Guide to the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission Archive, 1996-2018
See individial series for information about access restrictions.
Please read Maine-Wabanaki REACH's statement of support issued upon the release of the archives.
Bowdoin does not hold copyright for these materials and they are made available for research and educational purposes and with the permission of the TRC and individual statement providers. For all uses outside of "fair use" (as defined by Title 17, United States Code), including derivation, publication, and reproduction, researchers must secure permission from the copyright holders, typically the individual statement providers.
Digital materials may be used for research, educational, and non-commercial purposes without our written permission. For information about publication, visit our policies page or contact scaref@bowdoin.edu.
Cite as: Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission Archive, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.
On June 29, 2012, five Wabanaki Chiefs and Maine's Governor Paul LePage signed a mandate commencing the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Under the leadership of five appointed commissioners, the TRC was charged with examining Maine's child welfare practices affecting Wabanaki people; the focus of the Commission was on "truth, healing, and change." Over the course of three years, the TRC collected statements from nearly 150 individuals and focus groups. The TRC published a final report on June 14, 2015, detailing key findings and recommendations for further action. At the conclusion of its work, the TRC transferred its extensive archives to the Bowdoin College Library's George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives.
The collection includes video, audio, and written statements, and other personal documents contributed by individuals and focus groups to the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Also includes TRC founding documents, the final report of the Commission, and research, policy, and administrative records that document the work of the TRC.
Recordings and transcripts of all open statements are available online at http://digitalcommons.bowdoin.edu/maine-wabanaki-trc/.
No restrictions.
Documents relating to the establishment of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission including the signed TRC Mandate, a "Declaration of Intent" to create a TRC process, and a joint resolution by the State of Maine in support of the work of the TRC. Also includes the TRC Final Report, published on the Maine-Wabanaki REACH website here, and a letter of support from Senator Susan Collins.
Declaration of Intent to Create Maine/Wabanaki TRC Process, May 24, 2011
Poster about TRC with photo of signing ceremony
Resolution of Houlton Band Council, Feb. 22, 2012
TRC Mandate, June 29, 2012, signed
TRC Mandate, June 29, 2012, on poster board, signed
State of Maine: Joint Resolution to support work and purpose of TRC, Feb. 11, 2013, framed item
TRC Commisioners Oath of Service, Feb. 12, 2013
Letter of support from Senator Susan Collins, June 14, 2015
TRC Final Report: Beyond the Mandate, June 14, 2015
TRC Final Report: Beyond the Mandate, June 14, 2015, copy 2
All statements in this series are open. Some statement providers requested anonymity, and in those cases, both the transcripts and recordings have been altered to protect identities.
This series includes audio and video recordings, as well as related transcripts, of all unrestricted statements by individuals that are part of the TRC archives. Statement providers include Wabanaki elders, children once in foster care and their family members, foster and adoptive parents, tribal leaders, service providers, incarcerated people, attorneys and judges, caseworkers, and administrators from the tribes and from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These personal memories provide a window into the realities of the relationship between Wabanaki people and the state of Maine. Researchers should be aware that many of the statements contain challenging and disturbing content.
Recordings and transcripts of all open statements are available online at http://digitalcommons.bowdoin.edu/maine-wabanaki-trc/.
