INDIGENOUS 2024
Started in 2021 as a small live performance to celebrate Indigenous culture and music, this regional event has evolved into a multi-day experience offering opportunities for learning, engaging, healing, and celebrating. This year, INDIGENOUS 2024 focuses on healing and engagement, while celebrating and supporting the sovereignty of Wabanaki people, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of recognition and respect.
Through this collaborative effort, a number of inclusive experiences are planned for the week leading up to Indigenous People’s Day and the day itself. This community effort is coordinated by Firefly The Hybrid, Abbe Museum, College of the Atlantic, Friends of Acadia, Healthy Acadia, The Jackson Laboratory, and YWCA MDI.
LEARN. ENGAGE. CELEBRATE.
All of the following experiences are FREE due to our generous sponsors.
If you’d like to make a donation towards INDIGENOUS 2024 click the link at the bottom of the page.
Experience 1
Strengthening Relationships with Cultural Competency: Increasing Understanding of the Passamaquoddy Tribe with Elizabeth Neptune
Sunday October 6th
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: MDI YWCA 36 Mount Desert St. Bar Harbor, Maine - Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m., join nationally-recognized facilitator Elizabeth Neptune for “Strengthening Relationships with Cultural Competency: Increasing Understanding of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.” This in-person-only event will take place at YWCA MDI, 36 Mt Desert St., Bar Harbor, Maine - Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory.
Experience 2
Our Bodies Carry our Personal Stories and the Stories of Our Ancestors: Reconciling the Harmful Effects of Historical Trauma While Focusing on our Individual Healing Journeys with Donna Decontie-Brown.
Wednesday, October 9th
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Location: MDI YWCA, 36 Mt Desert St., Bar Harbor, Maine - Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory.
On Wednesday, October 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., join Donna Decontie-Brown for “Our Bodies Carry Our Personal Stories and the Stories of Our Ancestors: Reconciling the Harmful Effects of Historical Trauma While Focusing on our Individual Healing Journeys with Donna Decontie-Brown.” This in-person-only event will be held at YWCA MDI, 36 Mt Desert St., Bar Harbor, Maine - Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory.
Experience 3
Film Screening of “We Are The Warriors”
Thursday, October 10th
Doors Open at 5:30pm
Film Starts at 6:00pm
Location: Gates Community Center, College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, Maine, Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory
On Thursday, October 10, the community is invited to a screening of the documentary film “We Are the Warriors,” with a panel discussion to follow. The film tells the story of a small Maine town deciding the fate of its American Indian mascot after facing public allegations of racist behavior at a high school football game. This event is co-presented by College of the Atlantic and the Abbe Museum, and will take place at Gates Community Center, College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, Maine, Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory. Doors open at 5:30 p.m, film starts at 6 p.m. Followed by a panelist discussion/Q & A. Film is 72 minutes long and the panel discussion lasts roughly 45 minutes. Seats are first come first served. Panelists include David Camlin and Megan Grumbling - the Co-Directors/Producers of the film, and Christiana Becker (Curator of Education at the Abbe Museum).
Experience 4
Firefly with Special Guest Performers
Saturday, October 12th
Doors Open at 7:00pm
Show Starts at 7:30pm (Running time approximately 60-90 minutes)
Location: Gates Community Center, College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, Maine, Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory
On Saturday, October 12, the community is invited to spend a special evening with Firefly the Hybrid and Family for a live performance to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Everyday, at the Gates Community Center, College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine - Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Akwunnu - All Are Welcome.
Experience 5
Free Admission to the Abbe Museum
Monday, October 14th - 10:00am - 5:00pm Indigenous Peoples Day
Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor, Maine- Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory
On Monday, October 14, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine - Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory, will offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore some of the most important collections of Wabanaki cultural material and art in the world at this Native-led Smithsonian Affiliated museum in the heart of Bar Harbor, Maine at Pesumkuk in Wabanaki Territory. The Abbe Museum has developed a Wabanaki Allies Guide, focused on Sovereignty, to help attendees go deeper in the understanding and activation in support of the Wabanaki Nations. To explore this excellent source of information and pathways for action, visit https://www.abbemuseum.org/2023-allies-guide.
Experience 6
Sacred Medicine Printmaking Workshop
Monday, October 14th - 1:00pm - 3:00pm Indigenous Peoples Day
Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor, Maine- Pesumkuk, Wabanaki Territory
Also on Monday, October 14, join Christiana Becker for a Sacred Medicine Printmaking Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Abbe Museum. During the workshop you will hear what the four sacred medicines are and can print an already carved linoleum plate of the sacred medicine, cedar, to take home with you. Christiana is a part of the Penobscot Nation and is the Curator of Education at the museum. Becker holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education, and a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Intermedia from the University of Maine. The research that shapes the creation of her art practice explores the history, culture, and sociopolitical pressures of North American Indigenous peoples, using those topics as a springboard to creating art.
RSVP is strongly encouraged, though not required, for these free events. To register for one or more of the INDIGENOUS 2024 experiences, visit https://forms.gle/1xorCQrTEN7CsNHs8. All events are offered free of charge, and donations are greatly appreciated to make this work possible. To donate online go to bit.ly/support_indigenous2024.
How can I help?
How can I help?
Sovereignty Guide for Allies
Created by the Abbe Museum, this Ally Guide is an excellent source of information for those who are compelled to help but don’t know where to begin.
Make a Donation
Your donation will go directly toward helping produce the Indigenous 2023 week of experiences. Woliwon - Thank You
