to be over 90. Her grandmother lived to be 99. Last May Dr. Baumann received an honorary Doctor o f Human Letters degree from the University o f Maine — the first Maine Indian to be so honored. Years ago, when after seven years Dr. Baumann earned her Doctorate from New York University, she was the first Indian to receive a PhD from NYU. Dr. Baumann has been associated during her career with the Quaker American Friends Service Committee, Board for Fundamental Education, and U.S. Peace Corps. Her experience with community planning, services and development has been extensive. Active in civil rights and pacifist groups, Dr. Baumann calls herself a “ humanist.” She said she has always been for women’ s rights: “ was a feminist before they even I thought of it (Continued on page 7 ) want to speak about before we dwell on the actual Thanksgiving Day. “ After Cartier discovered the St. Law­ rence. there were many people in Europe 'who sailed the coast o f Maine, including Captain Hunt in 1607. Captain Hunt was one o f many independent sailing ventures, not government sponsored like Cartier, Champlain and Hudson and those other fellows. Hunt sailed the coast o f Maine seeking loot or gold he heard so much about. "Gold, that he expected to find in New England. He heard o f the Spanish gold dis­ coveries o f that period, around 1500. He thought perhaps there might be some in New England. But he was disappointed, and so were many others. “ We don't know how many vessels plied the coast o f New England not wanting to (Continued on page 7 ) Job agency doubles budget ORONO — Tribal Governors, Inc., of expansion o f resources such as addition o f a Maine has more than doubled its 1977 seasonal farm w orkers program in budget in projections for fiscal 1978. Aroostook County, enrollment o f 45 clients Figures for that comparison and other in classroom training programs, and im­ information was presented recently at the provement o f employment prospects for Tribal Governors (TGI) annual meeting. hard core unemployed Indians. The budget will increase from $230,000 to Listed as desirable goals in the report are $520,562. However, an annual report expansion o f the migrant and seasonal pointed out that while 215 individuals par­ workers program, a need for more account­ ticipated in TG I Indian M anpower ability and an increase in minimum wage. programs, there were a total o f 1,160 At the annual meeting Pleasant Point persons eligible for participation. Passamaquoddy' Tribal Gov. Francis J. The 1977 report cited accomplishments of Nicholas was re-elected president o f TGI; the year, and also listed unresolved Maynard Polchies was voted vice president; problems. Among problems are inadequate and John Stevens was elected treasurer. training for professional staff, decreasing Polchies is president o f Association of funds for comprehensive programs, inability Aroostook Indians, Stevens is governor of to be prepared for changes, lack o f an the Passamaquoddies at Indian Township. accurate method for recording data on In other business, Central Maine Indian immigration at reservations, failure to use Association discussed a foster care grant, TG I’ advisory council in useful ways, and and George Tomer, a Penobscot, discussed s "fragmented relations” with related man­ land claims negotiations and a need to deal power programs. directly with Congress and the Executive Successes o f the TGI program include branch. �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 editorials Access to news This the latest from the Grumble and Groan Department at Wabanaki Alliance. This is our fourth issue, and we’ proud to report the newspaper re has been happily received almost everywhere it’ gone, and that s includes Newfoundland, Florida, and the West Coast. Inquiries about subscriptions arrive daily, and circulation is now about 2,000. That’ the good news. The bad news is that while readers are s pleased with the content of Wabanaki Alliance, they are often the same people who limit our access to newsworthy stories and events. We are not completely green in the news business, and we know there are often good and just reasons to close a meeting, to refuse to comment, to withhold information. Reporters, we know, can be a pain in the neck. They pester with questions, and they want to know all the unpopular sides of stories — the controversies and difficulties. But why do reporters want to know all that? It’ not to start s rumors, create gossip or satisfy personal needs. It’ a job. We are s trying to find out as much as we can so we can be honest, objective and fair in telling our readers what’going on. s One principle we won’compromise is that the public has a right t to know. In the case of Wabanaki Alliance, that public is primarily M aine’ Indian community, and we want members to be informed s about that community. We all suffer when we are not well informed about issues, people and events around us. Before closing the door, before turning away from the reporter, think about the service a newspaper can perform. Poetry Maine, where time is lost in unbounded beauty. Land where the pines are forever reaching skyward. Land beyond heat and desert scorching sun. Land o f cool dark timber, and laughing lakes. Land where lost souls find peace. Home at last, deep rich earth, pregnant with life. Take me back — enclose me within forest, lake and sea-side Let me stay in mountains o f colours. In the land o f changing season, My land — my home, in harmony I stay. 1am part o f you. Gail Wind Home is where the heart is Where the pines touch the heavens a place where the land, dark and green gives birth to living things, a land vibrant and alive, whisper but with no tongue to speak in words. A place where winter snows rush down from mountains, swelling rivers and lakes, a land where a person can walk in harmony with the changing seasons___ Gail Wind In a time before words, and tongue to speak, Maine was bom. For those who have ever walked Pine-needle paths, moccasin silent Know o f what I speak. For those who ever laid awake in midnight hours, in cabins. Lost in dark forest, have heard. The whispering, the singing. O f the forest spirits. Gail Wind In the land o f changing seasons O f maple, oak and ash In the richness o f the year, I’ come home. ll Land alive with flaming colours. To walk upon the deep rich earth. Land o f red sunsets. Land o f moon and haunting owls. Land which speaks deep down to soul Telling you — are part — you belong, You are home, M aine___ Gail Wind Of attics and history A lot of good things are stored away in attics and forgotten. Probably many older Indian homes contain historical artifacts that would be sheer gold to a museum collector, private collector or dealer in valuable antiques. Ask any antique dealer or collector about attics; they can yield much more than an archaeological dig. But anyone who cares about preservation of old things will tell you that attic storage is neither safe nor permanent. If a collector doesn’ grab the fluff, it may be discarded, burned, damaged by t water, or simply ignored, forgotten, lost. The worst aspect of people packing away their private stash of artifacts is that people cannot see things that are part of their past. Even if a family displays old carvings, photographs or snowshoes in the living room, the audience is limited. And the danger o f harm befalling these treasures remains. A solution to the matter is easy to preach, but difficult to effect. The answer is o f course a museum, probably operated by a non­ profit historical society. Lest we offend anyone, there is already a tribal museum at Unity, currently out of money and needing support. A museum and historical society would offer multiple benefits. First, such a project would provide an enjoyable educational resource for Indians o f all ages, exposing them to the experiences and events of their ancestors. It would present history in a factual, tangible way quite different from the stereotyped textbook histories o f American Indians so common in schools. Second, but perhaps no less important, through exhibits and programs a museum could offer non-Indians an eye-opening educational experience. Indians cannot hope for drastic change in non-Indian attitudes without a different kind of input. Showing people an honest, unexpurgated history o f Maine Indians would certainly be a different experience for many o f us, Indians and non-Indians alike. Hopefully, tribal rivalries could be avoided by an historical society, so that a museum could represent Passamaquoddy, Penob­ scot, Micmac, Maliseet and any other Maine Indians. Perhaps the dedicated people at the Unity museum could be invited to participate in a joint tribal historical society. So quickly are customs, artifacts and traditions lost and forgotten, that we are scared. Already much that is valuable has disappeared, and continues to slip from our grasp. There are attics in older homes, and poet T. S. Eliot has spoken of attics in our minds. There are things in these places too valuable not to preserve. Wilderness Wilderness Pursuits, a recently organized statewide program for Maine Indian youth, is an inspiration. Inspire means literally to “ breathe in,”and the trips planned by this non-profit wilderness group are just that. The challenging rock climbs, hikes and camping expeditions o f Wilderness Pursuits are more than a breath of the glorious outdoors still beyond the clutch of civilization. These trips, involving groups of teenagers and older men and women, are an opportunity to “ breathe”new confidence in oneself. It’ a chance to find out one is able to overcome physical and s emotional difficulties through teamwork and togetherness in a rugged environment that allows no cheating. An environment that allows no drugs, alcohol or other addictive cop-outs. Wilderness Pursuits offers us a few days of escape from television and a multitude of other distractions. But it offers no escape from one’own feelings. And this is precisely why Wabanaki Wilderness s Pursuits is so worthwhile. A wilderness experience in the Orono-based program is a time to encounter oneself, to get in touch with feelings and feel good about one’ identity, abilities and interaction with companions. s We can’help but feel that holding the program together, and t underwriting its philosophy, is a feeling o f love. Thoreau, who visited Penobscot Indians during his travels in Maine, observed that, “ In wildness is the preservation of the world.” If that’ so, Wilderness Pursuits is on the job. s �Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 letters Page 3 WITH PIR/HIOIOK IP flk . F E L U S l Portland To the editor: It was with great interest that I read the first issue o f Wabanaki Alliance. I wish to extend to you my warmest congratulations and best wishes for success. I am sure that your paper will do much for the Indian people in Maine and will be a welcome addition to the news media in our State. I wish you many years o f success and increasing growth. Sincerely yours in Christ, Edward C. O ’ Leary Bishop o f Portland " \ E £» N'R Indian Township To the editor: Congratulations on the fine job you are doing on the ‘ Wabanaki Alliance.’ think We the October issue is excellent. Wayne A. Newell Director Wabnaki Bilingual Education Program Washington To the editor: I am writing to call your attention to the White House Fellowship program and to ask for your assistance in recruiting quali­ fied Indians for this unusual opportunity. The purpose o f the White House Fellow­ ship program is to provide gifted and highly motivated Americans with some first hand experience in the process o f governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership o f our society. For one year 14-20 persons are chosen. They usually serve as special assistants to Cabinet Secretaries, the Vice President, and the President. During the year Fellows meet with top-level government officials for off-the-record dis­ cussions and questions and answers. At the end o f his or her term each Fellow has had an intensive work experience as well as broader insight into government. For more materials or other specific information, please write or telephone the Commission’Director, Landis Jones, Presi­ s dent’Commission on White House Fellow­ s ships, Washington, D.C. “ 20415, ’ (202T653: 6263. The deadline for requesting additional applications is November 15. The deadline for receipt o f completed applications is December 1 . When you are in Washington, drop by the office at 1900 E Street, N.W., Room 1308, for a visit with the staff. Many thanks for your help. Ada Deer (Menominee) Member, President’ s Commission on White House Fellowships WABANAKI ALLIANCE Flushing, N.Y. To the editor: Much time has passed since the old treaties were written and signed between us and the white men. Our words that were spoken were true and from the heart, and the land given in good faith. The land is all, the land is everything, the land is our Mother. For us not to have our land is to be homeless — a people with no home. We cannot return to another country, this is our land, without it we are meaningless. The others have destroyed that which was given and taken. Now there is not much left, that which is is still ours — DO NOT LET THEM TAKE IT! Six Nations — the Mohawk have said no more and will fight for what is rightfully theirs. In 1977 we have learned the white ways well. We have lawyers — we have all that they do ... You have the land .. . They want that land. What will you do . . . What will you leave the children . . . Leave to the chiefs not yet born? Or, will there be no more chiefs or Medicine Men? All the eyes o f our people are watching, ears listening. We are praying for you. Praying that you will do the thing that you know is right in your hearts. Grandfather has given you what is yours. Be true to the gift — do not SELL OUT, for the ones that did, what have they now? nothing — nothing — nothing — nothing Do not become ghosts upon your own land ... we have too many already. Every Indian Nation is waiting to see what the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Nations are going to do. Fight — for we are beautiful native people. Gail Wind Vol. 1, No. 4 November 1977 Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services (DIS] at the Indian Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Me. 04473. Steven Cartwright, Editor DIS Board of Directors Jean Chavaree [chairman] John Bailey, CAP coordinator Albert Dana Timothy Love, CAP director Jeannette Neptune, Tribal Clerk Erlene Paul, Central Maine Indian Assn. Roy Paul, Assn, of Aroostook Indians Maynard Polchies, president, Aroostook Indians Michael Ranco, Central Maine Indian Assn. Indian Island Pleasant Point Indian Township Indian Island Indian Township Indian Island Houlton Houlton Orono DIS is an agency of Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc. of Maine. Subscriptions 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. Clarification A story in last month's Wabanaki Alli­ ance about Wayne Newell’ bi-Iingual s project at Indian Township implied that the Catholic Church administers the school. Actually, Maine Indian reservation schools are run by local school boards. Church staff fill certain positions in the school. A story about Gov. James B. Longley opposing the policy o f the State paying reservation priests’ salaries also incorrectly implied schools were administered by the Church. Central Maine Indians elect officers Vivian Massey Penobscot woman named delegate INDIAN ISLAND — Maine will be rep­ resented by one American Indian at an In­ ternational Women’ Year (1WY) confer­ s ence slated Nov. 18-21, at Houston, Tex. Joining the Maine IWY delegation will be Vivian Massey, one o f 14 delegates from the state and a Penobscot Indian. She was nominated at a state IWY meeting held last June at Husson College, Bangor. “ The first thing I’ going to do down m there is look up any and all Indian groups, to find out what their needs and concerns are,” said Mrs. Massey, mother o f three children and grandmother to four. She said she is looking forward to the event, and will fly to Houston a day early at her own expense, to try to locate other native Americans. Mrs. Massey said she realizes she may be a token Indian on the delegation, but she feels that should not interfere with her work. “ There will be a lot o f caucusing, but my main concern is American Indian women and what their needs are.” She said the delegation is a good cross-section o f Maine women. Correction Due to an oversight a letter from Charles Colcord in last month’ Wabanaki Alliance s indicated membership in his organization, the National Association o f Metis Indians, did not require proof o f Indian blood. The letter should have said the associa­ tion does require some proof o f some Indian blood for membership. The error was ours, not the author’ Our apologies to Charles s. Colcord. ORONO — Shirley Bailey was elected to a three year term as president o f the board o f Central Maine Indian Association, at a general membership meeting last month. She succeeds Bruce Francis, serving a one year term on the board. In other voting results, Mary Francis Isaac was elected vice president for two years, and Peter Bailey was elected for one year as secretary-treasurer. Named to the board were John Isaac and Donna Loring, two year terms; and Ramona Stackhouse and Cynthia Robinson, three year terms. In other business, John Isaac suggested CM IA try to find funding for its president. Mary Paul proposed sending letters to organizations informing them o f elections, and Shirley Bailey made a motion to advertise a foster care plan. The board approved all items. Do you have a d rin k in g problem ? Wabanaki Corporation offers an alco­ holism program for Indian people who need help because o f problems with alcohol. If you have such a problem and need help, or know o f someone in need, please contact the Alcoholism Counselor in your community or area. Indian Island — Alcoholism Coun­ selor — Clarence Francis — 207-8277484 or 866-5577. Indian Township — Alcoholism Coun­ selor— Martha Baustis — 207-796-2321. Pleasant Point — Alcoholism Coun­ selor — Grace Rudenick — 207-8532537. Association o f Aroostook Indians — Alcoholism Counselor — Pious Perley — 207-762-3751. Central Maine Indian Association — Alcoholism Counselor — Alfred Dana — 207-269-2653 or 207-866-5587. �Page 4 Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 State official favors cash settlement of claims AUGUSTA — If Maine Indians are awarded compensation in a settlement of their land claims case, the award should be financial, and not involve actual acreage. That’ the opinion o f Lee Schepps, s director o f the state Bureau o f Public Lands, part of the Conservation Department. Schepps said in a telephone interview from his office that the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indians’ lawsuit seeking damages for the taking o f 12.5 million acres o f Maine land is unjustified. But Schepps said if the federal govern­ ment decides Indians are owed something, the tribes should be given a cash settlement. With a monetary award, Indians could then choose to purchase lands where owners were willing to sell at a fair price, he said. Pointing out that the President’ adviser s on Indian land claims has recommended an out-of-court settlement o f 100,000 acres and $25 million, Schepps said that instead of the land, the tribes could be given $40 million. “ ve no doubt (Indians) could acquire I’ 260,000 acres at $150 per acre,” Schepps said, adding, “ there is a lot o f land still available in Maine . . . I've no doubt that given a willing buyer, you can go out and buy large tracts o f land.” Explaining his position on the land claims Kevin Mitchell, a Penobscot, works on construction of new medical center at Indian Island. See Health Director story page one. (Cartwright Photo] case, Schepps said, “ The federal govern­ ment can pay the Indians money based on the fact that for generations the (govern­ ment) has not paid for services. It should not in any way be based on the validity of the claims.” Asked his view o f the merits o f the land claims case, Schepps said, “ assume that I they will not win in court.” The Indians’ suit puts the value o f 12.5 million acres at $300 million. The claims are based on a 1790 Non-Intercourse Act that said Congress must approve all treaties with Indians. Treaties taking away the 12.5 million acres allegedly did not have Con­ gressional approval. Schepps said Maine does not owe Indians any land, and that he does not think any land should be turned over to them unless ordered to do so through litigation. In any case, Schepps is against transfer o f any of Maine’public lands to Indians. s “ We are in the midst o f recovering them for all the people o f Maine,” he said, adding, “ there are precious few ... we rank almost at the bottom o f the 50 states as far as public lands." Schepps said he would no sooner sell or give away public lots than he would sell or give up Baxter State Park. Indian seeks to intervene in claims case Visitors se e changes at Island INDIAN ISLAND — A mother and daughter who live in California revisited their tribe’reservation here recently, after a s space o f many years, and found dramatic changes on the island. Teresa Hollowell and her mother Rita Verdugo, both of Sacramento, said they were delighted to return to the Penobscot Indian village for a few days, as guests of Mrs. Verdugo’sister. Eva Bisulca o f Indian s Island. “ was really amazed at the new housing.” I commented Mrs. Verdugo, who had not been home to the island where she grew up in more than five years. Her daughter Teresa had not revisited the island in 12 years. “ s odd to see cousins all grown up,” It’ said Mrs. Hollowed, who works in a hospital cardiology department in California. AUGUSTA — The Penobscot-Passa- attempt to win intervenor status. A petition quoddy land claims case might possibly be has been circulating disapproving of resolved before a judge hears a request for Thomas’efforts to intervene in the land Mrs. Verdugo, whose husband William is intervenor status. case, which seeks return o f several million with the U.S. Postal Service, said she felt a Ralph Thomas, a Penobscot Indian living acres o f former tribla lands. new feeling o f togetherness and unity at in Gardiner last summer asked U.S. District Penobscot Indians involved in land claims Indian Island. When she and her daughter Court for intervenor status in the current negotiations have said Thomas does not were last at the island, the community tribla land claims case, on behalf o f himself .have their support, and that his request for building had not yet been built, nor had the and other off-reservation Indians. But a intervenor status could needlessly weaken moccasin factory been started, with its lawyer for Thomas said Judge Edward the tribes’ position. Some Indians are con­ affiliated oil and gas business. The new Gignoux does not plan a hearing on the cerned that Thomas’ action implies a lack of developments were encouraging, they said. request until next Jan. 1 5. unity among the Penobscots. While on their 9-day visit here, Mrs. By that time the state and federal govern­ Parks called any settlement o f the land Verdugo and Mrs. Hollowed said they ment may have resolved claims with Maine’ claims, “ very hypothetical at this point.” s all enjoyed eating lobster at Bar Harbor, and Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, ac­ But he said his client is concerned that offsuch things as mince pie and other home­ cording to lawyer John M. Parks of Augusta. reservation Indians may not benefit from a made foods. They both have numerous "W e’ just on the losing side o f it,” Parks re settlement, especially if it involved an award relatives in the tribe. Mrs. Verdugo’ told a reporter in a recent telephone inter­ o f land rather than money. s brother is Gov. Nicholas H. Sapiel. She has view. “ there anybody in there representing Is a son, William Jr., who lives in Sacramento. Apparently, a number o f Maine Indians our interests? We say no, there isn’ Parks t,” would just as soon see Parks lose in his said. Proposal calls on Maine churches to support Indians MT. DESERT — An interdenomina­ tional group for reconciliation with Maine Indians has been proposed by the wife o f an Episcopal minister here. Harriet H. Price o f Pretty Marsh, wife o f Rev. George N. Price, said she believes a statewide ecumencial committee "could work to reduce tensions between Indians and non-Indians. “ The committee could provide leadership in the effort to discuss the issues in a context of mutual understanding, calm reason and constant prayer,”Mrs. Price said. She said the land claims case has been misunder­ stood and that guidelines are needed for peace and harmony. Mrs,. Price said the 158th convention of the Episcopal Diocese o f Maine has “ recog­ nized aboriginal rigths as a moral issue deserving o f prayer for justice for all persons involved.” Reverend Price and the Acadia Regional Council introduced an amendment to "include the rights o f all Americans to seek redress of wrongs through due process of law.” Mrs. Price said she hoped a reconcilation committee would be initiated by the Maine Office for Religious Cooperation, and the Maine Council o f Churches. W O O D AND BRICK — The edifices of S t Anne’ Church, s Indian Township, left, and S t Anne’ at Pleasant Point s �Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 Page 5 Wilderness Pursuits We can sing together By Steve Cartwright ORONO — It was chilly and wet, dark, windy, with the drizzle almost turning to snbw. We had broken the rules o f Wilder­ ness Pursuits and built a campfire to warm a dozen shivering bodies and dampened spirits. A Maliseet Indian youth stood up and interrupted an argument about whether women should be equal to men. “ We can’ t all talk together, but we can all sing together,”he said. For me, his comment symbolized the spiritual unity and strength o f our four-day camping expedition over a mid-November weekend. His words seemed like poetry, and there seems to be a poetry to the philosophy o f Wabanaki Wilderness Pursuits, a recently organized Maine Indian program that leads young men and women on ad­ venturous, challenging backpacking and rockclimbing expeditions. The program has already involved a number of Indian youths from varied back­ grounds, and some o f those backgrounds bear the scars o f a tough life. Participants come from broken homes, foster homes, have dropped out o f schools, served time at Maine Youth Center, taken' drugs and abused alcohol. I was simply a guest, and consider myself fortunate to have shared experiences with a group o f individuals who were each, in their own way, beautiful. The old truism that people who undergo hardships together become closer holds for Wilderness Pursuits in a refreshing sense. What I saw happen in a few days involved cooperation, changed attitudes toward self and others, and gains in trust and self-con­ fidence. Self-confidence is something we all need, but Indian youth seem to be at a particular disadvantage. “ wish I could be Indian but I look white,” said one attractive, darkskinned and dark haired girl. I asked her why. “ Because you go through life being hassled,” she said, and 1 could only sit and gaze into the fire, wondering about whites like myself, and our bigotry and blindness to these people. I was jokingly called the “ token honky,” on our camping trip, but at all times I was included and treated with respect, warmth and toward the end, with love. When we stood with arms, around each other by the fire, I was happily in the circle. Leading the trip were Rick Love, a Pen­ obscot from Indian Island, and Anthony Joseph, a Maliseet from the Houlton area. In their non-authoritarian, easygoing style, these young staffers gave direction and support to the whole group. The expedition started with a first day in woods owned by University o f Maine at Orono, where Wilderness Pursuits staff has set up a “ ropes course.”The course consists o f a variety o f challenges, such as walking up an angled tree trunk without other support (but with a safety line); doing the “ flea hop”from post to post; climbing a “ giant’ ladder” by jumping upward; or s bridging a gap from one platform to another without touching the ground. Participants crowd onto one platform, with two boards neither o f which will stretch to the next platform. Use your ingenuity from there. Tony Joseph joked and said “ injun"-uity. But he was right. At a similar course at Turner, Maine State Police troopers needed three hours to sort out a solution. It took our expedition all of about ten minutes. The course was lots of fun. but has its serious side. It teaches that obstacles (such as a bare wall to surmount) can be overcome by a group helping one another, and by not taking a defeatist attitude. “ for it, take it Go on," Tony would shout, grinning at the group's accomplishments. After a first night camping in UMO woods, we packed up and were driven to Little Chick and Big Chick Hills near Clifton. We strapped on our packs and hiked to a campsite beside a stream. Supper included delicious Indian pan-fried bread. By that second night, with our second camp, the group knew itself pretty well. After supper we debated women's rights, how it feels to be Indian, the PenobscotPassamaquoddy tribal land claims. A majority voted that men should be dominant. “ you were lost and could follow either a If man or a woman, which one would you follow?”That question was hotly disputed, as were others. We seemed to be a family, and in a literal sense, some o f us were. There were a brother and sister, two sisters, and most o f the young people were related to one another and to Tony Joseph. One youth was Micmac. “ don’like Miemacs,”said one girl, but I t she later apologized. The group discussed being hassled in school about being Indian. Breakfast w-as fixed and ready before the leaders were even out o f their tents — we all shared four top quality lightweight tents. As the trip wore on, participants showed increasing initiative in taking on respon­ sibility for things like cooking and dish­ washing in the stream. On the third day we trekked up Big Chick in dense fog which only lifted momentarily, to the “ ahh’ o f the group. “ like this s” 1 mountain so much, I just like being here,” said a 15-year-old girl, eyes shining. Earlier, she had talked about missing Big Macs and a warm bed, and said her mother almost refused to let her go on the trip. Each applicant must, if not o f legal age, have a parent sign a release o f liability for participation in a wilderness trip. I signed my own release without hesitation, and was continually impressed with the safety pre­ cautions and vigilence o f trip leaders Tony Joseph and Rick Love. Even though a boy suffered a slight back injury in the ropes course (because we par­ ticipants failed to catch him when he slipped), and could not complete the weekend with us, I give my unqualified vote o f confidence to Wilderness Pursuits. Camping with them is safer than crossing the main street o f your town. That last point brings me to the feeling of wilderness itself. We were away from tech­ nology and so-called civilization. We had some good equipment, but basically we were coping with food and shelter and our spirits. At times individuals were obnoxious, and we had to live with it. And the individual had to live with us. At no time was an individual alienated or rejected by the group for more than a few m om ents. When a situation becam e stressful, as when one boy lagged behind on the trail, someone would say, "remember we’ a group, now come on.” re We stayed a group and only reluctantly parted company on the afternoon o f the fourth day, after waking up to a frozen world dusted with new snow. We were all of us struck by the beauty o f even a winter woods with its bare trees and mud. Part o f the beauty was in the harmony of our living together with nature. Part o f the beauty was the sense o f personal change, of young persons touching basic values and feeling good, feeling proud o f their proven potential. Participants.