The Wabanaki Confederacy is a First Nations and Native American confederation of four Eastern Algonquian nations: the Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and the Penobscot. While not a federally recognized tribe, the Abenaki are also considered members.
The Wabanaki are situated in the area they call Wabanakik (Dawnland), which is roughly the area that became the French Acadia colony and includes much of what is now Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and parts of Quebec, south of the St. Lawrence River and Anticosti Island.
Western Abenaki can be found in parts of Quebec, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
All Abenaki are Wabanaki, but not all Wabanaki are Abenaki.
The Wabanaki Confederacy began as an alliance between tribes who were facing a common enemy: encroaching English colonists. The resulting Abenaki War, which took place simultaneously with King Phillip's War, led to a large-scale depopulation of English colonial settlements north of the Saco River in Maine, while the Wabanaki south of the river were forced from their ancestral lands.
Nations in the Confederacy also allied with the Innu, the Algonquian people, and the Wyandot. The Wabanaki Confederacy did not make war under the leadership of a commander. Rather, they implemented a strategy aimed at clearing their lands of intruders. Members of the Confederacy took part in eight major wars: King Phillip's War (1675-1678), Abenaki War (1675-1678), King William's War (1688-1697, Queen Anne's War (1702-1713), Dummer's War (1722-1725), King George's War (1744-1748), Father Le Loutre's War (1749-1755), and the French and Indian War (1754-1763).
The Wabanaki Confederacy was forcibly disbanded in 1862, although its nations still existed, continued to meet, and formally reestablished it in 1993.
The Abenaki are Algonquian-speaking people and part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Eastern Abenaki language was primarily spoken in Maine, while the Western Abenaki language was used in Quebec, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Abenaki bands include the Arsigantegok, the Cowasuck, the Missiquoi, and the Pennacook.
The Maliseet (Wolastoqlylk, Wəlastəkwewiyik) are an Algonquian-speaking First Nation within the Wabanaki Confederacy. They inhabit the territory along the Saint John (Wolastoq) River, along the current borders of New Brunswick and Quebec, and parts of Maine. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, based along the Meduxnekeag River in Maine, are a federally recognized tribe of Maliseet people. In Canada, the Maliseet include the Kingsclear First Nation, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, Oromocto First Nation, St. Mary's First Nation, Tobique First Nation, Woodstock First Nation, and Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation.
The Mi'kmaq are a First Nations people of the Northeastern Woodlands, indigenous to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, extending into the northeastern region of Maine.
The Penobscot are a federally recognized tribe in Maine and as a First Nations band government in the Atlantic provinces and Quebec. The Penobscot Nation, in Maine, is settled on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation on the Penobscot River.
In 2020, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation, in Maine, formed the Wabanki Alliance to educate the people of Maine about the need for securing sovereignty of the tribes in Maine.
Topics related to the Wabanaki Confederacy, the Wabanaki Alliance, or any of its constituent tribes, recognized or not, are appropriate topics for this portion of our web guide. Businesses, industries, museums, events, or other resources connected to the Wabanaki may also be listed here.
Recommended Resources
Dedicated to the history and culture of Maine's Native people, the Wabanaki, the Abbe Museum has two locations, one in Bar Harbor and the other on Mount Desert Island, Maine. The Sieur de Monts building in Acadia National Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the state's first purpose-built museum buildings. The museum's collections include many prehistoric and historic artifacts of Native Americans and Europeans who began arriving in the early 1600s.
https://www.abbemuseum.org/
The traditional homeland of the Western Abenaki (N’dakinna) includes lands in what is now Vermont, New Hampshire, northern Massachusetts, western Maine, and southern Quebec. The Abenaki Alliance represents the four Vermont state-recognized Western Abenaki tribes, including the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, the Elnu Abenaki Tribe, the Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation, and the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. Links to Abenaki organizations are shown.
https://www.abenakialliance.org/
Abenaki Arts & Education Center
AAEC was created because Abenaki history and culture were not included in the regional curriculum, and because of the difficulty in finding Abenaki educators and authentic curriculum resources. A teacher toolbox, curriculum, student resources, school programs, teacher training, corporate training resources, online exhibitions, a comprehensive resource library, and programs for children and adult students, teachers, and other educators are included. Additional resources may be submitted.
