The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s DEI Council will host two events on Thursday, Nov. 7 to mark Native American Heritage Month in November. From 12:30-2 p.m. in the Campus Center MPR, campus and community members are invited to attend a screening of the short film Mary and Molly followed by a panel discussion with the film collaborators. The film depicts Mary learning about her Penobscot heritage and the forced assimilation of indigenous children by the state. At 2 p.m., the DEI Council will host a group tour of the Mi’kmaq fish hatchery at Mi’kmaq Farms in Caribou. Transportation will be available for those who wish to participate.
In addition, ahead of the film screening, all are encouraged to visit Kelley Commons, where a special meal celebrating indigenous American culture will be served during lunch. UMPI Dining will feature dishes including fried, local Hake, Garlic Potato Wedges, Wild Rice, Roasted Delicata Squash, and local Blueberry Pie. The recipes used for these dishes are rooted in traditional ingredients and honor the rich culinary heritage of indigenous Americans, with flavors that tell a story of resilience, community, and connection to the land.
Mary and Molly, by Speedwell Contemporary, is a short film and animated adaptation based on the 2016 play of the same title written by noted Penobscot Nation Tribal Elder, activist, and author Donna Loring. The film follows Mary, a young African-American woman living in Bangor, Maine. She finds a letter from her mother that tells of her Penobscot Indian heritage and the decision that her parents made many years ago to bring her up with only the knowledge of her African-American heritage. After opening the letter on her 21st birthday, Mary goes to the Bangor Public Library and learns of Molly Molasses, her Penobscot Ancestor, and connects with her Penobscot ancestry for the first time. The film tackles Black and Brown issues of race, heritage, and the choosing of identity.
Directed by Loring and David Camlin, and with casting and dialog direction by Margo Lukens, the film is 27 minutes in length and features the creative work of indigenous creators and collaborators. Original artwork was created by Penobscot visual artists Shannon Sockalexis and Ann Pollard-Ranco, and Mali Obomsawin‘s (Odanak Abenaki) music scores the film.
“The fascinating piece to this film is Molly Molasses taking Mary back in time to Bangor in the 1800’s and teaching her about her Penobscot heritage. The film is about the taking of Indian Children from their homes by the State but is also about identity and if Mary will recognize her Penobscot heritage,” Loring stated.
This film screening is supported by UMPI’s Libra Distinguished Lecture Series.
Those participating in the fish hatchery tour at 2 p.m. will have the opportunity to view the operations of the 36,000-gallon indoor fish hatchery, which raises more than 50,000 Maine brook trout each year. The Mi’kmaq Nation was awarded funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2010 to establish the hatchery and protect native Maine brook trout. The fish has helped to sustain the First People of Maine for generations.
UMPI welcomes the campus and community to participate in these events. For more information, contact Beverly Wagner at (207) 768-9427 or beverly.wagner@maine.edu.