-myself included, had proved themselves through good weather and foul, in easy and in difficult circum­ stances. Wilderness campers heading homeward. Lowell, Mass. Indians want return of land LOWELL, Ma. — An Indian association here reports it has contacted the Massa­ chusetts Department o f Environmental Management in an attempt to acquire a portion o f Lowell-Dracut State Forest. The parcel o f land in question was once part o f Pawtucket Falls Reservation, 16501693, according to Onk Watase (Edward Guillemette), chief o f the Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association. “ is hoped that with the acquisition of It the use o f this land, there will be erected traditional Indian dwellings to demonstrate to the public how Indian tribes lived. There is no plan for permanent occupancy o f the area at this time,”Watase said. The goals of land acquisition in the stale forest were listed in an association news­ letter as follows: — To have a burial ground for the purpose o f returning the remains o f Indian peoples to our Mother Earth, in the event that such remains are dug up by accident, by contractors, or by any other means. — To insure that this part o f our Mother Earth will be protected from all kinds o f en­ croachments. This is now a beautiful, natural woodland, which will be a wonderful living memorial for our Brothers and Sisters, in the land o f their ancestors, and it would remain this way for all time. — This will make available, a place for all Indian People to congregate, to perform various rituals and enjoy their traditional festivals throughout the year. — This area will be open to the general public at specified times during the year. Cutler a Bangor native BANGOR — One o f the three men named by the President to an Indian claims task force is a native o f Bangor. He is 31-year-old Eliot R. Cutler, a Har­ vard graduate and deputy director o f the U.S. Office o f Management and Budget (OMB). He was quoted recently in the Bangor Daily News as saying, "I wouldn’ t say I am optimistic, but I am hopeful” a settlement can be reached in the Maine Indian land claims case. Cutler, son o f Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Cutler o f Bangor, is a former aide to Sen. Edmund S. Muskie, D-Maine. He is serving on the recently-appointed claims task force with Washington lawyer A. Stephens Clay, and U.S. Department o f the Interior lawyer Leo M. Krulitz. Although administration officials refuse to call the task force a negotiating team, Indian leaders have said the three-member panel amounts to the same thing. Meetings have been scheduled between the task force and a Passamaquoddy-Penobscot tribal negotiating team. Change nam e of peak WASHINGTON — Mt. McKinley may not be known by that name in the future, if advocates o f the mountain’ original Indian s name win their case. The federal Board o f Geographic Names held a hearing recently on changing Mt. Mc­ Kinley’ name to Denali, a Tanana Indian s word meaning “ The Great One.” View of Indian Township elementary school, site of bi-lingnal program. �Page 6 Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 Lawyers call land claims test of legal system (Continued from page 1 ) claims case inflicts on “ innocent third an party”— the non-Indians o f Maine. Brennan said Indian land claims create a “ serious crisis” in Maine’ economy, and s have the potential for “ crippling the state.” He also said the suit opens the “ potential for endless lawsuits,” and the potential for removal o f property owners from their land. Governor Stevens took issue with Bren­ nan, telling the audience, “ What I heard this morning is something you people really ought to question. We don’ want to hurt t anybody. We are a sympathetic people; we are a reasonable people." Stevens said Longley and other politicians are concerned with big business, and that making “ big business the only priority is bad business.”. Stevens said he is confident the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indians will win some­ thing in the land case, but he’not sure how s much. He said the case has a legal basis: “ This is what this case is about: facts of law, not myths or dreams or skyhooks.” Stevens said Maine could be a model for the U.S. in treatment o f Indians and their claims, if it chooses to do so. But Brennan said he would rather see the claims litigated in court than a negotiated settlement. Ten per cent o f the claims are for public lands in Maine, 90 per cent for privately-held land. Tribal spokesman Wayne Newell, right, confers with Passamaqaoddy Gov. John Stevens. While the federal government could negotiate an out-of-court settlement for private lands, the state is involved in the suit for public lands. The convention agenda this year offers ST. PAUL, Minn. — Indian Education: Tureen blamed Brennan for making the We Learn From Yesterday For Tomorrow, participants information on such topics as state a stumbling block to resolving the land was the theme set for the ninth annual Na­ tribally-operated schools, special education, claims, but said the state’ refusal to s tional Indian Education Association’ con­ legislation pending in Congress on Indian s negotiate could mean, “ ll take Baxter we’ affairs, health services, Indian parent in­ and the Public Lots; that would be ducky.” vention to be held November 6-10, 1977 at volvement in the schools and the reauthori­ Tureen said he is an "optimist by nature” the Civic Center here. zation o f the Indian Education Act (Title and believes Indians will win their claims. The National Indian Education Asso­ IV). There are about 75 workshops He said homeowners will not be displaced by ciation (NIEA) is a non-profit membership scheduled throughout the convention. any land agreements. “ s very easy to It’ organization o f educators, parents and Medicine men representing different create false fears. It’very easy to go around s students concerned with the quality of tribes will perform the opening ceremonies and tell people something’going to happen s education American Indian people receive. each day o f the convention. Representatives and then take credit when it doesn’ NIEA, as a national organization which has t from the National Tribal Chairman’ Asso­ s happen,”he said. as its central pu rpose expanding ciation, the National Congress o f American Tureen recalled that he began working on edu cational opportunity for American Indian, the Bureau o f Indian Affairs, the Passamaquoddy land claims in 1967, while Indians, conducts an annual convention to Office o f Indian Education and NIEA will still a law student. He took over the case address issues and concerns pertinent to present a panel discussion on each organiza­ when his predecessor was sentenced to two American Indian people nationwide. tion’philosophies or policies. s to four years in prison for possession o f marijuana, shortly after the first suit was tiled. The claims case itself began 2G years ago when Stevens located a 1794 treaty at Indian Township. But Tureen said, "These claims were never taken seriously until about a year ago. The Governor and Attorney General have told us repeatedly for months and include insulation work, new roofs and INDIAN ISLAND — The second phase of months and months that these claims are siding, and storm windows. a Penobscot Indian housing project is about absolutely frivolous.” Both the rehabilitation work and the to get underway here, with funding from the phase two housing, which will be located on federal Department o f Housing and Urban an as yet undeveloped part o f the island, are Development (HUD). included in a ten year master plan for the Construction is expected to begin in the Penobscot reservation. next few months on 40 new units o f housing, The tentative ten year plan is still in a dis­ at a total estimated cost o f $55,000 to cussion stage, according to Carpenter. $58,000, according to Morris Carpenter, Listed in the plan as short range goals are a Penobscot Reservation Tribal Housing third phase o f housing, construction o f a Authority executive director. boat dock and launching ramps on the Pen­ Housing will be sold to qualified Indian obscot River, and channeling o f a stream to families at affordable prices, with the drain a swampy area. amount depdending on the family’income. s Mid-range goals o f the master plan are Carpenter said. Already occupied are 29 development o f a commercial area, a new housing units o f the authority’ first phase s Indian Island elementary school, recreation project, begun in the fall of 1976. area, and construction o f a bridge from the Carpenter said the authority is hopeful island to Milford. Such projects are in no HUD will approve a so-called force account, way definite, and are only being considered allowing the local authority to act as as possibilities. Carpenter said. contractor for the construction project. If Long range goals o f the plan include a HUD rejects the proposal, the 40 units will loop road connecting both ends o f Indian be built by a contractor solicited through a Island, land conservation measures, and a conventional bidding process. possible bridge from Indian Island to Orson The force account is sought because of Island — a larger island upriver from the many difficulties that arose in connection reservation that could be developed for with construction of the first, $45,000 future residential and commercial uses. project. (See related story in this paper on The master plan, dated August 1977, is lawsuit against contractor.) the work o f Townscape Associates, a Another project o f the housing authority Cambridge, Mass. firm. The housing involves rehabilitation o f existing dwelling authority has retained Adams Associates of Indians explain their case: from left, Wayne Newell, Gov. John Stevens, Gov. Nicholas units on Indian Island. Carpenter explained Deer Isle as architect for their projects. that renovations to about 30 homes will Sapiel. “ Today, however, we can write. Today we can read. This is not settled. We did not acquiesce, and we will not acquiesce. “ The Passamaquoddies never sold land,” Newell said. He called statements to the contrary a “ cold misrepresentation o f the facts.” Patterson introduced a new idea into the claims controversy when he argued that Passamaquoddy Indians are actually from Canada, and therefore land claims in Maine are not valid. Pressed later as to whether this was a factual argument, Patterson said, “ raises It a serious question ... they were not purely a Maine tribe.” Stevens responded, saying, “ s fascinat­ It’ ing for me to hear I’ a Canadian Indian. m I’ been called everything under the sun ve before, but not that.” Brennan recited the State’ basic argu­ s ments against tribal claims. He said the 1790 Non-Intercourse Act, that would require Congressional approval o f all treaties, did not apply to New England. That Act is the basis o f Indian claims because Maine treaties since 1790 have not been ratified by Congress. Brennan said, “ Regardless o f whether the acts apply, the tribes were divested of aboriginal title by conquest.”He referred to a 1759 proclamation by Gov. Thomas Pownal that Indians in New England were conquered. “ seems logically inescapable that in It admitting Maine to the Union (the federal government) approved all previous treaties,” Brennan said. In other remarks, Brennan said he believed it wrong to continue state services to Indians who no longer need those services. Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indians recently gained federal recognition and became eligible for B.yreau o f Indian Affairs monies. However, Micmac, Maliseet and other Maine Indians are not eligible for BIA funds. Brennan declined to comment on that situation when asked about it by a reporter. Brennan said he supports the concept o f a “ moral statute o f limitations.” Recalling abuses o f various minority groups in the past, Brennan said there is no way we can make reparations today for past injustices. A young man attending the seminar asked Brennan how long a “ moral statute of limitations” would be. Would it be ten years, a year, one month, the man asked. Would he be free o f responsibility after the statutory time, he asked. Brennan characterized the tribes as “ selfrighteous.”He said the “ more serious ques­ tion”he faces is the possible harm a land Indian education group holds sesssion Indian Island housing enters second phase �Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 Thanksgiving a grim reminder (Continued from page 1 ) return to Europe empty-handed. They took some o f my people as captives and sold them as slaves. Among them was one Indian, Squanto. ‘ ‘ Squanto, brought to England, was not an outright slave; he was indentured to a nobleman and in the years to come, he learned a lot o f English, and eventually he returned to America on one o f those many sailing vessels. And together with other members he spoke much English. “ While he was in England he learned of their customs. How if you spoke against the English government you would be boiled in oil. And he also learned that they burned people at the stake. Many o f these people for the slightest reason. Joan o f Arc for instance was burned at the stake 13 years before Columbus discovered America. “ After Captain Hunt and the others were disappointed they left behind them disease, measles, chicken pox, smallpox especially. So by the time the Pilgrims came, the Pilgrims’ first expedition was composed of men and women and children, not only men. Heretofore it had only been men looking for treasure. But now here came these men and women in those cold November days o f 1620. “ They were starving. They were homeless, they were poverty-stricken, you might say. And the Indians, recognizing them from the distance, saw women for the first time. Squanto was one o f those men. He said to his chief, “ There are women who have come to America. I better go down and find out what they want, what they’ come for.” ve “ Squanto and Massasoit went and So interrogated one o f the men who headed the expedition and he told them, “ We want to establish a home amongst you. We want to stay and remain.” “ Squanto said, “ well that’different from s the rest o f the people.” He told his chief, “ better let them come. We can let them we have some o f the land.”You know Indians never sold land. It’ unknown in all history s for an Indian to sell land. It was like selling air to breathe or water to drink. That was something that God gave us. “ We knew our boundaries. W e didn’ t fight over a boundary line. We had’ ,our hunting territories and we kept within them. Once in awhile a brave might decide that he’ like to have some fun and lead an d expedition against the Micmacs or some other group. But not for an out-and-out war ... over what, not boundaries, not land. We never fought over the land. In all the history, even Manhattan, when they Offered the Indians there a trifle, a bottle o f rum, and a few trinkets for the privilege o f living with the Indians of Long Island, they didn’ t mean to sell the land outright. “ They couldn’ conceive o f the idea of t selling land, and that remained a fact for many years until eventually somebody got the idea o f accepting money for land. “ After Hunt had toured these shores, and the Pilgrims arrived, and were accepted, the Indians gave them food — turkey, potatoes, tomatoes, corn — all American foods. The English never heard bow we had, potatoes, corn or such good foods. We gave them plenty. Father Biard, a Jesuit priest among the Indians, said, “ it hadn’ been for the If t Indians feeding us and caring for us, those first two winters, and healing the sick — many o f our men were dying from scurvy because they had no greens to eat. The Indians gave them greens, saved their lives.” “ did the same thing for the Pilgrims. We We gave them food, and we got along fine until the Massachusetts Bay Colony came in and started making trouble. You know that history, the white man’ history. I don’ s t know much white man’ history, but I’ s m telling you the Indian history. “ We got along fine up until that happened. Then these Englishmen got rowdy. A Pequot warrior called King Page 7 New director (Continued from page 1 ) Celina and William Newell of Indian Island. His Indian name is Rolling Thunder. Phillip, organized a confederacy o f Southern New England Indians at the time o f the socalled King Phillip’ War. Unfortunately, s we were not in any shape to cope with the artillery o f the English with our bows and arrows. We didn't have rifles until the Dutch introduced them to us in trading for furs. “ We were driven back. They captured King Phillip. And do you know, they took King Phillip’ head and hung it over the s gateway to the settlement. That was the English idea. "Eventually, they (English) resorted to scalping, and instead o f bringing in heads they were satisfied to bring in a scalp. They brought many scalps at different times of those Indians. “ Leading up the French and Indian War, when the French came down, and the Rev­ olutionary War: King George, he commanded the Penobscot Indians to fight in defense o f his land. The King said we had promised to do that. We never had promised King George to do any such thing. “ Whereas the Micmac Indians and Indians to the west o f us fled with the revo­ lutionaries . . . eventually we refused to fight-. Do you know what King George did? Ffe.issued a proclamation offering 20 to 40 pounds a head for a scalp. For every scalp of a Penobscot Indian he could take, he would give 40 pounds. That’to the militia. s "But if a civilian took a scalp, he was given 300 pounds. And that was what we had to cope with, all because we refused to fight our brothers, the French and Indians, the Micmacs that is. "In 1620, that wasn’ the first Thanks­ t giving Day. The first Thanksgiving Day was in 1637, when the Pequot Indians, fighting that same Massachusetts Bay Colony, were at war. The English decided to drive us out o f New England. “ There were 700 massacred at a Pequot village. “ They attacked us one time when we were holding our religious ceremony, the Green C om Dance, thanking God for the com, squash, pumpkins, potatotes, what not; thanking Him for the fruits o f the earth. That was our Thanksgiving, the Indian Thanksgiving. “ And that’ what our men and women s were doing when the English were commanded to fire upon our men, women and children while they were observing a religious ceremony. "All I’ told you is documentary history. ve An official government report o f the massacre, at what is now Groton, Conn., said: "A s they durst not come forth any longer, I commanded Sergeant Vanderhill (a Dutch officer fighting with the English against Indians) to set fire to the building. "And 700 men, women and children were burned to death in 1637. “ commemoration o f that deed, the first In Thanksgiving Day ever proclaimed in America, was proclaimed by Massachusetts Bay Colony, thanking God that they had dispatched those 700 men. women and children. You will find that in all the books, it’not hearsay. s “ And those men and women were not phoney. They were alive, honest, religious people observing their green corn festival. "For the next 100 years every Thanks­ giving Day proclaimed by a governor o f a colony or a President o f the U.S.. was thanking God tor this bloody victory.” Postscript: Newell is not bitter about his story, nor does he suggest anyone should give up observing Thanksgiving. “ least At give us credit,”he says, and understand the Indian history o f the occasion. "W ho are we thanking, if not the Great Spirit," he said, adding, "Enjoy your turkey. We still are thankful. We forgive.” How would Indians treat a white visitor today? "You can visit any Indian home today, and if you’ our friend, we will invite re you to eat,” Newell said. Prof. Newell. 84. has made his mark in white America. A graduate o f Syracuse Uni­ versity. he is listed in Who’ Who In New s England and Who's Who in the East, he has taught, lectured, aided museums and con­ tributed to publications across the country. He received a master’ degree from Univer­ s sity o f Pennsylvania. Born at Boston, Newell’ Indian name, s and his father’ name, is Rolling 'Thunder. s The younger Newell founded Six Nations Association, a group assisting Indians in N.Y. state. He has served as resident authority on primitive art at the Brooklyn Museum. N.Y.. and as director o f the American Indian Museum o f Arts and Sciences. Newell led a successful effort to secure certified teachers and standardized schools for reservation Indians in N.Y. slate. He has worked as an Episcopal missionary to the Seneca tribe, and has taught at the Uni­ versities o f Florida and Connecticut. Newell is a member of the American Academy o f Political and Social Sciences, American Anthropological Association, and the American Association o f University Professors. Apache named to labor post Roland R. Mora, a disabled Vietnam veteran, has been confirmed by the Senate as Deputy Assistant Secretary o f Labor for Veterans’Employment. Mora, 39, is the first person ever appointed to the position which was created with the passage o f the Veterans’ Education and Employment Assistance Act o f 1976. Mora was bom in Albuquerque, New Mexico o f Chiricahua Apache and Hispanic parents and served as a regional intelligence officer for the Third Marine Division in Vietnam. Dr. Baumann said Indians are one o f a number o f minority groups seeking equal rights and basic respect as groups of individuals. “ When the Blacks were seeking to have their rights granted and respected I told my husband theirs is just the beginning,”she said. Commenting on current trends, Dr. Baumann said, "There is a trend toward ethnicity, a searching for group identifica­ tion within manageable social limits .. . the Black movement, the gays, anyone you can think of. “ think this move for social identity is a 1 reaction against alienation; it’ worldwide,” s said Dr. Baumann, adding, “ comes from it the death o f religion. Religion played such a role in people’lives. A decade ago we had s this God is dead thing. This finding o f a group identity is part o f a historical per­ spective." Dr. Baumann said her return to her native reservation is itself a sign o f the move­ ment for ethnic identity. She said her relatives at Indian Island had been urging her to return to her people. Dr. Baumann has a daughter attending a Quaker school at Deerfield, Ma.. and a son at the American School in Lima. Peru. Onward program s e e k s students ORONO — A program at University of Maine for economically and educationally disadvantaged students is seeking candi­ dates for the 1978-79 academic year. Called Onward Special Services, the pro­ gram provides courses in basic academic skills such as reading, writing, math, science and study habits. Financial aid is available through the UMO financial aid office. "It is our. principal objective to provide supportive services to people who would not be accepted at UMO through the normal admissions process,” explained Onward counselor Kathy R. Friedrich. Onward has offices on the Orono campus that offer personal, career, social and academic coun­ seling, both in groups and individually. In charge o f Onward’ native American s student program is Theodore N. Mitchell, a Penobscot from Indian Island. Onward wel­ comes recommendations on candidates for the program. Ruling near on Mashpee case BOSTON — A federal district court judge is expected to rule sometime next month on whether Indians in the town of Mashpee deserve federal recognition. Indians at Mashpee are claiming some 16,000 acres should be returned to them as tribal land. If the judge rules in favor of recognizing the Wampanoag Indians, their case could be considerably strengthened. Thomas M. Tureen, lawyer for the Mashpee Indians, said Mashpee selectmen recently caused a stalemate in negotiations for a settlement o f claims by refusing to take a position on a proposal. The selectmens’refusal to support or oppose a Congressional proposal means that no settlement by Congress will be possible this year, since Congress will adjourn for a recess. A Senate committee recently proposed that claims to residential and commerical property in Mashpee be settled by payment o f $4 million to the Indians, leaving unre­ solved the claims to undeveloped land. But town officials apparently felt this partial settlement was unsatisfactory. Tureen, a Calais lawyer associated with Native American Rights Fund, is currently working on the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy tribal land claims case in Maine. Those tribes recently won federal recognition, entitling them to federal Indian services and protection. �Page 8 Wabanaki Alliance November 1977 A flashback to the past News briefs Alliance on TV ORONO — Wabanaki Alliance was the subject o f a feature interview on the evening news recently, on Channel 2 Television, Bangor, and WCSH TV, Portland, The interview with Editor Steven Cart­ wright was conducted by Channel 2 news­ man Donald Carrigan. The footage was later shown on Maine Public Broadcasting Network’ television program called Maine s Indian Journal, a monthly show anchored by Kim Mitchell, Penobscot Indian. Cartwright discussed briefly the paper’ s goals and standards, and his own experi­ ences with the job. R o d e o slated ANCESTORS — Widely known Penobscot Indians Clara Neptune, left, and Joe Francis, are pictured in these old post cards. The photo of Mrs. Neptune is dated 1922; Francis is dated 1912. Descendants reside on Indian Island and elsewhere. Petition asks Carter for justice PORTLAND — A petition has been circulated here asking President Carter to “ negotiate now in good faith" with Maine Indians over the Penobscot-Passamaquoddy tribal land claims. The petition calls for due process and a mutually agreeable settlem ent “ which grants land and cash to the two tribes and contains provisions protecting the jobs of workers in industries dependent on the land, and the homes o f small homeowners." A check with one o f the listed sponsors of the petition confirmed he had signed it. Democratic State Rep. Gerald E. Talbot o f Portland said he signed the petition “ quite awhile ago.”Other signers listed as sponsors included Rep. Lawrence E. Connolly. Jr., Portland Democrat. Called An Appeal for Justice, the petition says in part: “ Native American Indian people have suffered greatly over the past four hundred years. Whole tribes were murdered. En­ slavement was attempted. Lands were stolen. Treaties were violated. And finally Native American Indian people were forced onto reservations by Federal and state goverriments where they were denied basic human rights. "Today little has changed. Stripped o f their aboriginal land in Maine and elsewhere, separated from urban industrial centers, and facing various forms of discrimination, the Native American Indian people’ fight for dignity and economic s security has been difficult. Unemployment ranges between 60 and 80 percent. Life expectancy is 44 years, and the suicide rate is 1 times the national average. 