First light participants Zak Klein and Hannah Quimby recently developed and opened a grant program focused on Wabanaki Communities through the Quimby Family Foundation. Any Wabanaki person or any employee, contractor, or director of a native-led or native-serving organization may
The Maine Legislature heard public testimony over two days on February, the 14th and 19th, 2020 on the ‘Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act’ LD2094
Many Wabanaki leaders and allies are organizing in support of LD2094, a bill to implement changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. Chief Kirk Francis stated in an interview that the revisions to the Settlement Act are about “respect
First planning session to develop the Wabanaki Task Force convened on January 10th
On January 10th, tribal representatives gathered at the Wabanaki Center to develop their vision for an intra-Tribal task force. The Wabanaki Task Force on Land and Land Stewardship, which will be funded by First Light, will build the capacity, voice,
3 panels depicting Wabanaki history posted at the Long Point Preserve in Machiasport
Deirdre Whitehead has been working with Tribal and local historians, a Tribal artist and Julia Bates from the Abbe Museum to design 3 interpretive panels for the Long Point Preserve in Machiasport. The place based panels describe three thousand years of
Maine Coast Heritage Trust named new Initiative on Wabanaki Engagement
Ciona Ulbrich and others at MCHT recently named a new cross-departmental initiative on Wabanaki engagement within their five year strategic plan. This will open up more resources and staff time for MCHT to work on increasing Wabanaki land access and
New Ash Permit for Wabanaki land use issued by The Conservation Fund
Tom Duffus, with The Conservation Fund, recently issued a permit to Wabanaki folks that grants access to thousands of acres in Western Maine for brown ash harvest. You can view the permit here.
Congratulations to Steve Tatko and AMC! From John Banks
Dear First Light Learning Journey folks, Appalachian Mountain Club has finalized a permitting process to allow Wabanaki tribal people access to AMC lands for purpose of harvesting Brown Ash for basket making. Congratulations and thanks to Steve Tatko for his
Thank you from Peter Forbes
Katahdin conference; a major gathering between Wabanaki and conservation leaders on building collaboration
Participant List Agenda Draft Meeting Notes Peter’s opening remarks John Banks’ lunchtime remarks Special Guest Bios This important gathering is supported by a grant from Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and other generous donors inside Maine who believe in the promise
First Light Canoe Expedition
May 20-23 West Branch of the Penobscot River from Lobster Lake to Chesuncook Village. –Expedition is now full- The aim of this trip is to bring together some of the participants in our First Light Learning Journey, both land trust