Logo for Abbe Museum's Downtown Festival of Arts & Ideas featuring a stylized purple circular design and purple text.
Logo for Abbe Museum's Downtown Festival of Arts & Ideas featuring a stylized purple circular design and purple text.

Always the 2nd Weekend in July
on the College of the Atlantic campus
Bar Harbor, Maine

Close-up of a person pouring pink icing onto a slice of cake in a white foam plate
Two women are sitting outdoors with their eyes closed near microphones. The woman on the left has long brown hair, tattoos on her arm, and is wearing a floral dress with beads and a beaded necklace. The woman on the right has black hair in a bun, sunglasses, and is wearing a black shirt. There is a microphone stand and a background with a tree and a house.
Panel discussion with three people sitting on stage in front of a large screen showing a close-up of a bee on a red and orange background, audience in foreground.
A man with long dark hair and a gray T-shirt is smiling and talking to a woman with curly blonde hair wearing a light blue shirt at an outdoor art fair or market booth with various artwork and photographs for sale.
A group of six people sitting and talking outdoors under a tree, with a log in the background, engaged in a discussion or activity involving bows and arrows, possibly archery.
Crowd in market at Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas Abbe Museum Bar Harbor Maine
A man dressed in white wearing a pink headscarf with colorful designs, earrings, necklaces, and tattoos, singing into a microphone while holding a decorated tambourine outdoors with trees and a house in the background.
A group of elderly people at an outdoor market or fair, looking at handcrafted jewelry and art displays with a table covered in a yellow cloth, under a tent with others in the background.
A woman at a craft fair looking at jewelry displayed on a stand with two young girls also examining the items. Other people are visible in the background.
A puppet with a detailed, expressive face, long white hair, and a flowing cream-colored dress is performing on a stage in front of an audience at a puppet show. Another performer in black is controlling the puppet, and children are watching and taking photos.
Crowd at market Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas Abbe Museum Bar Harbor Maine
A man with a beard wearing a black t-shirt and a backwards cap is smiling and holding a food tray at an outdoor event, standing under a canopy with another person in the background.
Two men are talking at an outdoor event, with one man playing a wooden flute and the other wearing sunglasses and a white shirt, surrounded by people and tents in a park.
A panel discussion with three women on stage, one holding a microphone and reading from a paper, the second in the middle wearing a hat and sunglasses, and the third woman on the right with glasses, all seated in front of a purple background with the text 'Native Freedom of Expression'. Audience members are visible in the foreground.
People gathered around a table outdoors, participating in a craft activity. An elderly woman and a younger woman are focused on the activity. The table has a purple tablecloth with craft supplies.
A person with tattoos, jewelry, and a colorful bandana speaking into a microphone outdoors during daytime.

Thank you for attending!

The Abbe Museum’s Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas was held on July 11-12, 2026, on the College of the Atlantic campus, continuing its tradition as a multi-day summer festival that centers Wabanaki and Native thought leadership through panels, performances, and a Northeastern Native arts market.

The Dawnland Festival in 2026 also marked a new moment of national connection through a collaboration with The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s 2026 Of the People: Smithsonian Festival of Festivals.

“This collaboration places the Abbe Museum’s Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas within a broader national conversation about ongoing cultural practice, while remaining grounded in Wabanaki leadership and place-based knowledge,” stated Betsy Richards, executive director at the Abbe Museum. “Being the only New England-based festival participating reflects the importance of Indigenous-led platforms that support cultural continuity and cross-cultural dialogue in this region.”

Smithsonian Folklife collaborated with the Abbe on select panel conversations and performance programming, while Dawnland remained fully grounded in Wabanaki voices, perspectives, and shared authority. See below for photos and panel videos.

