LITTLETON, Maine — The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians’ 45th Annual Metaksonekiyak Community Days celebration kicks off at 7 a.m. next Saturday with a pipe ceremony, followed by smudging and the grand entry at noon.
The two-day event on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 celebrates the long and storied history of the region’s native people through traditional ceremonies, stories, dancing, drumming, games, food and fun.
Open to the general public, the event typically draws hundreds to the tribal lands located on 88 Bell Road in Littleton.
Formerly named Recognition Day, tied to its recognition as a nation by the federal government, the band changed the event name for its 43rd celebration. At the time, Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis said it seemed more appropriate to celebrate their whole history, not a day when the government said they were a nation.
A tribal committee selected the name, Metaksonekiyak, which means “people of the Meduxnekeag River.” The area of the river near their tribal lands was a nexus for canoe travelers, known as “the place of worn moccasins” because there are so many jagged rocks at that point in the river, Sabattis said.
As is tradition, the ceremonial regalia of eagle feathers, furs, beads and multicolored fabrics accent the grand entry led by the tribal chief at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
However, the ceremonial arbor that the drummers sat under for decades will not be at this year’s event because severe insect damage destroyed it, said organizer Joe Cyr.
New this year, the Wilderness Pines Campground will have its new food truck on site, along with about four other food vendors. Additionally, following the annual community meal at the community center on Saturday, the event will continue back at the Bell Road location for special dancing and drumming competitions and, weather permitting, fireworks, Cyr said.
“I have more than 30 vendors signed up to attend including a variety of Native American artists who will be selling artwork, jewelry, quilts,” he added.
The Community Days events also include bingo, a shawl ceremony, cribbage and cornhole tournaments, tug-of-war, three-legged race and prizes for those dancing in regalia. Kids will have the chance to make suncatchers, mandala coasters, shoe keychains and jewelry.
The Saturday portion runs until 8:30 p.m. and Sunday until 3 p.m.
