A Nation Examined: Wabanaki Voices on the Declaration of Independence

As the nation marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, this recorded conversation brings Wabanaki perspectives to the center of the national conversation.

Moderated by Abbe Museum Executive Director Betsy Richards (Cherokee), this powerful and timely dialogue features Donna Loring (Penobscot) — author, broadcaster, Veteran, and former Senior Advisor on Tribal Affairs to Maine Governor Janet Mills — and Dr. Darren Ranco (Penobscot) — University of Maine professor, chair of Native American Programs, and coordinator of Native American research — as they explore the Declaration’s promises, contradictions, and lasting impact on Wabanaki Nations.

Presented in conjunction with the Abbe Museum’s hosting of the Maine Historical Society’s Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration, this conversation invites viewers to reconsider one of America’s founding documents through voices too often left out of its telling.

The Abbe Museum is grateful for this collaboration with the Maine Historical Society and acknowledges the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage's partnership support to help make this weekend possible. The Abbe also thanks the Maine Community Foundation for their support of the Hancock and Washington County stops on this statewide tour.