takʷάko means “it is autumn” in Penobscot language.
takʷάko (Penobscot)
toqakuwiw (Passamaquoddy/Wolastoqey)
toqwa'q (Mi'kmaq)
tagw8gw (Abenaki)
It is fall/autumn. (English)
Apples in nibezun’s young growing orchard
We welcome autumn, a time of balance when day and night stand equal. For Wabanaki people, autumn is a season of harvest, gratitude, and preparation— gathering the gifts of the land and readying for winter. We celebrate the rhythms of this season through ceremonial gatherings rooted in tradition, language, and community.
Reflecting upon summer…
Children from Indian Island School tending to the garden
Summer was a season of growth, buzzing energy, and social abundance. This summer, we made sure to invest time in connecting with community beyond nibezun at events such as the Dawnland Festival, Healing Turtle Island ceremony, and the Penobscot Nation Community Weekend Health Fair. We also welcomed many visitors to the land— youth from Indian Island School, teenagers from Kroka Expeditions for a day of service, and groups such as the Upstander Project for a stay at nibezun. Never a dull moment— we are grateful for the sweetness of summer, long sunlit days, and vibrant colors of the natural world around us in bloom. We express our deepest gratitude to all who visited and cared for the land this season.
Summer Wabanaki Languages Immersion Gathering at the Cobscook Institute
Elinaqsihtit suwitokolaskahtit (Passamaquoddy/Wolastoqey)
"There are many people who pick sweetgrass."What an incredibly beautiful July weekend we had at our Summer Wabanaki Languages Immersion Gathering at the Cobscook Institute in Peskotomuhkati homeland! Throughout the weekend, skicinuwok engaged in many Wabanaki language and culture-focused activities, from pottery carving and painting, to conversation and vocabulary lessons, sweetgrass picking and braiding, and speaker presentations. Each evening ended with drumming, singing, and dancing around the fire. The gathering ended with a sacred talking circle ceremony and giveaway blanket before folks bade each other not "farewell," but "I'll see you again." Kči-wəliwəni məsi awen! We want to thank all who joined us from the bottom of our hearts. Woliwon to all speakers and elders who are the glue of our communities that take time out of their lives to be present with us and gift us their teachings of the old ways. Woliwon to our partner, Speaking Place, for helping to make this gathering so wonderful. A huge thank you and shoutout to the incredible team at the Cobscook Institute for being such gracious hosts and welcoming us with open arms. We shared so many smiles, laughs, and healing tears together at this gathering, and we are so grateful to have these opportunities of togetherness in celebrating our sacred languages. We are looking ahead with happiness in our hearts for our next gathering in December. Apcoc-nomiyalpa! Kkəseləmələpa kamαč! Wela'liek!
Honoring Wəlaman- a History of the Land event
wəlamanəssək (Penobscot)
"At the red ochre quarry;" Olamon Island.On Tuesday, August 18th, folks gathered for an evening of knowledge sharing to honor the rich history of the land and water where nibezun resides. Olamon Island and the surrounding region is a vestige of ancient Wabanaki ancestors— the heritage of our people lives here, and the land tells us the story which we continue to shape and write for future generations. We welcomed guest speakers, Stanley Neptune, root club carver and land steward of nibezun, and Timothy Love, former chief of the Penobscot Nation, to share their valuable knowledge, from the struggle that Wabanaki people endured in regaining rights to their ancestral lands, to how nibezun, the last land access point for Olamon Island, came to fruition. We learned about the cultural significance of red ochre, Olamon Island's once prosperous Penobscot village, and how stewardship of the land today will preserve this sacred site for generations to come. We closed out with comments and Q&A before enjoying a nourishing meal together. We enjoyed a community meal prepared by chef and nibezun land steward, Zack Neptune. We also extend our gratitude to attendees who brought additional dishes to be shared. In community, there is abundance.
At nibezun, we strongly believe in the power of the land. We often say "The land wants people here." To show participants what we mean, we took a walk together along the trails. We noticed immediately how the land and water embraced the group. Olamon Island's towering swamp maples reached across the side channel, the lush greenery casting a serene darkness over the forest floor. Upon reaching the sacred Penobscot River, the setting sun illuminated the valley in an evening glow. We gave thanks to the ancestors and prayed for continued abundance by offering tobacco. We journeyed back along the medicine trail, and through the orchard and garden. Kči-wəliwəni to everyone who made this evening of history and knowledge sharing truly special. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back at the next event in this series for the installation of historical signage at nibezun. This project is supported by the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, made possible by the Maine State Archives and the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council.
Sewing Circle
As part of an ongoing Wabanaki Arts workshop series, nibezun held a Sewing Circle, guided by Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, and Diné community member, Esther Sappier, on August 15th & 16th. The sewing circle brought experienced seamstresses as well as those who have never sewn before. One participant shared, “I love gathering with the ladies young and old. Sharing what is going on with each of our lives. Creating a sacred dress that we each design to wear at sacred gatherings. I found out as I learn to sew better that I really love to sew. I am excited to get started on making my grandsons their sacred vests.” Esther reflected, “Even if it’s the person’s first time sewing, we laugh, we provide space for each other. And these last few times when someone has finished a project we cheer them on and watch them glow!” We express our sincere gratitude to the Onion Foundation and the Maine Arts Commission for supporting our Wabanaki Arts program. We look forward to our next Sewing Circle on September 26-27th.
