Subject Guides: The Wabanaki: Indigenous People of Maine: Wabanaki Nations & Community Organizations

The Wabanaki Nations in Maine

The Panawahpskek (Penobscot) Nation, Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation, (Wolastoqiyik) Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Abenaki (collectively known as the Wabanaki Nations) have lived for thousands of years in the land we now call Maine and Canada. They are known collectively as the Wabanaki, "People of the Dawnland." Despite colonization and attempted genocide—including the forced removal of their children—the Wabanaki nations have endured as sovereign and self-determining peoples, with distinct and diverse languages, cultures, governments, and economic structures. Each community maintains its own tribal government, community schools, cultural center and each manages its respective lands and natural resources.

Retrieved from the Maine Department of Education, "About Wabanaki Nations", on July 25, 2025.

Maine Department of Education: Wabanaki Studies

Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians received federal recognition in 1980. Since then, they have built a tribal center on their lands along the Meduxnekeag River near Houlton. Many Maliseets refer to themselves as Wolastoqiyik, "people of the Saint John River."
Mi’kmaq Nation
The Mi’kmaq Nation finally received federal recognition in 1991 after a long process of research and petition to the U.S. government. The name Mi’kmaq’s derivation is uncertain: possibly "our kin-friends" or "people of the red earth."
Panawahpskek (Penobscot) Nation
The Panawahpskek Nation has their tribal headquarters at Alenape Menehan (Indian Island), in the Penobscot River near Old Town, and their reservation extends up the river. The name Penobscot comes from panawahpskek, "the place of the white rocks," or "where the rocks widen."
Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Tribe of Motahkomikuk (Indian Township)
The Peskotomuhkati Tribe has two reservations in Washington County. Motahkokmikuk is located 50 miles inland at Indian Township. The name Passamaquoddy comes from pestomuhkatiyik, meaning "people of the pollock-spearing place."
Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Tribe at Sipayik (Pleasant Point)
The Peskotomuhkati Tribe has two reservations in Washington County. Sipayik overlooking the ocean is at Pleasant Point. The name Passamaquoddy comes from pestomuhkatiyik, meaning "people of the pollock-spearing place."

The Wabanaki: Indigenous People of Maine

The Wabanaki Nations in Maine

Maine Community Organizations