UPDATE ON TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Mainers are still finding out that we are the very first state in the country to confront the truth about what happened to Wabanaki children and families in Maine involved with the Maine child welfare system.

It’s called the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation (TRC). We are making history and the rest of the world is starting to watch.

Five commissioners have been chosen to listen to all Mainers, both native and non-native, who want to come forward to share their experiences on this issue. The commissioners will be formally sworn in on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at a daylong event in Hermon, Maine.

The day before, Feb. 11, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls on all people, to help them prepare for their difficult work ahead by a day of Reflection, Meditation and Prayer. A focal point will be at 11 a.m. on Feb. 11 when many around the state will have a moment of silence to consider the importance of the TRC and how everyone can support its three-fold purpose of uncovering the truth, promoting healing, and making recommendations for best child welfare practices. For me it is also a time to remember the many children who were taken from the 1800's right up through the 1990’s.

Faith communities or individuals who want to show their solidarity and are moved to organize an event to acknowledge the Day of Reflection, Meditation and Prayer are kindly requested to provide details about it to TRC Interim Director Carolyn Morrison. She can be reached at carolynnmorrisontrc@gmail.com or (207) 896-3042.

Arla Patch

TRC Communications Subcommittee

Bryant Pond