CARIBOU, Maine — The Aroostook Band of Micmacs held their 21st annual Mawiomi of the Tribes recently at Spruce Haven.
This three-day festival, organized by Cultural Director Simon Nevin, emphasizes a myriad of respectfully preserved cultural traditions, providing non-natives with an opportunity to obtain a more holistic understanding of this country’s native people.
The Mawiomi began Aug. 21, 2015 as visitors from across the United States and Canada set up tents and parked RVs at the Caribou location. Everyone gathered for dinner and the Native American rock group “Kickin’ Krotch” played to close out day.
The next day started with a group breakfast followed by children’s activities. The Grand Entry, a ceremony involving singing, dancing and drums, was held in the afternoon. Michael Denny of Eskasoni, Nova Scotia was the Master of Ceremonies. Armondo Lucico of McAllen, Texas acted as Arena Director. The head dancers were Amanda Larocque of Gesgapegiag, Quebec and Craig Isaac of Listuguj, Quebec. Invited Drummers included Stoney Bear from Eskasoni, Spirit Bear from Listuguj, Windy Grass from Presque Isle, and Mawitanej E’pitjig Srs and Jrs, also from Presque Isle.
Saturday’s events also included an archaeology talk by Professor Dave Putnam of UMPI, an adult horseshoe tournament, a glow stick dance, fireworks, and a showing of the family film “Big Hero 6”.
The final day included another Grand Entry, a deer stew feast, and the retiring of the flags.
The early Mawiomi gatherings began under former Cultural Director and Canadian Native Bernard Jerome in the mid-1990s.
“We called it Mawiomi because, in our language, it means ‘people coming together,’” said Jerome. “The first couple Mawiomis were held on a small campground in Bridgewater, It was difficult for people to find since it was off the main drag. At one point we found Spruce Haven and started renting it, but we also started advertising. We spread the word around on both the United States and Canadian side and sent out flyers to every community we knew.”
Jerome is immensely proud of what the Mawiomi represents.
“It’s a pleasure that we are able to practice our traditional ways,” said Jerome. “We have Sweat Lodges, Pipe Ceremonies, along with Morning Sunrise ceremonies. This gathering gives us a chance to exchange a great deal of our heritage with one another.
“The gathering is unique in that it’s the only Mawiomi with such a rich diversity; we’re not only sharing with our neighbors, but with non-natives as well. Here, it’s not so much about who you are, but about everyone having a great time,” he added.
Jerome served as Cultural Director for nine and a half years, and eventually moved back to Canada to stay with family and loved ones.
“My position was to promote culture in different institutions in the local area,” explained Jerome. “At one time the natives were only known as migrant workers who knew how to make baskets and work in potato houses. So by promoting our culture in schools, universities and institutions, people were able to see the native person from a different perspective and understand that we are not just restricted to making baskets.”
Jerome currently works as a cultural adviser and as a member of the alcohol and drug abuse program at the Mi’gmawei Nation in Canada.
Jerick Morey of the Aroostook Micmac Tribal Council also sees the Mawiomi as an opportunity introduce Native tradition and culture to a wider audience.
“There were times in the past where we didn’t reach out locally, but this year it seems like everyone is coming. The Mawiomi isn’t just for the Micmac people. We want everyone to come and share in the celebration and to make all races feel welcome,” he said.
