This nation, primarily fishermen, is surrounded by lakes, bays, rivers, streams, and the ocean. Passamaquoddies are an old, old nation, related distantly to the Abnaki and Penobscot. Today they have a representative in the Maine legislature; however they can speak only on concerns of their people.

The Passamaquoddy are believers in a power by which a song or chant in one place can be heard in another area many miles away. This power is thought to be the work of m'toulin or magic, an important part of their belief. One example gives a strange account of an Indian so affected that he left his home and travelled north to find a cold place. Although barefooted and lightly clothed, he complained he was still too hot. He continued northward seeking colder comfort. One is led to believe that the man must have been insane. To the Passamaquoddy, insanity is simply the result of magic.

A belief in the magic of the Thunderbird is held by the Passamaquoddy, because he can tame the winds alternating between calm and storms.

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Compiled by: Glenn Welker




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