Butch Phillips
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TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot Nation
MEDIUM: Basketry - Other
BIOGRAPHY
Butch Phillips, a tribal elder of the Penobscot Nation, grew up on Indian Island. He is a tradition bearer within his community.
Phillips is a birchbark artist known for etching winter bark with traditional Penobscot double curve motifs and designs. He is also recognized for his moose calls (article here), log carriers, and model canoes.
In 2002, Butch assisted in the construction of an 18-foot birchbark canoe that was finished and paddled in shifts during the annual Katahdin Spiritual Run, a 100-mile trek by canoe, bike and foot to Mount Katahdin. Later, Butch went on to build a 14-foot canoe on his own, and an 18-foot canoe with two of his sons. Since then, he has participated in events that showcase birchbark canoes while paddling the Penobscot River.
Butch has been instrumental in the restoration of the Penobscot River, advocating for the removal of dams to allow for the return of migratory fish species such as salmon and sturgeon. The restoration of the river was a collaborative effort by the tribe, seven conservation groups, the local power company, the State of Maine, and the Federal government. Butch is one of twenty-four Penobscot individuals featured in the documentary “The River is Our Relative.” In this film, Butch shares his spiritual connection and celebrates his cultural ties to the Penobscot River.