Mushroom Foraging Workshop & mítsolətine (Let’s Eat) Community Meal
We had the honor of hosting Greg Marley for a weekend of mushroom foraging and a cooking demo. Greg has been a mushroom enthusiast for 50 years and has spent over 40 years educating fellow mushroom lovers.
For two days, we gathered with a beautiful group to explore the wonderful world of fungi. We covered fool-proof edibles, medicinal mushrooms, and poisonous look-alikes. The group was full of curiosity, which made for a wonderful time foraging, exploring, and sharing in discussion. Wəliweni to those who slowed down and brought your good energy to the land.
Our mushroom foraging group joined together with nibezun’s ongoing community meal series, mítsolətine (let’s eat). mítsolətine community meals are open to all with the invitation to bring a dish to share, if you can. After the community meal, we gathered for the Seven Seeds teaching with Dr. Benjamin Huerth, nibezun’s board president and founding member. He shared the significance of the Seven Seeds—Mind, Body, Spirit, Social Connection, Culture, Language, & Earth— and how they are sustained together. One participant shared, “It’s also our hands that help bring forth the healing,” and that has been resonating with us. It’s the action we make with our hands that offers healing to ourselves and each other. During the teachings, a thunderstorm rolled through. The purple sky and lightning brought powerful energy to close the night.
The following day we gathered to cook and share recipes: fried morels, sautéed enoki and lion’s mane, chicken of the woods risotto, and porcini crème over deer. The kitchen was filled with many hands bringing a beautiful meal to life. As we sat before departure, there was that good silence when everyone dives into their plates. Kči-wəliweni to everyone who supports and participates in these gatherings. We truly appreciate each and everyone of you. We also extend our gratitude to the Maine Community Foundation for making this workshop possible by supporting our 2026 Soil to Gut project.
Community Spotlight: Tune into Dawnland Signals by Wabanaki REACH
Check out the September episode of Dawnland Signals featuring nibezun team members, Seneca, Jazz, and Charlene. We express our gratitude to hosts Nolan Altavater and Nick Bear for being invited on! The archive of all episodes can be accessed here. Episodes air live on WERU 89.9 FM or weru.org every first Tuesday of the month at 4:00 PM.
Seed to Spirit powwow
Ushering in the end of summer and start of autumn, nibezun held its first ever powwow, celebrating community, Wabanaki arts, and 10 years of nibezun on September 19th, 2026. “Thank you for coming to dance with us. This was a moment to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and you all showed up for us! There was such beauty there: the colors of the regalia, the grandmas dancing with their grandchildren, and babies everywhere. You all brought your best, even dressing the little ones. This was a beautiful day for all of us, and I hope it gave you something back for taking that time out of your life. My dad once told me, gratitude doesn’t cost anything. And in that spirit, we want to thank everyone who came, who supported us, and those who couldn’t make it. This was a special event for us and beyond our imagination. We look forward to spending more time together!” - Dr. Benjamin Huerth
We invite you to read reflections on celebrating 10 years of nibezun, shared by Dr. Benjamin Huerth, in Wabanaki REACH’s Blog: Voices of Decolonization. Please also visit Dr. Benjamin Huerth’s full statement reflecting on nibezun’s Seed to Spirit powwow. We express out gratitude to Keanu Lewey for capturing the photos below.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our community partners, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. We could not have done it without you!
Entering autumn and looking ahead…
Autumn Equinox Ceremony & Bonfire Celebration
Putting a small spin on traditional solstice and equinox sunrise ceremonies, nibezun held a sunset fall equinox ceremony and bonfire celebration on September 22nd to welcome the return of fall. We were elated to see so many familiar and new faces on the land. The love of community was palpable in the crisp fall air as darkness fell and stars shone bright. The ceremony was led by our dear Passamaquoddy Two-Spirit community member, Geo Neptune, nibezun program coordinator, Seneca Love, and co-executive director, Charlene Huerth. Together we shared fresh apple cider, a delicious curry pumpkin soup, and chai tea prepared by Seneca, and a delicious assortment of community contributions— roasted vegetables, chocolate chip cookies, and more. Drumming, songs, and dance followed around the bonfire. A big thank you to Geo, Seneca, and Charlene for sharing their teachings and to Stan Neptune for building a bonfire so big and powerful we were kept warm and mesmerized by the fire late into the night. Thank you for coming and sharing your good medicine with us. Continuing with our seasonal solstice and equinox ceremonies, we look forward to inviting you for the winter solstice.
Sewing Circle, September 26th & 27th
Plant Medicine Pathways, October 4th
Green Corn Ceremony & Potluck Social, October 11th
In partnership with Bomazeen Land Trust, nibezun is hosting its 6th year of the revitalized Green Corn Ceremony at nibezun on October 11th, 2026!
Intro to Basketmaking w/ Paula Love, November 1st
Birchbark & Quillwork Circle w/ Reanna Crowe, November 21st
Fall Wabanaki Languages Immersion Gathering, December 4th-6th @ nibezun
Stay tuned for more details.
Visit our event calendar periodically to find more information about our upcoming events!
Ways to Support…
Make a gift here. Giving Tuesday and #GiveNative season is coming soon! We need your help to reach our fundraising goal for 2026. Your generous support directly sustains our free community programs.
Consider donating to our wish list. Currently seeking: walkie-talkies, hoop house, golf cart, four-wheeler, wood chipper, canoes, snow shoes, head lamps, cross country ski gear, sleds, sauna blueprints. Please email hello@nibezun.org to donate items.
Interested in hosting a gathering at nibezun? Inquiries are welcome here.
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 387, Old Town, ME 04468
EIN: 81-2298507