Way of the Wabanaki Cultural Canoe Trip

We begin with a half-day paddle from Passadumkeag down the main branch of the Penobscot River to the Sugar Island cultural site. Then we spend two days and three nights on Sugar Island, where we learn about medicinal plants with Jennifer Neptune, Penobscot place names and the stories and meanings behind them, and the history and culture of the Penobscots.

We’ll also watch drumming and singing demonstrations and ancestral history of the Penobscot people by Chris Sockalexis. You can weave your own basket, learn how a birch bark canoe is built, paddle in a birch bark canoe, and explore the surrounding islands.

On our last day, we canoe to Indian Island for a tour by James Francis, director of Cultural, History, and Preservation, and visit the Penobscot Cultural Museum. To view the trip itinerary, click here.

SUGGESTED READING

• Dancing With A Ghost by Rupert Ross
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Above the Gravel Bar; Native Canoe Routes in Maine by David Cook
• The Maine Woods by Henry David Thoreau
• Penobscot Man by Frank Speck
• The Penobscot Man by Fanny Hardy Eckstorm
• Still They Remember Me by Carol Dana

PRICE INCLUDES

1. All food and paddling, camping gear.
2. Transport from Black Bear Inn, Orono.
3. One Mahoosuc Guide.
4. Two Penobscot Guides.
5. Numerous Penobscot cultural educators for various activities.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

1. Accommodations at Black Bear Inn, Orono.
2. Meals if needed in Orono.

Learning the History & Culture of the Penobscot People

The ancestors of the Penobscot people, known as The People of the Red Paint, have inhabited what we now call Maine for nearly 13,000 years. This is a truly unique experience that enables participants to spend time with and learn from a number of the members of the Penobscot Nation. There will be a core of two or three Penobscot guides with us for the duration of the trip as well as numerous guest presenters to cover topics such as how to make pounded ash baskets, the edible and medicinal uses of plants, and the construction, use, and importance of àkwitǝn (Penobscot word for canoe, meaning “like a leaf on the water”). You will have the opportunity to paddle a birch bark canoe. There will also be an explanation and demonstration of traditional Penobscot drumming and singing, and we will do an in-depth exploration into Penobscot place names and their meaning in Maine’s canoe country. A highlight of every trip is a campfire session hosted by James Francis, the Penobscot Nation’s Cultural and Historic Preservation Director, entitled “Anything You’ve Ever Wanted to Ask An Indian”. The following is a more descriptive list of the guest presenters and cultural activities that you will be able to participate in.

Cultural Activities and Workshops

One of the highlights of the Way of the Wabanaki Cultural Canoe Trip is the diverse range of cultural activities and workshops that allow participants to engage with Penobscot culture on a deeper level. These hands-on experiences, led by knowledgeable local experts, provide invaluable insights into the traditions, skills, and knowledge passed down through generations.

Medicinal Plants with Jennifer Neptune

• Participants will join Jennifer Neptune, a renowned Penobscot herbalist, as she shares her expertise on local medicinal plants. Discover how to identify and use these plants for various health benefits and learn about their significance in Penobscot culture and healing practices.
• Through this workshop, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of the Penobscot people with the natural world and the wisdom inherent in their traditional healing methods.

 Penobscot Place Names, Stories, and Meanings with James Francis

• Delve into the rich history and folklore of the Penobscot people as you explore the stories and meanings behind various place names in the region. Uncover the origins and significance of these names, which reveal the deep connection the Penobscot have with their ancestral lands.
• This workshop will enhance your understanding of the Penobscot worldview and foster a deeper connection to the landscape as you continue your journey.

Drumming and Singing Demonstrations and Ancestral History of the Penobscot People by Chris Sockalexis

• Experience the power and beauty of Penobscot music as Chris Sockalexis, a skilled drummer and singer, leads demonstrations of traditional drumming and singing techniques. Learn about the role of music in Penobscot ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling.
• Through these captivating performances, participants will gain an appreciation for the rich artistic heritage of the Penobscot people and the vital role music plays in their culture.
• Chris is a trained archeologist and serves as the Penobscot Nation’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. As such, he is very knowledgeable about the Penobscot’s ancestral history going back 13,000 years.

Hands-on Activities

• Basket Weaving: Immerse yourself in the age-old craft of Penobscot basket weaving as you learn the techniques and materials used to create these beautiful and functional works of art. Bring home a handwoven treasure as a reminder of your time learning from the Penobscot people. This will be taught by Jennifer Neptune.
  
• Birch Bark Canoe Building and Paddling: Gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the birch bark canoe to the Penobscot way of life. Learn the intricate process of building these traditional vessels and have the opportunity to paddle one yourself. This hands-on experience will leave you with a profound appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship of the Penobscot people. This session will be led by Jason Pardilla, who helped in the construction of several traditional Penobscot birch bark canoes.
  

These cultural activities and workshops are the foundation of the Way of the Wabanaki Cultural Canoe Trip, providing participants with an unforgettable and enriching journey into the heart of Penobscot culture.

For trip itinerary, click here

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