It is important to acknowledge that our work at Friends of Acadia and all of Acadia National Park itself falls within the homeland and territory of the Wabanaki, the People of the Dawnland, which includes the federally-recognized tribes of the Micmac, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot people.

Indigenous people have lived in close relationship with these lands and waters since time immemorial – in the face of many challenges and injustices – and continue to do so today. This long history certainly dwarfs our time as a park (105 years) and an organization (35 years).

Friends of Acadia believes that efforts to preserve and protect this place can only benefit from greater awareness of, and deeper partnership with, the tribes who are living and working here today. While this has been lacking for most of the history of conservation as we know it, we are encouraged that there is now forward progress happening in this regard at Acadia and throughout Maine.

There is so much more work we can do. Friends of Acadia aspires to be a partner and resource in this important work.

The Tribes:

Aroostook Band of Micmacs
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
Penobscot Indian Nation
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township
Passamaquoddy at Sipayik

Please visit the links below to learn about the history of these tribes, contemporary Indigenous issues, and ways you can be of support:

Abbe Museum
Wabanaki Alliance
Passamaquoddy Peoples’ Knowledge Portal
First Light Learning Journey
Wabanaki REACH