Thank You Dusty Bailey

As Maine embarks on the country’s first Truth and Reconciliation for our history of devastating child welfare practices in the native communities, we have the chance to look at our attitudes overall toward indigenous people.

Thank you Dusty Bailey and all the participants of the Mollyockett Day winning float who made a public apology for any hurt they caused. We are all learning. I understand that none of you intended to be hurtful, we have all inherited the perspectives we have as a product of the culture we’ve grown up in.

The important thing now is to engage in the conversation, take a look at ourselves, know the truth of what happened, make amends and see how we can now be allies to Maine’s native people. Many Maine citizens of native ancestry (both full and mixed) are still deeply affected by the taking of their children and many who were taken are still struggling today to find healing and peace. An open honest dialog might help us not repeat history.

Please visit: www.mainetribaltrc.org/ for more information

Join the Facebook page – Maine-Wabanaki-Child-Welfare-Truth and Reconciliation.

Arla Patch

Bryant Pond