"This is How We Name Our Lands:" Mapping Penobscot Place Names

Please join us for: "Iyoka Eli-Wihtamakʷ Kətahkinawal--This is How We Name Our Lands: Mapping Penobscot Place Names," a panel discussion on the making of the 2016 Penobscot Nation Cultural and and Historic Preservation Department Map and Gazetteer, as we learn from Language Masters, Historians, Artists, and Cartographers, on the intersections of place, language, art, culture, and cartography.

Featuring:

Carol Dana

James E. Francis, Sr.

Gabe Paul

Margaret Pearce

According to the mapmakers, "This map is a Penobscot guide to the place names given by our ancestors. On one side are the English translations, and on the other side are the Penobscot names. A separate gazetteer is for your reference for a quick connection between Penobscot and English. The names offer a window into the past and allow us to view the landscape at the heart of our culture. The meanings of the names tell us how we interact with the shape and character of the land and how we interconnect with the rivers, lakes, wetlands, falls, eskers, meadows, and rocks across our traditional territory. They indicate where plants, animals and materials for tools are found. They inform us where and when to plant, tan hides and hold our seasonal gatherings and ceremonies. The canoe routes, gathering places, and stories show us how the place names connect and why they are located where they are. Together, place names, travel routes, and stories reveal a map given to us from the hearts of our ancestors. The last piece of the map, of course, is you."