LITTLETON, Maine — A bright clear sky turned Friday night’s frigid dip from 32 degrees into a warm sun-filled 68 as hundreds of smiling visitors turned out for the Houlton Band of Maliseets’ annual Recognition Day Celebration on Bell Rd. last Saturday. One of the coordinators, Dayna Boyce, estimated the crowds for the all-day festivities at around 640, nearly 10 percent higher than last year’s event. “For such a large crowd it went smoothly. It went very well.”
Native-American pride was clearly evidenced by drumming, chanting, dancing and brilliant displays of color and craftsmanship. The day’s festivities celebrated the 30th anniversary that the U.S. government officially recognized the Maliseets as a tribe.
Chief Brenda Commander told the Pioneer Times: “It is very significant because for 30 years we have been rebuilding our community and we are very proud today to be Maliseets. Back then, we were not so proud. We had to hide who we were in our identity.”
In her public remarks following smudging (a purification ritual) and the Grand Entry ceremony, Commander referred to the tribe’s progress in housing, education and community involvement. She acknowledged the work of past chiefs, the tribal council and staff. “We do this for all of our children and for the future of our tribe. We work very hard and we are like one family. I am so pleased that you have come out to share this special day with us.”
In addition to presentations to various staff members, Commander also presented former Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC) chairman Paul Bisulca with a clock that bore an inscription “for his extraordinary service to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Wabanaki.”
Several vendors had native crafts and food for sale. But most things were free like games for children and adults, including bingo with prizes, three-legged races, spoon races, horseshoes and a giant bounce house. A free community meal was held later in the day with more games and prizes at the Maliseet gym on Foxcroft Rd.
Sacred rituals and deep spirituality
Before the Four Winds began their chanting and drumming, Amy Dennis, a co-founder of the group, explained that she spread a mixture of sacred herbs — sweet grass, tobacco, sage and cedar on the large drum the women use. “We put it in each direction to honor north, south, east and west. And, we also use the sacred colors — yellow, black, white and red. We give thanks for the drum, the rawhide – the animal that died for this drum — for the wood that we sacrifice for the drum, for the mother earth and for the drum itself that we call the grandmother.”
For drummer Leona Alvarado and other members of the group, the day had bittersweet overtones as they celebrated their tribe’s advancements. Alvarado’s cousin, Sally Joseph, a co-founder of the group, was seriously ill in Bangor and remembered with a moment of silence during Commander’s remarks.
Prior to and during the Grand Entry ceremony into a sacred circle, no photos were permitted during the smudging as some 60-plus participants were blessed by a spiritual healer with smoke from a burning mixture of the same sacred medicine plants the Four Winds had placed on their drum.
Chief Don Red Eagle from Presque Isle carried “the great spirit flag of the universe” to lead the procession with Francis Moulton, a Maliseet tribal member from Tobique, N.B., who carried an eagle staff. Moulton, who had the most elaborate regalia that day with intricate beading and massive displays of feathers, said it was “quite an honor” to lead the grand entry and it was “awesome to see old friends and meet new ones.
Visitors from near and far
Dolores Crofton MacDonald brought a full size hand-painted teepee from Massachusetts making it a source of fascination for many, especially children who could be seen running in and out to explore it.
Patti Conrad and her husband Mike arrived from Ohio to enjoy the festival. As Patti looked at native-American jewelry created by Tawoma Martinez and her family at a craft table, her husband Mike explained that he was a bear guide. “We’re staying in Smyrna Mills. People hunt bears for rugs, meat and full body mounts.”
John Dieffenbacher-Krall, MITSC executive director, traveled from Old Town and said he was “pleased to help the Maliseets celebrate the 30th anniversary of their recognition by the U.S. government.
When Florida resident Joann La Centra stopped at the Kasabonika Indian Taco stand she said she was visiting her friend Myrtle Kennedy in Fredericton. “It’s my first time and it’s wonderful,” said La Centra about the day’s events. The tacos had a base of fried dough topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, beans, meat sauce and shredded cheese. Comments on the generously sized treat ranged from “very good” to “great.”
Deacon Lee Burns of Chelsea is chairman of the Episcopal Diocese’s committee on Indian relations. She said that the group had scheduled their meeting in order for members to also attend Recognition Day.
“We came to Houlton to be with the Maliseets and we all wanted to attend the celebration. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with one another and build relations with Indian tribes.” Other members of the committee came from Southwest Harbor, Bath and Strong. Rev Leslie Nesin represented Houlton at the meeting and said she was “very impressed with the group’s careful sensitivity for equality and sovereign rights for the native American people.”
