10/12/2026
Today, Monday, October 12, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a time to honor the enduring history, culture, and sovereignty of Indigenous nations.
Here in Old Town, this connection is deeply woven into our daily lives and geography. Old Town sits along the sacred waters of the Penobscot River, alongside the tribal seat of the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island. For more than 12,000 years, the Penobscot people have lived, fished, and stewarded these waterways and lands. Our two communities share a deeply intertwined history, culture, and future as neighbors on the river.
Across Maine, we recognize the Wabanaki Nations—the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, and Houlton Band of Maliseet. Known as the “People of the Dawn,” the Wabanaki continue to shape the character, vitality, and stewardship of the homeland we share.
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we encourage everyone in our community to deepen their understanding of local Indigenous history, reflect on the living traditions of our neighbors, and actively support Native-led initiatives:
•Visit the Penobscot Nation Museum on Indian Island to explore local history, art, and birchbark canoe traditions firsthand.
•Learn more about Wabanaki sovereignty and civic education at wabanakialliance.com.
Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day!