1 "In all this, the tribes continue to main­ tain a willingness to negotiate seriously. They have said publicly that they are willing to sit down and discuss the original claim; they have said that the land of small homeowners would not be taken; they have said that the livelihood o f Maine workers who are dependent on the woods and wood product industry would not be endangered; and their only aim is to secure an independent land base and cash settlement which would protect their culture, their future, and con­ tribute to the economic well-being o f all Maine citizens.” Photo identified Indian Island To the editor: Re the picture, “ Flashback to the A Past,” the October issue o f your paper, in my sister, Mildred Akins, believes that the man on the right is Peter Nicola. The young man in the middle looks very much like our brother, Francis Nelson — except that in 1910, he would have been only two years old. Is it possible that the picture was taken at a later date? The man on the left might be Newell Francis. What interests me particularly about the picture is the collar and cuff set that the man on the left is wearing. The set belonged to the Penobscot Indian Nation, and when a new governor was inaugerated, his predecessor placed this set on him as part o f the inaugeral cere­ monies. 1 remember when my father. Horace Nelson, was governor, the set was carefully wrapped and stored in a flat box. It was a colorful and beautifully hand-beaded outfit, and had been in the possession o f the tribe for many, many years. I wonder if any o f your readers might remember who was the last governor to have this set in his possession? It is a priceless treasure, of great traditional value, and should rightfully be kept by the tribe itself. It was the badge of Pen­ obscot leadership, and my understanding is that the design is characteristically Penobscot. We should make every effort to locate the set! Eunice Baumann DENVER, Colo. — A North American Indian rodeo is planned for Nov. 17-20, at Expo Square fairgrounds at Tulsa, Okla. The event is sponsored by National American Indian Cattlemen’ Association. s A controversy between that group and a group called All Indian National Finals Rodeo Commission over sponsorship o f the rodeo was not expected to disrupt plans, according to the cattlemen’association. s State rejects M o h e g a n s HARTFORD, Ct. — A Mohegan Indian suit to reclaim some 600 acres of land has been rejected in U.S. District Court here. A report in the New Haven Courier last month said the suit is part o f a larger Mohegan claim seeking to recover 2,550 acres o f former tribal lands, worth an esti­ mated $250 million. The suit was filed by John E. Hamilton o f Waterford, Ct.. who calls himself grand sachem o f the Mohegans. His title is reportedly disputed by other tribal members. The newspaper account compared the Mohegans’ claim to current land claims by the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes in Maine. Indian C en ters s e e k n e w d irector LOS ANGELES — Indian Centers, Inc., is seeking an executive director, preferably an American Indian, at an annual salary of $18,000. The director’ duties will include admin­ s istrative supervision and the position of spokesman for the Indian Centers board of directors. Required experience is three to five years in a field involving administration, management and social service work. Deadline for applications is Nov. 30. Tureen talk set TROY — Thomas M. Tureen, lawyer for the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes, was scheduled to speak Nov. 19 to the sixth annual meeting o f Sam Ely Community Services Corp., a non-profit land use and land trust group. Taureen was slated to discuss the Maine Indian land claims case at Troy Grange Hall, accompanied by tribal representatives. AIM h olds council MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — An interna­ tional conference o f the American Indian Movement (AIM) took place here this month, on the theme, "A time to come together to mend the sacred hoop o f life spiritually, culturally and politically.” Native peoples from throughout North and South America were invited to attend the meeting, which preceded a National Indian Education Association convention held at St. Paul. On the AIM agenda were discussion of defense o f Indian dissidents and political prisoners. Indian-controlled education, an AIM elders council, a report on a native peoples conference at Geneva, treaty rights, FBI-CIA conspiracies, colonization, white colonial backlash and a national Indian alliance. Rights g r ou p d is c u s s e s land conflict WASHINGTON — The U.S. Civil Rights Commission heard testimony on land, fishing rights and government jurisdiction, in relation to several Indian tribes, at a recent two-day meeting in Seattle. The tribes involved in the issues were Yakima, Colville, Lower Elwah, Makah, Lummi, Chehalis, Puyallup, Suquamish, Quinault and Nisqually. Also discussed were urban Indians in Seattle, Takoma and Spokane. Subjects on the agenda included law enforcement, health care, education and economic development. The commission has subpoena power in the state in which it holds hearings, within a 50-mile radius of the hearing site. An independent, bipartisan agency, the commission is concerned with rights o f women and minorities. Education group m eets ST. PAUL, Minn. — A full council meet­ ing o f the National Advisory Council on In­ dian Education (NACIE) is slated here Nov. 4, 5 and 6. New faces on council , board INDIAN ISLAND — The Penobscot tribal council, and school board, will have fresh faces as a result o f a recent special election at the reservation here. George (Skipper) Mitchell was elected to a four year term on the council, polling 71 votes. Other candidates were Hope Powell and George Tomer, each with 30 votes, and Steven Paul, 15 votes. Elected to the school committee were Debra Mitchell, 65 votes, and Deanna LeBretton, 63 votes. Other candidates for two openings on the board were Kenneth Paul, 54 votes, Jean Chavaree, 42 votes, and writein candidate Patrick Almenas, 32 votes. Board members serve for three year terms. Deanna LeBretton casts ballot in special election at Indian Island, in which she was elected to a term on the school board. Looking on is ballot clerk John Sapiel. � 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> (November 1977) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Indian Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-11 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-425 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/82fbdcb43bfefa4de2b7130521e4a03d.pdf ab0dab9d5d62db61623aa92e35338820 PDF Text Text Readershtfim & ffiFenefl your subscription? W abanaki All U.S. Pottage Paid January 1981 Tribes face decision on settlement funds Ihe Passamaquoddy and Penobscot, in bes are grappling with the difficult., awesome task of deciding what to do with proceeds «> last year’ $ 1 million r s 8 .5 federal settlement o f their long-loughl land claims case. At Pleasant Point and Indian Township, the two eastern Passamaquoddy reserva tions, some tribal m em bers have circulat ed petitions asking that money be divided on a per capita basis. The m oney involved is i he interest front a $27 million trust hind, to be split 50-50 between the tribes. The remaining $54.5 million is for pur chase ol 300,000 acres from large land holders in Maine, using previously agreedupon opiions. President Carter recently signed into law an appropriations bill that funds the settlement. Votes will be taken on what to do with shares ol the money. Those advocating a per capita distribution of interest earned are not. expected to prevail. At Indian Island, a full tribal m eeting is scheduled this month to decide how to spend or invest funds. In a related development, land claims lawyer Thomas N. Tureen has reportedly contracted with the Penobscots and Passamaquoddys to continue serving as legal counsel. Tureen will reportedly receive a $50,000 annual fee from Pen obscot Nation, and similar amounts from the two Passamaquoddy reservations. (Continued on page 4) Cohen chairs Indian panel W A S H IN G T O N — U.S. S e n a to r W il liam S. Cohen of Maine is the new chairman o f the Senate Select Com m ittee on Indian Affairs, an appointment that was predicted last month by this new s paper. With the shift to a Republican admin istration and the potential for power, Cohen has altered his opinion of the panel. H e had e a rlie r o p p o s e d e x te n d in g th e life of the committee. Cohen as chairman succeeds Senator John Melcher, a Mon tana Democrat who will remain a com mittee member. Cohen was named to the top slot on the com m ittee this month, along with fellow Republican Senators Mark Andrews of North Dakota, a freshman, and David Durenberger of Minnesota, com pleting the term of Hubert H. Humphrey. Last month, C ongress voted to extend the Senate Select Com m ittee on Indian Affairs for three years. It was established four years ago, and has dealt with such legislation as the Maine Indian land claims settlement, on which a hearing was held last summer. Fuel aid offered INDIAN TOW NSHIP — If you're having trouble m eeting energy costs this winter — and by golly, it’ a ru gged one — s you can contact HEAP. The HEAP pro gram can help, according to Wanda Dana, coordinator of HEAP (Home E nergy Assistance Program). See Dana at the tribal office, or call 796-2301, for informa tion about this federal program. PENOBSCOT NATION Gov. Timothy Love explains land claims to reporter at the White House, moments after President Ca signed the settlement last fall. At left is negotiating team chairman Andrew Ak and Passamaquoddy negotiator Allen Sockabasin. Indian CETA pie sliced up ORONO — Annual Com prehensive Em ployment and Training Act (CETA) funds for Maine Indians have been allocated by the U.S. Department of Labor, but at the local level, there has been wrangling over who ge ts what. Tribal Governors Inc. (TGI) of Orono, under the direction of Allen J. Sockabasin, reportedly clashed with Terry Polchies, leader of Association of Aroostook In dians, at a recent meeting. The federal budget for TGI was set at $247,765. A roos took Indians will reportedly get less than the association wanted, sources said. N ot involved in the dispute over funding levels w ere Penobscot Nation and Central Maine Indian Association (CMIA), both of which last year obtained “prime sponsorship” of CETA programs. The Penobscot CETA budget is $133,594; the CMIA budget, $60,791. Passamaquoddys at Pleasant Point, and Indian Township, receive CETA monies from the TGI allocation. Exact totals were not known at press time. Other recipients of CETA funds are Boston Indian Council, Rhode Island Indian Council, and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council. Indian inaugural bail scheduled WASHINGTON — Am ong many events to be held in the Capitol during the inauguration of President-elect Ronald Reagan, will be an American Indian inaugural ball, Jan. 20, according to Ella Mae Horse, ball coordinator. Honorary chairman of the event is Indian film actor. Will Sampson. The first Indian inaugural ball was held in 1977. Stick to diet, other New Year resolutions You can't buy this Even though Coleen Dana of Indian Township has been tending store at Viola [Buzzy] Brown's business on the reserva tion, she is not about to offer her beautiful daughter, Faith Ann Dana, born Sept. 12, 1980. Faith weighed six pounds, ten and one half ounces at birth. Viola’ grocery s and general merchandise store, on the Strip, has been around about two months. By Diane Newell Wilson IN D IA N IS L A N D — Pau line Mitchell vows to write letters. Josie Neptune prom ises to “stick to my diet.” These and other New Year’ reso s lutions show that the tradition of making (and som etim es breaking) these prom ises is far from dead. Gov. Timothy Love o f Penobscot Nation thought awhile, then declared that he wants to "support Shop ’ Save N less.” Figure that one out. Downeast, Passamaquoddy tribal Gov. Hartley Nicholas o f Pleasant Point stated, that “the only thing I can think of is w e’ resolve to try to do ll everything right.” That’ a tall order. s He brooded a moment, and added, “I mean this in a political sense." Howard W ilson’ resolution dealt s again with diet. “T o eat less,” he said. R oger Ranco grew serious, saying he wants to “live my life to the fullest, and not to let things bother me.” Elana Vermette wants to be a better wife. Sharon Francis countered with "don’ take men seriously." t The Rev. Donald Daigle of the Island Baptist Church stated: “Brethren I do not consider that I have made it on my own. L et’ forget our mistakes of 1980, s and reach to new gold in 1981." M a b el N ew e ll o f Indian T ow n sh ip reflected and said she hopes to “im prove m yself in educating ways." Central Maine Indian Association Executive Director Donna Loring hopes to "exercise m ore and lose 20 pounds. And ge t rid of all my gray hairs." �Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 editorials The Precedent )ns to the contrary, we see the Maine Indian land claims > setting a terrific precedent that forebodes a gathering ial assertiveness in New England, and beyond. lobscot-Passamaquoddy claims were pending, lawyers, tors and like-minded spokesmen assured the State of -ther worried parties that settling with the tribes would :edent. : Indian claims, they said,* were unique. This implied the resolution ot the claims here could not be used elseno tear. The Maine claims are only Maine’ problem. s ntime, Indian claims are surfacing in many places, from Indians in New York, to Schaghticoke Indians in 1 here are rumblings from Indians elsewhere on the ard. lese tribes have in common? Simple: they all base their ie 1790 Trade and Nonintercourse Act, which said st approve Indian treaties. Many tribes dealt with state without that federal approval — Maine for instance — ing old treaties long taken for granted, ians may have unintentionally done a great service to Who will be next? The Abenakis of V erm on t? The late angley feared a precedent. Tribal spokesmen scoffed at course, discounting the precedent concept may have t strategy. >e, we will watch with interest the progress o f our erting their claims. If they need a reference, or advice le Penobscot-Passamaquoddy negotiating team. Or ask 2en. N ew s in tuJ a ^ h e . , ”a T T ujem oers appeared in the Bangor Daily 8 0f the Navr lu« ' USS (all Navy n gh t’Barbara ttajgle, John Lonng, Barry Nelson, Rhonda Mitchell. Constitution A brief notice is due the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point which has taken upon itself the task of drafting and ratifying a constitution. Already a draft proposal has been circulated, and at first glance it looks good. iu e constitution sets forth the responsibilities, procedures o f the tribe in a forthright manner. laws and ,, Per,^P S one of the more important elements of the new draft is is: All members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe shall have equal political rights and opportunities to participate in the economic resources and tribal assets, and no member shall be denied freedom o conscience, speech, religion, association or assembly, nor shall be denied the right to petition the tribal council for the redress of grievances against the tribe.” 46th Parallel me somebody took Loomis Sappier to task. Not that he it deal of space here. :res of space in the Bangor Daily News in the past s. Usually it’ a big headline about “Maliseet Nation s ing above 46th parallel,” or something like that, a word, hogwash. And the Bangor Daily News has en tor it. This guy Loomis is not, and never was, to , leader of the Maliseets. ; article, he calls himself chairman o f Maliseet Land ittee. That's the story in which he said he asked the sy in Ottawa for money to pay legal fees. Iran? Take a iself visited our office in Orono once. A likeable -vith a ready smile, he claims 15 million acres of Maine leople. Never mind that he is from Canada. Well, he s that Maine Indian claims are settled, in a deal that ither, or further claims, as we understand it. Maliseets 000 acres out o f the total 300,000 acres. Not a lot, but •e than Loomis Sappier is likely to get. Daily News has been fooled by Sappier. As for Sappier ts the Ayatollah can advise him on how to fool the rest Quotable Every year our white intruders become more greedy, exacting, oppressive, and overbearing , . . Wants and oppressions are our lo t... Are we not being stripped day by day o f the little that remains of our ancient liberty? . . . Unless every tribe unanimously combines to give a check to the ambition and avarice of the whites, they will soon conquer us apart and disunited, and we will be driven away fiom our native country and scattered as autumnal leaves before the wind. — Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief 1812 �Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 pj w letters Among the old on es Middleburg, Fla. To the editor: Thank you for sending me a copy of the paper, March issue. I found it very good and worth while information. All Indian peoples need to stand together, to win the battles we face. 1 have lived in Maine and I am Indian. My home is in Oklahoma, my people are Chickasaw/Choctaw. I am among the old ones, many winters has taught many things. Great Spirit bless all and keep up good work. R osie M. Brown The goings-on North Weymouth, Mass. Tribe takes $1 bid for snack bar PLEASANT POINT - The Passamaquoddy Snack Bar, located in the gymnasium of the community building, was leased recently to the tribal Recreation Department, for one dollar. Linwood (Red) Sapiel made the bid for the department... Mc0rdj„ ir_.t0J i i iB| .Dima 1 ol R'easant Point, a businessman. bar concession, and Peter Bailey, $4,800. Both bids w ere rejected in favor of the one dollar offer, Dana said. Dana himself has clashed with tribal government over trucking jobs. Dana Trucking Company is scheduled to work o n l ounda.ti ons f° r 35 new houses at Indian T o wn Construction Company, Augusta. In the meantime, Dana Trucking is in volved in reconstruction work on the Eastport breakwater. To the editor: I received the Wabanaki today and think it is g r e a t ... a nice way to keep up on what’ goin g on at home, on the island. s Keep up the good work. Paul F. Hamilton P lease continue To the editor: Sacramento, Calif . Enclosed is a chock for five dollars Please continue to send the Wabanaki tc me. f enjoy the paper very much. Mary R. Verdugo l obiqu e requ est 1o the editor: Tobiquc Indian Reserve Our school would like to subscribe to your Wabanaki Alliance magazine for a two year period. Would you please send the bill to the above address as we do not know if there has been a change in subscription rates. Thank you very much and keep up the good work. W e enjoy your paper. Gertrude Nicholas Resource Center Mahsos School Nations Seattle, Wash. To the editor: Thanks for the information about your newspaper. We are very interested in is happening among the tribes in affects other tribes in the United States and Canada. I am also personally inter ested, since the Penobscots are m y grand father’ people. s In our midst I would like to establish an exchange with your publication and I have already entered a complimentary subscription for Indian Township PLEASANT POINT — A referendum Wabanaki Alliance. I would appreciate To the editor: the postponem ent was announced in order vote scheduled Jan. 5 at the reservation, to provide voters with more information receiving your publication. More than The King has been in our midst for some to see if the community wishes to apply to about the project. this, I would appreciate your input on two thousand years now. My prayer for the Federal E nergy R egulatory Com m is newsworthy events in your area. In order you is that He will be your personal Lord. The project would be located at the site sion for a license to build Half-Moon Cove to establish an effective news network. of the old Eastport-Perry toll bridge and I pray that His word within you may tidal project, has been postponed to Jan would consist of a dam about 1,000 feet Nations needs the cooperation of editors bear fruit daily in victory for you and your 19. long and 75 feet high with pow er provided and writers throughout Indian Country. family. According to Dr. Normand LaBerge, We will have bureau offices in key by tidal w aters from Half-Moon Cove In Jesus and Mary, director of the Half-Moon C ove project. em ptying through a tidal gate locations around the U.S. and Canada, but Fr. Joe Laughlin we need local input to provide accurate and thorough coverage of local events. I Wabanaki Alliance Vol. 5, No. 1 hope that you will be able to work with’us. January 1981 M aking contact In exchange, we will work with you as an Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services |DIS] at the Indian information source with excellent national Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone [207| 866-4903 and international contacts. Keene, N.H. 3 the editor: Typeset by Old Town/Oruno Times. Printed by Ellsworth American. I will look forward to hearing from you I am very interested in learning more soon, and to working with you in the about all our American Indian tribes, both M ember — Maine P ress Association future. those federally recognized and those not. I Duane F. Warren have written to all 82 BIA agencies, am in Steven Cartwright, Editor Editor process o f writing to the various tribal councils, am sending for sample Nalive C h eyen n e/A rapaho American newspapers, and also trying to develop correspondence with Native Reporters T o the editor: peoples on and off reservations. Diane Newell Wilson I am the Executive Director of the Las Phone 827-6219 I would appreciate receiving a sample of Brenda Polchies Casas/Drums, an organization named your paper, and if you would, I would Phone 532-7317 Roberta Richter after Bartolome Las Casas, a fifteenth appreciate your publishing this letter. Phone 853-4654 Kathy Tomah century Dominican who worked for the Phone 796-2301 For the record, so your readers will cause of the Native Americans. Currently know a bit about me, I am a white woman, DIS Board of Directors our resource persons are working with 43 years o f age, divorced, m other of four Jean Chavarcc fchairman | India* ls|and the Cheyenne and Arapaho people in daughters ages 16,17,19 and 21. I work to Donna Lonng, Central Maine Indian Assoc. Old Town Northwest Oklahoma. Ours is a human su p p or t m y s e lf and tw o y o u n g e s t Timothy Love, Governor Indian Is|and developm ent program where w e try to daughters. Jeannette Neptune, Community Developm ent Director Indian Township work for enablement rather than de My interest in Native Americans is Jeanette LaPlante, Central Maine Indian Assoc. Old Town pendence, em powerm ent rather than sincere and I will gladly correspond with Brenda Polchies, Assn, of Aroostook Indians Houlton manipulation, native cultural developm ent anyone who has same. rather than exploitation. (Choose life) The main questions I ask are. What is it DIS is an agency of Diocesan Human Relations Services, Inc. of Maine. Sub As we plan for future placem ents of new like to be a Native American today? And scription to this newspaper are available by writing to Wabanaki Alliance, 95 resource persons based on their interests what do Native Americans hope for the Main St.. Orono, Me. 04473. Diocesan Human Relations Services and DIS are a and the needs of the Native Americans, I future? non-profit corporation. