Wabanaki Windows | WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Part 4 of America at 250: A Wabanaki Perspective examines the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement of 1980 and its lasting impact on the Wabanaki Nations and the State of Maine. Host Donna Loring is joined by Dr. Harald Prins and Dr. Darren Ranco to explore the historical circumstances surrounding the Land Claims, what the State and the Tribes gained through the Settlement, and the continuing questions of Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, land rights, and economic development. The discussion considers how the Settlement shaped the relationship between Maine and the Wabanaki Nations and what it means for their future. Guest/s:  Dr. Harald E. L. Prins, Anthropologist and scholar of Wabanaki history. Darren Ranco, Professor of Anthropology, University of Maine; Penobscot Nation citizen. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 10/27/26: America’s 250th from a Wabanaki Perspective, Part 4 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Part 3 of America at 250: A Wabanaki Perspective explores the history of the Wabanaki Nations from Maine statehood in 1820 toward the Indian Land Claims of the 1970s. Host Donna Loring is joined by Dr. Harald Prins and Dr. Darren Ranco to discuss treaty relationships, the 1833 Penobscot Remonstrance, land and resource rights, state policies toward Tribal sovereignty, assimilation, political recognition, and the continuing struggle of the Wabanaki Nations to protect their sovereignty and rights. Guest/s:  Dr. Harald E. L. Prins, Anthropologist and scholar of Wabanaki history. Darren Ranco, a member of the Penobscot Nation and Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Native American Studies at the University of Maine. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 9/22/26: America’s 250th from a Wabanaki Perspective, Part 3 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: American Revolution, the treatment of Wabanaki after the Revolution. Guest/s:  Prof Harald Prins, Emertus at Kansas State University, PhD. Darren Ranco, a member of the Penobscot Nation and Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Native American Studies at the University of Maine. Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Ambassador for the Maliseet Nation. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 8/25/26: America’s 250th from a Wabanaki Perspective, Part 2 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Prior to 1776 and until just before Maine Statehood. Guest/s:  Prof Harald Prins, Emertus at Kansas State University, PhD. Darren Ranco, a member of the Penobscot Nation and Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Native American Studies at the University of Maine. Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Ambassador for the Maliseet Nation. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 6/23/26: America’s 250th from a Wabanaki Perspective, Part 1 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Traditional knowledge of Birch Bark Canoe Making. Guest/s:  Sage Phillips, Grand daughter, the late Reuben Phillips Penobscot Elder, James Francis Penobscot Historian. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 5/26/26: Tribute to Penobscot Elder Reuben (Butch) Phillips first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Thousands of acres of Wabanaki Lands used to finance growth of Bowdoin and Colby. What should these Institutions do for restitution? What do you think? Guest/s:  Rueben Shafir, reporter for Maine Trust for Local News. Prof. Harald Prins, anthropologist and ethnohistorian who has worked with Wabankai communities for decades. Prof. Darren Ranco, Penobscot Citizen and Anthropology prof at the University of Maine. FMI: www.pressherald.com/2026/03/31/how-maines-elite-private-colleges-sold-wabanaki-land-to-bankroll-early-construction/ www.hcn.org/issues/52-4/indigenous-affairs-education-land-grab-universities/ About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 4/28/26: Elite Colleges like Bowdoin and Colby and Wabanaki Lands first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Research conclusions by Evan Richert and Roger Milliken Jr. They find the Wabanaki Tribes understanding of the Maine Indian Land Claims is the correct one. Guest/s:  Prof. Darren Ranco, a member of the Penobscot Nation, Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Native American Studies at the University of Maine. Prof. Harald Prins, emeritus at Kansas State University. Evan Richert, former member of the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission. Roger Milliken Jr., Chairs board of Baskahegan Company. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 3/24/26: Maine Land Claims Research & Conclusions first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: History and purpose of bill before the Legislature this session. Guest/s:  Mualian Bryant, Executive Director of Wabanaki Alliance. www.wabanakialliance.com Darren Ranco is a member of the Penobscot Nation and a scholar of Native American studies. He knew Charles as an elder and community leader and has worked to ensure that Charles’s story is understood within the larger context of Indigenous service, sovereignty, and survival. Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseets. Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 2/24/26: Wabanaki Alliance, Part 2 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: This episode describes the history of the organization, its mission and its goals. Guest/s:  Mualian Bryant, Executive Director of Wabanaki Alliance. www.wabanakialliance.com Darren Ranco is a member of the Penobscot Nation and a scholar of Native American studies. He knew Charles as an elder and community leader and has worked to ensure that Charles’s story is understood within the larger context of Indigenous service, sovereignty, and survival. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 1/27/26: Wabanaki Alliance first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Host: Donna Loring Other credits: Technical assistance for the show was provided by Joel Mann of WERU, and Jessica Lockhart. Music by Ralph Richter, a track called little eagles from his CD Dream Walk. Wabanaki Windows is a monthly show featuring topics of interest from a Wabanaki perspective. This month: Charles’ early life and the importance of his story as a hero and survivor of D Day in WWII. Guest/s:  Harald Prins & Bunny McBride – Bunny Mcbride is an award-winning author and journalist whose work has focused on Indigenous peoples around the world. Harald Prins is a cultural anthropologist and longtime scholar of Wabanaki history. He and Bunny worked closely with Charles over many years. They helped place Charles’s life story within its broader historical and moral context. They shared a close personal and professional relationship with Charles Shay and helped bring his story to the world. Jennifer Neptune is a member of the Penobscot Nation, is the Director of the Penobscot Nation Museum on Indian Island. A master basketmaker and cultural educator, she knew Charles as an elder and carries forward his memory through her craftmanship and storytelling. James Francis is a member of the Penobscot Nation and serves as Tribal Historian and Director of the Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historical Department. He worked closely with Charles Shay and has helped preserve and share Penobscot history and memory for future generations. Timothy P. Shay is the nephew of Charles Norman Shay. He offers a family perspective on Charles’s life, speaking to who Charles was beyond the uniform—as an uncle, a relative, and a deeply loved member of his family. Darren Ranco is a member of the Penobscot Nation and a scholar of Native American studies. He knew Charles as an elder and community leader and has worked to ensure that Charles’s story is understood within the larger context of Indigenous service, sovereignty, and survival. About the host: Donna M Loring is a Penobscot Indian Nation Tribal Elder, and former Council Member. She represented the Penobscot Nation in the State Legislature for over a decade. She is a former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Governor Mills. She is the author of “In The Shadow of The Eagle A Tribal Representative In Maine”. Donna has an Annual lecture series in her name at the University of New England that addresses Social Justice and Human Rights issues. In 2017 She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Maine Orono and was given the Alumni Service Award. It is the most prestigious recognition given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. It is presented Annually to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic and/or Public service areas. Donna received a second Honorary Doctorate from Thomas College in May of 2022.

The post Wabanaki Windows 12/25/25: Tribute to Charles Norman Shay – Part 2 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.