Dwayne Tomah: Passamaquoddy Stories

Some of the stories that have helped preserve Passamaquoddy culture and beliefs through the generations will be brought to life at the latest event in an Eastport festival celebrating Maine’s storytelling traditions. Passamaquoddy Language Keeper Dwayne Tomah will share tales as part of Eastport Arts Center’s Stories We Tell Festival, presented in partnership with Sipayik Museum and The Quoddy Tides. The free event will be held Saturday, August 17, at 7 pm.

Traditional stories of the Little People as well as more recent stories detailing historic events will be included, noted Tomah. For hundreds of years, First Nations people have relied on stories to weave together their community. According to some of the traditional tales, the magical Little People live alongside the Passamaquoddy as both protectors and spiritual beings. “They look out for our people,” Tomah said.

“The function of all these stories was teaching about our surroundings, our connection…