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes. though I would contact you to see if you Carolyn L. Cote . Rates: $5 per year [12 issues]; $6 Canada and overseas; $10 for institutions have any needs which might be considered Maple Court Apts. Ischools, government, business, etc.] by us for future placements. Bldg. 1, Apt. 1 Annette R. Roach, O.P. Keene, N.H. 03431 Dana complained that tribal govern ment is against private enterprise. He said John Bailey bid $5,000 for the snack Tidal pow er referendum slated �Page 4 Wahanaki Alliance January 1981 Decision Virginia Tomah Welfare director likes job PLEASANT POINT — Virginia Tomah, 30, laughingly called herself “liLtle brown Vergie,” comparing herself to a non-Indian woman who worked for Department of Indian Affairs. “I love my job and I do it well," Tomah said, expressing her gratitude to then Gov. Robert Newell. She is in charge of welfare for the tribe, and assists members with AFDC. social security, food stamps, veterans benefits, Indian Health Service and other referrals. Tomah is also chairman o f the Pleasant Point school board, and recently visited South Dakota in that capacity. She believes that the tribe's best chances at self determination will be through jobs. On the job about one year, Tomah formerly edited a tribal newsletter, and is a former alcoholism counselor. She has attended University of Maine at PortlandGorham, University of Maine at Orono, and Tufts University. She is married and the mother of three. (Continued from page 1 ) Penobscots m et recently at Indian Island with representatives of the invest ment firm, Merrill, Lynch, which has an office in Portland. While making no commitments, the tribe showed interest in options offered by Joseph Kenney, Merrill Lynch senior manager in New York City. Kenney told the tribe, “it's your money and not ours and we just, want to do what is mutually agreeable and obtainable . . . i he sole thing we're getting paid for is our advice," he said. The Merrill Lynch fee, three eighths of one per cent, would equal $46,875 based on investments for the Penobscots of $12.5 million annually, Kenney explained. One million dollars is earmarked to aid elderly of the tribe. Additionally, the Penobscot tribe will get $96,000 from a state of Maine account that belongs to Indians of Maine. The .Passamaquoddy share is about $200,000, and will also be returned. Northeast Bank President G eorge Cattermann told the Penobscots “the primary concern is to make sure nothing happens to this money." He advised investing funds in a variety of places to assure security. At the Penobscot meeting, 28 tribal mem bers voted on how to invest the Penobscot share of the trust fund. They voted in favor of U.S. Treasury bills, considered a very low risk investment. Another motion was passed to reinvest income from the trust fund, also in treasury bills, in increments up to $2 Tribal leader in Quoddy Tides EASTPORT — A recent issue of the bi-weekly Quoddy Tides featured a front, page interview with Pleasant Point Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas, commenting on the land claims. “There are some who see dollar signs dancing in front of their eyes," Nicholas told reporter Marie Jones. “Unless it is used wisely (the income from a trust fund) we will not be better off in a few years than we are now," the governor said. "Before any money is distributed to any body, the tribe must pay its bills. I would like to wipe the bills out before we give money away," Nicholas said. Also in The Quoddy Tides was a feature article on Edward Bassett Jr. of Pleasant Point, written by Susan Esposito. Bassett, is builder of a birch bark canoe. TOBIQUE RESERVE, Canada— Loomis J. Sappier, self-proclaimed leader of the Maliseet Nation and chairman of Maliseet land claims to 15 million acres in northern Maine, has asked the Iranian em bassy in Ottawa for financial aid. Sappier wants help paying legal costs, according to a story in the Bangor Daily News. “W e’ not ju st maneuvering, we re really need money,” he told a reporter. Tribal officials attend Boston task force meeting BOSTON — A number of tribal officials from Maine attended a recent meeting here of Federal Regional Council/Indian Task Force. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other items relating to Indians, w ere on the agenda. Barbara Namias, a Mohawk, is task force coor dinator. R oger Ritter and Brian R. Bowden represented Indian Township Passama quoddy reservation; Gov. Timothy Love attended for Penobscot Nation, accom panied by Penobscot housing director Rick Mitchell. Also present was James McGrath, representing the Schaghticoke Indians of Connecticut. McGrath, a former journalist, worked briefly for the Passam aquoddys at Pleasant Point. Pequots and Narraganse e is also w ere represented. Carla Francis, a Penobscot, attended for Boston Indian Council, where she is employed. Shinnecock quiet on land claim s Penobscots to mull investments INDIAN ISLAND — Members of the Penobscot Nation have been invited to attend a general meeting, Saturday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m., at the Community Building. 7, The purpose of the meeting is to consider options relative to the tribe's share of income from the recent $81.5 million land claims settlement. Half of a $27 million trust fund administered by the federal government belongs to Penobscots. M aliseef asks Iran for funds DONALD PERKINS, lawyer for major landowners who have agreed to sell acreage to the Penobscot and Passama quoddy tribes under terms of land claims settlement. million. Penobscots will set up a trust fund investment committee, with seven regular mem bers and three alternates. Joseph (Jo-Jo) Francis, tribal councilor, observed humorously, “we talk here like we read the Wall Street Journal, this talk about C-D’ ’(certificate of deposits) and s T-bills (treasury bills).. . . next thing you know we’ be Dunn <6 Bradstreet." ll A Mohegon claim NEW YORK CITY - Mohcgan Indians of Connecticut will continue their efforts to recover 2,500 acres of land north of. New London, after the state failed in a preliminary m ove to have the Indians’ claims dismissed in court. Using the 1790 Trade and Noninter course Act — the same act as was basis for Maine Indian claims — the Mohegans appear to be making progress. Connecti cut argued the act applied to Indians of the w est only, but the court rejected that interpretation. HAMPTON BAYS, N.Y. — The Shinne cock Hills w ere once part of the rolling Indian reservation here — som e 3,600 acres — but since 1859 the tribe has lived on a 400 acre parcel. The New York Tim es reports. T h ere are rumors of land claims based on the 1790 Trade and Nonintercourse Act, which protected tribes by requiring Congressional approval o f transactions. Often such approval was not undertaken in dealings with Eastern Indians. Twenty-year-old R ebecca Hill, Shinne cock Native American Coalition director, said "no comment.” So did Native Ameri can Rights Fund (NARF) lawyer Law rence Aschenbrenner, who has researched the situation for the Shinnecocks. About 200 tribal m em bers survive today. PENOBSCOT NATION Department of Employment Train ing & Youth P rojects is taking applica tions for public service employment under Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Titles II-D and VI. At present one PSE position is des ignated within the Department for a Management Information Specialist. The individual selected for this position should possess strong oral and written communication skills, be willing to learn CETA regulations and guidelines concerning client eligibility and track ing requirements, and be able to apply these guidelines to individual client sit uations. The MIS will be responsible for participant records and reports. PE 4 salary range is $170 to $240 per week. If interested, please contact — L EE CAMERON Telephone 827-6146 Applicants should m eet CETA eli gibility requirements. An Iranian official at the em bassy re portedly declined comment on a letter Sappier sent. Sappier and his group maintain they have New Brunswick tribal support toward a claim to 15 million acres in northern Maine and are acting on behalf of all Maliseets in Canada and the United States. The Maine territory the Maliseets want takes in all land in the state north of the 46th parallel, “which in the past has been our hunting and fishing domain," according to Sappier. Sappier w rote the Iranian embassy, “back at the time your country was striving and struggling in your endeavor to develop natural resources, Canada and the United States spent millions in your hour of need to help you obtain your selfdetermination. The natural resources of the North American continent are the bona fide properties of the Indian nations. It has now becom e absolutely necessary for us to focus our full attention (for financial aid) on the Third World coun tries.” Constitution drafted at Pleasant Point PLEASANT POINT — With the assist ance of tribal planner Charles A. Lewis, a constitution has been drafted for the Passamaquoddy Tribe, with copies avail able to interested persons. The draft contains full definitions of tribal status and membership, territory, bill of rights, rights of members, govern ment, legislative body, tribal council and executive powers, the judicial branch, and oaths of office. Jurisdiction of the tribe, for example, e x te n d s to lan ds a s m a y "h e re a fte r be e sta b lish e d a s a r e se r v a tio n (settlem ent) pursuant to authorization o f the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlem ent Act.” Such lands will be administered by a commission set up pursuant to that Act. Tribal membership is defined as “any person who name appears on the official census roll of the Passamaquoddy Tribe as of 1980, provided that corrections may be made in the said census roll by the tribal council within five years of the adoption of this constitution." CAN’ FIND A JOB? T Try th e 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 program s 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, w e’ 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 �W&h&n&ki Alliance January 1981 Page 5 Stone age Indian site studied Under sail, Hurricane Islanders surge ahead in their two-masted, open vessel. Facing the sea (and yourself) By Brenda Polchics HURRICANE ISLAND - These are a few of my own thoughts describing a long weekend trip I took recently. I was with a group of 10 from Houlton who journeyed 181 miles to Rockland by bus plus the 12 m i ICS~'~by~'"bo'0.'trL -[rom~'th e— m ainland— toHurricane Island. This gal learned a few things while on this three day expedition to Outward Bound on Hurricane Island. This gal learned she had inner resources and inner strengths in mind and body she never knew before that she had. This gal seemed to be in a state of uneventful limbo before coming face to face with the forever moving and powerful sea. As I was rappelling down a 200 foot sheer granite cliff, or vigorously sailing along with my comrades in a 20 foot pulling boat in stormy Penobscot Bay, the sails billowing furiously in the wind; at one point, the port side of the boat was being swamped by huge waves so that the sails w ere practical ly parallel to the foamy sea and those of us who were on the port side of the boat w ere staring wide-eyed straight down to star board at our comrades, who in turn w ere staring wide-eyed back at us, all the while my stomach was heaving; the big questions I repeatedly asked m yself was, “What in hell was I doing here? What am I goin g to learn from all this?” After throwing up into expedition. On the chance the opportunity the sea just before getting to shore, I felt will arise again, I have every intention of alright for the rest of the strenuous ordeal. heading back down to Hurricane Island. I say strenuous ordeal more to apply to the EDITO R ’ NOTE: Brenda Polchies, a S real feelings of fear, indecision, a sense of Maliseet who is a reporter for this news stupidity, and the “I Can’ syndrome. t" — ~ I- d o n ^ t t o w e n . k n o . w a J io m > 4 A . B , w in u a n a ^ e t » i. paper. has written numerous articles. She is have “bravely,” “dangerously,” “foolishly,” employed by Association ot AroostcTolT jumped into the ocean water via feet first Indians (AAI), Houlton. Hurricane Island Outward Bound School with assistance o f a lifejacket, encourage ment, and enlightenment from my Watch is a nonprofit organization based in Rock instructors, who are thoroughly trained, land and on the island itself, which is near competent, and experts in their field of rock Vinalhaven in Penobscot Bay. It is a yearclimbing, sailing, navigating, rappelling, round operation, and various courses are ropes course, food and nutrition, and they offered, along with financial aid, a spokes presented sensitive and thought provoking woman said. The school can be reached by philosophy. It is here, surrounded by cold, writing Box 429, Rockland, Maine 04841, or salty seaw ater I experienced my first dip calling 207-594-5548. into the ocean depths. The experiences I shared with my com rades, to me w ere not ordinary, everyday experiences. For this reason, in my mind, I will relive this brief, unique, first experi ence over and over again. In the span of three short days, friends w ere made, and when it came Lime to bid farewell, I felt sad because I knew I would never see their faces again. I have recovered fully from sore muscles, bumps, and bruises, and I feel that I am ready for a m ore heady and heavy TV program revived ORONO — A public television series called Maine Indian Journal will be started again next month. The show w ent off the air in 1978, after running for about one year under the direction of Kim Mitchell, a Penobscot. Mitchell will again direct, produce and probably host the Maine Public Broad casting N etwork program. The first of a bi-monthly series is scheduled Feb. 16 (Washington’ Birth s day), at 7:30 p.m., on stations of the Maine public TV network. M icm ac rem ov ed from federal team Putting to sea, a crew at Outward Bound school braves wind and wave. WASHINGTON — Alexander (Sandy) McNabb, a Micmac, has been replaced by a non-Indian on a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) transition team. Jim Hawkins, director of the Office of Indian Education Program s under Com missioner Louis Bruce in the early 1970’ s, has replaced the previously announced team of McNabb and Dallas Merrell on the Reagan transition team for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Hawkins, a non-Indian, had been a BIA area director in Minneapolis and a teacher and school official in Alaska. He has held high positions in the Departm ent of Commerce, the Peace Corps and Interior. He has been in private business the past few years. AZISCOHOS LAKE - Som e 1,500 arti facts have turned up over the past decade at an archaeological site here, near the Maine-New Hampshire border. The spear heads and tool fragments may belong to Indians that used the area 11,000 years ago. Dr. Michael Gramly, a Harvard-trained expert working for the Maine State Museum, called the site “important because of the total picture. It’ the highest altitude s Paleo-Indian site known in the eastern U.S. It’ within a short distance of a lithic source s area where the people then got stone for tools. There is a continuing pattern of occupancy on this site, and there is a killing ground in association with the habitation site," he said. Gramly led a group of college students last summer in work at the Francis Vail site, named after an East Stoneham amateur who discovered it. National Geo graphic Society contributed money to the dig. Two weeks before the students and Gramly packed up, charcoal remains of a hearth w ere uncovered. Samples of the charcoal have been sent to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., for radio carbon dating. “These people w ere craftsmen of the first rank. They only used finer grain, quality materials," Gramly said. Long Walk arrives in D.G. W ASHINGTON — A group of Indians and others left Alcatraz Island, California, June 1, and arrived in this city in time for What made the 4,000 journey remark able is that participants reportedly walk ed the entire distance, a feat that had been accomplished in a m ore widely publicized march for Indian rights in 1978. The walkers crossed a proposed MX missile site on Shoshone land, and in New Mexico, m et Hopi and Navajo people protesting mining of Black Mesa by Peabody Coal Co. The group held a vigil for jailed Leonard Peltier in Illinois. Peltier is a symbolic' leader of Indian resistance to non-Indian courts and auth ority. Another stop on the journey was at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, site of a major nuclear accident in 1979. In Washington, D.C., walkers prayed and rallied at the White House, Washing ton monument, Lincoln memorial and other locations. W omen, h eritage topics TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - A sym posium on the American Indian, and a conference on Indian-Alaska native wo men, are scheduled this April at North eastern State University here. The Indian symposium, with a theme of “wind songs,” is slated April 2-3. The women’ conference is set April 3-5. s Try on ad,.. INTRODUCTORY RATES $5 for first column inch, $3 each additional inch. Discounts available for repeating ads. Quarter page: $40 Half page: $80 Full page: $150 Classified ads: $1.50 up to 15 words: 10c each additional word. G ET RESULTS! �Page 6 Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 Brings Indians, whites together Youth corps has INDIAN ISLAND and INDIAN TOW N SHIP This April the Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC) will cele brate its third anniversary at the Penob scot and Passamaquoddy reservations. According to those in charge, the program is a considerable success. There have been problems, achievements, fail ures, cutbacks and expansions. There are critics o f a program that mixes Indian and non-Indian young men and women . .. outof-work, out-of-school young men and w’ omen who need help. The director at Indian Island's Bur-nurwurb-skek (original word for Penobscot) camp has taken flak for his decisions, but has also reaped the reward of strong leadership. For openers, director Richard Ham ilton, a Penobscot, has been selected nationally to head a YACC emergency assistance group. His camp will be “on call, should special needs arise. Hamilton recently underwent a week of special training for the job, at Boise, Idaho. Further, Hamilton is in process of establishing a rem ote “satellite” camp for 30 enrollees, for Seminole Indians in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. If all goes through as planned, the Seminole camp will increase his budget of $550,000 by an additional $300,000. Hamilton, hired by the Penobscot tribal council Feb. 25,1978, to initiate the YACC program, asserts proudly, “w e’ve com e a long way.” IT S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE ... no, it's the LARC an amphibious transporter owned by Indian Island YACC. You get a good cross section, they learn from each other' - Richard Hamilton \ACC worker and Joseph Sapiel, staff. According to Hamilton, “what makes these programs work so well — and they do work well — is they are non-targeted. This way you get a mix. You ge t a good cross section of the population, and they learn from each other.” A ges 16-23, YACC participants include high school dropouts and college grad uates, rich and poor, from nearby and faraway. When the program started, along with the summer Youth Conserva tion Corps (YCC), there w ere 250 en rollees. Now, with government cutbacks,, there are ju st 40 enrollees, a percentage of them m em bers of the Penobscot tribe. Various conservation projects; trails, roads, footbridges, maps, timber stand improvement, surveys, educational dis plays and lectures; all of these tell a success story for YACC. Unfortunately, the slashing of tires on YACC trucks, not necessarily by YACC workers, tarnishes a good reputation. Once, YACC workers held a rowdy party in the woods, with reports of smoking dope, when they should have been on the job. Hamilton is strict about such incidents. Drugs and alcohol are absolutely pro hibited, although cigarette sm oking is permitted in safe areas. “If we see them with a joint, it’ automatic termination. If s we see them with a beer, it's termination on the spot,” Hamilton said. W orkers interviewed on th e jo b claim it is easy to sm uggle beer or marijuana onto job sites, some of which are very isolated. W hether ihese workers w ere bragging or not was unclear. There are usually four crew s of seven YACC workers each, at Indian Island, including one crew leader, and one assist ant leader. Separate crew s maintain the amphibious LARC vehicle, acquired as government surplus, and handle other maintenance and assorted chores. Th e L A R C ’ d iese l e n gin e w as s thoroughly overhauled by young men of Indian Island, and the monstrous “boat on wheels” is used to ferry w orkers to places like Orson Island, where crew s have cleared old roads and property lines. Orson was once inhabited by Penobscots, and contained the tribal poor farm. On Orson, during a recent visit to a worksite, forester Betsy Bolt of Kennebunkport, age 22, served as safety officer. A graduate of University o f Maine at Orono, she said she enjoyed the woods work, and was grateful to have a job for one year the maximum any person may be enrolled in YACC. Ray Smith, like Betsy a non-Indian, is a graduate of Bangor High. Twenty years old, he said YACC was his “second choice" of a job, because he would prefer something closer to home. “I was really desperate for work. I’ been out o f work d ten months and I was living at home with my mother,” he said. Smith went to the Bangor unem ployment office, where he learned about \ ACC at Indian Island. He complained that “Indian preference” is used in promotions, and "there seem s to be a lot of favoritism here. A lot of relatives are employed.” Hamilton said the charges are untrue. David Ingraham, 23, ia a “white hat,” meaning a crew leader. He see s YACC as “an experience," but notes “you’ only re making minimum wage.” Actually, crew leaders receive $4.65 per hour; assistants, $3.55 per hour. “It gives you a place to work; a lot of people here haven’ finished t high school,” said Ingraham, a non-Indian. David Sapiel, 22, an Indian crew leader and son of Lt. Gov. Nicholas Sapiel, finished his year-old hitch at YACC last month. He may enter the Coast Guard, he said. He has been a crew leader since June, assisted by another Penobscot, Sue Priest. He has no regrets about working in YACC. One of the m ore helping projects YACC has undertaken was the cutting of 200 cords of firewood, which will be moved from Orson Island by sled and snowm obile when the Penobscot R iver freezes solid. The wood will assist Indian Island residents with winter fuel. Hamilton said TSI (timber stand im provement) on Orson, and other places, creates firebreaks, opens lots for campers, helps control pests, and “in ten years increases the value (of the timber) by 50 per cent." In other work, YACC crew s camped at Mattawamkeag W ilderness Park, set up a recreation area for day care on Indian Island, built fencing at the community building, and recently finished building a road that runs the perim eter of Indian Island, on a form er trail. �Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 3ITI0 a long way No longer with YACC, Kipp Kilpatrick undertook many educational projects with crews, and supervised digging and seed ing of drainage ditches around new housing on the island. A devoted, long time supporter of YACC's educational program s is Mary Sherwood of Greenfield, who with a vast horticultural knowledge helped establish a botanical garden. A book on the subject was produced. The YACC now occupies a $93,000 building partially constructed with crew labor. Last February, Indian Island YACC underwent a federal review by the.Office of Youth Programs. “The findings were excellent," Hamilton said. A report stated “satisfaction with chain of command, and that “financial account ability of this project is impressive.” Deserving credit, along with director Hamilton, are Frank Jennings, in charge of supply, and Joseph Sapiel, work coor dinator. Indian Township YACC The sister to Indian Island’ YACC is at s Indian Township, a base camp for opera tions that covers Pleasant Point reserva tion, and the town of Vanceboro. Passamaquoddys hold m ost of the top positions: Dennis Tomah is director, Harry Stevens, work coordinator, Jake Lola, safety officer. Elmer Lank is administrative ,officer. The camp recently underwent the same three day review as took place at Indian Island. The review team o f Jim G regg and Deborah Harstedt, from R egion I federal offices in Boston; w ere im pressed with operations, they said informally. One imbalance was that only three or four females worked in YACC. Also, Pleasant'Point has only a small contingent of the YACC program. Stevens said YACC projects include favors for tribal governm ent because they pay the salaries.” H e is wrong, at least, about the salaries, which are paid by the federal government. Stevens said YACC crew s are working closely with the Passamaquoddy tribal forestry department. “W ere trying to stay m ostly on the re s ervation, but eventually w e’ be going ll into the surrounding areas,” Stevens said, adding later, "if the tribe lets us alone we’ do a hell of a lot better.” ll Township YACC crew s have acted to prevent erosion on the reservation cam p ground road, have supplied cedar poles for Pleasant Point day care; built a play ground swing set for Princeton headstart program; and crews have learned first aid and firefighting techniques. Enrollment has declined due to budget cutbacks, and is currently at about 60, down from 110..The current year’ budget s is $123,000, down from last year’ total of s $190,000. The starting budget, including the \ou lh Conservation Corps program, was $322,000. There are four YACC-paid staff and six CETA workers, in addition to enrollees. ^ At Pleasant Point’ YACC branch, Dot s Francis is crew leader, Shirley Bailey is head coordinator, and Barbara Dana is an aide. W orking on the LARC engine, Indian Island. Richard Hamilton, YACC director. V i r r ... Page 7 �Page 8 Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 Teaching teachers about Indians By Robert M. Leavitt Imagine that you are a teacher. You are about to present a series of lessons on a topic about which you have no first-hand knowledge. The sources and materials available to you contain only out-of-date and over-simplified information. Even though the subject is of great importance to the geography and history of your state and to its culture and economy, the materials say nothing of recent or current events. They offer no insights into the lives of the people you will be discussing. Sound p r e p o ste r o u s? H u n d red s of Maine teachers teach such a unit every year — the subject: Maine Indians. But most of the time these teachers are not illprepared through any failure on their part. They simply have had no way to become better-informed. To help teachers learn about Maine’ s Native peoples, the Maine Indian Prograpi of the American Friends Service Com mittee, under the direction of Mary Griffith and a working com mittee of native and non-native people, has held a series of workshops. Learning and Teach ing About Maine Indians. The m ost recent workshop was held last fall. About 25 classroom teachers from the central Maine area met with representa tives of Maliseet, Passamaquoddy a*nd Penobscot peoples — both on — and offreservation. They had a chance to unlearn the stereotypes so many Maine residents grow up with, however close to reser vations they may live, and to ge t a personal point of view on native history and contemporary culture. In addition, they found out about materials, approved by Native Americans, that are available for teachers and students to use. In many of the commonly available books and audio-visual materials, teachers find out, at best, that “northeast w ood land" Indians used to live in Maine and had the same culture as m ost Indians from here to the Canadian Rockies. At worst, they read of a warlike, poorly spoken people who eventually saw the error of their ways and disappeared into the dominant society. “I’ not an Indian, I’ a Maliseet.” m m Darryl Nicholas, a conference speaker, did not come to this statement of pride with the help of those who “educated” him in schools. Like many young Native Am eri cans, he told his audience, he went through a period of shame and confusion about himself and his own people. As a boy, he was taken away from home to a residential school, where he did not learn about being a Maliseet, but about being another kind of person — a person whose values and accomplishments w ere not found among the people at home. Deanna Francis, Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Wayne Newell, Julia Sockbeson, Ralph Dana, Donna Loring, Peter Paul — along with Darryl Nicholas, these confer ence speakers told teachers about the positive and optimistic contributions Maine’ native people have made in the s past and continue to make to their state. America was not a virgin land discovered