On Thursday, January 23rd, 2020, from 5pm-6:30pm at Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center, USM's Portland Campus, Passamaquoddy language teachers and linguists Roger Paul and Newell Lewey will discuss the relationship between Passamaquoddy lands, language, and worldview in a wide ranging talk that will draw on history, culture, linguistics and stories. Their talk is designed for educators and future educators of all levels (and other interested folks) looking to increase their understanding of Indigenous cultures and communities in Maine. This is a rare opportunity to learn from native speakers, master language teachers, and gifted storytellers.

This talk is co-hosted and co-sponsored by the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine and the Wabanaki Studies Curriculum Initiative of the Portland Public Schools.

This event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Bios

Roger Paul (Passamaquoddy)

Roger has worked as a cultural director, teacher, counselor, story teller, and consultant. In these roles he has taken an active role towards the preservation of culture and educating people on the importance of realizing the significance of indigenous peoples in Maine and New Brunswick. Roger teaches Wabanaki languages at the University of Maine Orono and the University of Southern Maine in Portland. He is currently working on a Master's degree in linguistics at MIT.

Newell Lewey (Passamaquoddy)

Newell has a background in Information Technology and linguistics. He has worked on economic development initiatives for the Passamaquoddy tribes, as well as in the Passamaquoddy language immersion program. He has served on the tribal council, volunteered with Native youth, and supported Native inmates in recovery. Newell holds a Master's degree in linguistics from MIT.