Indians at the Centennial

Text by Candace Kanes

Images from the Maine Historical Society

Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indians were on public display from June 28 to July 5, 1920, when they agreed to set up an "Indian Village" on the north shore of the Duck Pond at Deering Oaks Park.

The Centennial intended, among other things, to promote Maine businesses, including the cottage industry of Indian basket-making.

For Indians, however, the encampment was a reminder of what they had lost since Maine became a state and before. The encampment showed Indians in traditional clothing, living in tipis and engaging in dances and other traditional activities.

It did not represent the Indians as they actually lived in Penobscot and Washington counties.

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