The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals 2026: Of the People Logo
Crowd at Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas Abbe Museum Bar Harbor Maine
Panelists
Performers
Market Artists

A Look Back at Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas 2026

Photographer and Videographer: Nolan Altvater

Honoring 250 Years of Wabanaki Veterans

Wabanaki warriors allied with American colonists in 1775, launching a tradition of service that has continued through every U.S. conflict. That same year, the new nation signed its first treaty—the Watertown Treaty—with the Wabanaki Tribes. This panel reflects on that legacy alongside the realities of denied rights and sovereignty, offering perspectives on service, sacrifice, and the responsibilities carried forward as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

Moderated by Donald Soctomah (Passamaquoddy), and featuring Donna Loring (Penobscot), Darren Ripley (Passamaquoddy), Shane Hill (Mi’kmaq - absent from panel)

The members of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, and Maliseet tribes fought to help this country gain its independence. We were not simply individuals living on the land. We were organized nations with governments, diplomacy, laws, military alliances, responsibilities to one another. Long before the United States existed, we defended our homelands and our people. So 1776 was not the beginning for us. We were here through almost 250 years of warfare.

Donna Loring (Penobscot)

Native Freedom of Expression

As debates around freedom of expression evolve across the United States, this panel examines these issues through a Native lens. Panelists will explore how Indigenous communities navigate and respond to challenges with resilience and creativity, while also addressing the historical and legal barriers that have shaped Native peoples’ access to First Amendment rights.

Moderated by Esther Labrado (North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians) and featuring Daniel French (Mohawk) and Mikhu Paul (Maliseet)

I think dreams are more inspiring than fear. I know fear moves people, but I think we sleep on dreams, and we should wake them.

Daniel French (Mohawk)

Native Photography as Self-Determination

In conjunction with the Abbe Museum’s exhibition Holding the Light: Contemporary Wabanaki Photography, this panel brings together Native photographers to reflect on reclaiming the medium from its colonial past. Artists will share how their work challenges stereotypes, reclaims representation, and helps shape new narratives and Native futures.

Moderated by Jeremy Dennis (Shinnecock), and featuring Maya Attean (Penobscot/Passamaquoddy), Nolan Altvater (Passamaquoddy)

We as Wabanaki people are People of the Dawn. We are the first to see the light and photography is all about manipulating light. We assess what is hidden, what is showing. We use the environment around us to create this art and listen to the land while we’re doing it.

Maya Attean (Penobscot/Passamaquoddy)

Water is Life

For Wabanaki peoples, water is not simply a resource but a sacred, living relative essential to cultural, spiritual, environmental, and physical well-being. This panel explores the deep connections between people and waterways, including cultural teachings, legal struggles, and environmental responsibilities, while highlighting how the health of these waters shapes the well-being of all.

Moderated by Jennifer Neptune (Penobscot), and featuring Samuel St. John (Maliseet), Billy Longfellow (Passamaquoddy)

The water doesn’t belong to us. We belong to the water. We are the water.

Billy Longfellow (Passamaquoddy)

