Last updated 11/8/2007
This page visited 12062 times since Jan-2004.
About Our Non-Profit Organization
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Who are we ?
A Maine nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3) public charity, established in March 1997 to explore and share topics relating to the Abenaki Indian and their Euroamerican relationships in Western Maine, past and present.
Gary Labbe - Secretary, Public Relations Director
Ronald Charest (aka Grey Hawk) - Vice President
Nancy Lecompte (aka Canyon Wolf) - President/Treasure, Programs and Research Director
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Why Do We Exist ?
Western Maine was originally inhabited by the Abenaki people. European people established settlements in this region beginning in the 1600's. Most written histories tell us the Abenaki disappeared from this land about 200 years ago. However, this region appears to have a large population with Abenaki ancestry. For many, the history of this region will never be complete until it includes the stories of these people and their relationship to the development of the region.
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What Is Our Mission ?
- To Promote an understanding of the history of the Abenaki people in this region.
- To Preserve the fragments of Abenaki culture that may still exist in this region.
- To Determine the types of cooperation between the Abenaki and European people that may have improved the lives of either group.
- To Extinguish cultural stereotypes that lead to ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination between cultures.
- To Encourage pride in the multicultural history of the region.
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How Do We Accomplish Our Mission ?
Through Exploration (Research)
This organization provides a central data base of knowledge relating to the Abenaki in Western Maine. Topics include colonial wars, captives, friendships, local town histories, and intermarriages with Euroamerican settlers. Because of the Abenaki's semi-nomadic life style and war related migrations, much of New Hampshire, Vermont, Quebec, and Maine are included in our research area.
Our research began with the entry of existing documented information into a computerized data base. This project is expanding to include genealogical research, family photos & heirlooms, and searches for new sources. We encourage genealogists, students, and professional researchers to contribute materials to our data base.
Through Sharing (Education)
-- This organization works to educate the general public through our extensive web site offerings.
-- We have developed a list of suggested books and tapes relating to Native history & culture in the Northeast.
-- We have an outreach program geared towards local nonprofit organizations, such as historical and genealogical societies.
-- Unfortunately, we are no long able to offer classroom programs for schools
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How Do We Fund Our Organization ?
We have faith in our mission. We have faith that we will always find the funding required to carry out this mission. To this end, we work to secure grants and donations. However, ultimately, it will be the support of the general public that will determine our degree of success. Donations from organizations that use our programs are encouraged.
If you find this web site or our mission important to you
PLEASE MAKE A DONATION- of money, time, or research materials
so that we may continue providing and improving our offerings to the general public.
How to Contact Us
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What Are Our Long Range Goals ?
We dream of having a facility to house a research room and museum.
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The Challenge We Face !
We often find that descendants of Native-Euroamerican marriages deny their Indian heritage or find their European ancestry disgusting. These views are out of balance. We live in a world of tremendous cultural diversity. We must learn to understand cultural differences and accept them for what they are. We need to start at home, by learning about our own numerous cultural heritages.
Very few people come into this world belonging 100% to any culture. We must learn not to throw stones when we live in glass houses. We must share what we learn with our children. We must help people understand the historic environments which create our differences. We must demonstrate that different is not bad ! We must set the example by showing tolerance and respect for all other beings.
The adventure that this organization has embarked upon is about knowledge of history, culture, community, family, and self. Our itinerary does not include the politics of treaty rights, land claims, tribal recognition, high stake bingo, gambling casinos, or government entitlements.
Our path will take us into the shadows of history to learn, the light of day to share our knowledge, and the hearts of human beings as the healing begins. What an exciting trip we have planned ! Please join in our journey, as we assist our friends, relatives, and neighbors to relearn our history and become proud of who we are.
- - K'chi Wliwni Nidobak (Great thanks my friends)
