About the Film
The Wabanaki
The Wabanaki People are known as the “People of the Dawnland.”
They are an indigenous First Nations people from five nations: The Abenaki, the Maliseet – whose traditional name is Wolastoqiyik, the Mi’kmaq, the Passamaquoddy, and the Penobscot. Their heritage and their lands are within the area that is today know as Maine, New Hampshire and the Canadian Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island and some of Quebec.) They are descendants of people who inhabited these lands since before recorded history. Wabanaki have closely related Algonquian languages, traditions, social organization, and migration patterns, which unite the Wabanaki across their homelands. This documentary film takes place across their lands. We the “Voices from the Barrens” film family extend our respect and gratitude to the Wabanaki people for sharing their recollections, traditions and way of life.
Passamaquoddy Elder at Ancestral Canoe Journey, Motahkomikuk to Sipayk.
Additional Research & Information:
Abbe Museum, Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, Bar Harbor, Maine
Houston Band of Maliseet Indians
Passamaquoddy Tribe
Peskotomukati Motahkomikuk (Indian Township)
Peskotomukati Sipayik (Pleasant Point)
Peskotomukati Nation at Skutik
Penobscot Nation
Canadian First Nations
featured in the film
Ancestral Canoe Journey departs from the West Branch of the St. Croix River, Motahkomikuk, Maine
Hand made Birch bark canoe - Detail
Traditional Journey arrives at Sipayik Community, Passamaquoddy Bay, Maine
Indian Day’s Celebration, Sipayik Community, Maine
Passamaquoddy girl Dancing at Indian Days Celebration
Tribal Hall at Elsipogtog, N.B.
Mi’kmaq craft