https://abenaki-edu.org/
State-recognized in Vermont since 2012, the tribe is not federally recognized. While not recognized as a First Nation, the tribe claims a homeland that includes the Missisquoi River and the Lake Champlain (Betobagw) area, extending into Quebec. The tribe claims descent from the Abenaki people, specifically the Missiquoi people. Its testimony for state recognition and its constitution, chiefs, history, and totem pole locations are quoted here. Tribal resources and contacts are included.
https://abenakination.com/
Inhabiting the west side of the Port au Port Peninsula, Newfoundland, the Benoit First Nation (Penwaaq L’nu’k) is located in the Bay St. George area of New Foundland and Labrador, Canada. Named for Francois Benoit, the First Nations community provides cultural and traditional programs for its members, language vitalization, indigenous history and heritage, infrastructure, elder support, and food security for vulnerable households. A gallery of photographs and contacts is provided.
https://www.benoitfirstnation.ca/
The Conseil des Abénakis is a First Nation in Quebec, Canada. It comprises the Abenaki bands of Odanak and Wôlinak, with just under 400 Abenaki living in two communities with a total area of less than 7 square kilometers. In recent years, tourism has allowed the Abenakis to promote their economy while preserving their traditions and culture. Elected chief and council members, along with its administrative and departmental team, services, facilities, and businesses, are introduced.
https://caodanak.com/
Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki, The
Headquartered in Alton, New Hampshire, the Cowasuck Band is seeking federal recognition with the Interior Department Bureau of Indian Affairs and favorable recognition from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and other New England states, but is not currently a recognized tribe. The Wabanaki were divided into the Western and Eastern Abenaki, and the Cowasuck were in the upper region of the Connecticut River, while the Pennacook (Merrimac) were in New Hampshire and north-central Massachusetts.
https://www.cowasuck.org/
Cultural and Historic Preservation
The Cultural and Historic Preservation departments and committees of the Penobscot Nation are charged with promoting and preserving the traditional teachings, culture, and historical accuracy of the Penobscot people, including the areas of language, history, education, archaeology, and outreach, as well as a museum. The Penobscot Nation Curriculum may be downloaded from the site, which includes tribal facts, an audio companion, and calendar references.
https://www.penobscothistory.org/
Daniel Nicholas Paul was a Canadian Mi'kmaq elder, author, columnist, and human rights activist, best known for his book, "We Were Not the Savages," sometimes described as a Canadian version of Dee Brown's, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." Although he passed on June 27, 2023, his website, established in 1998, remains online as a tribute to his legacy, thoughts, and contributions, as well as links to other First Nation sites and other content that he considered relevant and worthy.
http://www.danielnpaul.com/
Featuring Indigenous writing from New England and Northeastern North America, Dawnland Voices is an online literary magazine that showcases established and emerging Indigenous talent from New England, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, music, song, story, and visual art. Current and past issues and collections may be viewed online, along with news and reviews, information about assisting with the project, and how to submit content for consideration. Contacts are included.
https://dawnlandvoices.org/
Recognized by the State of Vermont but not federally recognized, the Elnu Abenaki Tribe claims descent from the Abenaki people. Based in Southern Vermont, the tribe had sixty members in 2016. The tribe dedicates itself to practicing traditional skills, including spending days or weeks in buckskins, sleeping in wigwams, cooking over a fire, singing, drumming, and telling stories passed down from their ancestors. The tribal headquarters, leadership, and contacts are posted.
https://elnuabenakitribe.org/
Located in Cape Breton (Unama'ki), the Eskasoni Mi'kmaw Nation (Eskissonqnik) is a band government of the Mi'kmaq First Nations. The most populous community of the Mi'kmaq Nation, it operates its own radio station (CICU-FM) and school board and is home to the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, a Mi'kmaq natural resources organization. The history of the Eskasoni is related, its chief and council are introduced, and tribal businesses, departments, and a media gallery are provided.
http://eskasoni.ca/
Four Directions Development Corporation
Formed to improve the social and economic conditions of the American Indian tribes in Maine (the Maliseet, the Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy, and the Penobscot) through education and investments in affordable housing, tribal business ventures, and Native entrepreneurship. Its team, board members, tribes, and annual reports are presented, along with information about loans and other programs, success stories, events, career opportunities, news, and contacts.
