Tomorrow, Bowdoin will host the Wabanaki Festival of Arts in an effort to familiarize students with various aspects of the Wabanaki culture. The event includes art exhibitions, as well as musical, cultural, and oral performances.
The term Wabanaki literally translates as "The Dawn Land" in Algonquian languages. It is used to refer to the general New England area, or to people who speak an Eastern Algonquian language. Members of the Wabanaki Confederacy include the Native Abenaki, Penobscot, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Mi'kmaq tribes.
Inspiration for this weekend's festival originated from a meeting last year between the leaders of the Maine branches of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Mi'kmaq, and Maliseet tribes, and the presidents of Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby.
The original goal was to find ways to increase the percentage of American Indian students who continue onto college. It also focused on improving Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby's reception of American Indian students. An Alternative Spring Break in March encouraged more of these students to attend college and sought to establish a relationship between Bowdoin and the Wabanaki,
The festival evolved as a means of celebrating the Wabanaki culture. Associate Professor of Anthropology Leslie Shaw highlighted the importance of building a relationship between Bowdoin and the four Maine tribes.
"The hope is that the Bowdoin community in general can become more familiar with the Wabanaki culture," she said, "and that the tribal artists can become more familiar with Bowdoin, and bring that information back to their communities."
The day-long series of events will take place in Smith Union. Two drum groups featuring the Sukulis and Burnurweurbskek singers will perform in the center of Morrell Lounge. There will be Native storytelling and traditional root carving. Forty tables of arts and crafts from artisans all over the state will be in Morrell Lounge.
The festival is from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.