Respecting Maine’s first peoples important

Mainers could take pride in two historic events that took place here the week of Jan. 6. One was the tremendous turnout of an estimated 5,000 people who spoke through their numbers that white supremacy has no place in Maine. The second was the inclusion of Penobscot Nation Chief Barry Dana and former Sub-Chief and Penobscot Elder Reuben Phillips in Gov. Baldacci’s inaugural ceremony.

To my knowledge, this was the first time a Maine governor had included representatives of Maine’s First People in a gubernatorial inauguration ceremony. It was a wonderful act of recognition by Gov. Baldacci and an honor to Chief Dana and Elder Phillips.

For those who did not see the event, Chief Dana sang and played a drum while Elder Phillips prepared sacred medicines and delivered a heart-felt Blessing that moved all who heard it. Elder Phillips then smudged the Governor, an act that signifies spiritual and physical cleansing. Chief Dana sang a sacred song called “The Medicine Man Song” (instead of the traditional “Welcome Song,” which was supposed to be sung by his sister).

What the governor had no way of knowing was the special significance of Chief Dana’s song selection. The Welcome Song is for everyone, friends and strangers alike. The Medicine Man Song is not normally shared with the general public, being a song that is sung in the Sacred Sweat Lodge. It is a song that caries with it the greatest of healing powers. The Chief decided at the last minute to sing this song because healing is what he wished to bestow upon the Governor, his family and the people of Maine. The Native Americans in attendance were taken by surprise because they were expecting the Welcome Song. Nonetheless, they rose to their feet and stood proud, accepting the Chief’s gift as their own.

Reuben Phillips gave a blessing, something he prepared for so that it could be perfect, because, in his cultural heritage, he was taught that a well-delivered blessing has the very real potential to heal and bring peace. Everyone who heard his words marveled at his eloquence and felt the redemptive quality of his message.

But, many listening to Gov. Baldacci’s inaugural speech were taken aback when he chose to reiterate his well-known public opposition to the development of a casino. The people of Maine did not expect to hear Gov. Baldacci repeat this position in that particular forum with his esteemed guests, Penobscot Nation members Barry Dana and Reuben Phillips, on stage with him. Fortunately, and to his credit, Governor Baldacci has realized the blunder and he recently apologized to Chief Dana for this inappropriateness.

Gov. Baldacci deserves a sincere thank-you from all Maine citizens for being the first to extend a long overdue honor to our Native friends. I am sure he was unaware that he even slightly insulted these good people in his speech. It was an honest mistake for which he should be forgiven. He should be praised for considering Native Americans as an integral part of the ceremony. Like Father Frank Murray, a Catholic priest, and Rabbi Harry Sky, Gov. Baldacci considered these Indians as representatives of the diversity of religious faiths practiced by the people of Maine. Yet, on the other hand, the Native Americans on that stage were different than the others because they not only represented a distinct religious tradition but also a sovereign people with a history many times longer than that of Maine.

At its core, sovereignty means self-determination, the right of a people to make decisions they deem appropriate according to their cultural traditions and laws. Many well meaning Mainers earnestly express their support for tribal sovereignty yet voice opposition to the Penobscot Nation’s and Passamaquoddy Tribe’s effort to pursue an economic development project that makes sense to them. One cannot support tribal sovereignty and simultaneously demand that the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe acquiesce to the demands that some Mainers have regarding casinos.

Nonetheless, largely due to the efforts of Gov. John Baldacci, the week of Jan. 6 moved Maine forward in its quest for justice. We all come closer to achieving this when we understand that we should not only warmly welcome the newest people arriving in Maine but also respect these who have lived here centuries before us and remain neighbors but a distinct people among us.

John C. Frachella is the chairperson for the Maine Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty, a coalition comprised of more than 17,000 members dedicated to advancing tribal sovereignty for all Native people.