U & D

If you are not aware of Indigenous Voices, a monthly talk radio show focused on Maine Native topics, check it out today. On 8/19/08, the show dialogued with Penobscot Nation Tribal Chief Kirk Francis. This interview contains a terrific overview of tribal government and its process. Chief Francis discusses the Penobscot sovereign status, a hot button issue in light of the gambling issues, environmental issues, freedom of information, and economic self-sufficiency issues of today. He provides an overview of the tribes historical relationship with the State and addresses the July decision to “sever relations with the State,” covering many current issues thoughtfully and articulately. Students who have a background in the Land Claims Settlement will gain a greater understanding from Chief Francis, as he discusses the process and the problems. This interview is a route to introducing students to the core dichotomy between the state and its interests, and the tribe and its interests. “There is a real educational component missing [in the legislature],” Francis notes, as he quietly spells out the nature of the blinders and lack of understanding he finds in the Maine legislature.

An update to this interview can be found in Maine Sunday Telegram’s coverage of the Penobscot response to this year’s casino question #1. If you follow the link, be sure to the Comments.

Other Indigenous Voices shows (access them via the link above) include an exploration of MicMac topics with film maker Catherine Anne Martin and a discussion of important short topics, including LD 291 and the Land Claims Settlement. Here are some you might listen to:

• As Thanksgiving approaches, you might want to listen to the 9/18/07 interview with Penobscot Elder Arnie Neptune and Charles Mann, author of 1491 (one of my favorite books).
• Treaties are covered on 2/20/07
• Current and future issues of the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Nations and the Houlton Band of Maliseets are discussed with tribal leaders on 12/19/06.
• Tribal Courts are discussed on 11/21/06.
• The Land Claims Settlement is the focus on 8/15/06.

Middle and High School students would be able to listen to these audio files and take notes independently. Social Studies teachers can address many Learning Results solely with these interviews; ELA teachers can use them to address media and speech Learning Results. Perhaps most importantly, these articulate and knowledgeable Native spokespeople can burst some stereotypes still held by many students in Maine.

Tech note: The interviews can be downloaded as .mp3 files. They can easily edited, chopped up, chunked, in GarageBand or Audacity. What a resource!