by Europeans. Native culture is not quaint. It is m ore than artifacts, costumes, stories or songs. The Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Penobscot cultures are ways of life in the 1980’ “Language lives be s. cause it holds the soul of a person.” Yet, says Wayne Newell, som e teachers, even at the reservation school, think it is “cute” that children learn their native language in class. At the conference in Bangor, Deanna Francis and Eunice Baumann-Nelson shared records of personal achievement; Wayne Newell, Julia Sockbeson and P eter Paul offered perspectives on ancient and contemporary history; Ralph Dana and Donna Loring gave information on growth and progress, on and off the reservation; Christina Neptune, and Veronica Atwin talked about basket-making and other crafts. These w ere real people sharing first-hand experiences. What are the implications of the speakers’ m essages for teachers who teach — not Maine Indians — but about Maine Indians? With their newly-gained knowledge they can present a fairer and m ore accurate view of contemporary Native Americans in Maine. Their stu dents will have a truer understanding of how the people who have lived in Maine the longest continue to shape its history. Non-Indians who live in Maine will realize that they have much to learn from Maine’ s Native Americans, who have adopted and adapted, but who maintain a unique way o f living. ED ITO R ’S NOTE: Robert M. Leavitt is the former director of Wabnaki Bilingual Education Program, at Indian Township. A Harvard graduate, he has taught school at Pleasant Point, and currently heads a gifted and talented student program in Dover-Foxcroft, where he lives with his family. New baby girls outnumber the boys By Diane Newell Wilson Several new tribal m em bers have made them selves known, small though they are. At Pleasant Point, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Altvater are the parents of a baby girl, born Dec. 22, 1980, at Calais Regional Hospital. At Porterville, California, a girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Dennis, Dec. 14, 1980. Grandmother is Alice R. Fowler of Indian Island. Maxine Judson of Indian Island wishes to announce a daughter born to Carol and Tom Mason of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Apparently there is a run on daughters. A baby girl was born Jan. 8, to Carol Dana and Stanley Neptune of Indian Island. She weighed a healthy eight pounds, three and one half ounces. A daughter was born Oct. 22, 1980, to Howard and Celina Wilson of Tampa, Florida. Grandparents are Howard and Celina Wilson Diane Wilson of Indian Island. The baby’ s name is also Celina. Finally, there is a report of one boy. A son, Joseph Martin Dana, w as born to Sue Priest and Roy Dana Jr., Penobscots. He was born Nov. 29, 1980, and weighed seven pounds, eight ounces. Maine museum plans 1981 Indian exhibit the spelling of his name from Gramlich) said the museum has “an enorm ous room w e’ going to fill, all with the pre-history re of Maine ... continuing to the modern day with the native American.” A variety of aspects, from music to basketry, will be on display. Planning got a boost from National En dowment for the Humanities, Gramly said. Gramly said the exhibit can offer “a little bit of something for everyone." It will cost $100,000 to $150,000 to mount the displays, he said. Another part of the job is soliciting item s for exhibit. “W e need decorative items. W e don’ even have a t pair of moccasins in this museum,” Gramly BANGOR — Twenty Bangor Commun said. Games, pastim es and clothing are ity College students, including a Maliseet needed. woman, set off for sub-Arctic Ontario New Year’ Eve, to spend a fortnight studying s Cree Indians. Among the group was Vinita Brown, whose mother is a Maliseet from Kingsclear. New Brunswick. W ASHINGTON — President Carter The study trip was led by Stephen and last month approved bankrolling Indian Elizabeth Hyatt, and Ray Gemmel, all Health Service (IHS) for four m ore years. faculty members. Stephen Hyatt took a The funds okayed total $495.8 million, of similar trip several years ago, to the which $99 million is authorized for the isolated town of Moosonee, m ore than current fiscal year. In Maine, IHS funds 1,000 miles north of Bangor. are allocated to the Penobscot National at After driving two days, the study group Indian Island, Passamaquoddy Tribe at planned to board the Polar Bear Express, Pleasant Point and Indian Township, and the unofficial, affectionate name for the Association of Aroostook Indians in Houltrain that travels the roadless, final 186 ton. miles to the Cree village. The Indian Health Care Im provement After World War II, Hyatt reports, the Act, passed in 1976, provided funds Cree people lost their traditional trapping through 1980. skills, through white influence. For awhile, Crees worked building a radar com plex for Canadian government, but that operation has been shut down PROGRAM DIRECTO R permanently. For Division of Health Services Students paid $200 each for the trip. At within Penobscot Nation, Department one point, Theodore N. Mitchell, assistant of Health and Human Services. Health dean of student affairs for Indian pro Program D irector will be responsible gram s and services at University of Maine to Departmental Director and to the at Orono. had planned to join the journey Board o f Directors. R esponsibilities north. include the administration and super vision of health programs, preparation and maintenance of grants and con tracts and program budget. Health Director will recruit and em ploy staff, prepare reports and program evalua tions, serve as a departmental liaison to Tribal Governor and other depart PORTLAND— M embers of the Stevens ments. Qualifications: training in public Avenue Congregational Church continued health planning and administration or a tradition begun several years ago, and related field, four years experience, sent Christmas gifts to reservation BA/BS recommended, Indian preleryoungsters. ence. Salary $9,880 to $14,040 annually. As in years past, the Chureh sent boxes Contact: of gifts by bus to Wabanaki Alliance in PEN OBSCOT NATION Orono, and the newspaper then sent the Indian Island gifts to appropriate points. For Christmas Old Town, Maine 04468 1980, presents w ere delivered to children 207-827-7776 of Indian Township, through the courtesy A U G U STA T h e M aine State Museum is gearing for a major exhibit this year on the state’ pre-history, in s cluding Indian culture — “from the time ol man’ first entry into Maine to the modern s day,” according to Dr. Michael Gramly, consultant to the museum. Holder of a PhD in anthropology from Harvard, Gramly (who recently changed Students visit remote Cree village Carter okays 1H S Church donates gifts for Indian youngsters PASSAMAQUODDY LUMBER COMPANY - A non-Indian business in Princeton on which the Passamaquoddy tribe has a purchase option. [Bill O’ Neal photo]. of Allen J. Sockabasin. Last year, gifts went to Indian Island kids. �Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 Page 9 Tobique woman takes discrimination case to UN TOBIQUE RESERVE, Canada— Thirlytwo-year-old Sandra Lovelace is the granddaughter of a M aliseet chief who served 22 years. She is unquestionably Maliseet, but since 1970 has been treated white. Why? Because she a Canadian Indian woman, and under laws there, if you marry a nonIndian man, you lose your Indian status. Even her fellow tribesmen treat her as non-Indian. For Lovelace, it meant leaving the reserve. She is far from alone in this predicament, but she is different in that she is fighting all the way up to the United Nations, where a committee recently ruled in her favor. That’ not enough, she told a Canadian s news magazine. She wants the Indian Act changed to put an end to discrimination on the basis of race and sex. A setback occurred when the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva (Switzerland) put off a decision on her case until, probably, this March. Lovelace married a non-Indian at Fort Fairfield, Maine, and later m oved to Anaheim, California. The marriage broke up, and Lovelace moved home with a son. However, the Tobique Reserve chief said she could not live there. She m oved into a tent until cold weather. They she stayed in the jail awhile, finally m oving in with a sister. She explained to a reporter, “Even if the U.N. decides in my favor, it’ still up to s the government. All along they’ been ve saying they don’ want to impose their will t on the Indian people. But that’ been their s excuse not to do anything. They told the brotherhood to rewrite the act, but they can't agree on anything. I don’ blame the t chiefs. I blame the government for every thing. They made the act. Let them change it. “And even if they do change the act, maybe it won't be retroactive. It won’t affect me. Younger women, yes, but not me," she said. JOLLY TIM ES and delicious food w ere had by all at the Central Maine Indian Association annual Christmas party, held last month at Bangor YWCA. Volunteer fundraising and generous friends helped foot the bill. (Photo by Richard Torierl CMIA brings tidings of comfort, joy BANGOR — More than 200 people — 100 of them between the ages of seven w eeks and 17 — attended a gala Christmas party, Dec. 13, held at Bangor YWCA. The party for Indian youngsters was reservation populations in statistics used sponsored by Central Maine Indian A sso to establish need for various grants and ciation of Orono, relying on many in contracts. dividual donations of funds, time and Francis said she has contacted about 20 energy. Bridget Woodward, CMIA secretribal m em bers who share her concern, tary-treasurer and principal organizer of and she hopes to bring the matter up at a the event, said special thanks are due “the regular tribal council m eeting at Pleasant many people who donated and made our parly a success." Point, Jan. 26. ^T h ere w ere gifts for each child, includ ‘ h ere’ a few that really need help. T s They save up their bottles to g e t their ing hand beaded necklaces. There was Indian dancing, with drumming provided bread," Francis commented. by Delores Mitchell. Carroll Stevens led the dancing in full Indian dress. A raffle for the party raised som e $200, and prizes awarded included a rifle, blender and $50 food certificate.. Ramona Kent. “Many people have heard the words Stackhouse, CMIA board member, won a ‘Passamaquoddy’ and ‘ Penobscot,’ but they don’ know the people and lives t behind the words. Nor are they aware that Maine is the home of the Micmac and Maliseet people as well.” Besides portraying the human side of Indian life, the film gives an under standing of events that lead to the largest MONTREAL — Indians here — and Indian land claim in U.S. history. Laws, elsewhere in Canada — feel left out of treaties, and traditions from the earliest efforts to draft a new Canadian constitu years o f our country enabled the Penob tion in Ottawa. scot and Passamaquoddy tribes to lay The Confedration of Indians of Quebec claim to 12.5 million acres. declared recently that it will bring its TGI envisions distribution across the grievances to British courts if necessary. state. Anyone wishing information on the Indians allege Canadian governm ent is film should contact Kent: 207-866-5526. leaving them out, both in planning, and in terms o f legal rights and privileges. The Quebec Indian group said it planned to take the case to United Nations General Assembly, an action endorsed by a tribal member) and currently- enrolled in National Indian Brotherhood. an undergraduate pre-professional educa Caughnawaga Mohawk Chief Andrew tional course that will take you into one of Deslisle and Huron Chief Max Gros-Louis the following fields: medicine, osteopathy, have made contact with UN officials in dentistry, veterinary medicine, optom Switzerland, according to Indian News, a etry, podiatry, or pharmacy. Also, please government publication in Canada. include a copy o f your m ost current tran script. If selected, you will receive round-trip air fare plus $20. per day to cover room LIBRARY RESEARCHER and board, plus a wealth of information Library Researcher, full time six from the workshop. (13 of 60 participants months, to work for American Friends are currently in a health professional Service Committee on Bibliography school with others scheduled to enter a about Maine Indians. Applicant must professional school at a later date.) be fast and accurate reader, willing to travel to libraries around State, famil If interested in attending the AAIP iar with culture of Maine Indians, able workshop, please com plete this applica to qualify for C E TA position. tion and return to: Association of Am eri can Indian Physicians, 6801 S. Western, Send resum e to Central Maine Suite 206, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Indian Assoc., 95 Main St., Orono, Me. 73139. 04473. Attn.: Donna Loring Executive If you have further questions, you may Director. Submit by January 30, 1981. call collect, station call, (405) 631-0447. Off reservation Indian protests benefits PLEASANT POINT - Linda Francis is i member of the Passamaquoddy tribe lere, but she does not live on the • eservation. Instead, she lives a few miles away, in iastport. Because of this, she says, she md o th er o ff - re se rv a tion Passam ajuoddys are denied welfare benefits given m-rescrvation Indians. Francis said she is .old to go to city officials in Eastport, even • hough tribal governm ent includes off- Indian film nearing release ORONO — A 60-minute documentary film on Maine Indians, under the working title of “We Are Still Here,” is moving steadily toward completion. Aided by granls from the Maine Council for the Humanities and Public Policy, and the U.S. Office of Education, the film depicts the history, culture and traditional/contemporary life of the Maine Indian. It is due for release early in 1981. The film is being produced by Tribal Governors Inc. (TGI), and is under the direction of Jay Kent and Wayne Mitchell. It will be available to schools, church groups and civic organizations. “It is apparent there’ a lot of misin s formation about Maine Indians,” said Canadians not happy with reforms special citation for selling the most raffle tickets. Other board m em bers who pitched in to work on Lhe party preparations, operation and clean-up w ere Tom Vicaire, Mary Isaac, Denise Mitchell, Jeannette LaPlante. Also, staff of CMIA, Donna Loring, Irene Augustine and Marta Conlin, and Debbie Bouchard of Old Town, assisted in many ways. Guests came from as far away as Millinockel, Gardiner and Franklin. Last but not least, Santa himself delighted the guests, with his-usual hoAioho humor. returns to region ROQUE BLUFFS - Jeff Hill, 38, a former planner with Passamaquoddy Gov. Francis J. Nicholas at Pleasant Point, has returned to downeast Maine. After several jobs out of state. Hill is staying with Sheila Talbot of Roque Bluffs, a rock musician and maker of Indian crafts. Hill formerly lived in Robbinston, and worked several years for the tribe. He studied social welfare at State University o f New York, Stony Brook, and attended Rhode Island School of Design, Boston University, and E cole des Beaux-Arts, Paris. At this time he has no plans to seek work with the tribes, he said. Want to train to be a health worker? Many Indian students have expressed n interest in the health career pathway, ’ hey want to know and understand the system" of becoming a health profesional. The Association of American idian Physicians (AAIP) will be holding a re-admission workshop answering the uestions: How to select a professional :hool; what tests you will be required to ike; when to take the tests and test iking tips; how and when to com plete a rofessional school application and make it .rong for consideration; the admissions rocess, including the professional school dmissions interview (including a mock tterview for each participant); common roblems faced by Indian students; finncial aids; and other such topics that idian students should know when puruing a health profession. To qualify, you must be Indian (submit a crtificate degree of Indian blood, and/or itter from your tribe certifying you to be HARDWARE & GUN SHOP TOM VICAIRE, Proprietor The only Indian-owned hardware business in the State o f Maine “ W c’ eager to do business with people rc in the Indian community." says Tom. The store carries a full line o f 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. �age 10 Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 ( — Commentary Job motivation By Dean Chavers l or years, no one in the nation seemed o know the extent of unemployment on ndian reservations or among Indian teople. After some effort by many ndividuals and organizations, the Federal government, through the Bureau of Labor 'latistics. has recently reported that the ndian unemployment for the nation is 40 torrent. lust looking at this single statistic, it is ihv ious that there is a need for jobs in ndian country. Many of the other >roblems of Indian people — poor health are. low educational levels, poor housing would be largely solved if Indian adults lad meaningful work to do. In a reeeni conversation with Ron \ndrade. the Executive Director of the 'iational Congress of American Indians NCAI), he expressed his concern and that I the National C ongress for the develop^ ' ncnl of jobs in Indian country. But he eported that a different approach was ceded than that taken in the past. There are various Federal programs .'ft over from the Great Society which are imed at lessening the extent of Indian nemployment. The largest of these are he Comprehensive Employment and 'raining Act (CETA) programs, the arious Jobs Corps programs, and the Economic Development Administration EDA).in the Department of Commerce. -DA provides funds for public works, for ilanning grants, for business loans, and r>r technical assistance. All these types of programs, and others vhich could be named, have had a limited mpact on lowering unemployment, and i'hen they have had an impact, it has been bandage approach: the bandage is .pplied to the sore, but when it is taken iff. the sore is still there. What is needed s a way lo cure the sore, not to cover it ip. The bandage for CETA has been that oo often the em ployers who want the ’ETA workers do not provide any meanngful training or education for them, vhich is supposed to be part of the hligation. Cities and counties have used ’ ETA workers to take the place of workers they had to lay off from positions laid for from their own funds. Without ny commitment from the employers. • ETA workers lose their jobs as soon as he CETA funds run out. And in the Bureau of Indian Affairs BIA) itself, there is a great emphasis on roviding social welfare services of vard u s kinds rather than on creating solid, jng lasting jobs. The BIA and Indian lealth Service (IHS) mentality seem s to — — ‘ — P oetry \ The men in my community helped each other without a price or political view A political view different from each other did not breed resentm ent only that he was dancing to a different drummer, but would and did have the challenge to try to think and talk for himself call for keeping Indians on welfare Community forever, rather than creating jobs to take people off welfare. What is needed in Indian country, My community was a “Rose Garden," My Community was once a happy according to Andrade, is small businesses beauty with the Community and cottage industries which would be thorns, a balance of good and bad, but You could tell compatible with Indian cultures and at the one never The children filled the air with laughter same time provide worthwhile work to overruling the other. Happy children meant happy families Indian people. With the 10 percent set The children w ere protected by all the Sky Owl aside in Federal contract program s for parents who watched and supervised minority contractors, thousands o f Indian W hose authority was respected as it people could be employed in this sector came by love alone, whether it is building construction, providing uniforms to the military, or manufacturing ball point pens for the Federal bureaucracy. The women in my Community met, visited Fortunately, there are som e examples I Speak to Sky Owl: and of programs that work. The United Indian As the little w hisper of a brook borrowed from one another giving them Developm ent Association (UIDA) in Cali W hispers along the way to join a stream the fornia, started by David Lester, now the And the whispers of many brooks break of their day to stop and chat Commissioner of the Administration for Join the stream, to make a mighty river aware of Native Americans, at last count had And the river roars and is heard. the feeling of each other, not afraid assisted about 500 Indian people to start So may the voices of all our people of what and operate small businesses, from barber Be heard across the land. the thought of them may be, because of shops to logging operations. UIDA pro And may the Great Spirit listen friendship vides technical assistance from the incor And give us peace and our heritage back, To a friend’ house the way is never long s poration o f the business to the time the and business is on its feet, and continues to be A curse on the white man. successful under the leadership of Steve Shonebeki Stallings. V In Oklahoma, Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity (010), under the leadership of Iola Hayden, has taken a similar approach to the creation of jobs. 010 has helped many Indian people becom e estab lished in small businesses. UIDA and OIO should be used as ex By William B. Newell amples by the Federal bureaucrats who The Indians always called the white ways of preparing corn for eating. are ostensibly assisting econom ic develop man brother” in all his dealings with him. The following are only a few such ment in Indian country. A ssisting econo -„ He never called him “master," “your articles which involved hundreds of minor mic growth (the declared purpose o f EDA) majesty," or any other title which in any cultural traits: will be done not through the creation of way would indicate that he considered him P ota toes, T om atoes, P um pkin s. large enterprises which require huge a superior or lesser being. E very man was Squashes. Lima Beans. Kidney Beans, amounts of capital to launch and operate, trusted and deceit was never looked for in P ep p ers, C oca (Cacao), P in ea p p les, but through the creation of small busi a fellow man. White people first com ing to N ispero, B a rb a d o es C herry, S t r a w nesses which can be managed by Indian American were given a place to build their berries, Persimmons, Papaws, Guava. people themselves. lodge but never under any circumstances Oca, Cashew Nut, Pacay, Jocote, Star Too often, the large enterprises have to did the Indian give or sell outright to him Apples, Mate Tea, Alligator Pear, Sour call on non-Indians from the outside to land which was supposed to be free to all Sop, Sw eet Sop, Custard Apple. Cassava, provide the accounting, bookkeeping, and human beings. vCucumber, Peanuts, Maple Sugar. managerial skills necessary to a multi Not only did the American Indian teach Tobacco (a culture taken up by nearly million dollar operation. And too often, the us all our ideas of social democracy but everybody). Quinine (important medicinal local Indian people end up with the least also he contributed vastly to our econo contribution), Casa Sagrade (most im meaningful and poorest paying job in the mics. portant laxative used today); Cocaine (im large enterprise, from sw eeping floors to The following list of food plants, and portant drug used extensively by Indians driving the trucks to waiting on tables. economic contributions are only a few of in pre-Columbian days). Cotton (Indians It is no wonder that these low-paid em the many that exist. There are hundreds w ore first cotton clothing in the world), ployees are not highly motivated and have of others not mentioned here. The fact to Henequen (hemp). Rubber (Indians first chronic absenteeism, and so on. They have bear in mind is that these w ere known to invented rubber). Copal (an important no reason to work for an organization in the Indian, and used by the Indian, long varnish), Peruvian Balm, Sunflower, Parwhich they have no vested interest. What before the Europeans discovered America ica (in South America only). (No intoxi they need is a job in which they have a and eventually taken over by the white eating beverages or drugs w ere used in vested interest, and they will be mo man. North America). tivated, and will produce. Corn is a culture as well as every Flavors: vanilla, chocolate, pineapple, other economic product or plant taken up maple and strawberry. by the white man. When Indian corn was EDITO R’ NOTE: William B. Newell, aS accepted it meant taking the whole Penobscot, resides at Indian Island-. A culture: husking pins, corn cribs, husking retired professor, he is contributing a bees, “barn dances,” and the forty or fifty column on Indian ways. Indian Way Hints for Health By Dr. Fenn Welch, DO S Indian Island The impacted tooth can becom e de lved. whether it can be seen in the mouth r not. and if left untreated can cause everetoothache. II the lower third molar is impacted, the pper third molar may continue to erupt ownward. It presses against the gum issue Hap covering the crown of the npacicd tooth, resulting in an acute ifection which can be very uncomfortable nd may extend to the cheek. It may affect throat, or neck (causing eadaehe). jaw stiffness, and may cause eneral sick feeling. Bacteria and food can et under the tissue flap and can cause an ifection of the area. An impacted tooth can also cause harm y pressing against another tooth. The tooth under pressure may be injured and may be pushed out of position. An impacted tooth may encourage the developm ent of a cyst or other pathology, causing destruction and injury to adjacent structures. Your dentist can answer your questions about teeth. Trust land rules updated WASHINGTON — Regulations govern ing acquisition o f trust land for Indians w ere published in the Federal Register. Commissioner of Indian Affairs William E. Hallett said. The regulations w ere effec tive Oct. 18. These regulations followed a four-year, study by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.! M A IL T O W A B A N A K I ALLIANCE, 95 M AIN ST R E E T, O R O N O , M A IN E 04475 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 (Make checks payable to Wabanaki Alliance) Name Street [ I EN CLOSE: I$5 for one year 1 1 for one year $6 1___1 _ (Canada) 1 1 $10 for one year 1 ____1 (Institutional rate) City/Town and State . .......................................... Donation (Amount) Zip Code ---- �Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 Page 1 1 Tribal tour package could lure Europeans INDIAN ISLAND — After attending the 1980 Maine Governor's Conference on Tourism, Penobscot tribal planner Michael Ranco is convinced there's good potential Indian tourism. The tribe would go after the foreign tourist Europeans, especially Germans, have for years demonstrated a special interest in American Indians. Ranco said developing packaged tours could spur a rebirth of traditional crafts, dress and customs. Indian meals could be served, and all lodgings confirmed in advance. Tour guides would be available. Mike Ranco Special points of interest on a projected Lour, according to a draft proposal prepared by Ranco, would include St. Ann’ Church, oldest Catholic mission on s the east coast; Robert Abbe museum at Acadia National Park, containing Indian artifacts; Pcmaquid Point, site of early settlement and battle with Indians; Maine State Museum, Augusta; Norridgewock, site of Indian massacre where Father Sebastian Rasle was killed by British; and legendary Mt. Katahdin. “Finally," Ranco says, "the Penobscot Indian Nation Tours will allow the tour groups to see the extent of land in miles Christa King attends gymnastic m eet BANGOR — Ten girls