https://fourdirectionsmaine.org/
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
Headquartered in Littleton, Maine, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians of Maine (Metaksonekiyak Wolastoqewiyik) is a federally recognized tribe of Maliseet, closely related to the larger Maliseet First Nations of New Brunswick, Canada. Its tribal government, tribal enrollment policies, administrative offices, and a tribal directory are set forth, including its departments, services, arts and creations, employee resources, career opportunities, and contacts.
https://maliseets.net/
With just under a thousand members, the Kingsclear First Nation is located along the Saint John River, west of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The history of the First Nation is told, and community events, a community newsletter, a community plan, economic development, and general information about First Nation activities and services. Administrative contacts, departments, office directories, and hours of operation are posted. A gallery of historic and contemporary photographs is included.
https://kingsclear.ca/
Ko'asek (Co'wasuck) Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation
The Koasek Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation, New England and Eastern Canada, differs from the Koasek Abenaki Tribe. While currently unrecognized, the Ko'asek Band hopes to unite within the Wabanaki Confederacy and claims a common heritage with the Abenaki. Its history is related here, along with an introduction to its chiefs, elders, and councils. Its constitution, bylaws, and mission statement are posted. Its homeschooling programs are defined.
https://koasekabenakination.com/
Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation
The Koasek Abenaki are an autonomous band of Abenaki families of what is known as the Western Abenaki Tribes, which have been recognized by the State of Vermont, although they are not federally recognized. Traditionally occupying central and northwest New Hampshire and northeast and central Vermont, they are headquartered in West Braintree, Vermont. Their history, hunting and fishing rights, activities, tribal events and meetings, press releases, and contacts are included.
https://koasek.org/
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation
Also known as the St. Basile 10 band, the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation (Wəlastəkwewiyik Matowesekok) is one of six Wolastoqiyik or Maliseet Nations along the Saint John River in Canada, particularly northern New Brunswick. Its history and culture are described, and its organizational structure, land claims, and projects are outlined. The Grey Rock Power Centre, a tribal project, is now home to several restaurants, a truck stop, dealerships, a hotel, a casino, and a strip mall.
https://madawaskamaliseetfirstnation.com/
The Wabanaki Artist Collective was formed in 2013 to support Indigenous artists in Wabanaki territory, building an online presence for vetting artists and creating a roster of more than three hundred artists in New Brunswick and elsewhere in the Atlantic region. Its development, team, board, partners, and founders are introduced, and membership benefits and online registration are provided. A virtual gallery serves as an online exhibition, and information about free Indigenous Arts workshops.
https://mawiart.org/
This is a talking dictionary project to develop an online resource for the Mi'gmaq/Mi'kmaq language. Each headword is recorded by at least three speakers, which allows learners to hear differences and variations in how a word is pronounced. Each recorded word is used in an accompanying phrase, allowing learners to develop the skill of distinguishing individual words when spoken in a phrase. As the project was initiated in Listuguj, all entries have Listuguj speakers and spellings.
https://www.mikmaqonline.org/
MMNN is a First Nations-owned, community-focused monthly newspaper with expertise in Mi'kmaq culture. Offering an emphasis on positive stories and success stories in the Mi'kmaq community, archiving and recording history, educating, and providing information about current news and events that are relevant to the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet people in Canada. Full issues may be viewed online, advertising and subscription opportunities are featured, and a calendar of events.
https://www.mmnn.ca/
Previously known as the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Mi'kmaq Nation is a federally recognized tribe of Mi'kmaq people based in Aroostook County, Maine. Of the twenty-eight bands of Mi'kmaq people, the Mi'kmaq Nation is the only one in the United States, and the first non-US power to sign a treaty with the United States, the Treaty of Watertown on July 6, 1776. The tribe has no reservation but owns 1,350 acres of land in Limestone, Maine. The band is headquartered in Presque Isle, Maine.
https://micmac-nsn.gov/
In an effort to help Nova Scotians increase their knowledge and awareness of Mi'kmaw culture, history, and heritage, a Mi'kmaq History Month Committee was created to promote and encourage educational and cultural activities during the month of October. Its website shares information and increases awareness of the Mi'kmaq culture, history, and heritage, particularly Treaty Day and Mi'kmaq History Month. A five-year strategic guide is published, along with histories, videos, posters, and events.
