HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians will shine a light Wednesday evening on an issue impacting countless women across the globe.
In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the tribe will host its 21st annual candlelight vigil Oct. 17 to raise awareness for the cause.
Clarissa Sabattis, chief of the tribe, said on Monday that this year’s event will feature a number of events, including giveaways and a supper.
Four out of 5 Native American women experience violence in their lives, according to a report by the National Congress of American Indians.
Jessica Huff, program director/advocate for the Maliseet Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center, said the mission of the agency is to
effect change within the tribal community, where equality, respect and nonviolence become cornerstones of all relationships.
She said Tuesday she believes there has been an increase in the number of people reaching out for services.
“In our program especially, more people are reporting,” she said. “We work really hard to have a presence in the community so they know where to reach out and how to get help.”
Ten years ago, the tribe opened a shelter that she said “remains full much of the year.” The shelter is called Nuhkomoss Wik, which means “my grandmother’s house.” She said that since the shelter is open to anyone in need of services, it gets calls from across the country.
“We serve everyone, we don’t discriminate,” she said. “You do not have to be a tribal member or Native American.”
Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca will be the featured speaker at Wednesday’s event, which starts at 6 p.m. There also will be ceremonial tribal drumming from the Miqwapon Drummers, lighting of candles in memory or honor of victims, a slideshow of a social media campaign the center has been working on, and a meal.
