Healing and the People of the First Light
May 8, 2023
Left to right: Chief William Nicholas — Passamaquoddy at Motahkomikuk, Chief Maggie Dana — Passamaquoddy at Sipayik, Vice Chief Richard Silliboy — Aroostook Band of Micmac (Mi’kmaq) Standing back to Chief Clarissa Sabattis — Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (Holding the scissors), Lisa Sockabasin — CO-CEO WPHW, Sharon Jordan — CO-CEO, and not pictured, Chief Kirk Francis — Penobscot Nation
Since the opening of the Center for Wabanaki Healing and Recovery in 2021, the use of the facility has soared. The center is the first of its kind, east of the Mississippi River, to offer treatment for those seeking to use native practices, traditions, medicines, and the land to recover from addiction and substance use disorder.
The participating tribes are the Maliseet, Micmac, Penobscot, and the Passamaquoddy, known together as the “People of the Dawnland.” Tradition is at the heart of the healing path to undergird this successful recovery using native practices. Indigenous people are coming together to consider how they heal, thrive, and share their culture.
"For tens of thousands of years Wabanaki people have known how to maintain balance and wellness. In our recent history we have also learned things that have unbalanced us. Together our communities are working to restore that balance. The healing of our people and communities will benefit all of us." Lisa Sockabasin ~ Co-CEO Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness.
Across generation, a wholistic approach helps families join and heal. Activities include sacred fire teachings, beading, storytelling, shelter building, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, individual therapy, case management, two and three generational supports for families. Outdoor activities include fiddle-heading, berry picking, snowshoeing, canoeing, and rafting. Focused on what is sacred and what has truly sustained health and spirit, actions include:
- Opportunity House opened in Bangor for men as the first tribal recovery home in New England to cater to individuals who suffer from substance misuse and provides healing and hope.
- A Healing Lodge concurrently opened for all Wabanaki tribal members with a focus on culture, ceremony, and healing. Talking Circles, Sweat Lodges, Pipe Ceremonies, Sacred Fires and Language are at its core. This locale is cultural refuge for support in recovery.
- A medicine walk on the Penobscot River includes cat tails, wild raspberry, white birch trees, yarrow, chaga, white pine and maple. (Maple syrup is considered a gift from the Creator to the Wabanaki people). Participants walk the paths, gardens and utilize the traditional medicines.
- A new community-oriented transitional living program for women in recovery opened. Breaking the Cycle also supports residents in healing and reconnecting with their families.
- A mobile food pantry returns traditional Wabanaki food systems to community wellness. The pantry promotes Wabanaki food, such as smoked fish and dandelions. People connect to their ancestors and elders through recipes and what roots and grows well from their land.
- Indigenous Alaskan and Greenlandic colleagues visited to discuss healing and sharing of practices among indigenous communities. These conversations model cross-continent dialogue, honoring healing practice from centuries past, weaving them with current science and research.
- A cultural tourism opportunity in discussion where the public will learn of Wabanaki traditions that have taken place for 10,000 years.
- Wabanaki culture will be threaded into a cultural tourism plan. This might include snowshoeing, a medicine plant walking tour, a smudge ceremony, and heritage conversations with elders.
- The Center for Wabanaki Research, Knowledge and Innovation is also exploring memory challenges with a focus on elders. Are the current screening tools for the public diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other aging related disorders well for indigenous populations?
In a precedent -setting partnership, the federal agencies at HHS, HRSA, ACL, SAMHSA, ACF and USDA have been working with the tribes to support their vision and goals. Each agency has brought resources in policy opportunity and/or funds. The federal agencies meet every other week with the Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness staff, to assure the needs and learnings are upheld with care.
"Healing through ancient practices brings a river of wisdom, trust, and pride. The land informs the process with herbs, familiar footing, and tenacity. The Wabanaki public health leaders, in partnership with certain federal leaders, are building out a memorable community of healing and transformation." - Elaine Zimmerman, ACF Region 1
“To see, touch, and feel the transition that Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness is providing to community and supporters is heartfelt and necessary. SAMHSA central and regional leadership has explored the Wabanaki healing trails, toured the newest recovery safe-haven and home for women, as well as championed Wellbriety, a culturally holistic approach to recovery and wellness. It is our desire to continue to stand in collaboration and celebration with WPHW and our HHS family.” - Taylor Bryan Turner, Region 1 SAMHSA
“This day captures the power of collaboration. HHS Region 1 is pleased to join the Tribal Leaders and Wabanaki members in this exciting opportunity that shows how Tribal, State and Federal partners can make a difference” - Paul Jacobsen, HHS Region 1
