FSM has participated in the First Light Learning Journey since 2018 and is about to embark on the 3rd cohort of learning by staff and board members. This participation has been transformative as we ask ourselves challenging questions about land use history and the conservation movement. The board and staff have also imagined how our collaboration with the Wabanaki can strengthen and grow, asking ourselves such questions as what will the next twenty years or more of working together bring forth?
Multiple board members have also participated in the board learning provided by First Light, and help serve FSM through our internal Wabanaki Engagement committee. Having board members participate in this work is critical to ensuring FSM’s commitment to continued learning far into the future.
An FSM staff member has been a member of the Conservation Community Delegation since 2019, and as a non-voting member of the Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship since 2020. Participating in both groups in service to the Commission has enabled FSM to respond to Wabanaki priorities in several ways – whether it’s providing mapping or organizational support or connecting Tribes with large landowners across Maine.
Bonnie Newsom teaching the art of birch bark biting.
Wetland in Mattamiscontis, Penobscot Nation Trust Land.
