Our Model

Native and non-Native gathering.

Together we can heal our relationship with land and each other

We are the Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship and First Light, and we're helping to reimagine Maine as a Wabanaki place by restoring Wabanaki presence and access to land. This work relies on relationships between Native and non-native people, each working within our own nations and organizations to find a better way forward, together.

We move at the speed of trust

  • People speaking during gathering

    First Light

    Land Return Initiative

    First Light is a collective of non-native land-oriented organizations and agencies working to expand Wabanaki access and stewardship of land toward a future of nature and people thriving in Wabanaki homelands.

Learn about how First Light organizations work at the direction of the Wabanaki Commission and what we are accomplishing together.

Our Progress

Wabanaki Territory, today, is mostly in the hands of non-native people and organizations. The Wabanaki Commission and First Light are working to restore balance to pursue land recovery priorities and return land to Tribal holding.

Events

  • photo of canoer in the mist overlaid with "First Light Summit", short description, link to reserve tickets, and logo for First Light and Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness. Relevant text is in text block below.

    First Light Summit 2024

    Save the date for a community celebration around the ongoing work of return. The day will begin at the Penobscot Theater, then travel to the Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness center, both in downtown Bangor. More details on program and audience to come.

Wabanaki Commission logo mark in shape of illustrated feather with mountain and sunrise landscape, river, trees, and fiddlehead

WABANAKI COMMUNITY

Reunite with Your Homeland

Explore cultural activities and projects that reunite us with the land and each other.

First Light Logo Mark, circle with sunrise, water, birds, and trees.

NON-NATIVE PEOPLE

Return Land

We'll work with land-holding organizations to help them offer land back to the Wabanaki Commission.
(Not yet able to return land? There's still a place for you in this movement.)