Monday, January 20, 2003
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.