A-201408-00080 : Statement by Sandra McDonald collected by Marcie Lister on August 6, 2014
A-201408-00081 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on August 6, 2014
A-201408-00082 : Statement by Luke Joseph collected by Rachel George on August 6, 2014
A-201408-00083 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Marcie Lister on August 6, 2014
A-201410-00108 : Statement by Dena Joseph collected by Rachel George on October 16, 2014
A-201410-00109 : Statement by Blue LaBeet-LaBillois collected by Rachel George on October 30, 2014
A-201410-00110 : Statement by Tania Morey Paul collected by Rachel George on October 30, 2014
A-201410-00111 : Statement by Sarah DeWitt collected by Rachel George on October 16, 2014
A-201410-00112 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Marcie Lister on October 16, 2014
A-201410-00113 : Statement by Sandra Pictou collected by Marcie Lister on October 16, 2014
A-201410-00115 : Statement by Edward Peter Paul collected by Rachel George on October 16, 2014
C-201503-00161 : Statement by Travis Murphy collected by Rachel George on March 19, 2015
H-201408-00088 : Statement by Joshua Toner collected by Rachel George on August 27, 2014
H-201409-00089 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Charlotte Bacon on September 9, 2014
H-201412-00155 : Statement by Mikhu Paul collected by Rachel George on December 18, 2014
H-201503-00163 : Statement by Betty Joseph collected by Rachel George on April 23, 2015
M-201402-00014 : Statement by Madelaine Dominguez Miller collected by Charlotte Bacon on February 10, 2014
M-201402-00018 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Margot Millikan on February 10, 2014
M-201402-00019 : Statement by Georgina Sappier Richardson collected by Rachel George on February 19, 2014
M-201402-00020 : Statement by Molly Socoby collected by Rachel George on March 5, 2014
M-201403-00021 : Statement by Stephanie Bailey collected by Rachel George on March 5, 2014
M-201404-00036 : Statement by Regina Petit collected by Charlotte Bacon on April 9, 2014
M-201407-00076 : Statement by Wendy Newell Dyer collected by Rachel George on January 12, 2015
M-201411-00160 : Statement by Allen Sockabasin collected by Rachel George on January 20, 2015
M-201502-00159 : Statement by Elizabeth Neptune collected by Rachel George on February 6, 2015
M-201504-00164 : Statement by Cheryl Lola and Mary Jenkins collected by Rachel George on April 24, 2015
ME-201406-00053 : Statement by Dale Hamilton collected by Charlotte Bacon on June 26, 2014
ME-201406-00054 : Statement by Susan Burgess collected by Rachel George on June 26, 2014
ME-201406-00055A : Statement by Shawn Yardley collected by Rachel George on June 27, 2014
ME-201406-00058 : Statement by Bobbi Johnson collected by Meredith Eaton on June 27, 2014
ME-201406-00060 : Statement by Wayne Walker collected by Mary-Therese Duffy on June 27, 2014
ME-201406-00063 : Statement by Lucille Atwell collected by Rachel george on June 25, 2014
ME-201406-00105 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on June 27, 2014
ME-201407-00062 : Statement by Jessie Briggs Gunther collected by Rachel George on July 10, 2014
ME-201407-00066 : Statement by Gail D'Agostino collected by Meredith Eaton on July 10, 2014
ME-201407-00067 : Statement by Lisa Bullard collected by Rachel George on July 10, 2014
ME-201407-00068 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on July 17, 2014
ME-201407-00069 : Statement by Harmon Harvey collected by Heather Westleigh on July 17, 2014
ME-201407-00070 : Statement by Virginia (Ginny) Marriner collected by Heather Westleigh on July 18, 2014
ME-201407-00071 : Statement by Richard Totten collected by Rachel George on July 18, 2014
ME-201407-00072 : Statement by Freda Plumley collected by Rachel George on July 18, 2014
ME-201408-00079 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Meredith Eaton on August 5, 2014
ME-201408-00084 : Statement by Andrew Mead collected by Rachel George on August 21, 2014
ME-201408-00087 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Marilyn Bronzi on August 27, 2014
ME-201409-00090 : Statement by Paul Thibeault collected by Rachel George on September 11, 2014
ME-201409-00091 : Statement by Melinda (Mindy) Kane collected by Rachel George on September 11, 2014
ME-201409-00092 : Statement by Rebecca Irving collected by Rachel George on September 11, 2014
