Our Model

Native and non-Native gathering.

Together we can heal our relationship with land and each other

We’re helping to reimagine Maine as a Wabanaki place by restoring Wabanaki presence and access to land. This work relies on relationships between Native and non-native people, each working within our own nations and organizations to find a better way forward, together.

We move at the speed of trust

  • People speaking during gathering

    First Light

    Land Return Initiative

    A collective of non-native land-oriented organizations and agencies working to expand Wabanaki access and stewardship of land toward a future of nature and people thriving in Wabanaki homelands.

Learn about how First Light organizations work at the direction of the Wabanaki Commission and what we are accomplishing together.

Our Progress

Wabanaki Territory, today, is mostly in the hands of non-native people and organizations. We're working to restore balance to pursue land recovery priorities and return land to Tribal holding.

Events

  • responses to the question, "why are you committed to this journey" include "Learning, connections, Wabanaki, help, work, justice, repair, future, ally, relationships, dream, thrive" and so on.
    For First Light Community Organizations

    Community Conversation - March

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    We'll see you on Zoom for March's Community Conversation, led by Community Catalyst Kara Wooldrik. Contact Ellie or Kara for the Zoom link.

  • Changing legacies - why this journey
    For First Light Community Organizations

    Community Conversation - April

    -

    We'll see you on Zoom for April's Community Conversation, led by Community Catalyst Kara Wooldrik. Contact Ellie or Kara for the Zoom link.

  • Changing legacies - why this journey
    For First Light Community Organizations

    Community Conversation - May

    -

    We'll see you on Zoom for May's Community Conversation, led by Community Catalyst Kara Wooldrik. Contact Ellie or Kara for the Zoom link.

Wabanaki Commission logo mark in shape of illustrated feather with mountain and sunrise landscape, river, trees, and fiddlehead

WABANAKI COMMUNITY

Reunite with Your Homeland

Explore cultural activities and projects that reunite us with the land and each other.

First Light Logo Mark, circle with sunrise, water, birds, and trees.

NON-NATIVE PEOPLE

Return Land

We'll work with land-holding organizations to help them offer land back to the Wabanaki Commission.
(Not yet able to return land? There's still a place for you in this movement.)