Indian Reservation, Penobscots

Indian Island in the Penobscot River (2005)

The Reservation in Penobscot County, is the home of the Penobscot Tribe of Maine’s Native American population, and is located on Indian Island in the Penobscot River and within the boundaries of the community of Old Town. See photos. The Penobscot Nation Council, headquartered on the Island, is composed of elected members, lead by a Chief and a Vice Chief. It is the birthplace in 1871 of Cleveland Indians baseball player Louis Sockalexis. Dancer and entertainer Molly Spotted Elk was born here in 1903.

Indian Township

Peter Dana Point, in the southwest corner, is the village center for the Passamaquoddy people in the township. U.S. Route 1 hosts another cluster of facilities and population. The tribe’s governing body is the policy maker for the Passamaquoddy People of Indian Township with each member elected for a four year term. Municipal offices, public safety building, housing authority and Boys & Girls Club Fitness Center are in the southeast corner near the town line with Princeton and near the shore of Lewy Lake.

Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act 1979

INDIAN TERRITORIES CHAPTER 601 MAINE INDIAN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT (To Indian Lands Claims article.) 30 § 6201. Short title INDIAN TERRITORIES CHAPTER 601 MAINE INDIAN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT 30 § 6201. Short title This Act shall be known and may be cited as “AN ACT to Implement the Maine Indian Claims Settlement.” [1979, c. 732, §§ 1,…

Native Americans by County, Percent

Map: Native Americans by County 2010

In 2010 the three counties in which Indian reservations exist had the largest proportion of Native American residents.  Washington leads with 4.5 percent of the county’s population.  Aroostook (1.5%) and Penobscot (.9%) follow.  The Native American population statewide is 0.6%. County Percent Washington 4.5% Aroostook 1.5% Penobscot 0.9% Piscataquis 0.6% Kennebec 0.5% Somerset 0.5% Androscoggin…

Samoset

(1590?-1655) was the Indian sagamore, from the Pemaquid area, who in 1621 was visiting chief Massasoit when he surprised the Pilgrims of Plymouth with the words, “Much welcome, Englishmen.” According to Isaacson, “He explained that he was a sachem and had learned the language from Englishmen engaged in fishing off Monhegan, and named many boat…

Spotted Elk, Molly

Molly Spotted Elk

1903 Born on Indian Island, eldest child of Horace Nelson, a future Penobscot Governor, and Philomena Solis Nelson, a celebrated basket maker. In Penobscot her given name is “Molly Dellis.” After her mother’s early death, Molly raises her seven brothers and sisters; studies native dancing to support her family. 1920-1922 (ca.) Studies anthropology and native…