ME-201409-00093 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on September 11, 2014
ME-201409-00094 : Statement by Martha Proulx collected by Rachel George on September 17, 2014
ME-201410-00096 : Statement by Peter Crovo collected by Marcie Lister on October 14, 2014
ME-201410-00097 : Statement by Frederick Moore collected by Charlotte Bacon on December 15, 2014
ME-201410-00099 : Statement by Brian Chapla collected by Rachel George on October 14, 2014
ME-201410-00100 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on October 14, 2014
ME-201410-00101 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Marcie Lister on October 14, 2014
ME-201410-00102 : Statement by Sarah LeClaire collected by Heather Westleigh on October 15, 2014
ME-201410-00106 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Heather Westleigh on October 15, 2014
ME-201410-00107 : Statement by Barbara Kates collected by Rachel George on October 15, 2014
ME-201411-00118 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Meredith Eaton on November 3, 2014
ME-201411-00119 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Joan Uraneck on November 3, 2014
ME-201411-00120 : Statement by Greg Dorr collected by Meredith Eaton on November 3, 2014
ME-201411-00123 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Joan Uraneck on November 3, 2014
ME-201411-00126 : Statement by Alivia Moore collected by Heather Westleigh on November 4, 2014
ME-201411-00129 : Statement by Therese Cahill Low collected by Rachel George on November 4, 2014
ME-201411-00133 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Charlotte Bacon on December 5, 2014
ME-201411-00135 : Statement by Michael Augustine collected by Rachel George on November 17, 2014
ME-201411-00136 : Statement by Elizabeth Stout collected by Marcie Lister on November 18, 2014
ME-201411-00137 : Statement by Penthea Burns collected by Rachel George on November 18, 2014
ME-201411-00138 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Marilyn Bronzi on November 18, 2014
ME-201411-00139 : Statement by Cindy Sargent collected by Marcie Lister on November 18, 2014
ME-201411-00140 : Statement by Fred Putnam collected by Marilyn Bronzi on November 18, 2014
ME-201411-00141 : Statement by James Tierney collected by Heather Westleigh, November 19, 2014
ME-201411-00142 : Statement by George Corey collected by Marilyn Bronzi on November 18, 2014
ME-201411-00143 : Statement by Delia Saintcross collected by Marcie Lister on November 19, 2014
ME-201411-00145 : Statement by Arla Patch collected by Rachel George on November 19, 2014
ME-201411-00146 : Statement by Bruce Mallonee collected by Rachel George on November 21, 2014
ME-201411-00149 : Statement by Michael Petit collected by Rachel George on November 29, 2014
ME-201412-00011 : Statement by John Hawkes collected by Rachel George on December 15, 2014
ME-201412-00075 : Statement by Margaret Semple collected by Rachel George on January 16, 2015
ME-201412-00134 : Statement by Randi McKechnie collected by Joan Uraneck on December 15, 2014
ME-201412-00148 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on December 15, 2014
ME-201412-00154 : Statement by Jane Sheehan collected by Marcie Lister on December 18, 2014
ME-201412-00156 : Statement by Bo Yerxa collected by Marcie Lister on December 18, 2014
ME-201412-00158 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Charlotte Bacon on January 20, 2015
ME-201501-00017 : Statement by Anonymous and Anonymous collected by Rachel George on February 4, 2015
ME-201503-00162 : Statement by Peter Walsh collected by Charlotte Bacon on April 23, 2015
P-201403-00032 : Statement by Bert Polchies collected by Rachel George and Joan Uraneck on March 28, 2014
P-201403-00034 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Frank Smith on March 28, 2014
P-201405-00044 : Statement by Lisa Montgomery collected by Rachel George on May 2, 2014
P-201405-00049 : Statement by Robert Polchies collected by Rachel George on May 30, 2014
P-201406-00050 : Statement by April Tomah collected by Rachel George on June 4, 2014
P-201411-00125 : Statement by Kirk Francis collected by Charlotte Bacon on November 4, 2014
P-201411-00127 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on December 10, 2014
P-201412-00147 : Statement by Eric Mehnert and Rhonda Decontie collected by Rachel George on December 5, 2014
P-201412-00151 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on December 17, 2014
