Metis of Maine
Encyclopedia
The Maine Eastern Tribal Indian Society (MÉTIS), often referred to as The Métis of Maine is a cultural and educational organization based in Dayton, Maine
. The society seeks to teach and carry on the North Eastern Woodland Native American heritage to its demonstrated “mixed blood” (Native and usually European) members of the band.
“North Eastern Woodland Indian” generally refers to all of New England
, New York
and Maritime provinces
of Canada. A person of proven “North Eastern Woodland” heritage, regardless of what state they reside in may also qualify for membership in the MÉTIS of Maine. Additionally, individuals residing in Maine
that can show proof of any other ( “Non-North Eastern Woodland” Indian) Native American or First Nations
mixed blood may also be accepted as members. Genealogical
or DNA evidence
are both accepted as proof of mixed-blood
heritage.
At its cultural center in Dayton, MÉTIS band elders teach traditional Eastern Woodland Native spiritual and social culture in the medicine wheel
way, which teaches harmony and respect between the cultures. Membership in this band does not preclude tribal membership in other bands. The Métis of Maine currently reaches out to the general public with two pow wows
and gatherings per year.
Dayton, Maine
Dayton is a town in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,805 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. Dayton is one of the smallest towns in York County....
. The society seeks to teach and carry on the North Eastern Woodland Native American heritage to its demonstrated “mixed blood” (Native and usually European) members of the band.
“North Eastern Woodland Indian” generally refers to all of New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and Maritime provinces
Maritimes
The Maritime provinces, also called the Maritimes or the Canadian Maritimes, is a region of Eastern Canada consisting of three provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. On the Atlantic coast, the Maritimes are a subregion of Atlantic Canada, which also includes the...
of Canada. A person of proven “North Eastern Woodland” heritage, regardless of what state they reside in may also qualify for membership in the MÉTIS of Maine. Additionally, individuals residing in Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
that can show proof of any other ( “Non-North Eastern Woodland” Indian) Native American or First Nations
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
mixed blood may also be accepted as members. Genealogical
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history. Genealogists use oral traditions, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kinship and pedigrees of its members...
or DNA evidence
Genealogical DNA test
A genealogical DNA test examines the nucleotides at specific locations on a person's DNA for genetic genealogy purposes. The test results are not meant to have any informative medical value and do not determine specific genetic diseases or disorders ; they are intended only to give genealogical...
are both accepted as proof of mixed-blood
Mixed-blood
The term mixed-blood in the United States is most often employed for individuals of mixed European and Native American ancestry who are not of Hispanic descent . Some of the most prominent in the 19th century were mixed-blood or mixed-race children born of marriages and unions between fur traders...
heritage.
At its cultural center in Dayton, MÉTIS band elders teach traditional Eastern Woodland Native spiritual and social culture in the medicine wheel
Medicine wheel
Medicine wheels, or sacred hoops, were constructed by laying stones in a particular pattern on the ground. Most medicine wheels follow the basic pattern of having a center of stone, and surrounding that is an outer ring of stones with "spokes", or lines of rocks radiating from the center...
way, which teaches harmony and respect between the cultures. Membership in this band does not preclude tribal membership in other bands. The Métis of Maine currently reaches out to the general public with two pow wows
Pow-wow
A pow-wow is a gathering of North America's Native people. The word derives from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning "spiritual leader". A modern pow-wow is a specific type of event where both Native American and non-Native American people meet to dance, sing, socialize, and honor American...
and gatherings per year.