PRODUCED BY THE ABBE MUSEUM IN COLLABORATION WITH LAND PEACE FOUNDATION

ARTWORK BY JORDAN BENNETT, MI’KMAW

We are stronger when we celebrate our diversity and honor our interrelatedness. Wabanaki Peoples (along with other Indigenous peoples) see this relatedness not only with other humans but with all of the natural world. N’dilnabamuk, a Penobscot word meaning All My Relations, represents a Wabanaki value that can be found in all Wabanaki languages. This ancient core principle points to the idea that all of the natural world is interconnected and interdependent; the well-being of the whole determines the well-being of any individual part. Unfortunately, human activity - based on mass consumption, extraction, and short term individualistic thinking - has thrown us out of balance with the natural order, which threatens all creation. While this reality can be overwhelming, a good way to begin healing this imbalance is by listening to, learning from, and supporting Wabanaki Peoples who have been in continuous kinship relationship with this land for millenia. When we evolve our thinking toward mutuality of care, actions follow.

DID YOU KNOW? 

• The world’s Indigenous Peoples call approximately 22% of the global land base home and these areas comprise much of the planet's undeveloped land.

• Wabanaki Peoples have lived in a balanced relationship with their homelands and waterways for more than 13,000 years.

• This relationship has provided Wabanaki Peoples with knowledge that has helped them develop climate resilience strategies that allow for the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

• Protecting Indigenous land rights is an important way to help address the most pressing climate change and environmental degradation issues.

BE AN ALLY! 

• SHARE THIS GUIDE: Begin discussions with your community and advocacy groups.

• HAND OVER THE MIC: Uplift Wabanaki voices in your environmental advocacy.

• SUPPORT WABANAKI EFFORTS: Volunteer or support Wabanaki land-based organizations.

• SHINE A LIGHT: Use social media to focus on Wabanaki efforts, the importance of Indigenous Knowledge, and interdependence with the natural world.

LEARN MORE!

• Land Peace Foundation and their Resource Page

• Nibezun

• Bomazeen Land Trust

• Niweskok

• Dawnland Return/Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship

• Abbe Museum Programs and Education Resources