Message from the Chief

Dear tribal citizens,

As many of you are aware elder Reuben Butch Phillips has passed away.   We are all saddened by this news and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and our community.    

Butch was a former tribal leader proudly serving as Vice-Chief and as Representative to the Maine State Legislature.  He was a very spiritual person, and our Penobscot culture was central to his life.  He loved to hunt and fish.  Butch was also a very active member of our community, always willing to share history, open gatherings and other events with sacred prayer, and the first to join in our traditional dancing.  He will be deeply missed.

His passing is a huge loss for our community and to the many who, like me, considered him a friend; someone we could turn to for advice. He was the epitome of a traditional elder and we will honor his life by postponing our Community Days activities until a later date, which will be announced as soon as possible.

We appreciate your understanding and graciousness as we keep Butch’s family, friends, and the entire community in our thoughts during this time of mourning and loss.  I understand that these losses sometimes seem never-ending and overwhelming but know that we will get through this together.

Lastly, I want to thank our staff and community response teams who have provided support to our families and community during these times of grieving.

Sincerely,

Kirk E. Francis, Chief