from the Vickie Daigle Gymnastics Team, including Christa King, a Penobscot from Indian Island, attended a Kurt Thomas clinic in Wilton. Connecticut at the U.S. Academy of Gymnastics. Thanksgiving weekend. Many of the coaches and gymnasts were impressed with the team as a whole, especially with Melinda Parent, a six year old member of the team. The girls were excited about meeting and working with Kurt Thomas, and other leading national and elite coaches from the east coast. Mrs. Daigle, herself a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, has to her credit former students that include one Rockette, a Florida Mermaid (underwater shows), one National Junior Olympics competitor, and now a pre-elite gymnast. “Never before in Maine’ Gymnastic s history has a gymnast been selected for such a prestigious training,” she said. that was once the territory of the Penobscots. The Penobscot/ Passamaquoddv land claims case was won on the validity of historical data and documents. The magni tude of this case was that Maine Indians had claim to approximately 12 million acres of Maine lands." Ranco and tribal Gov. Timothy Love, who also attended the recent tourism con ference held in Rockport, have discussed their ideas with Gordon Clapp, Bangor travel agent. Ranco said Clapp “is now working with two foreign travel agencies " to generate interest and trade, par ticularly the European nations (German, Netherlands).” According to Ranco, “the thing that makes the economic venture exciting is that the whole community will be par ticipating and benefiting." As a result of successful marketing of the tours, Ranco and Clapp envision: -Growth in individuals and family arts and crafts business. The package tours will enhance the family income. — Will re-kindle creativity of Penobscot arts and crafts skills which most tribal members have not utilized for sometime. -Establishing the beginnings of an econo mic base within the tribe and awaken the entrepreneurial skills of the tribe to turn over the tourism dollars. — The tourism dollar will turnover in community through demand "economy between individuals and families for the purchase of raw products like sweetgrass, ash, fiddlcheads. — U ' ( / >i j . - • Jt.s-- ''o MT KATAHDIN V . " C V. VL X v r - \{ n d ia K 1 ISLAND NO R R I DGE WOC K \ o= (X K C .W W * i r_ — MAINE- "STATE v T » N. ^ / o v; *r •' i* . > • 3\0. v / i ^ a T. ‘ v -___ ____ _o r > • . v A B B l MUSEUM MUSEUM - - DAM ARI SCO T T A PEMAQUID ‘ POINT LO C A TIO N M A P G ov ern or says slash ed tires p rop er e x p e n se PLEASANT POINT - The tribal governor here recently used funds from a siumpage account (money received lor woodcutting rights) to buy a set of tires for his daughter's auto. Gov. J. Hartley Nicholas defended this action, stating that the tires had been slashed, he believes, as criticism of his administration. Therefore, he said, he was justified in using tribal funds to purchase a now set of tires. “I'd do it again." the Governor said in a telephone conversa lion. Some Passamaquoddv tribal members, including Ralph Dana and Deanna Francis, accuse Nicholas of mishandling funds in the matter. Francis was a candidate for governor in a recent election, losing by a small margin to Nicholas. Dana charged that tribal government has not paid its bills. He cited the example of Ellsworth Builders Supply, which suc cessfully brought suit in Maine District Court to recover $7,535. Also, Dana cited a letter from a U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (B1A) ofticial to Governor Nicholas, regarding a $225,000 loan to the tribe for construction of the tribal health clinic. Interest of $5,831 had not been paid as of December 1980, although it was due several months earlier. The BIA bill has since been paid, accordintr to Lt. Gov. Cliv Dorc. \ . INDIAN ISLAND Projected tour sites VETERANS ADMINISTRATION O w n e d Hom es For Sale in W ashington County Equal Housing OPPORTUNITY ANYONE CAN BUY YOU DON’ HAVE TO T BE A VETERAN See Your Local Real Estate Broker Or Contact Main Street, Baring, Maine 3 bedroom, 2-car garage — $28,500.00 — $500.00 D.P. 9 Academy Street, Calais, Maine 4 bedroom, ready to move into. Reduced to $28,500.00 — $500.00 D.P. Summer Street, Calais, Maine 4 bedroom, new heating system — $22,900.00 — $500.00 D.P. Main Street, Princeton, Maine 4 bedroom — attached garage. Reduce to $27,500.00 — no D.P. All VA financed A t p re 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 Wabanaki Alliance January 1981 Flashback photo 1 news notes M a rin e rep ort due on Passam aquoddy ‘ ° ™ ERN PORTRAIT - These Maliseets, some in traditional garb, appear in a photo that appears to be at least 100 years old. Anyone know who’ who? James Wherry s ° iiS*° r° V f ^ rOOSto° £ ^ d ia n ^ lender of the photo, said left to right begins: th T J T • U ^ OWn' T ° m&h 5 wife’ Dr- Peter Richies. Close examination shows D f the padcLe bearing the name [we think] “Frank Polchies.” Paper aid i orphans OKONO - This newspaper, with permission ol ihe family, has appealed inr donations io help the four children «> ihe hue John and Ann Socobasin. i he parents died in a murder-suicide at i heir Indian Township home, a few days he Iore Christmas. Koger, Madeline, John and Joe Socobasin lost their parents in a tragic shooting incident at their home, recent ly. In a dispute. John Socobasin Sr.. 40, shot hiswile. Ann. 28, and then turned the gun on himself. Their maternal grandmother, Joan M. Dana, has taken the lour Socobasin children into her own home, joining her own family. AH the relatives favor keeping the children together. But the strain has been too much for Mrs. Dana, and she has twice been hospitali zed in Calais for rest. Mrs. Dana has given permission for Wabanaki Alliance, an Indian news paper, to channel donations to the family. The address is 95 Main Street. Orono, Maine 04473. So far. Central Maine Indian Asso ciation, Jay Kent, and this newspaper, are among contributors. Murder-suicide orphans four INDIAN TOWNSHIP - A reported murder-suicide left the four children of John and Ann Socobasin orphaned here, Dec. 1 , 1980. 6 1welve-year-old Roger Socobasin re portedly discovered his parents in their bedroom that day, moments after John Socobasin, 40, shot himself. He had ap parently shot his wife, Ann. 28, im mediately before taking his own life, at the Peter Dana Point home. The father reportedly used a hunting rifle that belonged to his son. Besides Roger, the children are Madeline, 11; John Jr., 1 ; and Joseph, eight years old. The 0 children were staying with their maternal .grandmother Joan M. Dana of Indian Township. Indian Township Police, headed by Chief Norman Nicholson, cooperated with two FBI agents in an investigation. There was reportedly some confusion over precisely who has jurisdiction on the reservation, pending implementation of the land claims act. A large group gathered for the Catholic funeral at St. Ann’ Church, Dec. 1 , s 9 Peter Dana Point, and burial followed in the tribal cemetery. John Socobasin was born Sept. 25, 1940, and was a communicant of St. Ann’ s Church. He is survived by his children; many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Ann Socobasin was born March 9, 1952, at Indian Township. A communicant of St. Ann’ she is survived by her children; s, mother, Joan Dana; paternal grand mother, Lena Brooks; maternal grand father,- Fred Tomah; sisters Brenda and Regina Dana; brothers Matthew, Andrew, Martin, Nicholas, Louis and Dale Dana; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews. A happy ending for Micmac INDIAN ISLAND — Isabelle Toney Shay and her son Karl got a Christmas present of a place to live. Recently widowed, Shay was ordered to leave the house of the late Patrick Shay, because of a dispute involving-heirs to the property. She refused to leave, saying it was the custom of the tribe to take care of widows. Also, she wanted Karl to remain at Indian Island elementary school without inter ruption. But Gov. Timothy Love reluctant ly gave the order, and Penobscot Tribal Judge Andrew Mead set a date by which she must vacate. Still refusing to go, Isabelle Shay was arrested by Indian Island Police, and later bailed. Love directed the tribe to rent her a cabin in Milford as temporary shelter. Apparently, intentions were good on both sides, but there were misunder standings. The happy solution is that mother and son have moved into an old but well built Indian Island home owned by Jean A. Moore of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Shay said she is very comfortable, and the tribe is arranging for necessary repairs. The house is close to school. Governor Love said he is pleased the situation could be resolved peacefully, without, hard feelings. He said Shay, a Micmac from Nova Scotia, has applied for adoption into the Penobscot. Nation. BOSTON — A report is being prepared on the hunting of dolphin, seal and other marine life, at Pleasant Point Passama quoddy reservation. An employee of the New England Aquarium here, Patricia Fiorelli, spent three weeks at Passamaquoddy and Cobscook Bays last summer, meeting and talking with Indian people. One Passamaquoddy man, not identified by name, continues to hunt dolphin at Pleasant Point, and Fiorelli spent con siderable time with him. She also was associated with the marine lab of Boston's Suffok University, located at Cobscook Bay. Fiorelli said she grew very fond of Pleasant Point and the surrounding countryside, and she hopes to return next summer. She is a dolphin trainer at the aquarium. Carter for b roadca stin g LINCOLN, Neb. - Frank Blythe, r director of Native American Public Broad casting Consortium, participated in a White House conference and Presidential reception, Sept. 11,that recognized Carter administration efforts to promote min ority ownership of broadcast facilities. On his return, Blythe, a CherokeeSioux Indian, stated that while the number of minority-owned broadcasl ,a cilities (including both radio and televi sion) has doubled since 1978 from 64 to 128, “the fact remains, this total is less than 2% of all broadcast facilities in the United States.” Ex-editor joins B1A office WASHINGTON — Susan Drake has joined Public Information staff in the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Drake, who will head publications for BIA, will be responsible for an annual report, fact sheets, newsletters, brochures and BIA publications distributed to the general public. She was a reporter with The Sun Bulletin in Binghamton, New York, in 1975 and interned with Newsday in Long Island, New York, in 1976 before joining Newsweek as Assistant Editor in 1977. Ms. Drake was Associate Editor for Newsweek from 1978-1980. Drake was born on a farm near Louis ville. Kentucky, and grew up in a suburb of St. Louis. LEWEYJ. BAILEY PLEASANT POINT — Lewey Joseph Bailey, 78, died Nov. 1 , 1980 at the East8 port Memorial Hospital following a long illness. He was born at Pleasant Point, Sept. 28, 1902, son of Joseph and Julianna (Dana) Bailey. He was employed in his younger years at the Riviera Packing Co. in Eastporl and during World War II he worked at a Portland shipyard. Survivors include his wife, Josephine (Gabriel) Bailey; three sons, Stanley Bailey, John Bailey and Joseph Bailey> one daughter, Martha Nicholas; two brothers, Peter Bailey and George Bailey; three sisters, Helen Stanley, Ada Francis and Grace Dana, all of Pleasant Point; several grandchildren and great-grand children. A mass of Christian burial was celebiated at St. Anns Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph E. Mullen, celebrant. Inter ment was in the tribal cemetery, Pleasant Point. N e w teach er Diane Brissette, 27, a native of Fort Fairfield, has been hired to teach a portion of the third grade at Indian Island ele mentary school. She is a graduate of University of Maine at Presque Isle in elementary education, with a concentra tion in special education and learning dis abilities. She has taught school four years. A mother of four, she and her husband live in Bangor. The third graders’ room has been partitioned to add classroom space. HAND CRAFTED BEADWORK * or that special touch of color and design, in wrist and watchbands; earrings, and other fine jewelry. WRITE OR PIIONE: S. C. FRANCIS Box 387 Old Town, Maine 04468 [207)827-7435 Between 1 and 8 p.m., Monday-Friday (5M Specialists in wilderness travel. IN IA C A T D N RF SU P PL IE S *» « £ **• For free catalog, w nte Dept. 7 . r p r r 148 Page r n c c Catalog Tha world's lanjast Indian Crafts Citaloo. Mora than 4,000 Itanu lo choose from! Trade Beads, Tin Cones, Brass Beads, M oire Taffeta R ibbon, Ermine Skins, Bone Elk Teeth, Shawl Fringe and Yarn. ftREY OWL 113-15 Springfield Blvd. Queens Village, N.Y. 11429 Sales - Rentals - Guide Service 20% OFF SHERPA SNOWSHOES O ffe r lim ited ends Full M o o n , F e b ru a ry H om e of Igas Island custom-made packs and equipment 38 Main St. O ron o 866-4878 � 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> (January 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 1981-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-426 https://www.dawnlandvoices.org/collections/files/original/0ca81743c00f612bb71681a29e913130.pdf d4c5a41208ddfe9bbdf433badcc99b40 PDF Text Text W a lb a irick ici A llia n ce March 1981 At Indian Township A roostook Indian board First Indian principal hired INDIAN TOWNSHIP — Never before has there been an Indian principal at a reservation school in Maine. fires leaders HOULTON — The two lop officials of Association of Aroostook Indians (AAI) found themselves out of a job this month. Fired were AAI Executive Director Terry Polchies, and AAI Health and Social Services Director James Wherry. The dismissal action was reportedly taken by the full AAI board of directors at a closed meeting. Wherry was informed of the decision by telephone; Polchies ap parently was not officially notified, but heard through other channels. Polchies is chairman of the newly formed Houlton Band of Maliseets, which will receive 5,000 acres through the Penobscot-Passamaquoddv claims settlement. Polchies re tains that post.. Asked to comment on the firings, AAI board President Clair (Al) Sabaltis said the action was “indicated back in Jan uary.” He cited insubordination, political involvement and unauthorized expendii ures. as reasons for the firings. Wherry, contacted by phone at his Houlton home, declined comment on his termination, but said he will probably work — for free if necessary — for the Houlton band council. He was assisting Mashpee Indians in Massachusetts, at press time, as a consultant. Polchies. contacted at a Bangor address where he reportedly lives most of the time, said he “heard about it (his dis missal) through Jim Wherry.” Polchies said “it’ a few people who don’ know s t what's going on," on the board, who made the decision. Polchies has been involved with AAI since its founding a number of years ago. The organization was supposed to serve Maliseets and Micmacs from Houlton to Caribou, but the Caribou office has been closed for many months, and Micmacs reportedly have little to do with AAI. Polchies said AAI may "eventually” be come a very small operation. Russell Socoby, recently named vice president of the AAI board, said he voted for the firing of Polchies and Wherry, but hopes they will appeal the action. So far. Wherry has appealed, but not Polchies. This month, Edmund F. Vandall, 51, takes over as principal of Indian Township elementary school. He.is a Turtle Moun tain Chippewa-Cree, and told Wabanaki Alliance he is delighted to finally be working for Indian people, after a career in non-Indian education. Since their founding many decades ago, the reservation schools have been staffed by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy. Although lay teachers have been hired in recent years, few of them are Indians, and none of them held the position of principal. No Catholic Sisters — who must be certified as principals — were available to fill a vacancy created by the recent resig nation of Sister Anselma Colford as THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND — Reuben [Butch] Phillips, Penobscot representative to Township principal. So Maine Indian the state legislature and a land claims negotiator, points to acreage that will be Education Supt. Edward DiCenso adver purchased by Penobscot Nation. Also at the tribal general meeting is lawyer Thomas N. tised elsewhere. Tureen, chin in hand. At left is deputy tribal clerk Lorraine Nelson. The Penobscots, and their Passamaquoddy counterparts downeast, expect to complete purchasingDiCenso said his Calais office received agreements with Dead River Company in the next few weeks. Some land will be within "three very, very 5m «v v designated “Indian cerriiory;’ ,i^d^ non-taxable, and some.acquired land will.be applications, and he could have picked any outside the territory, and will be owned and taxed accordingly. one of them “blindfolded,” and been happy with the choice. He said Vandall's Indian background weighed in his favor. This is your paper Wabanaki Alliance, successfully published for three and one half years, is on hard times, financially speaking. Unless we receive support in the very near future, the newspaper will fold. We have asked Tribal Governors Incorporated, o f Orono, for assistance. We have asked the Penobscot Nation for their help. The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point has refused to support this newspaper. Please, readers, if you like Wabanaki Alliance, and want it to continue, urge your tribal council members, and other leaders, to give their unflinching support to your newspaper. We have alway been a nonprofit, Indian newspaper, with an all Indian board of directors. Wabanaki Alliance is the only regularly published Indian newspaper on the eastern seaboard. Let’ not let it die for want of a few thousand dollars. s Vandall’ family is involved in educa s tion. His brother, for example, is a dean at a western Indian college. A native of North Dakota, he attended Wolf Point School system, on a Montana reservation. He earned his BS and master’ dcgTec in s education from Westfield State College, Massachusetts, and has attended Univer sity of Hartford, American International College, and University 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 Mallawamkeag, 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. Keeshone: a beaten child blames himself By Diane Edwards Keeshone was four when his mother st arted drinking. His father had left home, never to return again. His mother was once pretty. Now she let herself go. She looked like a woman of fifty, instead of thirty-two. Her eyes showed the dark circles of staying up too late drinking. Her skin lost its smooth texture, and was now rough and saggy. Keeshone reached the age of six. She would leave him alone at night by himself. She couldn’ afford a babysitter because it t took from her “booze money.” The little child would toddle into his room and dress himself in his pajamas. He would then climb in bed and softly cry himself to sleep. The next morning he would awake and find his mother passed out on the couch. With his little hand he would wipe the hair out of her eyes. He loved his mommy very much. He didn’ know why or what he had t done to make his mother act this way. He thought he must be a very bad boy. One day, his mother had a man over. They were drinking at the kitchen table. They were very drunk, and talked in loud voices. Keeshone was drinking his milk at the table. When he reached for his glass he accidently knocked over his mother’ s bottle of beer. It fell to the floor and broke into a thousand pieces. It was her last bottle of beer. Her face reddened with rage. With one quick backhand she knocked little Keeshone from his chair. She leapt up and grabbed him roughly by the arm. She dragged him to the bedroom. She began to beat him with her hands. All you could hear was the sound of slaps to his fragile little body. He cried and begged her to stop, "No mommy, no, please don’ But his pleas fell on deaf t!" ears. Her boyfriend, in the kitchen, started to rise from his chair. “Christ, she’ kill him," ll he thought. He sat back down. If he butted in, she’ probably get mad at him. He d didn't love her, but her welfare checks sure came in handy. In the months that followed, Keeshone’ s (Continued on page 1 ) 1 �Page 2 Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 editoriols The winners Has the impact of winning the Maine Indian land claims sunk in? Or do Penobscots and Passamaquoddys even think they won? As one tribal leader has observed, there was no dancing in the streets. One might ask why. One might think the tribes would have the wildest party of all time after learning the settlement act passed Congress. The $81.5 million award ain't chicken feed, after all. Tremendous possibilities occur: the acquisition of valuable timberland and the Dead River mill in Old Town; creation of new businesses, programs and services; a model forest management program; and at least some per capita benefits to tribal members. True, there have been critics — silent now — who condemned the settlement as a sell-out from the start. Go for more, they said. Don't buy it. Go to court. But the best advice, a lot of it from tribal counsel Tom Tureen, indicated the best deal could be realized through negotiation. No way could the tribes have acquired title to 12.5 million acres. In fact, the 300.000 acre settlement is the largest o f its kind in the nation. There were a few compromises, such as payments in lieu of county taxes and some state jurisdiction on reservations, but hardly a sell-out. nno . . . . / v.L r i m i K,, A H . Ihe * enobscot-Passamaquoddy-MaUseet land claims neeo•team S ^ eS a comfortab,e' victorious pose outside the White House, after the t/ 1980 signing of the $81.5 million settlement act. Passamaquoddy Gov. J. H. Nicholas holds Eagle quill used by President Carter to sign claims. 1Q a ftn Wabanaki Alliance Vol. 5, No. 3 March 1981 Published monthly by the Division of Indian Services |DIS| at the Indian Resource Center, 95 Main St., Orono, Maine 04473. Telephone 1 2071 866-4903.’ Typeset by Old Town/Orono Times. Printed by Ellsworth American. Member — Maine Press Association Steven Cartwright. Editor Cathy Hurd, Editorial Assistant Reporters Diane Newell Wilson Brenda Polchies Roberta Richter Kathy Tomah DIS Board of Directors Edward Bassett, Passamaquoddy Tribe Jean Chavaree Ichairman | Donna Loring, Central Maine Indian Assoc. George Tomer, Consultant Jeannette Neptune. Community Development Director Jeanette I.aPIante, Central Maine Indian Assoc. Brenda Polchies, Assn, of Aroostook Indians The major beneficiaries are Penobscot and Passamaquoddy eople, but Maliseets were not left out, and will purchase 5,000 acres f their own, under terms of the settlement. The Houlton Band of faliseets is now federally recognized, and this status represents a remendous stride toward guaranteed programs and benefits for ndians of The County. The only group ot Indians who may still be shivering are the licmacs, who are not party to the settlement. However, if ooperation and unselfishness prevail, they too may reap benefits om the new Indian prosperity. The times are very promising, and yet the good news o f the land laims hasn’ been appreciated. Perhaps when the tremendous t dministrative responsibility of the settlement is met, and under Dntrol, people will begin to understand the achievement o f tribal egotiators and their counsel, Tom Tureen. Perhaps the celebration must be postponed. Something so .vesome and complex as the land claims takes time to figure out. ltimately, the $81.5 million can benefit every tribal member of the enobscot and Passamaquoddy nations. It’ an inspiring thought, s ad a challenge to the current tribal leaders. The 1980 federal settlement is unprecedented in U.S. history, ather than dwell on what the tribes “gave up” in the settlement — indeed they relinquished anything they already held — let us insider what the tribes gained. They gained essential protection of leir land and tribal status. These are the ingredients of survival. Phone 827-6219 Phone 532-7317 Phone 853-4654 Phone 796-2301 Pleasant Point 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); S6 Canada and overseas; S10 for institutions 12 |schools, government, business, etc.] NEW STAFF — Cathy Hurd, left, a Micmac, is welcomed to the Wabanaki Alliance staff by board chairman Jean Chavaree of Indian Island. Cathy will be special assistant to the editor. Cathy, raised in Milbnocket and a resident of Bangor, is married and has one daughter. Her parents live at Restigouche Reserve in new Brunswick. Cathy is sponsored through CETA, by Central Maine Indian Association. �Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 Page 3 letters Please renew Ames, Iowa To the editor: Please renew my subscription to the Wabanaki Alliance. I really enjoy the newspaper and look forward to each issue, especially since I now live in Iowa — so far from my home state of Maine. Thank you for keeping me informed on what’ happening in Maine. Keep up the s good work. Judy Paynter Sullivan A suggestion Greenwich, Ct. To the editor: My current subscription runs through April. But since the fact came to my attention now I think I had better renew a bit early, or I may quite forget about it for months. I would like to renew for another year. Enclosed is a check for $5.00 to cover this. Would appreciate a calendar, well in advance, or tribal related events, such as the seminar for teachers last fall. Is that a feasible addition for you to make to the paper on a regular basis? Find I learn of these things too late, and often they would have been1very helpful to my current studies of the Maine tribes and others of the Woodland area. Judith Schmidt Likes flashback Wells To the editor: Enclosed please find check for $10.00. I would like to renew my subscription and a gift subscription. For Indians not living on the reservation, the paper keeps us informed on what is going on. We also love the Flashback pictures. Some we re member and some we don’ t. Leslie Ranco Very informative Dover-Foxcroft To the editor: Enclosed is a check for $5.00. Please enroll me as a monthly subscriber of your very informative magazine. Carla J. Bragan They enjoy it San Francisco To the editor: Enclosed find check to renew my sub scription. We sure do enjoy the paper, keep up the good work. Francis & Phyllis Nicola Doing research Lewiston To the editor: I am doing research on Maine history for my class at Mid-State Business School in Auburn. I would appreciate any information you could forward to me. Kathleen Hall Teamwork helps Matthew Dana, Passamaquoddy at Indian Township, is ready to coach friend Renita Brown of Princeton, in ambulance service techniques. He has been an Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] for the tribal ambulance service for one year; she will take her EMT test this spring. Congratulations West Booth bay To the editor: I have subscribed to Wabanaki Alliance since April 1979 and want you to know that I have found it very informative and containing many articles that were of: extreme interest to me. I wish to con gratulate you and your staff for a job well done. Enclosed, please find my check for a renewed subscription. Also, if it is possible to obtain any copies of Wabanaki Alliance prior to April 1979, I would appreciate this. Thank you, and keep up the good work. Ted Creaser C o n fe re n c e on N o rth e a st T r ib e s a n d C o m m u n itie s: E n e rg y N e e d s a n d A lte rn a tiv e s T r ib a l/ C o m m u n it y R e s o u r c e s E c o n o m i c D e v e lo p m e n t T r ib a l E n e r g y N e e d s H u m a n R e s o u r c e D e v e lo p m e n t U rb a n N ativ e E n e r g y C o n c e r n s S ta te / T rib a l P la n n in g D e v e lo p in g T e c h n o lo g i e s N o n - fe d e ra l T r i b e s a n d S t a t e s T r ib a l C o n s e r v a t io n / D e v e lo p m e n t C a n a d ia n T r ib e s a n d E n erg y S t a t e / F