ELLSWORTH and OLD TOWN, Maine, April 8, 2014 – Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Maine-Wabanaki REACH are calling for Days of Reflection, Prayer and Meditation, April 9–10. The Days correspond with visits to the Passamaquoddy communities of Motahkomikuk and Sipayik, when the TRC will be gathering statements about State child welfare experiences.
On Wed., April 9, the TRC Commissioners will visit the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township – Motahkomikuk. Then, on Thu., April 10, the TRC will be with the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Pleasant Point – Sipayik.
During this time, Passamaquoddy community members will be sharing with the TRC their painful experiences and stories of survival. This sharing is private and not open to the public.
During April 9–10, the TRC and REACH are asking individuals across Wabanaki and Maine communities to take a moment to pause in honor and solidarity with this historic process.
Individuals are also encouraged to share their thoughts, comments and wishes for those participating in the statement gathering by posting messages on the TRC and REACH Facebook and Twitter pages.
The next Statement Gathering will be May 1–2 when the TRC is scheduled to visit Wabanaki Health and Wellness in Bangor and the Penobscot Indian Nation.
The Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) addresses truths of Wabanaki experiences with child welfare to promote healing and change. It’s the nation’s first TRC to address child welfare and Native people.
Contact the TRC:
(207) 664-0280
TRC Facebook
TRC Twitter
Maine-Wabanaki REACH is a cross-cultural collaborative that promotes best child welfare practice through reconciliation, engagement, advocacy, change and healing activities for and between Wabanaki and Maine citizens, communities and governments.
Contact REACH:
Co-Director Esther Attean
(207) 615-3189
REACH Facebook
REACH Twitter
