08/19/2026
wəlamanəssək (Penobscot)
"At the red ochre quarry;" Olamon Island.
On Tuesday, August 18th, folks gathered for an evening of knowledge sharing to honor the rich history of the land and water where nibezun resides. Olamon Island and the surrounding region is a vestige of ancient Wabanaki ancestors -- the heritage of our people lives here, and the land tells us the story. We welcomed guest speakers Stan Neptune, root club carver and caretaker for nibezun, and Tim Love, former chief of the Penobscot Nation, to share their valuable knowledge with the group, from the struggle that Wabanaki people endured in regaining rights to their ancestral lands, to how nibezun, the last land access point for Olamon Island, came to fruition. We learned about the cultural significance of red ochre, Olamon Island's once prosperous Penobscot village, and how stewardship of the land today will preserve this sacred site for generations to come. We closed out with comments and Q&A before enjoying a nourishing meal together. At nibezun, we strongly believe in the power of the land. We often say "The land wants people here." To show participants what we mean, we all took a stroll across the property. We noticed immediately how the land and water embraced the group. Olamon Island's towering swamp maples reached across the side channel, the lush greenery casting a serene darkness over the forest floor. Upon reaching the sacred Penobscot River, the setting sun illuminated the valley in an evening glow. We gave thanks to the ancestors and prayed for continued abundance by offering to***co. We journeyed back along our medicine trail, through the orchard, and past the garden where we did not say "goodbye," but instead "I'll see you again." Kči-wəliwəni to everyone who made this evening of history and knowledge sharing truly special. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back at the next event in this series for the installation of historical signage at nibezun. Minač-kənamiholəpa! See you all again!