https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
Previously known as the Micmac Native Friendship Centre, the MNFC is a non-profit board-governed organization that currently operates nine core programs for urban indigenous people, while serving as a focal point for members of this community to gather for community functions and events. Created in 1973, the organization supports First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals, families, children, and seniors, including assistance with employment, education, housing, and child development programs.
https://mymnfc.com/
Mi'kmaq and Mi'kmaw are two forms of the same word for the Indigenous people of Eastern Canada and their language. Mi'kmaq is the plural form that is used to refer to more than one person or the entire nation, while Mi'kmaw refers to one individual, and may also be used as an adjective to describe the language. This website was created, according to the authors, to provide reliable information about the Mi'kmaq people, their culture, history, and spirituality. The authors are introduced.
https://www.muiniskw.org/
Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation
State-recognized in Vermont but not federally recognized as a tribe, the Nulhegan (N’dakinna) Abenaki Tribe operates as a non-profit organization based in Shelburne, Vermont. Tribal members reside in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, which is in the state's northeastern corner. The Nulhegan Band gets its name from the Nulhegan River, with additional references to the Cowasuck (Coosuk) and Abenaki people. Its projects, resources, and contacts are posted.
https://abenakitribe.org/
Passamaquoddy People: At Home on the Ocean and Lakes
Created by the Passamaquoddy community for educational purposes, the digital archive provides information about the Passamaquoddy people, including their history, culture, and language. Its resources include digital content regarding the tribe's heritage, books, songs, stories, a collection of phonograph recordings, and field notes from the early 1900s, which may be browsed. Passamaquoddy Traditional Knowledge Labels, defining the use of this material, are defined.
https://passamaquoddypeople.com/
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township
The Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation is one of two reservations of the federally recognized Passamaquoddy tribe in Washington County, Maine, the other being the Pleasant Point Reservation. The history and culture of the Passamaquoddy are outlined, and links to a language portal are included. Its leadership structure, administrative offices, departments, and services, a calendar of events, and information about its casino and other tribal ventures are provided.
https://www.passamaquoddy.com/
Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company
Headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, the PWBC is owned, managed, and staffed by Passamaquoddy tribe members. Providing year-round, full-time, and seasonal employment for tribal members, the company manages and harvests wild blueberries on 2,000 acres, producing millions of pounds of low-bush blueberries since 1981. An introduction to the company and its partners is provided, and its products are highlighted, including wholesale distribution policies, and contacts.
https://pquoddyberries.com/
Passamaquoddy-Maliseet Language Portal
Founded by Wayne A. Newell, the Language Portal links the 19,000-entry online Passamaquoddy-Maliseet dictionary with a large archive of conversations and activities of Passamoquoddy-Maliseet speakers. Designed as a resource for language learning and research, users can link to videos where the same word is used while viewing dictionary items or link to the dictionary entries of words appearing in subtitles. Contacts, credits, terms of use, and reference documents are featured.
https://pmportal.org/
Organized as a federally recognized tribe in Maine and as a First Nations band government in the Atlantic provinces and Quebec, the Penobscot (Pαnawάhpskewi) are Indigenous to the Northeastern Woodlands region. Formerly known as the Penobscot Tribe of Maine, the Penobscot Nation is part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Its main settlement is the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation on the Penobscot River. Administrative and departmental contacts are posted, along with its facilities and services.
https://www.penobscotnation.org/
Pleasant Point Tribal Government
One of two reservations of the federally recognized Passamaquoddy tribe in Washington County, Maine, the Pleasant Point (Sipayik) reservation is near the United States/Canada border, on a peninsula with the Little River and Passamaquoddy Bay to the east and Cobscook Bay to the west. The tribal government, boards, committees, departments, administrative offices, and services are defined, along with educational programs, health services, regular events, and contacts.
