Committee on Indian Relations

Ms. Pamela VanWechel, Co-Chair

The Rev. Richard Tardiff, Co-Chair

At the 172nd Convention of the Diocese of Maine, delegates passed a resolution encouraging Maine Episcopalians “to get to know the Native American people of Maine; to learn about their histories, cultures, values, and yearnings, and join with them as we all share in the ministry of reaching out to all the people of Maine”. This led to the production of a documental film "INVISIBLE" which examines some of the history of the relations between the white and Indian communities in Maine. Through the voices of persons telling their stories, it looks at some of the underlying reasons for the racism so deeply embedded in white American culture and how that racism continues to shape Native American reality. From sales of the video and with the aid of a National Church grant, "INVISIBLE” has been converted to a DVD format. “INVISIBLE” received an extensive and positive review in “Indian Country Today”, the most widely nationally circulated Indian newspaper. The committee continues to explore dialogue and possible future projects with the tribes. With a new grant from the National Church this Committee is aiding the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission to convert a film made several years ago “Wabanaki: A New Dawn” into a DVD format that will be included in an educational packet for Maine Schools.