Four Directions Maine - FDDC

06/11/2026

🎉 Congratulations to 2026 Artisan Grant Fund recipient Ashley Foster Kinney!

A proud member of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Ashley Foster Kinney has been creating art for more than 30 years. Inspired by her grandmother, Joyce Tompkins, she began painting and drawing at a young age and later expanded her artistic practice to include beading, which she has pursued for the past decade.

As an artist, mother of six, and Director of the Tribal Food Pantry for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, she draws inspiration from her family, community, and culture. Her work reflects her personal story and identity while honoring the traditions and values that have shaped her life.

Always eager to learn new techniques and explore new art forms, she is committed not only to growing as an artist but also to sharing that knowledge with others. Through her artwork, which reaches customers across the country, she continues to celebrate and preserve the culture that inspires her creativity.

The Artisan Grant Fund will help support her continued artistic growth and expand opportunities to share her work and knowledge with future generations.

Join us in celebrating her dedication to art, culture, and community!

06/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to 2026 Artisan Grant Fund recipient Chance Griffith!

Chance is a member of the Maliseet Tribe whose journey as an artist has been shaped by a desire to reconnect with his culture while growing up far from his tribal community. Raised in Tucson, Arizona, Chance spent time learning about the history, traditions, and artistry of his people, drawing inspiration from his father, Aron Griffith, a birch bark basket maker.

Watching his father transform harvested birch bark into traditional and contemporary artwork sparked Chance's own creative path. Through exploring Indigenous art, he has developed a vision of showcasing what modern Native artists can create while honoring the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The Artisan Grant Fund will help support Chance as he continues to grow his artistic practice and bring new ideas and creations back to his community.

Join us in celebrating Chance and his commitment to cultural connection, creativity, and Indigenous artistry.

06/03/2026

🎉 Congratulations to 2026 Artisan Grant Fund recipient Lydia Soctomah!

Lydia, a Passamaquoddy basketmaker, is continuing a tradition passed down by her late grandmother, Molly Jeannette Parker. After returning to basketmaking to honor her grandmother's wishes, Lydia has dedicated herself to learning, practicing, and sharing the art with her family—including her children and other relatives interested in carrying the tradition forward.

In addition to weaving baskets, Lydia has worked alongside family members to learn the process of preparing ash, an essential part of traditional basketmaking. Through this work, she has found a meaningful connection to her ancestors and describes the art as both therapeutic and healing.

The Artisan Grant Fund will help support Lydia's continued growth as an artist while strengthening the transfer of cultural knowledge to future generations.

Join us in celebrating Lydia and the important work she is doing to preserve and share Passamaquoddy basketmaking traditions.

05/27/2026

Four Directions Development Corporation and the Cultural Tourism Fellows were honored to participate in the Maine Tourism Summit, where they shared updates on projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural tourism within their communities.

We’re proud to support efforts that celebrate Wabanaki culture, strengthen community connections, and create meaningful opportunities through tourism across Maine.

05/23/2026

Four Directions Development Corporation will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

We take this time to remember and honor those who have served and sacrificed.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday weekend.

05/19/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to all of the talented artists and makers who applied to the 2026 Artisan Grant Fund. This year, Four Directions Development Corporation was proud to award fifteen $2,000 grants to support Native artisans across our communities.

The Artisan Grant application is more than just funding , it also serves as a starting point for business planning and future entrepreneurial growth. Artisans play a vital role in our communities, and we remain committed to supporting their creativity, culture, and success.

Artisan Photo Credit: Meagan Loring Dina & Co.

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we honor the strength, care, wisdom, and leadership of Wabanaki mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and caregivers.

Thank you for the ways you support families, preserve traditions, and strengthen communities across generations.

Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day.

05/07/2026

Native artists, makers, and entrepreneurs are invited to participate in the Marketplace at Oweesta’s 11th Annual Native CDFI Capital Access Convening, taking place June 2–4, 2026 in Bangor, Maine.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your work, connect with Native CDFIs and partners from across Indian Country, and sell directly to attendees throughout the convening.

Bring your work. Bring your story. Bring your community.

The Marketplace at CAC 2026 is your space to show what Native entrepreneurship looks like in real time.

Join us June 2–4 in Bangor, Maine and connect with Native CDFIs, partners, and leaders from across Indian Country.

Apply to host a booth and be part of a gathering rooted in relationships, opportunity, and economic sovereignty.

Join Us: https://events.oweesta.org/event/capital-access-convening-2026/summary

05/01/2026

Thinking about applying for a business loan? Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Connect with Our Team
Reach out to Four Directions to begin. We’ll take time to understand your business goals and where you are in your journey.

Step 2: Financial Readiness
We’ll help you understand your numbers, cash flow, projections, and debt, so you’re prepared for lending.

Step 3: Business Planning & Strategy
Work with a Business Advisor to build or refine your business plan, financials, and overall strategy.

Step 4: Loan Application Support
Our team will guide you through the application process and help ensure your documents are complete.

Get started here: https://fourdirectionsmaine.org/get-started/

04/23/2026

Small Business Tip

Open a separate business bank account as early as possible.

It can make bookkeeping easier, help you better understand your numbers, and give you a clearer picture of your business over time.

Have questions about starting or managing your business? We’re here to help.
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