P-201412-00157 : Statement by Elizabeth Mitchell collected by Marcie Lister on December 18, 2014
P-201501-00015 : Statement by Debi Francis, Esther Mitchell, Sandra Smith and Carolyn Bluhm collected by Rachel George on February 12, 2014
S-201311-00001 : Statement by Deborah Yarmal collected by Rachel George on November 19, 2013
S-201311-00003 : Statement by Denise Altvater on November 20, 2013
S-201311-00004 : Statement by Anonymous on November 20, 2013
S-201311-00005 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Margot Milliken on November 20, 2013
S-201311-00006 : Statement by Mary Lou Barnes collected by Libbet Cone on November 21, 2013
S-201311-00007 : Statement by Deborah Yarmal collected by Margot Milliken on November 21, 2013
S-201311-00012_S-201311-00016 : Statement by Molly Newell and Mary Lou Barnes collected by Margo Milliken on November 22, 2013
S-201404-00039 : Statement by Shirley J. Cogswell collected by Charlotte Bacon on April 10, 2014
S-201407-00040 : Statement by Margaret Ann (Peggy) Pottle collected by Joan Uraneck on July 22, 2014
S-201407-00073 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Margot Milliken on July 22, 2014
S-201411-00122 : Statement by Esther Attean collected by Rachel George on November 3, 2014
W-201312-00013 : Statement by Melody Paul collected by Rachel George on December 13, 2013
W-201403-00025 : Statement by Tyneshia Wright collected by Rachel George on March 27, 2014
W-201403-00026 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Joan Uraneck on March 27, 2014
W-201403-00027 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Frank Smith on March 27, 2014
W-201403-00028 : Statement by Donna (Dawn Neptune) Adams on March 17, 2014
W-201403-00029 : Statement by Terri Elder collected by Rachel George, March 27, 2014
W-201403-00030 : Statement by Tyneshia Wright on March 27, 2014
W-201405-00042 : Statement by Sarah Mary (Anne) McCarron collected by Rachel George on May 1, 2014
W-201405-00043 : Statement by Joshua Gagnon collected by Rachel George on May 1, 2014
W-201405-00047 : Statement by Anonymous collected by Rachel George on May 7, 2014
W-201408-00048 : Statement by Tyneshia Wright collected by Rachel George on August 28, 2014
W-201411-00132 : Statement by Dennis Tomah collected by Rachel George on November 5, 2014
201504-00165 : Statement by Ron Siviski collected by Erika Bjorum on November 6, 2015
201810-00001 : Statement by Paula/anonymous collected by Erika Bjorum on October 5 and October 9, 2018
201810-00002 : Statement by Roger Bernard collected by Erika Bjorum on October 25, 2018
This series includes audio recordings, as well as related transcripts, of all unrestricted statements by focus groups that are part of the TRC archives. The focus group sessions are with representatives from communities in Maine including Wabanaki foster and adoptive parents, Wabanaki Health and Wellness, Maine-Wabanaki REACH board members, community organizers, and inmates at the Maine Correctional Center. Topics discussed include native fostering and adoption; reconciliation, justice, and trauma; community organization; and background history. These personal memories provide a window into the realities of the relationship between Wabanaki people and the state of Maine. Researchers should be aware that many of the statements contain challenging and disturbing content.
All statements in this series are open. Some statement providers requested anonymity, and in those cases, both the transcripts and recordings have been altered to protect identities.
Recordings and transcripts of all open statements are available online at http://digitalcommons.bowdoin.edu/maine-wabanaki-trc/.
FG-C-201503-0015 : Statement gathered at the Maine Correctional Center, Windham, Maine, April 17, 2015
FG-M-201411-0009 : Statement gathered at Motahkomikuk-Indian Township, Maine, November 12, 2014
FG-ME-201501-0014 : Statement gathered at Old Town, Maine, January 12, 2015
FG-S-201406-001 : Statement gathered at Sipayik-Pleasant Point, Maine, June 18, 2014
FG-S-201411-0010 : Statement gathered at Sipayik-Pleasant Point, Maine, November 13, 2014
FG-R-201411-0011 : Statement gathered at Indian Island, Maine, November 14, 2014
FG-R-201411-0012 : Statement gathered at Indian Island, Maine, November 17, 2014
FG-W-201407-0005 : Statement gathered in Bangor, Maine, July 30, 2014
Statements by individuals and focus groups where access is restricted to Tribes/Nations.
