Episode 13: Water is Life (Samaqan nit Pomawsuwakon)

The Aunties welcome two honored Passamaquoddy guests to the studio, Chief Pos Bassett and Attorney Corey Hinton. This is the first time a Wabanaki Chief has been in the studio and the Aunties are honored. Both Corey and Chief Bassett will discuss the history of the Sipayik Passamaquoddy water crisis, where have we been and where are we now. Maine, “the way life should be” is often how you see this state described. Maine has a brand, it is a brand that includes vast forests, beautiful coastlines, robust rivers, and clean air. While Wabanaki Territory (what some now call Maine) is a sacred home to Wabanaki people and has been for thousands of years, we know the risks deep within the land and created by the people. Passamaquoddy people have lived with dirty water for generations, poisonous water entering the community and homes of the people. Throughout the state of Maine, when water is unsafe, the response is fierce, and the problem is mitigated. For the Passamaquoddy people, the story has been different. Why? 

Wabanaki Words Used:

Apc-oc (again in the future, parting, good-bye, farewell) https://pmportal.org/dictionary/apc-oc

Topics Discussed:  

Corey Hinton - Corey Hinton Chambers Profile

Chief Bassett - Pos_Bassett – Sipayik Tribal Government

Maine Public Radio Clip - Clean drinking water bill for Passamaquoddy tribe draws a crowd

Read more about Clean Water for Passamaquoddy tribe in Sipayak - Support LD 906: Clean water for Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik

Samaqannihkuk Well - https://wabanaki.com/samaqannihkuk_well/

Passmaquoddy Water District - Passamaquoddy Water District – Informational

Carbon Filter - New filters to improve PWD water quality

Maine Public Radio/Chief Maggie Dana - Passamaquoddy Tribe Hopes New Solutions — And Sovereignty — Can Help Address Longstanding Water Problems | Maine Public

Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness Water Quality Program - The Water Quality Program

Brunswick, Maine Drinking Water Testing -  DEP tests drinking water from Brunswick homes after toxic spill

Rena Newell - Representative Rena Newell

Susan Collins - Susan Collins

Smokey’s BBQ - Smokey's BBQ

Wabanaki Tribal Nations:

Houlton Band of Maliseet Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Littleton, ME (maliseets.net)

Mi’kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation | Presque Isle, ME (micmac-nsn.gov)

Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township Passamaquoddy Tribe @ Indian Township | Peskotomuhkati Motahkomikuk

Passamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik Sipayik Tribal Government – Sipayik (wabanaki.com)

Penobscot Nation Penobscot Nation | Departments & Info | Indian Island, Maine

Special Thanks/Woliwon: 

Guests: Chief Pos Bassett, Corey Hinton 

Producer: Gavin Allen

Podcast Team: Becky Soctomah Bailey, Macy Flanders