Blog: Voices of Decolonization

Traditionally, the strawberry ceremony is for girls after their first menstrual cycle. However, today it is offered to folks who identify as two spirit and to those who didn’t have the opportunity to participate...

by Esther Anne, Policy Associate II, Catherine Cutler Institute, University of Southern Maine and REACH volunteer and Amanda Hollander, Training Specialist, Office of Child and Family Services State of Maine, and REACH volunteer.  ...

  Some First Nation Chiefs are victims of shenanigans, not unlike the swindle behind the purchase of Manhattan. The federal government needs the support of Indigenous peoples to expand nuclear power generation capacity in...

  Oh grandfather, great spirit, my grandfather I come to you with open arms and a hungry spirit Our people have lost the ways of old Teachings you taught us to be one with natureWith the powers...

  Penobscot people have long been steadfast stewards of the fisheries within their homelands. At times this stewardship has involved defending, fighting and protecting the "resources," the ancient relatives, from degradation and harm. Other...

 Before colonization, the Wabanaki region was rich in food; Wabanaki Tribes had excellent knowledge of their environment and knew where to find each resource, when it was abundant, and in what quantities. They utilized...

  Lynn Amakehs (butterfly) Mitchell, Passamaquoddy citizen and Maine Indian Education Facilities Manager, is deeply committed to preserving her community's culture. Her unwavering dedication has earned her different awards, recognizing her service to her...

  “It wasn't me,” said the child caught red-handed. That's true – it wasn't me. I wasn't even born yet. Not until more than six decades after December 29, 1890. But it was still...

  REACH has been through many changes and transitions over the years, evolving from an idea of decolonization to becoming an official non-profit with a board, staff and many volunteers. It has been quite...

 A family of robinsAn adult pair and two juvenilesExplore the grassy yardIn front of my houseShaded by the maple treeLiving from this landTaking what they need For much of my lifeI underestimated robinsI thought...