https://wabanaki.com/
A Mi'kmaq band government, the Qalipu First Nation, was created in 2011 as a landless band based on the island of Newfoundland (Taqamkuk) and accepted as a member of the Assembly of First Nations in 2018. Qalipu is part of the Mi'kmaq Nation, whose territory extends from Maine to Quebec, through the Maritime Provinces, and into New Foundland, an area called Mi'kma'ki. Qalipu is made up of 67 traditional Mi'kmaq communities spread over 9 Electoral Wards, governed by an elected Chief and Council.
https://qalipu.ca/
Also known as St. Mary's Band, St. Mary's First Nation (Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik) is one of six Maliseet (Wolastoqiyik) Nations on the Saint John River in Canada. The First Nation is an urban community in northeastern Turtle Island, opposite downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick. The Nation's chief and council members are introduced, with contacts, and its departments and services are featured. A form is available for registration with the tribe, and a calendar of events is provided.
https://stmarysfirstnation.com/
One of six Maliseet (Wolastoqiyik) reserves in New Brunswick, Canada, the Tobique First Nation (Wolastoqiyik Neqotkuk) is situated on the north side of the Tobique River. Established in 1801, Tobique is the largest rural Maliseet reserve in New Brunswick. Its chief, council, directors, policies, treaties, events, and announcements are set forth. Tribal departments and services are highlighted, along with tribal businesses, entrepreneurs, and a gallery of photographs.
https://tobiquefirstnation.ca/
Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources
The UINR is a non-profit organization operated by and within the Mi'kmaq community of Eskasoni on Unama'ki (Cape Breton Island), Nova Scotia. The organization serves five Mi'kmaq communities on the island, and is responsible for Mi'kmaq natural resources and for overseeing environmental issues in Cape Breton. A profile of the organization, its leadership and staff, programs, publications, and the concept of "Netukulimk" are noted, including informational videos.
https://www.uinr.ca/
Formed in 2020, the Wabanaki Alliance includes the Wabanaki tribes in Maine, those being the Mi'kmaq Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation, for the purpose of securing tribal sovereignty. The Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 denies sovereignty to the Maine tribes currently. Member nations are highlighted, issues are stated, information about joining the coalition is provided, action resources, and reports are provided,
https://www.wabanakialliance.com/
In 1999, a pilot of the Child and Family Services Review found that Maine was not in compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. In response, the state and tribal welfare staff came together to form the ICWA Workgroup, which became Maine-Wabanaki REACH (Reconciliation, Engagement, Advocacy, Change, Healing) in 2008, which was shortened to Wabanaki REACH in 2021. Its history, board of directors, contacts, programs, events, and other resources are highlighted, along with a blog and newsletters.
https://www.wabanakireach.org/
Representing the Waycobah First Nation, composed of two Mi'kmaq Indigenous communities on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia (Malagawatch 4 and Whycocomagh 2), the website was created to represent the We’koqma’q First Nation. The We'koqma'q band office location, a map, and contacts are posted, along with a brief history, and information about its Skye River Trail, Wekoqma'q One Stop, Johnny's Gym, gaming opportunities, seasonal adventures, cultural experiences, and a photo gallery.
https://visitwekoqmaq.ca/
Western Abenaki is a linguistic subdivision of the Eastern Algonquian languages, which are a subgroup of the greater Algonquian languages. As fewer people speak it, it is listed as critically endangered by UNESCO. The website provides resources for learning the Western Abenaki language, including a dictionary, radio shows, and online lessons. A map shows the pre-European-contact distribution of Algonquian languages in North America and the current status of Western Abenaki.
http://westernabenaki.com/
Wolastoq Language & Culture Center
Situated on the traditional unceded and unsurrendered territory of Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), at the Tobique First Nation, the WLCC has been active in the development and implementation of language and culture initiatives, with elders serving as an important component. Its mission is to revive and maintain the Wolastoqey (Maliseet) language, culture, traditions, and ceremonies, develop language learning and teaching materials, and operate language and culture workshops and day camps.
https://www.maliseet.org/
Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation
The Maliseet First Nation is the only Wolastoqey Nation located in Quebec, Canada. Originally known as the Malecite de Viger Nation, the community lost its reserve lands in Viger in 1869, after which it dispersed throughout Quebec, Canada, and the United States. Today, the First Nation has a small reserve in Cacouna, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and its members form a diaspora, although several members visit the Wolastokuk for traditional activities. Its political structure is outlined.
https://malecites.ca/
