Maliseets unveil six-unit family apartment complex

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
RIBBON CUTTING — A new, six-unit family apartment complex was dedicated Thursday by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, tribal member Dayna Boyce; resident Krista Greenleaf with her daughter Kenley Hatch; Barbara Hayslett, representative for Congressman Mike Michaud; Sharon Campbell, representative for Sen. Olympia Snow; Phil Bossie, representative for Sen. Susan Collins; USDA Undersecretary Dallas Tonsager; Brenda Commander, tribal chief; and USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — A new $1 million, six-unit family apartment complex located on tribal land was unveiled Thursday by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians during a ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured several distinguished guests.
    Construction of the facility, which is located off the Foxcroft Road, was made possible through a federal rural housing loan, as well as funds from the Maliseet tribe. Brenda Commander, tribal leader, said the opening was a welcomed addition for the Maliseet people.
    “Thirty years ago, we were very unorganized as a community and lived in horrible, sub-standard homes,” Commander said. “How far we have come is just unbelievable. I’m sure our ancestors are smiling down upon us today.”
    The housing complex, which goes by the name Metaksonekiyak, is the second family apartment complex to open in the past two years. In November, 2010, a $2 million, eight-unit complex opened. Commander said even with these additions, there was a waiting list of about 40 families seeking housing on tribal land.
    “As we grow as a community, I think there are people who want to come back to tribal land,” Commander said. “Plus there are new families coming together, so there will always be a need for more housing.”
    Tribal member Dayna Boyce opened the ribbon-cutting event with a smudging ceremony and prayer.
    “Creator, thank you for this beautiful day,” Boyce said. “Bless the four directions of this building and the tribal families who reside here. Guide them to walk the good red path.”
    Undersecretary Dallas Tonsager of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and USDA State Director Virginia Manuel were among the many honored guests for Thursday’s ceremony. Tonsager, who was sworn into office in May 2009, said he was impressed by the facility.
    “The other night, President Obama talked about building an economy that lasts,” Tonsager said. “My agency has been devoted to that kind of work for about seven decades. A really big part of what we do is work with people for their homes. Homes like this allow people to be in the community. If we don’t recognize the needs of every sector in housing, a community is not complete. This property will help make sure this community is complete.”
    Construction on the housing complex began in the fall of 2011 and was made possible through a $1 million federal rural housing loan and $142,264 from the tribe. Each apartment features two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living room.
    Also located on tribal land are a gymnasium, domestic violence program/shelter, an elders’ center, tribal headquarters and a soon-to-be opened medical center. The Houlton Band of Maliseets has been a federally recognized tribe since 1980.
    Representatives for U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Congressman Mike Michaud were also on hand and read letters of commendation.
    “This housing complex stands as a shining testament to the success of a strong partnership that will undoubtedly help shape a brighter future and enrich the lives of those who live here,” read Sharon Campbell, representative for Snowe.
    Phil Bossie, representative for Collins, read, “USDA Rural Development has a long history of supporting the construction of affordable housing in small communities. The completion of this housing project would not have been possible without a multi-family Rural Housing Loan from the USDA.”
    Barbara Hayslett, representative for Michaud, also read a statement. “Projects like this demonstrate the important role that the federal government has in strengthening communities, and I am pleased that USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager is on hand to participate in today’s celebration.  Partnerships like this serve as an example for others who are looking to improve their community.   Metaksonekiyak I is a model for all, and I congratulate Chief Brenda Commander and tribal leaders who have worked so hard to make this project a reality.”