Mi'kmaq Nation
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,110+[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Maine) | |
| Languages | |
| English, Mi'kmaq | |
| Religion | |
| Roman Catholicism,[2] traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Mi'kmaq people |
The Aroostook Band of Micmac is a federally recognized tribe of Mi'kmaq people in Aroostook County, Maine.[1] Their autonym is Ulustuk. Of the 28 bands of Mi'kmaq people, the Aroostook Band is the only one in the United States, and the Aroostook Band were the first foreign power to sign a treaty with the United States on July 6, 1776.[3]
The tribe has no reservation but owns 1,350 acres (5.5 km2) of land.[3] The Census Bureau listed 1,047 acres (4.236 km2) of Trust Land in the 2010 census, located at 46°55′13″N 67°53′15″W / 46.92028°N 67.88750°W in the Town of Limestone. An official population of 197 inhabitants was counted on the trust lands.
Government
The Aroostook Band of Micmac is headquartered in Presque Isle, Maine.[4] The tribe is governed by a nine-member council. Elections are held every odd year.[5] The current administration is as follows.
- Tribal Chief: Edward Peter-Paul
- Vice-Chief: Jennifer Kiandoli
- Treasurer: Peggy Caparotta
- Secretary: Dora Dow
- Councilor: Fred Getchell
- Councilor: Paul Phillips
- Councilor: Jerich Morey
- Councilor: Shirley Jewell
- Councilor: Norman Bernard[5]
History
The Aroostook Band were excluded from the 1980 Maine Indian land claim settlement.[2] On the 26th of November, 1991, they gained federal recognition when the Aroostook Band of Micmacs Settlement Act was passed as law.[1] In 1991, the tribe had almost 500 members.[2]
Art
Members of the Aroostook Band weave black ash baskets, quillwork birch bark boxes, and floral sculptures from maple, cedar, and white birch wood.[1] Traditionally their wigwams were painted with designs distinct to their band.[2]
Notes
- ^ a b c d "Introduction." Aroostook Band of Micmacs. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ^ a b c d Pritzker 435
- ^ a b "Aroostook Band of Micmacs." Archived 21 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine Region 1: EPA New England." Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ^ "Tribal Directory." National Congress of American Indians. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ^ a b "Tribal Government." ''Aroostook Band of Micmacs. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
References
- Pritzker, Barry M. A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0-19-513877-1
External links
- Aroostook Band of Micmacs, official website
- "Aroostook Micmacs rebuilding nation with eye on tradition"
- Aroostook Band of Micmac Women's Drum Group, YouTube video
- Wabanaki Trails - Aroostook Band of Micmac