For centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America, the Wabanaki, or People of the Dawn plied Maine's rocky coastal waters in their canoes to harvest the abundant resources here. Rare sandy beaches, such as Pemaquid, became meeting places where the people would gather to rest, trade, gossip and feast on the bounty of the land and sea. The many ancient shell middens in the Damariscotta area attest to these gatherings. As fishermen and traders began to arrive, Native people such as Samoset were there to greet them.
From 2004 through 2007, a Native American Recognition Celebration was been held at the beach in appreciation for all who passed this way. The success and community enthusiasm in this 1-day event built to where, in 2008, there was be a full 6 days of celebration of Native American culture and history in the Pemaquid peninsula region.
Among the many offerings were demonstrations of Native crafts, field trips to ancient sites, and storytelling and concerts by performers of Native descent. Thursday and Friday evening Castlebay presented their historic drama, The Grand Design, which chronicles the true story of a group of Scots-Irish coming to the new world in 1741 and their encounters with Native people. Throughout the celebration, restaurants featured traditional Native dishes and local shops had special sales and displays.
Wabanaki Days aims to honor the Native presence in the Pemaquid and Damariscotta region and to emphasize the peaceful, family-centered and ancestor-honoring traits of these earliest stewards of the land. By offering authentic educational and participatory events, the organizers of Wabanaki Days hope to instill an understanding and appreciation for Maine's First People. We invite you to walk in their footsteps and join in the celebration of their ancient land.
Wabanaki Days 2009 is being organized by a collaboration of Beachcombers' Rest Nature Center, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Town of Bristol Parks and Recreation Commission, Friends of Colonial Pemaquid and Midcoast Kayaks.
For more information or to volunteer to help, contact the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce at (207) 563-8340 or email info@WabanakiDays.org.
This year the festival will run from July 20 through July 26. Details about events and presenters will be added to the schedule as they are determined.