Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together

You're warmly invited to join us on October 8 in Freeport for Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together, our annual celebration of progress, partnership, and the continued fight for Wabanaki sovereignty and justice.

The Wabanaki Alliance formed in 2020 when the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and Penobscot Nation joined together to work to improve upon the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act (MISCA) and educate the public on tribal histories and communities.

Over the past five years, the Wabanaki Alliance has achieved significant milestones - demonstrating the power of persistent advocacy and strong partnerships. We have seen improved relations with the state government, fostering a more collaborative environment for dialogue and progress. Our bipartisan efforts have been crucial in building bridges across political divides, ensuring that the critical issues facing the Wabanaki Nations resonate with a broad spectrum of policymakers. These successes include advancing key legislation that strengthens tribal jurisdiction and increasing public understanding of Wabanaki inherent rights. We have laid essential groundwork, moving closer to true self-determination. 

Our work is vital. We are actively engaged in:

• Advancing Tribal Sovereignty: Advocating for legislative changes that recognize and affirm the Wabanaki Nations' inherent rights to self-governance, economic development, and resource management, bringing us in line with other federally recognized tribes across the United States.
• Promoting Economic Opportunity: Supporting initiatives that foster sustainable economic growth within Wabanaki communities, creating jobs and pathways to prosperity that benefit all of Maine.
• Protecting Natural Resources: Working to ensure the stewardship of ancestral lands and waters, recognizing the deep connection between the Wabanaki people and the environment.
• Preserving Culture and Language: Championing programs that revitalize Wabanaki languages, traditions, and cultural practices for future generations.

This gathering is where we will celebrate our progress, discuss future strategies, and strengthen our collective voice.

We invite you to join us as we continue to move forward together.

To seize these critical opportunities and continue our impactful advocacy, we urgently need the sustained and significant investment of supporters like you.

Your generous contribution will directly enable us to:

 

• Expand our advocacy efforts: Strengthen our presence in Augusta and Washington D.C., ensuring Wabanaki voices are central to policy decisions.
• Invest in community-led initiatives: Provide resources for programs focused on economic development, health, education, and cultural preservation within the Nations.
• Amplify public education: Reach wider audiences to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Wabanaki history, rights, and contributions, particularly through our upcoming community outreach.

Your support is instrumental in making this pivotal gathering a success, directly supporting the community outreach and strategic planning necessary to secure a just and prosperous future for the Wabanaki Nations.

This year we are excited to honor John Banks, Brianne Lolar, and Emma Soctomah for their support, friendship, and dedication to the Wabanaki Alliance and Wabanaki people.

Our successes would not be possible without the generous support of allies like you.

We hope to see you on October 8th!