e d e r a i E n e rg y P o lic y E n e r g y In fo r m a tio n R e s o u r c e s �Page 4 Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 A remnant of state 'f „ l r r End of state Indian Affairs Coulter needs lawyer WASHINGTON — The Indian Law Re source Center here is seeking applicants for the position of Staff Attorney in their Washington, D.C. office. As an Equal Opportunity Employer and a non-pro fii public micros! Jau- firm, (he center represents indigenous populations in North and Latin America. Successful applicants will be familiar with litigation, historical research, educational writing, legal representation in trial and appellate practice before domestic tribunals, and the application of international human rights law to Indian affairs before the United Nations and other international bodies. Robert T. Coulter is executive director ol the Indian Law Resource. Center. Coulter unsuccessfully attempted to overturn the Maine Indian land claims settlement last year, on grounds it was a sell-out for the tribes. Indian Affairs survives AUGUSTA — The sLate Department of Indian Affairs (DIA), officially terminated Jan. 31, hasn't quite disappeared. First, the Houlton DIA office has been given a reprieve, and will be funded for a few more months to serve needy Indian people of the area. One factor in keeping the Houlton door open was a flood of some 200 letters from Indian people, some signed only by an “X". Second, at the former DIA office building on Indian Island, agent Lawrence Finch expects to continue dispensing welfare through federal channels, as an employee of the Penobscot Nation. Gone, however, is the complex in the state office building at Augusta, and the commissioner’ job that went with it. s Charles (Chuck) Rhynard stepped down officially on Dec. 31,1980. Closed too is the DIA office at Calais, that served the two Passamaquoddy reservations. Pleasant Point and Indian Township. “The DIA was de-funded, if you will, the first of July 1980 ... it-technically rode on the books until (Presiderit) Carter signed the appropriations bill for the Department of the Interior” to fund the $81.5 million land claims settlement, Rhynard ex plained. Rhynard has taken a job as director of development for Hurricane Island Out ward Bound School, in Rockland. A state plan to shut down DIA hinged on the federal budget approval last December. "At that moment I ceased being com missioner any more, and at that moment all state laws applying to IndianSvwere repealed," Rhynard said. (There are few exceptions to the repeal, and tribes are fighting a state plan to withdraw financial support of tribal housing authorities.] Actually, Gov. Joseph Brennan two years ago proposed a zero budget for DIA, but some funds werfe restored, notably $55,000 for Maine Indian scholarships. State Rep. Michael Pearson of Old Town was especially influential in keeping Indian education funds in the budget. After Brennan wiped out the budget, on paper at least, DIA was never officially funded again. But last spring, in an eleventh hour move following passage of the land claims settlement enabling act, the Legislature funded an office of tran sitional service's, to the tune of $285,000. Rhynard said each tribe received about $60,000 for things like fuel oil and street lights. Avis W. Giggey, a DIA accountant in the Augusta head office since 1966, has, along with colleague Chris Glazier, found employment. Rhynard said he wanted to make sure DIA employees found new jobs before he himself left. Vergie Johnson, who managed the Calais office, retired July 1 1980. She , started work at $28 per week, 34 years ago. Interviewed prior Lo her retirement, to Robbinston, her .home, Johnson said “The Indians have been wonderful and very understanding." She recalled the time 150 Indians showed up to celebrate her 30th year of service. In her final days, Johnson tried to take care of medical problems only. She had some explaining to do, to clients, she said, and she criticized the handling of tran sitional money. The transitional budget should have been set up earlier, she said. Rhynard said another office may sur vive in a new guise. The Houlton office, which serves off reservation Micmacs and Maliseets, may conLinue under another state department. Rhynard said the chances of survival for the office are “excellent,” because director Dawn Kirlin, who has managed the office, since it. opened in 1973, “has done such an outstanding job.” Kirlin is very popular with the Indian community in her region. Rhynard said in his last days, while he had the title of commissioner and some “clout," he helped push for a line item to carry the Houlton office under the state emergency appropriations bill, from Feb ruary to July. That bill has not yet been passed, and Kirlin said this month she is “living from day to day.” Eventually, she hopes the Department of Human Services could fund her program, which costs $28,000 per year. She said many people do not realize that most of her clients are not entitled to any benefits of the land claims settlement. She had about 800 clients, at last count. Rhynard reflects on work "I think there were at least as many failures as successes," Rhynard said modestly, reflecting on his service as commissioner. He tried to get Bar Harbor Airlines to serve Princeton. They agreed, but the deal fell through. Rhynard helped initiate an automotive apprenticeship pro gram at Indian Island for out-of-work young men. It was successful for several months. Charles Rhynard Rhynard assisted John Love of Indian Island in getting started with his auto service station, now a going business on the reservation. Rhynard helped start tribal vegetable gardens, assisted by Finch. The garden idea took root at Indian Island, but community gardens at the Passama quoddy reservations were abandoned after the first year. Not one to be neutral on issues, Rhynard has sometimes clashed with Indian people, but has also earned respect and friendship. “Although I didn’ work to t try to make friends, but determine a level of mutual respect, I did make many friends," he said. Rhynard said he valued his experience in Indian Affairs. He had a dream of an interconnected industry of timber har vesting, saw mill and furniture factory, at Indian Township. lie believes in self-suf ficiency and free enterprise. Rhynard said all tribal ties with state government should not be severed, but a relationship should be maintained on �Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 Page Crazy Horse sculptor moves 7 million tons of granite 1959-60 395,000 tons removed (1,325.000 to date). Sculptor has first cat working on top (more rapid progress clearing arm). Korczak breaks right wrist and thumb. i '- ftl I - H / removed from arm. Korczak again turns down $10 million dollars from federal government. Builds sunroom and workshop, roof over visitor viewing porch, large garage and machine shop. Drills new well for studio-home. Sculptor gives his mahogany portrait of Chief Standing Bear to President John F. Kennedy. Crazy Horse School opens Korczak s first spinal operation (two discs removed). 1963 Builds theater. 200,000 tons removed (2,000.000 to date). Finishes clear ing Indian's arm. Blasts new road to top of horse's head. S J j O / B — fflh i! l emuveu from top norse s mane a" d Indians pointing finger. Builds 26 ton scaffold on tracks in front of Crazy Horse's face. Korczak makes 16 ton (l/34th scale) plaster model of Crazy Horse and finishes poem he will carve on the mountain. Drills 377' deep well. Modernizes public restrooms. Admission fee $1.00 for those over 1 Korczak's second 6. spinal operation (one disc removed). SCULPTOR KORCZAK ZIOLKOWSKI, 72, with his original marble m<Kicl tor his Crazy Horse Mountain Carving, the largest sculptural undertaking the world has ever known. In 34 years he has blasted off nearly 6.8 million tons of granite from the epic mountain carving, which is 563 feet high and 641 feet long. CRAZY H O R S E MOUNTAIN: 1948 - 1980 Black Hills, South Dakota "I Q Q Q Summer: Korczak Ziolkowski, Boston-born sculptor. * - * J U * J works at Mt. Rushmore as assistant to Sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Fall: Sioux Chiefs ask Korczak to carve a mountain for them. The Indians choose Crazy Horse. 1Q4fl Sculptor come3 t0 S- Dak- from Conn. Meets Chief Henry Standing Bear, makes clay model of Crazy | C j/ 4 ^ X .U A 1Q4fi O . It) Korczak sculpts 13‘ foot high memorial to A Noah Webster as gift to West Hartford, Conn. Korczak serves in the U.S. armed forces in Europe X during WW II (landed on Omaha Beach). Decides to ac cept the Indian’ invitation. Indians insist the Memorial be in their s sacred Black Hills. The sculptor and Standing Bear search the Black Hills for the “righ t" mountain. "I 0 ^ 7 Korczak arrives at Crazy Horse May 3rd with $174 left; * • hves * a tent- builds the original log cabin studio-home. n Korczak is 38. "1 Dedication ceremonies June 3rd attended by five surviX vors of the Battle of Little Big Horn. Sculptor "singlejacks holes for the first blast, which removes 10 tons. Crazy Horse Memorial Fundation formed August 16th. Korczak digs wells, builds roads, works on studio-home. Winter: he builds 741 step staircase to mountain top (elevation 6.740' above sea level); 1 Q 4 Q 97,000 tona blasted off (horizontal cut for horse's lower X mane). Sculptor works alone with a jackhammer powered by a gas compressor (the old Buda) at foot of mountain. Con necting pipeline runs 2040’ up and across the mountain. IRS makes Crazy Horse Memorial tax exempt November 28th. 1 Q 0 W°rks 9econd summer on mountain (mane cut). Thanksgiving Day marries Ruth Ross. First admission fee 50' per adult (1948-49 contributions average 5' a person visiting the studio). Builds 32‘addition to veranda. X i X Q jij X ^ orczak Paints outline on mountainside. Six foot wide lines take 174 gallons of white paint. 15 92 Starts cut for Indian's profile- "Bucket” (run by anti que Chevy engine) working to take supplies to top of horse s head. Electric compressor now at base of mountain. I Sculptor cuts down below Indian’9 no9 f Purchases first “cat" bulldozer. Chief Stand mg Bear dies. Korczak turns down $10 million from federal govern ment. Crazy Horse Foundation purchases 328 acres at mountain fror federal government. Modern milking parlor begins operation, Architec tural model delivered at Crazy Horse. Admission to 75‘ an adult 1 630'00 t0nS removed t0 date- Korczak works all winter -I. on road up back of mountain to top. Moves Buda com pressor up on arm (shorter airline gives more power). Now able to use wagon drill as well as jack-hammers and jack-leg. § 300,000 tons cleared from arm. Constructs Avenue of Chiefs (gravel) direct from port of entry to studio-home. Lumber mill begins operation. 1966-67 450,000 tons removed from upper mane and Indian’ chest (2,800,000 to date). Electricity s to top of mountain and first electric compressor taken all the wav up. Charles A. Morss Bridge built at entrance to Crazy Horse. Road and parking lot blacktopped. Builds octagonal dinning room. Korczak's third spinal operation (two discs removed). "I hirst cut into tunnel (75.000 tons removed). Korczak -1- V U U has slight heart attack. U.S. Post Office open April 1st at Crazy Horse (57730). Charles Eder’ Indian Collection and Ebell’ s s Egyptian furninshings given to Crazy Horse. I V||-|V| / 1 LU removea (O U U to date). fia .ZU .U U X V F t/ # \ J Tunnel under Crazy Horse's arm through the mountain. Korczak purchases D-9 cat and acquires new compressor, air trac, huge cat-drill-compressor. Eight of Korczak’ marble portraits s vandalized at entrance to studio-home. Sculptor receives honorary Doctorate from Fairfield University. Conn. Korczak has massive heart attack. "I 0 * 7 "I 200000 tona removed. Korczak enlarges tunnel and X « X begins roughing out the horse's head. Out of debt for first time. Korczak begins his tomb near base of mountain. I tons removed. Very dangerous bulldozing at 9 * * toP of b o le 's head. Winter; sculptor and sons build Indian Museum and new restrooms. Additional water system including new well and drain field. Admission to $4.00 a car. f- y 19/3 200,000 tons removed. Museum opens May 30th. 1 Q 7 4 30°’ 000 tons amoved (4.100,000 to date). Upper half . , * * horse's head roughed out. New road on back of moun tain. Indian Collection of Chief Luther Standing Bear and Sunflower given to Korczak. Sculptor receives Trustee Award from National Western Heritage and Cowboy Hall of Fame. �ge ( i Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 First firemen's ball a success INDIAN ISLAND — There have been my firsts at the Penobscot Nation in cent months. One of the latest is a ilunteer fire department, with fully pupped engine, that organizers hope L o • velop info a crack outfit. A first annual ball took place recently to >nor the new department and its embers. A smorgasbord dinner was ilored by Happy Hamilton in the tribal • alth center. Tribal Gov. Timothy Love declared, t’ more than appropriate that we s scognize Fred Becker’ efforts as fire s lief. Five years ago, when none of these hidings were standing . . . few people lalized the dangers of fire,” he said. “There’ some things we can’ take for s t • anted. A life, when it comes to fire, is ie of those," Love told the assembled 50 irsons. He said the firemen showed idication. “From everybody, from the hole Nation, I say thank you." The personnel of the fire department re as follows: Chief Becker; Lt. Ken Paul, t Andy Akins; firemen Francis Sapiel, . Iarv Dana Neptune, Robert (Red) Bart?L John Bartlett, David Hamilton, David l. dmenas, Burnell Mitchell, David Sapiel nd Richard Sapiel. dental services, and an elderly program directed by Nancy Soctomah of Pleasant. Point. A full time dentist had begun work the day of the interview, and a full time physician recently joined the staff, which numbers 25 persons. For a fiscal year ending June 30, 1981 IHS budget for Pleasant Point totals $833,383. The budget for the Penobscot health center at Indian Island is somewhat higher, at $910,687; and the budget at Indian Township is set at $641,736. Budgets have not yet been submitted for fiscal 1982. IHS personnel nare the support staff of ‘ technical programs, of tribal health pro grams. They’ very helpful. They've re always been very cooperative," Soctomah said. Health philosophy The clinic at Pleasant Point doesn’ just t dole out services to tribal members. Although there is no charge for treat ment, patients and clients must assume responsibility for their own health. All of the staff interviewed seemed aware of the center’ obligation Lo teach preventive s care . . . with the ultimate goal of people taking care of themselves, and therefore needing the health center less and less. According Lo Soctomah, the staff tries to “look at the whole person; deal with him on an individual, holistic level." As Nurse Hazel Dana explains, “We’ re in a good position to improve the health of the whole community. This is what it’ all s about, learning to take care of yourself.” Dana is dismayed at the absence of a mental health worker, created when Pamela Taylor left for other employment, after two years wiLh the tribal health department. “We lost a very valuable person when we lost our mental health worker,” she said. The position is being advertised. Dana mentioned what is probably t.he most deep-set and controversial problem on the reservation: alcoholism. “Alcohol ism is a community problem,” she said, adding, “it’ a social problem as well. It’ s s nost just a health problem. “Call it holistic or whatever you want. It has to do with the whole person,” Dana said in reference to alcohol abuse. “What is the alternative.” she asked, considering a 70 per cent jobless rate at Pleasant Point. Dana is proud to be a member of the health center staff. “We’ reevaluated ve our purposes and goals from time to time, HEALTHY BABY — Paul Claroni, physician’ assistant at Pleasant Point health center, s and I’ really glad to know that at least m checks heartbeat of Tammy Lynn Bailey, born Dec. 10, 1980, at eight pounds, three we agree.” She has been associated with ounces. Tammy is the daughter of Alberta, left, and John Bailey of Pleasant Point. the tribal health program since 1978, having returned to the reservation eight years ago, with her family. A graduate of Shead High School in Eastport, she underwent nurses training at Carney Hospital in South Boston. Also a Pleasant Point native and Shead graduate is director, Madonna Soctomah. Now 38, she has attended Husson College in Bangor, and University-of Wisconsin. She has completed courses at University of New Hampshire, and University of Maine at Machias. She has been a teacher aide at the reservation school, and secretary to Gov. PLEASANT POINT - Since n grand opening last summer, the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy tribal health center has been gathering momentum, and is now in full operation. The core of the clinic is Director Madonna Soctomah, Medical Social Worker Doris Kirby, Health Planner Mary Altvater, and Nurse Supervisor Hazel Dana, sister of the director. “Doris, Mary and Hazel, they’ the re backbone of this operation," said Soc tomah, during an interview in her brand new office in the low-slung, attractive building on the reservation. “They’ ve been just excellent people in supporting community needs,” she added. “Every month, the patient load is increasing.” Mohawks plan Maine lecture INDIAN ISLAND — Three spokesmen or the traditionalist movement at tkwesasne reservation in New York state re tentatively scheduled to speak at Jniversity of Maine at Orono. Vicki Akins of Indian Island confirmed hat three speakers are lined up for JMO’ distinguished lecture series, for a s iresentation at 137 Bennett Hall, at 7 .m., april 2 . -3 Topics include long house midwifery, nvironmental issues such as nuclear ower, sovereign rights, and traditional iniily and tribal roles. Co-sponsors are Maine Peace Action Committee, and the Distinguished Lecure Series. A potluck Indian social is lanned. For more information call 827-3262. Show BiA card A Bureau of Indian Affairs official stopped at a farm on a large reserva tion, approached the Indian farmer and showed him a card. "I’ from the BIA," he announced. m "This card authorizes me to inspect your farm." The Indian nodded. A short time later, the Indian heard frantic screams coming from his pas ture. Looking, he saw an angry bull chasing the BIA official full-speed across the field. From the fence, the Indian shouted out, “Show him your card!" Francis undergoes Kirby, a former Catholic sister, has been a prime mover and founding organiz er of the full service clinic, funded by contract with the federal Indian Health Service (IHS). "The people that come here that we deal with, I believe, are satisfied. It’ a s beautiful looking building. We’ very re pleased with the layout; it fits our needs,” said Soctomah, a firm but quiet-spoken mother of three. “The construction materials could have been better quality,” she acknowledged. “It would have made for better privacy.” Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy reservation at Princeton, offers some, health services, but does not yet have a clinic building. So Pleasant Point shares fire training INDIAN ISLAND - Joseph (Jo-Jo) Francis has completed four, two hour sessions that taught him forest fire fight ing techniques. Francis, acting fire prevention officer for Penobscot Nation, said his training was offered through the Maine forestry service. He plans to organize three, five man crews as fire fighting units. U.S. Forestry training is anticipated at a later date, he said. Beattie Nicholas, dental assistant, and her boss, dentist Ross Greenlaw. �Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 cisant Point health center Francis J. Nicholas. Married for ten years and now divorced, she has three children, Susan, Patty and Jamie. She is currently engaged to tribal Police Chief Don Lemos. Recently, Soctomah spent three weeks in health service training in Okalhoma City. “I enjoy my work very much. I just wish I could get more support from my superiors,” she said, apparently referring to the tribal administration. “I would just like a better working relationship,” she said. Like Dana, Soctomah has worked for the health service a couple of years. She returned to live on the reservation about five years ago. Peter Bailey has been assistant director since Oct. 29, 1980. He said his job is to "make sure of the security and mainten ance of the building.” He is also procure ment officer for the health center. Another graduate of Shead, Bailey major ed in elementary education at University of Maine at Orono, and minored in - sociology. He formerly worked in the tribal planning department, and has taught at Indian Island elementary school. Two graduates of Dartmouth College — originally founded as as Indian school — serve the reservation clinic (which serves Indians within a certain radius of Pleasant Point). Dr. Randall H. Silver of Ellsworth is the supervising physician, part time, at both Pleasant Point and Indian Township. Working full time, at Pleasant Point, is Paul Claroni, a physician’ assistant who s lives with his family in Eastport. Besides Dartmouth, he attended Keene State College in New Hampshire, and Univer sity of Massachusetts. Taking a five minute break between patients in his two examining rooms, Claroni stated, “What we try to do during the day is see as many people as possible to cut down the middle of the night calls.” Claroni said the staff is “definitely a team.” He said progress in improving health quality on the reservation is good. “I’ like to see it even faster, but there’ d s enough progress.” Doris Kirby, medical social worker, was busy the day of this reporter’ visit, but s she said things at the health center were "going well.” Just starting work was tribal dentist, W. Ross Greenlaw, a former high school teacher and graduate of Tufts University dental school. "I’ happy to be here. It’ m s an exciting proposition to practice dentis try in an ideal setting,” he said. Greenlaw’ father was a Princeton s native, and the younger Greenlaw spent summers near the two Passamaquoddy reservations, attending the Catholic churches there. He has lived in Kentucky and Massachusetts, and is now building a house for his family in Pembroke. Greenlaw is a University of Maine at Orono graduate, holds a master’ degree s from Colby College, and plays bluegrass banjo and dobro. He likes that the health center is non profit; “there’ no sales, it’ not a s s business.” Also, he said, “I plan to use my experience as an educator to develop preventive education programs." (He may take his banjo into the classroom.) Greenlaw will work with Beatrice (Beattie) Nicholas, his dental assistant, and Mike Farrell, a dental lab technician who contracts with the clinic. Commenting on his job in general, Greenlaw declared, “It’ wonderful if you s view this as a healLh team, and dentistry as just one aspect of it.” Madonna Soctomah said all aspects of health must be considered, but "the biggest medical need that has not been addressed here at Pleasant Point is alcohol and related problems.” Later, she repeated the clinic’ philosophy; “Our s objective is preventive care and the holistic approach to health care.” There are many aspects to the health center, not least of which is a comfortable waiting area, and a friendly, concerned but informal atmosphere. “Right now, we’ working on trying to re get all the pre-school kids up to date on their immunizations. Then there’ co s ordination with outside agencies," Hazel Dana explained. Other employees or Pleasant Point health center are Maxwell Barnes, James Barnes, Gene Francis, Shelvadine Francis, Alvera Farrell, Harold Macllroy, Barbara Newell, Vera Francis, Catherine Nicholas, Alice Holey, Beatrice Soctomah, Nancy Soctomah, Linda Seiler, Geneva Taylor, John Taylor, Harold Socobasin, Cindy Pond. Tribal Health Director Madonna Soctomah. Page 7 Indian scholarships at UMO not hurt by land claim ORONO — University of Maine Indian scholarship aid will not be adversely affected by the $81.5 million settlement of Indian' land claims, an official says. Ted Mitchell, a Penobscot in charge of UMO’ Indian Program s and s Services, stated that free room, and board and tuition is still available to Indian students at the university. The policy began in 1972, after a decision by the UMO board of trustees. Mitchell was interviewed by a re porter for the student newspaper. The Campus. “It will be a long time before American Indians are caught up educa tionally with other groups," said Mit chell. “Historically, American Indians have never had the opportunity to achieve anything in secondary school or college. This is why they have been offered this opportunity.” Mitchell said it was up to the trustees as to whether the settlement had any effect on the Indians. The trustees had not considered the ques tion yet. He hoped the settlement would not have any effect on the students. “I don’ know what the forseeable t future holds,” Mitchell said. “I don’ t exactly know whaL we would do if the funds are cut for the students. The issues are very complex, each student would have to be dealt with individu ally.” To receive funding, students must apply and fill out a questionnaire. They must have an affidavit validating their tribal affiliation. The student must have lived in Maine for one year. Mitchell said if the settlement should affect the students, it would mean a great deal of students attending would not be able to come to school. “Nationally the schools are playing catch up with the native American population across the country," Mit chell said. “I hope the trustees will be favorable to us.” New Yorker to feature Maine Indians NEW YORK CITY — Word has it that the prestigious New Yorker magazine plans to publish a serial feature story on the Penobscot-Passam aquoddy land claims, and Maine Indians in general. The articles were written by Paul Brodeur, who has written for The New Yorker about Mashpee Indians on Cape Cod. No publication date was known at press time. HARDWARE & GUN SHOP TOM VICAIRE, Proprietor The only Indian-owned hardware business in the State of Maine “We’ 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. w m Mike Farrell, dental lab technician, at work on denture. �1age 8 ’ Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 Indians tell 'horror stories' to tribunal in Holland For six days Iasi November. Indian ancestral lands to white border towns a peoples from a dozen countries gathered in hundred miles away. Rotterdam to present testimony before a In G u a te m a la , the army moved in 1976 jury of scholars and human rights advo to occupy the lands o f the Quiche and lxile cates from three continents. Indians, who are peasant farmers. The The focus o f this, the Fourth Russell purpose was to facilitate a takeover by Tribunal, was the rights of the Indians of large landowners and multinational corpo North, Central and South America. Due to rations. The Guatemalan government was time restrictions, a limit o f 1 cases were charged with abuses ranging from disrup 4 heard. The tribunal returned a verdict of tion o f religious practices to kidnapping guilty on all 1 counts. 