Wabanaki Today
The Indian encampments are no longer part of the cultural or physical makeup of Mount Desert Island; however the Wabanaki have continued to have a presence here, as residents, visitors, artists, and educators. The spirit of camaraderie and community that existed in the camps continues through the annual Native American Festival, now in its 22 year. The Festival is a market for selling baskets and other Wabanaki crafts, but it is also an opportunity for tribal members from far reaching communities to come together, sharing their art, music, dance, and culture with each other, and with visitors. In addition to the Festival, many artists also sell their works through the Abbe Museum Shop and local galleries on the Island.
Wabanaki people serve as educators through programs at the Abbe Museum, Acadia National Park, and College of the Atlantic, sharing their history and contemporary story with people from all over the world. The open sharing that occurs between the Wabanaki and visitors helps to dispel stereotypes, create personal relationships, and establish Mount Desert Island as a unique place.
Clara and Rocky Keezer, Passamaquoddy, selling their baskets at the Native American Festival, 2010. (Photo by Dee Lustusky)
Wabanaki dancers at the Native American Festival, 2008. (Photo by Anna Travers)
Chris Sockalexis performs with Rez Dog Singers at the Abbe Museum, 2010.
Eric Otter Bacon, Passamaquoddy, demonstrating basket making at the Abbe Museum, 2009.