Access to members of Tribes/Nations only; tribal identification required.
Individual statements restricted to tribal access
Focus group statements restricted to tribal access
Material contribitions were submitted to the TRC by individuals and include personal documents, statements, and recollections, as well as reports and other materials relating to Maine Wabanaki child welfare.
Please contact George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives (scaref@bowdoin.edu) for questions about access to electronic files described in this series.
No restrictions.
Anonymous journal (W-201404-00041-0002)
Contribution from Esther Attean: Youth Work (S-201501-00077)
Contribution from Esther Attean: ICWA Training, Maine Wabanaki Indian Child Welfare Coalition, Customary Adoption Project (S-201501-00077)
Contribution from Esther Attean: ICWA Summit material (S-201501-00077
Contribution from Esther Attean: 2003 Final CFSR Report for Maine
Contribution from Esther Attean: 2009 Final CFSR Report for Maine
Contribution from Esther Attean: 2009 Maine ICWA Case Review Final Report
Contribution from Esther Attean: 2012 Maine ICWA Case Review Final Report
Contribution from Esther Attean: Wabanaki Restorative Justice Healing Commission report
Contribution from Erika Bjorum: focus group transcripts (3), anonymous
Contribution from Erika Bjorum: slideshow of findings
Contribution from Theresa Dube: 1999 CFSR Pilot Review for Maine
Written statement by Mary Dunn (ME-201412-00153-002)
Georgina Sappier Richardson, letter to DHSS with response, 1996 (M-201403-00023)
Written statement by Aubrey Sockabasin, July 8, 2014 (M-201506-00166-001)
Contribution from James Tierney: Indian Child Welfare Act, state-wide training materials, 2000
No restrictions.
Please contact George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives (scaref@bowdoin.edu) for questions about access to electronic files described in this series.
Reports, publications, and data that document the history of Maine/Wabanaki child welfare practices, and the State implementation of federal policies legislated by the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Also includes TRC policy and procedure documentation and copies of media coverage relating to tribal communities in Maine and the work of the TRC.
Maria Girouard,The Original Meaning and Intent of the Maine Indian Land Claims: Penobscott Perspectives, 2001
Indian Child Welfare Act Policies and Procedures, Part 1, 2012
Indian Child Welfare Act Policies and Procedures, Part 2, 2012
Indian Child Welfare Act Policies and Procedures, Supplement, 2013
ICWA existing information on implementation, April 2005
Donald Soctomah, Save the Land for the Children, 1800-1850, 2009
Donald Soctomah, Pasamaquoddy at the Turn of the Century, 2002
Donald Soctomah, Let me Live as My Ancestors Had, 1850-1890, 2005
TRC media coverage reference list
TRC media coverage-articles, 2011-2015
TRC media coverage-articles, 2011-2015
American Indian Policy Review Commission Report
Annotated bibliography-Child welfare
Annotated bibliography-Corrections
Annotated bibliography-Tribal state relationship
Bibliography-All sources consulted
Comparison of 2009 and 2012 ICWA compliance reviews
Compiled child welfare statistics summary
Corrections: county jail data
Corrections: documents and reports
Corrections: annotated bibliography
Corrections: research summary
How the TRC examined disproportionality
ICWA in CFS and other documents
Gousse Summary ICWA implications in Land Claims Settlement -2015
Legislative research
Maine Automated Child Welfare Information System data requests
Penobscot Nation Drug Court Four Directions/Phases of Treatment and Wellness
Photographs of documents from Maine State Archives
Photographs-citations
Summary of research findings
Timeline - Tribal state relationship
Maine Wabanaki-State TRC Statement Gathering Hand Guide
Research procedure summary
Staff use only.