History does not start with colonization.
The Ellsworth Historical Society acknowledges that the land and resources of what we now call the "City of Ellsworth" have belonged to the Wabanaki People since times immemorial. This region is Ckuwaponahkik, meaning “The Land of the Dawn”, where the sun first rises.
Likewise, the Union River watershed and its resources always have belonged to the Wabanaki People, and always will. The Union River is Weckuhtektuk, meaning “The River Hidden From View”.
What Is A Land Acknowledgment?
Land Acknowledgments pay respect to the rightful owners of colonized land - the Indigenous People. Offering a Land Acknowledgment expresses an understanding that while “we” live here and “we” may have bought land here, we do not truly own it because it was not ours to take.
Why Does It Matter?
This land, though we love it, was stolen through genocide, plague, and other atrocities. We continue to abuse and exploit the resources of people who lived here before us and tenderly respected the land more than we could ever know.
We must recognize this.
Further, our modern world continues to marginalize and isolate these people, ignoring the centuries-long violations against them and the enduring ramifications of generational trauma and oppression.
Though Land Acknowledgments are not reparations, consolation, or resolution, they are the first step in raising awareness that leads to meaningful change and the pursuit of justice.
Want to learn more?
Local Archeologist Rick Will presented to us on February 13th to help us learn more about the precontact era archeological remains. Watch his presentation here!
The Agassiz Outcrop is an Ellsworth schist outcrop in Ellsworth Falls, just off North Street. The striations are from glaciers during the last Ice Age scraping across the rocky face. It is considered a scientific Historic Landmark on the National Registry of Historic Places. Near the outcrop, you will find Museum in the Streets sign #18 which gives a summary of the Wabanaki significance.