A Look Back at Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas 2026

Photographer and Videographer: Nolan Altvater

Two women sit outdoors in front of microphones, one with long brown hair and tattoos on her arm, wearing a black floral dress and beaded necklace, and the other with dark hair tied back, wearing sunglasses and a black shirt, with a tree and house in
A woman with glasses, long dark hair, and a colorful patterned shirt is speaking into a microphone with her right hand raised, sitting on a wooden chair on a stage. Another person, wearing a hat and sunglasses, is sitting to her left. There is a larg
A panel discussion with three people sitting on stage, one man speaking into a microphone, a woman holding a microphone, and another man with a microphone and glasses. Behind them is a large screen with a close-up image of a bee on a flower.
People gathered outdoors on grass listening to a man speaking at a small stage, surrounded by trees and residential buildings.
A vendor at an outdoor art fair sells photographs and artwork to a woman. The vendor, a man with dark hair and a beard, is smiling while speaking to the woman in a light blue shirt. They are surrounded by tables displaying framed photographs and art
A performer with glasses and a colorful shirt playing a guitar and singing into a microphone on a stage at an outdoor event, with a seated audience under a tent.
Three women participating in a panel discussion on stage, seated in chairs. The woman on the left is speaking into a microphone and reading from a paper, the woman in the center is smiling, wearing sunglasses and a hat, and the woman on the right is
Women and children browsing jewelry at an outdoor market or craft fair with booths and displays.
A large puppet with a ghostly face, long white hair, and flowing white clothing stands on a stage in front of an audience. The puppet is being operated by a performer dressed in black. The audience is seated and watching attentively.
A man with tattoos, wearing a colorful headscarf, earrings, and necklaces, is singing or speaking into a microphone while holding a decorated drum outside with green trees in the background.
An older man with gray hair and glasses playing a flute outdoors, seated on a black folding chair with a microphone in front and water bottles on the ground, surrounded by trees.
A white rectangular dish with rice, vegetables, and sauce, garnished with sliced green onions, placed on a green cutting board.
A woman with shoulder-length dark hair sitting on a chair, holding a microphone and a notebook, smiling, with a blurred background and partially visible person in the foreground.
A person in a colorful, costume-like outfit with a large green frog head, a crown, and a polka-dot dress, performing on stage while an audience watches.
A man with glasses and a man bun is singing into a microphone while playing an acoustic guitar. He is wearing a black jacket with a colorful, patterned fabric underneath, and is standing in front of a dark background.
A diverse group of people holding hands and dancing in a circle outdoors at a community event or festival, with a large colorful mural of a whale on the side of a building in the background, along with trees, tents, and portable toilets.
Close-up of a hand holding a cup of ice cream with a slice of cookies and pink drizzle topping, with various other ice cream cups in the background.
Person speaking at an outdoor event, wearing a pink shirt, white skirt, and a colorful headscarf, holding a bundle of feathers, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A busy outdoor market or fair with people browsing tables displaying handcrafted items, jewelry, and pottery. The scene is under a large white tent with natural light filtering through.
A man with glasses, dark hair, and a goatee, smiling and playing a guitar while standing in front of a microphone. He is wearing a colorful patterned shirt and maroon pants, with a strap on his shoulder. The background is primarily black and purple.
A group of elderly people shopping at an outdoor market stall. They are looking at items on a table covered with a yellow cloth, with some African jewelry displayed. The scene is outdoors in a park or garden setting.
People shopping at an outdoor craft fair, browsing jewelry displayed on a wooden stand under a tent.
A woman wearing sunglasses and earrings, holding a piece of paper while speaking into a microphone at an outdoor event.
A woman with long dark hair, wearing large round earrings, a black top, and a colorful blue skirt, is speaking into a microphone outdoors in front of a leafy green tree while holding a yellow and orange paper.
A woman in a purple shirt speaking into a microphone outdoors, holding papers, with trees and green scenery in the background.
People gathered at an outdoor event under tents, with tables, informational displays, and people engaging in conversations and activities.
A man wearing glasses, a blue T-shirt, and a trucker hat is speaking into a microphone outdoors. The T-shirt has text related to the Smithsonian festival of festivals 2026. The background features green trees and other people.
Group of people sitting outdoors around a table with archery equipment, engaging in a discussion or activity on a sunny day with trees in the background.
People browsing artwork at an outdoor art fair under a tent.
A woman in a purple shirt leaning over a table with a colorful cloth, participating in an outdoor activity with several children around her, during daytime.
A woman with dark hair and earrings at an outdoor event, handing a plate of food to another person under a white canopy, with trees in the background.
Four women sitting on a stage outdoors, each with a microphone, smiling and engaging with each other, with trees and a building in the background.
A man wearing a black T-shirt and a backward cap is smiling while handing over a food order to a woman at an outdoor event. The woman is dressed casually and is facing away from the camera; the background contains trees and cars.
People participating in an outdoor event in a park, engaging in an activity at a long table covered with a purple tablecloth, with trees and a building with mural art in the background.
People at an outdoor event examining a woven basket.
A large outdoor gathering with people participating in a circle dance on a grassy area under trees, with seated audience members watching. There is a tent with art displays in the background.
A crowded outdoor market or fair inside a large tent with many people browsing tables of items, including jewelry and crafts, with some trees visible outside.
People attending an outdoor craft fair or festival, looking at indigenous musical instruments like wooden flutes, under a large white tent.
People at an outdoor market under a white canopy, with various jewelry and crafts displayed on a red tablecloth.
A man seated at a table with a purple tablecloth is working with electronic equipment and wires. A woman stands nearby, smiling and holding a backpack, at an outdoor event with people walking and engaging in activities on a grassy area with a colorfu
People at a craft fair examining woven baskets and other handmade items on display.
An elderly woman with short gray hair and glasses sitting on a wooden chair on stage, speaking into a microphone during a presentation or panel discussion. She wears a striped beige shirt and dark pants. Behind her is a large screen displaying a clos
A performer is dressed in a large, elaborate costume resembling a mythological creature with a lion-like face and flowing white and beige fabric. The performer is on stage at a cultural event with seated audience members watching.
People browsing and selling jewelry and handmade crafts at an outdoor market under a tent, with tables displaying various items.
People gathered around a table outdoors, participating in a craft activity, with a woman with long dark hair assisting a blonde woman with glasses.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing dark sunglasses, a black shirt, and a patterned beige skirt is speaking into a microphone outdoors during daytime. She holds papers in her left hand and has a name tag that reads Betsy Richards. The bac
A woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing sunglasses and a red shirt, is smiling and interacting with children outdoors in a park-like setting.
A woman wearing sunglasses, earrings, and a light pink shirt speaking into a microphone outdoors.
A group of people standing on a stage, with a man dressed in traditional indigenous attire speaking into a microphone. Behind them, a large screen displays images related to indigenous culture.
An elderly man with glasses, wearing a beige shirt and khaki pants, is sitting on a wooden chair on stage, speaking into a microphone. He is wearing a white cap with a colorful design. Behind him is a large screen displaying an illustration of a pers