4 and torture. Many of the summaries of evidence The Guaymi People of P a n a m a were read like a collection o f horror stories, subjected to destruction o f their traditional ranging from plain old injustice to charges ways and eviction from their lands after the of genocide. Some o f the alleged crimes are discovery o f copper there in 1971. Four centuries old; others occurred in 19 80. years later Texas Gulf and a state enter The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation accused prise. the Mining Development Corpora the provincial government of Ontario and tion of Ccrro Colorado, were given the gothe federal government o f C a na d a of mak ahead to explore the Guaymis' agricultural ing an illegal treaty in 19 Officials ne 05. land. glected to explain that one o f the treaty's The R e p o rt on the T o n rth R u sse ll T r i provisions was the irrevocable surrender of b u n a l obviously does not make for light their territorial rights. reading. Seven world governments were I he Amkamek and Montagnais judged and found wanting under such brought a similar charge against the Cana agreements as the International Declaradian government. A bill passed by the i lion of Human Rights and the International Convention on Racial Discrimination. House o f Commons in 1977, designed to clear the way for hydroelectric projects in Though the judgments seem to be a triumph lor the rights of indigenous peoples, they northwest Quebec, unilaterally extin are overshadowed in that they carry only guished their land rights. moral weight. Traditional Mohawks (Haudenosaunee Among more than a dozen recom n Confederacy) accused the U n ite d S tates mendations were; and New York state of imposing an alien — a plea that Indian peoples be recognized Vlison Sapiel explains the procedure, form of government — the tribal council — according to their own self-under against the wishes o f the people. They also standing rather than that o f the dominant claimed their historic territory had been society guaranteed in various treaties with Great — respect for treaties Britain and, after the Revolution, by the — respect for principles recognized by in 1 8 Treaty o f Fort Stanwix. -7 4 ternational law Traditional members o f the Hopi Na — informing the U.N. Com m ission o f tion accused the Hopi Tribal Council, Human Rights, the Inter-American which they view as an alien form o f gov Commission on Human Rights and other ernment. of signing contracts to exploit re appropriate bodies about the 'gross and sources on tribal lands, despite the opposi continuous violations" tion o f the (traditional) people. — warning such organizations as the World The Navajo o f the Big Mountain Dine B y Rebecca Wassell “ideal.” Sapiel holds a degree in botany, Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring has finally come to one small lives on Indian Island and spends about 20 Nation charged the U.S. government with to shun development projects which part of Indian Island as herb seedlings hours a week immersed in seed catalogs or wanting to relocate 6,000 people from their harm indigenous peoples. begin to sprout in the newly completed up to her elbows in dirt. solar greenhouse off Riverview Rd. “We have a few seedlings going "We’ pretty happy with it," John already," she said last week inside the re Banks, Natural Resource director said last greenhouse. While the building resembles week. The greenhouse, built under his a modern ski lodge, inside it is steeped in direction last fall, was funded through an that unmistakable smell of warm, damp $18,000 contract with the Bureau of Indian earth and fertilizer. Long rows of spruce Affairs. benches, built by Tom Stewart, Sr. of If all goes well, the seedlings from the Indian Island, await dirt and plants. greenhouse will be planted in two large Sapiel said she does all her planting by plots on the island later this spring. The the phases of the moon. The greenhouse vegetables should feed about 100 senior can produce about 3,600 seedlings. Sapiel citizens and low income families. Banks said she plans to grow some types of said some of the produce will be sold. flowers to use in pest control. Equal Housing The greenhouse is built in lean-to style, “I read anything I can find on garden M ain Street, Baring, M aine one slanting wall covered with windows to ing, ’ she added. “— From botany text OPPORTUNITY 3 bedroom, 2-car garage — $27,900.00 — let in morning sun. Two hundred plastic books to Organic Gardening magazines.” $200.00 D.P. buoys line the back wall. Filled with water The growing area of the greenhouse ' and warmed by the sun, they keep the measures 14x50 square feet. The seed 9 Academ y Street, Calais, M aine temperature inside the greenhouse above lings will be planted in the 30,000 square 4 bedroom, ready to move into. Reduced to freezing. A woodstove and electric heat foot tribal community garden and another $27,500.00 — $500.00 D. P. provide back-up warmth. Banks said a 4,500 square foot garden. Su m m er Street, Calais, M aine solar design greenhouse should become Sapiel admits there are some flaws in 4 bedroom, new heating system — self-sufficient, the money from the crops the greenhouse design. The building faces $21,900.00 — $200.00 D.P. providing capital to buy seeds, labor and 15 degrees east of true south which limits M ain Street, Princeton, M aine small amounts of energy. some afternoon sun. There are no drains 4 bedroom — attached garage. Reduced to Cucumber crops and bulging tomato in the cement floor or vents in the roof to $26,000.00 — no D.P. vines are still several months off, but release hot air in summer. ANYONE CAN BUY Alison Sapiel is doing her best to make it “But those are things we just have to YOU DON’ HAVE TO T happen. Her official title is Agriculture live with,” she said. “I can’ pick up the t BE A VETERAN Extension Supervisor. What she does is building and move it, but there’ always a s See Your Local Real plan and plant — a job she describes as bucket and a mop.” Estate Broker Or Contact Penobscots greening up with help from the sun VETERANS ADMINISTRATION Owned Homes For Sale in Washington County All VA financed Calais hospital rejects crucifix offer INDIAN TOWNSHIP - Philomene Dana thought it would be a nice idea to donate a religious cross to Calais Regional Hospital, for the institution’ “quiet s room.” The hospital didn’ agree. t A letter from hospital board president John C. Wiesendanger explained that the quiet room was set up “with the intent that it be used as a place for patients or their families to go in times of distress when quiet and solitude may be helpful. Further, it has been our attempt to main tain the room from a religious view as nondenominational setting. This approach has also been supported by the local members of the clergy,” Wiesendanger said. The board president expressed his appreciation for the offer. Dana told Wabanaki Alliance she is dis appointed at the rejection. She is a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, on the reservation. A t p r e v a ilin g in te r e s t ra te s VETERANS ADMINISTRATION LOAN GUARANTY DIVISION TOGUS, MAINE 04330 Tel. 207-623-8411 Ext. 433 �Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 Page 9 Commentary Reagan's anti-Indian policy assessed By Dr. Dean Chavers President, Bacone College Once again, as in the 1930’ and in the s 1950’ the future of Federal Indian policy s, is uncertain, as a new President takes office and begins what he promised would be. a landmark administration. During the campaign, Mr. Reagan came out with position statements on Indian policy which were clearly pro-Indian and in favor of maintaining the autonomy and sanctity of tribal governments. But after the election, the jockeying for position in the Cabinet began, and his choice for Secretary of the Interior, the chief Indian policy maker and implementer, is apparently anti-Indian. Very soon after the new government takes office, it will become evident whether the President’ stated campaign s promises will become translated into policy, or whether James Watt, the new Secretary of the Interior designate, will prevail, and formulate policies which are anti-Indian. In an interview published in the Mantaba Messenger, an Indian weekly in Arizona, during the campaign, Mr. Reagan stated that he is in favor of tribal sovereignty and self-deLermination, or the right of the tribes to govern themselves. Mr. Watt, in his role as president and chief legal officer of the Mountain States Legal Foundation, has previously filed an amicus curiae brief with the Ninth Circuit Court in the case of the U.S. vs. Truckee-Carson Irrigation District in which he described the tribe asserting its water rights under treaty as a “special interest group.” There is a world of difference between the two points of view. Mr. Watt, who has headed the Mountain States Legal Foun dation in Denver since it began in 1977, apparently views Indian tribes as just another minority group in the American melting pot., rather than thinking of Indian tribes as “domestic dependent nations” as defined by the Supreme Court over 150 years ago. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), which opposed Mr. W att’ confirmation by the Senate, re s ported in the December 22 edition of its Sentinel that Watt opposed the right of the Jicarilla Apache tribe to tax oil and gas production on its land, in another case involving this tribe. Mr. Watt, in other words, would take away the power of a tribal government to levy taxes in its jurisdiction, at least in some areas. This point of view is also in contra diction to the President's policy in the Mantaba interview, in which he stated that he was opposed to terminating the special relationship of government to government, which has historically existed between the U.S. and the tribes. Mr. Reagan further stated that tribal govern ments would have the primary role in Indian affairs in his administration, and that the tribes would be consulted before major decisions were made. Mr. Reagan went on to say that he is in favor of supporting tribal court systems, without, however, being specific about whether tribal courts should have juris diction over non-Indians and their ac tivities on reservations. “Indian com munities must be protected against law less action,” he said, “and I would welcome advice on the matter from Indian govern ments." Mr. Watt, in contrast, in the Jicarilla Apache case displayed “hostility to the existence of any sovereign tribal authority over reservation activities by non-mem bers," the NCAI Sentinel reports. Under Mr. W att’ administration, tribal courts s could be severely limited in their juris diction and in their authority. Mr. Reagan also stated that he was in favor of economic self-sufficiency for Indian tribes, and that this would-be a goal of his administration. The emphasis, he went on, should be on the development of small business enterprises on reserva tions, which would “result in the reduction of income dependency and an increase in productive employment — which are the desires of Indian people." Mr. Watt, however, in the TruckeeCarson case, stated that he was opposed to “favorable rules for the benefit of a relatively small number of Indians to the detriment of the private water users." Apparently he is opposed to letting Indians have the opportunity to develop their resources and become self-sustain ing, and is therefore not concerned with reducing the national unemployment rate of forty percent among Indian people. Mr. Watt has a reputation of being in favor of development, and opposed to the actions and policies of environmentalists, and his confirmation was opposed vehe mently by several environmental and preservationist groups. Mr. Reagan also made it clear in the Mantaba interview that he was in favor of development of natural resources. But he also made it clear that he believed that tribal govern ments should be involved in the decision making process in developing resources on their reservations. There are obvious differences between the public statements of Mr. Reagan and Mr. Watt on Indian policy, and these differences could have dire consequences for tribal governments. Both are in favor of development, but Mr. Reagan has ex pressed a healthy respect for tribal governments, while Mr. Watt has ex pressed a feeling bordering on disdain for the right of tribes to be self-governing. Mr. Reagan has also promised that his administration would have open com munication with tribes, and would consult with them before making major decisions. He promised that the tribes themselves would have the very important right to determine criteria for tribal membership, and that he would oppose unwarranted interference in internal tribal affairs by Federal bureaucrats. Indian tribes will have special reason to be on the alert for the first and succeeding actions of Mr. Watt in Indian affairs for the next four years. Spaelimenninir musicians at work at Indian Island concert. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT For research and development team. Urban Indian Center. Good typing skills necessary. Full time. Salary negotiable. Send resumes: Glenn Savage Boston Indian Council 105 South Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02130 �Page 10 Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 Penobscot governors through the years By S. Glenn Starbird A list of Penobscot tribal governors dating from 1867, the first year of the present Nicolar's dughter Florence Nicolar Shay, says in her "History of the Penobscot Tribe of elective system, was supplied to Wabanaki Alliance and printed in the November 1980 Indians the he was governor but does not give the year. Largely by the process of Governor in 1871. Joseph Nicolar was a member edition. In that article I showed the Penobscot Government to have been in operation O f r o w p T since the late 1500's, and quite likely long before. Following is the list of Governors and of the Old Party and died m 1894. He served many terms as Representative to the st?te/ T ecords of r» dian Representatives, which is complete from Lieutenant Governors of the Penobscot Nation from 1867 to the present time with their 1 SOT+ iure and l&Uto the present, we fmd Joseph Nicolar was representative in 1873. Therefore-1871 years of service and the political party to which each belonged that should have been is the only year Nicolar could possibly have been Governor. printed in the November issue of Wabanaki Alliance. This list is culled from research in old Indian Agent's records, newspaper accounts iQ9 a i°- ;r I6 f° [ heT hS ,™ we have no document proving who was Governor is 1923and the memories of older people in the tribe and every effort has been made to make it 1924. It is highly probable that Lawrence Mitchell was Governor in those years. Several as accurate as possible. However, in a few cases no record of who was Governor or e ^ Stag° F^ C S ^ j nny ® “ C Save me the names of 31tha Governors in his lifetime h * ° 1 Lieutenant Governor has been found and so some blank spaces appear in the list. If even though he could not always remember the dates of when they served In every anyone has information that would fill these blanks and complete the record it would be situation the men he named have been documented as having been Penobscm greatly appreciated. One of the unknown years— 1871 - was probably the year Joseph „ ~ G S T ' Lawrence Mitchell as Governor but no newspapers or Nicolar was Governor. Fannie Eckstorm in her book “Old John Neptune and other other record from the tune has yet established this. The only years unaccounted for however are 1923-1924 and by the fact that Ranco has so far been proved 100 „ Maine Indian Shamans" on page 32 and again in the index of the same book on page 206 calls him Governor but unfortunately does not name the year or her source Joseph years’ reasonably safe to assume Lawrence Mitchell to have been Governor in those �Page 1 1 Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 Keeshone: hurt child (Continued from page 1 ) mother drank more, and there were many more beatings. If the teacher at school noticed the bruises on his body she never let on. It was none of her business. His mother was her cousin, and she didn’ want to t interfere with ‘family business.” ‘ Keeshone still loved his mother, al though he was now afraid of her. He couldn't figure out why he made her so angry with him. Why did he make her drink so much? You see, when parents turn to alcohol and do bad, hurting things to their children, the child blames himself, not the parents. How long will this child abuse go on? How many Keeshone’ do you know? s What can you do to help? First of all, don’ be afraid to speak up. t A little child will be hurt more by your silence than by your attempts to help. Secondly, call the Human Services De partment number: 947-0511. There is also a day or night toll-free number: 1-800-45219 9 9. Talk to Mike LeBlanc. He is a warm, understanding person who is ready to help. The first goal of Mike’ Child Protection s Unit is to keep the family together. They will work with the family to find their problems and overcome them. There were 4,204 cases of child abuse in Maine in 1979. Let’ work together to help s keep this figure down in 1981. I wish Keeshone's story had an ending, but it doesn’ His abuse still goes on t. today. Maybe one of you will help end this abuse. A child’ life is a precious thing. s EDITOR’ NOTE: Diane Edwards (not S her real name) Is a Penobscot, mother of three, and college student. Tribe gives go-ahead to tidal p o w e r By Dr. Nonnand LaBerge PLEASANT POINT - A decision to file an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and to apply for the necessary state permits for Half Moon Cove tidal project, was made by the Passamaqouddy Tribe, Jan. 19. On that date, a referendum vote was held which decided the above issues. By a vote of 78 in favor and 9 in opposition, the Passamaquoddy Tribe expressed their support for the tidal project and enabled the continuation of development plans. The recent referendum vote is the first step in gaining approval for the tidal project from the tribal members. How ever, it is an important first step which will ultimately dictate the amount of effort placed on the project. Most aspects of the project are known at this time which explains the reason for having a vote of public opinion. The submittal of a license application does not commit the tribe to build the project under any conditions, but it does repre sent a decision by the tribe to complete arrangements for the project’ construc s tion. Before the project can be constructed, the following factors have to be resolved: “uiM nc TUEVEAE TIMt ur I lit I tArIO E i p c O — Agreement with the utility on the purchase price of electricity from the the project; — Availability of federal grants to assist in the project’ financing; s — Work out details on the issuance of revenue bonds; — Have project plans approved by responsible federal and state agencies re garding environmental impacts; — Complete legal features of the project. Some of the above factors will have to be brought before the tribal council or the general public for decisions. DECT Ell MCI” FM L Dto 1 riLlVIO: I B U L L E T IN He conquered love and death... Now he walks the winds of eternity! Poetry “S P R ” UEB 10S ANGELiS TIMES Indian “C A M G H R IN ” Indian — I am Indian — I have always been Indian — I will always be. US MAGAZINE “E TE TA IN " N R IN G HOllYWOOn REPORTER Whether it be — one-fourth — half or full It’ still Indian to me s Indian — I’ always be ll Diane Newell Wilson Sisters I have two sisters I don’ see them t very much — I have two sisters I love very much — T D Q But I got a call the other day — /A D l_ J / ',Y V A / A D I " > [p g I paheht w. guidancesuggest ed -s &| I K f c V U K M V J W A k L / is the WINDWALKER starring NICK RAMUS * JAMES REMAR and introducing SERENE HEDIN We all got together for the first time in our life — We three It made me feel so good inside — to know, I have two sisters It was a wonderful day for us — three Diane Newell Wilson COMING SOON AT A THEATRE NEAR YOU CHECK LOCAL NEWSPAPERS FOR LISTINGS �Page 12 Wabanaki Alliance March 1981 The Flashback news notes Tidal p o w e r t o p ic P e n o b s c o t e d it o r o f TV p r o g r a m ORONO — “Wickeegan,” a Maine Indian television program, will be aired Monday. April 20, at 7:30 p.m., over the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN). The show is directed by Kim Mitchell, a Penobscot, and the upcoming program will feature the Half Moon Cove Tidal Power Project, at the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy reservation near Eastport. The project, headed by Dr. Normand Laberge. has received a federal planning grant. o u t o f a jo b ORONO — Laura Stockford, a Penob scot and student at University of Maine fought hard to keep a student newspaper alive, and lost. As editor of The New Edition, she struggled to pull the student government publication out of debt, but instead, the student council pulled the funds. Stockford said it wasn’ fair, in an t interview on WMEB, the college radio station. Stockford, who is interested in advertising/journalism, is the grand daughter of the late Prof. William B. Newell. - Fund started for Starr LaCoote INDIAN TOWNSHIP — A scholarship fund and commemorative plaque are the goals of persons here who wish to establish a memorial to Starr LaCoote, 11, killed Jan. 21 in a snow mobile accident. Starr, an outstanding student at Indian Township elementary school, would be remembered through a plaque to be presented annually to the highest ranking pupil in the eighth grade at the reservation school. A small scholarship would accompany the award. Donations are needed, and may be sent in care of Starr’ mother, Mabel s Newell, Indian Township, Princeton, Maine 04668. Mrs. Newell is a dis patcher for the tribal police depart ment, and is an ambulance attendant for the tribe. Correction Subscribe! A photo caption in last month's Wab anaki Alliance stated incorrectly that Charles Colcord founded National Asso ciation of Metis Indians. In fact, he is the NAMI New York City council head. The organization was founded by Bob Christian, Indian rights sh ow 1980 gain BOSTON — A Maine civil rights group since the Indian land claims settlement. says despite violence and waning public Also, civil rights enforcement is likely to support for government action to promote benefit from “housekeeping” that occur equal rights, the past year saw progress in red in 1980, such as the Maine Human Maine. Rights Commission’ overhauling of its s Penobscot Andrew X. Akins is a regulations and the Supreme Judicial member of the group. Court’ clarification of how Superior s That is the picture presented in Civil Courts should review employment dis Rights Developments in Maine, 1980, a 1 - crimination cases. - 7 page report issued by the Maine Advisory On the other hand, there were setbacks Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The report emphasizes legal, such as cuts in funding for bilingual nstitutionai, and policy developments education and the closing of the Portland iffecling minorities, women, the aged, and field office of the Human Rights Commis he handicapped. It recounts the activities sion. Moreover, Reckitt noted, 1980 saw )f the Maine advisory committee and attention focused on some issues that had been out of public view and that ought to lifers a glimpse at emerging issues. “Wo have not tried to provide a com- be addressed in the coming year. She said, irehensive account of the whys and “We want to ask how the basic needs of s vherefores ol these developments,” said Maine’ off-reservation Indians — arguab icting Chairman Lois Reckitt. “We just ly the most impoverished group in the State — will be met absent State assist vanl to tie together the year’ develops nenls in a succinct form for policymakers, ance. Also, I think we have to pay • pinion leaders, and the interested public. attention to the persistent allegations that Ve believe this is a useful service at a vocational education is not serving the ime when governments’ efforts to ad- handicapped, women, and those with Iress these problems are being called into limited ability in English.” [uestion." The report is available from the New Among progress noted is increased England Regional Office of the U.S. irotection for victims of domestic vio- Commission on Civil Rights, as are similar ence, and easing of Indian-white tensions reports on the other New England States. SCHOOL DAYS, a generation or so ago, are reflected in this photo of three Indian Island beauties, posing in front of the Penobscot reservation elementary school. From left, Yvonne Lola, Arlene Ranco, and friend. Do readers know who she is? 1 Photo courtesy of Yvonne Lola Fitz patrick and Eva Love] Flashback error INDIAN ISLAND — Mary Meader Mitchell has kindly informed us that last month’ Wabanaki Alliance Flashback s photo depicted Horace Nicholas and wife Eva, not Horace Nelson. Mrs. Mitchell, of Oak Hill, Indian Island, ought to know; Horace was her grandfather. Passamaquoddy pupils show much progress By Monique Pratt CALAIS — Indian students are getting good marks in the third year of Maine Migrant Program at Calais-High School. Although there were only 20 students who qualified for the program at the beginning of the 1980-81 school year (as compared to 40 last year), only three students have quit school, and one student has trans ferred to Lee Academy. This is a great improvement over the 79-’ school year where we had a 52 80 percent drop-out rate. It looks like those who have been attending school so far will continue for the remainder of the school year. Passamaquoddy students in the Maine Migrant Program at Calais High School include: Senior, Matt Lewey; Juniors, Dawn Fitch, Gene Stevens, Jerry Stevens, Judy Stevens, and Belinda Tomah; Sophomores, Linda Lank, Darrell Lola, Kathy Mitchell; Freshmen, Colleen Dana, Bill Harnois, Martha Lank, Wade Lola, Betty Mitchell, Roger Sockabasin, Lori Stevens, and Millie Stevens. Two other students from Indian Town ship who are not eligible for the Maine Migrant Program but who attend CHS with their colleagues are Larry LaCoote and Sherri Tinker, both freshmen. All of these students travel from Indian Township to Calais everyday, about 60 miles round trip, or almost two hours riding time on the bus. Skitikuk • j » * Outfitters Specialists in wilderness travel. Sales - Rentals - Guide Service Home of igas Island custom-made packs and equipment 38 M oin St. O ro n o 866-4878 IN IA CRAFT^ D N SU P PLIE S £ For tree catalog, 148 P age’’ rt1cc Catalog e d e c Th« world'* largest Indian Crafts Catalog. Mora than 4,000 Items to chooae from! Trade Beads, Tin Cones. Brass Beads. Moire Tatteta Ribbon. Ermine Skins, Bone Elk Teeth, Shawl Fringe and Yarn. w eDt 7 4 h e y OWL , r e . it p l ___ 113-15 Springfield Blvd. Queens Village, N.Y. 11429 To qualify for the migrant program, the students and their parents would have had to move from another state or across school district lines in pursuit of agri cultural, fisheries, or forestry work, such as raking blueberries, picking potatoes or apples, digging worms or clams, working in a fish factory, cutting wood, making wrdaths. A student may be eligible 5 years from the time of the initial move. While in the migrant program, students usually come in during their study halls for tutoring help. I have helped Indian students as a tutor since the beginning of the Maine Migrant Program at Calais High School. Students often come in for help in algebra, general math, business math, general business, social studies, general science, b io lo g y, special educa tion, (math and English), typing, art, home economics, and English. Both upperclassmen and freshmen seem to be conscientious about their school work this year. They are attending classes more regularly, completing assignments and projects plus taking the initiative in getting make-up work from their teachers. Sometimes, arrangements are also made with the teachers to have the students take their exams with the tutor. CAN’ FIND A JOB? T Try the JOB CORPS Would you like to be trained as a ... Bookkeeper Secrelary/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 A name given to the resource <em>Wabanaki Alliance</em> (March 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 1981-03 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Soctomah Julia Brush Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-427 https://www.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 Information about rights held in and over the resource Steve Cartwright. Used with permission. Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Document Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DV-428