Local History: Indigenous Stories Series — An Unbroken Circle - Indigenous Communities and the Seacoast

Join Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective members to hear how their work is reframing New Hampshire’s history from an Indigenous perspective.

The history of the Indigenous communities of the Seacoast has been endangered since the colonization of this land by white settlers in 1623. While it was a momentous occasion for those forging a path for themselves in a new world, their discovery of this shore led to the displacement of the Indigenous communities who lived here for over 12,000 years.

This year, as Portsmouth celebrates its 400th Anniversary, we ask whose history are we celebrating. What histories and experiences have been ignored or systemically erased? Join us for a panel discussion with local Indigenous leaders as they clarify long-held falsehoods, share their peoples' history, and discuss their current projects. As we move into a new century of colonial settlement let us recognize that Indigenous ties to the Piscataqua region have never ceased. Their stewardship of the land has never wavered. Indigenous perspectives must be heard in order for us to understand the land we call home and move together toward our shared future.

Registration is required. This event is free and open to all. Attend online, or in person in the library’s Levenson Room.

Learn About the Panelists

Catherine Stewart is a writer, director, media designer, and facilitator working in theatre and film. She developed her practice as part of the Lincoln Center Directors’ Lab and today runs Film Unbound LLC, a media production company making both fictional and documentary films. Catherine will be the moderator for the panel discussion.

Paul W. Pouliot is the Sag8mo or Chief Speaker for the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook and Abenaki People and president of COWASS North America and the Abenaki Nation of Vermont. He is an Indigenous historian, lecturer, Federal Religious Advisor, and a founding member of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective.

Denise K. Pouliot is the Sag8moskwa (Female Head Speaker) of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People and traditional artist.  She currently serves on the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs, is a Federal Religious Advisor, and is a founding member of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective.

Kathleen A. Blake is a retired educator of mixed heritage, whose indigenous descendancy is from the Wendat (Huron), Algonquin, and Mi’kmaq peoples. She currently serves as an affiliate faculty member of UNH’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor Program, a board member for the Racial Unity Team, and a member of the Dover Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Anne Jennison is a traditional Native American storyteller and historian. She is the current Chair of the NH Commission on Native American Affairs and is a member of the Indigenous NH Collaborative Collective, an affiliate faculty member for UNH’s Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) Minor, and co-creator of the "People of the Dawnland" exhibit at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH.