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John,
I'm excited to share a remarkable development. The Penobscot Nation
and Trust for Public Land have launched a multi-year effort for
Penobscot Nation to reclaim roughly 30,000 acres of ancestral land in
Maine. When the multi-year effort is completed, it will mark the
largest tribal land return of its kind in U.S. history.
Known as Wáhsehtəkʷ; (pronounced "WAH-seh-teg"),
these acres are in the heart of the present and traditional homeland
of the Penobscot Nation and are adjacent to land the tribe owns. Due
to its location within the Penobscot River watershed and proximity to
Katahdin or Ktaaden (which translates to The Greatest Mountain in
Penobscot language), the land is vitally linked to the health and
well-being of Penobscot community and culture.
Today, members of the Wabanaki Nations - including Penobscot,
Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, and Abenaki communities
- legally steward only 1 percent of their ancestral lands in
Maine. This historic effort is a significant stride toward reinforcing
Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination over land stewardship
and care.
The project also aims to create new access points to Katahdin Woods
and Waters National Monument, providing much-needed southern public
access to the monument from nearby communities.
We are ecstatic for the opportunity to explore and improve the aquatic
and wildlife habitat within this parcel to conserve more land in the
Katahdin region for our future generations. - Penobscot Nation Chief
Kirk Francis
This initiative represents a unique opportunity to rectify historical
dispossessions while continuing TPL's mission to connect, or
reconnect, communities to the outdoors. Take a minute to explore the
plan for this ambitious undertaking and stay tuned for ways you can
get involved.
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Together, we can work to ensure the protection of Whseht?k?
and the reunification of the Penobscot people with an integral piece
of their past, present, and future, while also expanding access to a
treasured national monument.
Warm regards,
Betsy Cook
Associate Vice President, Maine State Director
Trust for Public Land
TPL turns 50
In 2023, we reflect on and celebrate our first 50 years of impact, and
we look ahead at the work still to be done. From protecting unspoiled
lands, building parks and trails, and transforming schoolyards, we
strive to create healthy, equitable communities for everyone.
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Photo credit: Chris Bennett
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800-714-LAND (5263)
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