Traditional drumming, dancing and singing are just some of the spectacular
hallmarks of “Indian Days,” the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s annual celebration of
tribal culture, scheduled for Aug. 9-11 at the Pleasant Point reservation near
Perry.
For three days before the event, “warrior canoeists” from the tribe’s sister
reservation at Indian Township will be making their way down the St. Croix River
and Passamaquoddy Bay to help kick off the celebration on Friday.
The public is invited to learn about tribal customs and culture and to
participate in scheduled events which, among others, will include a four-mile
“warrior run,” canoe race, sweat lodge ceremony, museum tours, children’s
games, bingo and traditional dancing.
Members of the public also will have an opportunity to speak on a subject
selected by a tribal member at a “talking circle,” a tradition rarely shared with
non-Indians.
The nation’s easternmost tribe has lived on Passamaquoddy Bay for 12,000
years. The Passamaquoddy is the first Indian nation to greet the sun each day
and it is the only coastal tribe in Maine that survived European contact.
The tribe, with 3,300 members, is part of the Wabanaki Confederacy, a
group comprised of four northeastern tribes in Maine and Canada, who will be
attending the celebration.
A fireworks display alongside Passamaquoddy Bay and an evening dance
will cap Saturday’s activities, which also include the Annual Diabetes Health
Walk and free diabetes screening.
Tribal dancing throughout Sunday afternoon can be expected to draw the
largest number of participants and observers. Several drum groups, including the
children’s Little Eagles, beat traditional songs as everyone is encouraged to
dance.
A traditional meal of moose meat, hulled corn soup and Tom Francis fry
bread, among other dishes, will be served after the dance on Sunday.
More than 30 vendors from the Passamaquoddy and other East Coast tribes
will sell handmade goods, such as plain and fancy baskets, beadwork, wood
carvings, clothing, and mooseskin slippers as well as healing herbs, teas and
lobsters harvested by Passamaquoddy tribal members.
Tent seating is limited at Sunday’s inter-tribal dance, so organizers urge
guests to bring a chair, blanket and umbrella.
Planners also note that Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are scheduled each
day of the event, which is alcohol- and drug-free.
Visit the Passamaquoddy website at Wabanki or call the tribal government
office at 207-853-2600 for more information.