THE DAWNLAND FESTIVAL IS ORGANIZED BY THE ABBE MUSEUM

The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, is dedicated to advancing understanding of Wabanaki Nations’ heritage, living cultures, and homelands. Guided by a Wabanaki-majority Board of Trustees, the Museum centers Indigenous voices in its exhibitions and programs. Founded in 1928, the Abbe now includes a year-round downtown location and a historic site in Acadia National Park.

Learn more at the Abbe Museum website | Support

Photo of the Abbe Museum building with flags outside, wooden shingle exterior, surrounded by green trees, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

College of the Atlantic logo with a stylized sailboat and waves, and the slogan 'life changing. world changing.'
Logo for the 2026 Smithsonian Festival of Festivals celebrating culture, history, and folk life, featuring the website festival.si.edu.

Marquee Funders

Lead funder for the 2026 Dawnland Festival - Henry Luce Foundation Logo
Lead funder for the 2026 Dawnland Festival - Elmina B Sewall Foundation Logo
Lead funder for the 2026 Dawnland Festival - Onion Foundation Logo
Open Meadows Foundation logo with a large circle containing the letter 'O' and the name 'Open Meadows Foundation' beneath it.
Logo of Terra Foundation for American Art with stylized text.

Market Sponsors

The name William Blair written in black cursive font.
NEFA logo - lead sponsor of the 2026 Dawnland Festival

Panel Sponsors

Logo of Maine Coast Heritage Trust featuring a stylized illustration of a coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and water.
Blue speech bubble with black text that reads 'maine humanities council' and decorative swirl at the bottom.

Performer Sponsors

Logo for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with stylized mountain and wave graphics.
Logo for Coffee by Design featuring a black circle with three stylized letters 'C', 'b', and 'd' inside and text below reading 'Coffee by Design, Maine Made, Woman Owned, Farmer Focused'.
MACHIAS SAVINGS BANK logo with stylized orange and blue mountain graphic.
Logo for Versant Power featuring stylized green and blue trees above the company name

Demonstrator Sponsors

A sketch of a coffee mug with steam rising, featuring text that reads 'Cafe This Way,' 'since 1997,' and 'Bar Harbor Maine,' surrounded by decorative lines.
Logo for Drummond Wodsum Attorneys at Law, with the name in red and gray text.
Logo for E. L. Shea Builders & Engineers with a stylized house outline, green rectangular banner, black roof lines, and the establishment year 1926.
First National Wealth Management logo with blue and yellow design elements.
Abstract logo with stacked colorful shapes above the text 'Maine Community Foundation' in black.
Logo with a stylized mountain inside a circle above the words "Momentum Conservation" in bold blue letters.
Logo for the Permanent Commission on Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations featuring a star, radiating lines, and abstract shapes in red, yellow, blue, and brown.
NEOC logo with stylized mountain peaks in gold above the text 'NEOC' in dark blue.

Food Sponsor for Panelists

Killick Fund of the Maine Community Foundation

Friends of the Festival

Rooster Broth logo featuring a cartoon chicken perched on a pot of broth with the company name and tagline

This project (Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas 2026) received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.