Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians hold candlelight vigil

Band members and town residents gathered outside of Visions on Main Street to pay tribute to the victims of domestic violence, as well as celebrate the survivors. More than 80 participants took their place in a circle in the middle of Main Street, while the Four Winds Maliseet Women drummers played.
Remembering to act when domestic violence is present was one of the strongest messages sent out to listeners and all those present were encouraged to report any signs of domestic violence when it arises.
The 10th annual vigil marked the first year in which the Maliseets have held their ceremony in town. Onlookers were led down to the Meduxneakeg River by candlelight to remember those lost. The name Meduxneakeg River means “River of the Maliseets” and holds special meaning.
A visual display had also been set up inside Visions’ Blue Moon Gallery in the form of “Shawl Stories.”
The exhibit is called “Ksuwoson Akonutamakonol: Shawl Stories.” Since Friday, Oct. 5, the Blue Moon Gallery has become a scene evocative of a Native American sweat lodge. Birch poles and cedar boughs representing the earth line the walls, water flows from a fountain, ribbons in the colors of the medicine wheel (red, black, white and yellow) and a dream catcher move in the air currents, while stones glow. The voices of survivors and victims whisper and shout from shawls that line the walls. Each shawl’s color denotes someone who was abused; verbally, sexually, emotionally and even murdered.
Ksuwosun Akonutomakonol: Shawl Stories will continue to be on display through Nov. 24.