Wabanaki Essentials: Tools for Life and Home

Long before products manufactured from metals, plastics, or synthetics were widely available, essential daily tools like pots, baskets, bowls, and utensils were handmade from elements found in nature. In this all-ages class, learn how the Wabanaki made such daily essentials and how these traditions live on, connecting people to earth and to heritage. Learn from Barry Dana (Penobscot) and Lori Dana as they share stories, describing how to know what natural elements are used for what function and where they can be found, as well as the making process, produced by hand without the need for electricity, oil, coal, or metal. To finish class, you’ll learn how to braid traditional bass rope.

Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.

Born and raised on Indian Island, Barry Dana’s family traditions are deeply rooted in the Penobscot Nation’s heritage. Barry served as a Penobscot chief in 2000-2004, strongly focused on protecting and improving upon the health of the Penobscot River. Lori and Dana Barry are known for constructing traditional wigwams, birch canoes, and baskets that are displayed and sold throughout Maine. The Dana family honors the traditions of the Wabanaki culture through storytelling, hunting and gathering from the wild, and organically growing food year-round.