PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 11, 2021
Monday marked the third celebration of the holiday since 2019, when Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation that changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. But so far, outdoor cultural and natural history events that teach Wabanaki culture on a day meant to celebrate it are hard to find at many of the state’s 100 or so land trusts. Wabanaki leaders and some in the conservation community hope and believe that will change. To see a land trust create and host events about Wabanaki history of their own accord, as the Falmouth Land Trust has done – without prompting or assistance from tribal leaders – is a sign of progress, said Donald Soctomah, the historic preservation officer for the Passamaquoddy tribe.