Leaders of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs say they are off to a good start with a new wellness center in Presque Isle that’s serving as a multi-generational gathering and educational space.
Officials from the tribe, the federal government and other organizations celebrated the new 8,100 square foot wellness center with the local community during an open house on Aug. 31, 2016.
Completed in May, the building houses the tribe’s elders and youth programs, Little Feathers Head Start and the Presque Isle Boys and Girls Club, as well as community activities. The center is designed in the shape of an eagle placed on the cardinal east-west compass.
“The design of an eagle is a symbol of strength, courage and immortality,” said Edward Peter-Paul, chief of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. “It has been a long road to get to this point.”
The energy efficient building has activity and meeting rooms, a fitness space, kitchen and outdoor playground and it houses programs previously located at several older buildings dating back to the Presque Isle Air Force Base.
The $2.25 million wellness center was financed through several sources, including $1.2 million in block grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a $545,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
