The Wabanaki Youth and Cultural Center’s pop-up market displayed Native art and culture, fostering community connection and promoting Wabanaki values and traditions.
BANGOR, Maine — The Wabanaki Youth and Cultural Center’s third annual pop-up in downtown Bangor on Saturday highlighted contemporary Native art and the living culture of the Wabanaki nations.
The market brought together artisans from the Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkokmikuk, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, and the Penobscot Nation, creating a space to share stories, craft, and culture with the broader community.
“It kind of gives us a sense of self. A sense of what we come from… what they come from. Everybody has different traditions.” Hannah Loring of the Penobscot tribe said.
Held in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the market featured a wide range of handcrafted items that blend tradition with everyday life. Visitors explored beaded jewelry, ribbon skirts, woven baskets, and musical instruments alongside modern creations, such as hoodies, mugs, tote bags, handmade toiletries, and crochet goods.
Irvin “Bubaloo” Dana of the Passamaquoddy tribe said each item tells a story.
“Everything has a story that I made in here,” he said. “We’re all connected. It’s a circle. There’s no beginning, and there’s no end to a circle… it always keeps on evolving.”
Senora Isaac, who is Navajo, said she and her husband’s business reflects multiple tribal traditions.
“My tribe, which is Navajo, and my husband here is from the Passamaquoddy tribe, so we combine it to make Passamaquoddy crafts,” she said.
Lisa Sockabasin, co-CEO of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, said the market offers a platform to educate community members on Wabanaki culture and values.
“Raise visibility, making sure people understand the values of Wabanaki people—our skills, our service, and values that we hold for the greater community,” she said.
Attendees said the market provided an opportunity to connect with the people behind the art.
“I came out here today because I really appreciate the artwork of the Wabanaki culture, and I feel it should be celebrated more,” visitor Megan Straight said.
Sockabasin said The Wabanaki Youth and Cultural Center is currently only open for special events like the pop-up market, and full construction of the center is expected to be completed by the end of next year.