We recognize and accept the cultural integrity of the tribes of Maine as the indigenous people of Maine. We work to break down stereotypes and free ourselves to help all races to know and honor each other in depth and fullness, with openness of mind and heart and equality of dignity as our starting points. The greatest acts of reconciliation from our side may be not to do things but simply to be attentively supportive of Indian choices. Sometimes this involves simply spending time in conversation. Sometimes it calls for a more proactive gesture of support for Indian concerns, when Indians invite the Committee to advocate with and for them.
Racism is part of the context of tribal-state relations.
Responding to this challenge, we have discovered that there are no anti-racism materials focused specifically on Indians. Our initial focus is on Episcopal congregations in Maine, but the film will be designed for use in any anti-racism curriculum, whether in other churches or in secular settings. In the spirit of the Committee's Mission, this project will utilize the skills of a Wabanaki film director working together with David Westphal, an Anglo film producer and member of the Committee who has produced a number of films in cooperation with the Wabanaki tribes in recent years and is held in high regard by them. The film crew will also train a number of young Wabanaki film interns in the art of film-making. The film will focus on the experience of racism from the Indian perspective.