For those who have ever wondered about the Native American way of life, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians will provide a glimpse into its impressive culture when it holds its 43rd annual Metaksonihkewiyik Community Day celebration Saturday, Sept. 9.   Formerly known as Recognition Day, the tribe has changed the name of its annual gathering to place a greater emphasis on the people of its tribe.  Metaksonihkewiyik is Native for “on or along Meduxnekeag River,” which perfectly describes the Maliseets and the importance of water to the tribe. The event typically draws more than 500 individuals to the tribal lands, located on 88 Bell Road.  Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, with opening activities following at 10:30AM with a smudging and pipe ceremony. Smudging is a purification ritual that is traditionally performed before all Native American events.  A ceremonial grand entry will take place around 11AM, featuring tribal drumming and dance. From noon to 4PM, a variety of food and craft vendors will be on hand. In addition, both adult and youth bingo will be played throughout the day, along with a collection of children’s games, face painting and horse rides. A horseshoe and corn hole tournament for adults will take place starting at 1PM.  The day will conclude in the Maliseet Community Center with a community feast at around 5PM, followed by a bonfire. On Friday evening, a sweat lodge event will be held at the Fasting Grounds for tribal citizens.

Metaksonihkewiyik Community Day Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at Recognition Field, 88 Bell Rd, Littleton ME

Host Drum: Nequtqok Singers

Guest Drum(s): Penobscot Drum, Nick Paul (Wabanaki Confederation), Mi’kmaw Women’s group, Maliseet Women’s group, Tobique Women’s group

Head Dancers: Joseph Sabattis and Desirae Stevens

MC: Mike Solomon

Schedule of events:

• Vendor Registration – 9am
• Bingo starts – 10am
• Grand Entry – 11am
• Chief and Council gifts – 12pm
• Games and Activities Youth program games, Kids Bingo o Face painting, Tractor Train rides – 10-3pm
• Horse Rides – 11-3pm
• Bounce Houses – All day
• Face Painting – All day
• Horseshoes Tournament – 1pm 1st place: $100/ 2 gift cards, Bangor Savings
• Cornhole Tournament – 2pm 1st place: $100/ 2 gift cards, Bangor Savings
• Closing – 4pm
• Community Feast – 5:00pm  Location: HBMI Community Gym
• Cribbage Tournament 1st place: $50/ 1 gift card, Bangor Savings, Location: HBMI Community Gym
• Bonfire – 6:30pm