HOULTON, Maine — For those who have ever wondered what it was like to be a Maliseet or simply curious about the Native American way of life, the Houlton Band of Maliseets will hold its annual 32nd annual Recognition Day ceremony Saturday.
Recognition Day is held each year to commemorate the anniversary of HBMI becoming a federally recognized tribe. On Oct. 10, 1980, the federal government officially recognized the Houlton Band of Maliseets as a Native American tribe.
“Each year we gather to celebrate our culture and heritage with those from other tribes and the general public,” said Tribal Chief Brenda Commander. “We usually have a big crowd and we are always pleased to have others come join us in our ceremony.”
The event typically draws more than 500 to the tribal lands, located on the Foxcroft Road. This year’s theme is “Nurturing Our Children,” Commander said, with an emphasis placed on the youth of the tribe.
The opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. with a smudging and pipe ceremony. Smudging is a purification ritual that is traditionally performed before all Native American events. The grand entry, complete with Maliseets dressed in authentic ceremonial clothes, takes place at 11 a.m.
A commemorative postal cancellation ceremony will be held at noon, with individuals able to get envelopes inked with the special stamp created by the U.S. Post Office for this event. From noon to 4 p.m., children’s games, hayrides, drumming, dancing and live music will take place. Bingo will also be held in the Maliseet Gymnasium from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
“We invite everyone to come out and experience our culture,” Commander said.
For more information, contact Dayna Boyce at 538-7142.
