Maine spends $132,000 of taxpayer cash on group who say state should be renamed DAWNLAND to honor Native Americans and that its place names – including Norway, Paris, Nipple and Old Maid’s Rock – are racist or sexist
Maine officials are coming under fire after handing a $132,000 contract to a racial justice group, only for it to conclude with a 30-minute webinar on ‘problematic’ place names.
Taxpayers footed the bill for the lecture as part of the state’s employment of non-profit Atlantic Black Box (ABB), which claims to ‘engage the public in the collective rewriting of our regional history.’
In footage of the webinar this week, ABB founder Meadow Dibble urged attendees to acknowledge suffering caused by ‘white settler people’ as she rattled off place names Maine residents should feel offended by.
The towns of Norway and Mexico were seen as insulting, ‘Old Maid Rock’ was determined to be sexist, and Maine should be rebranded to ‘Dawnland’ to represent the Native American Wabanaki tribe’s original name, Dibble argued.
Advertisement
‘You could say that reading Maine’s place names is something like reading a book,’ Dibble said. ‘And some folks will tell you it’s a comedy. But when you read these names through the lens of racial equity, this book can read more like a horror novel.’
The seminar also included a Native American representative claiming she researches names of places before travelling and purposefully avoids anywhere sounding ‘suspicious.’
Atlantic Black Box presented a slide-show on Maine’s ‘problematic’ place names, which came after landing a $132,000 contract with the state to ‘reckon with our region’s complicity in the slave trade’
Meadow Dibble, the founder of Atlantic Black Box, used the presentation to remark on the ‘painful histories behind some of these names that normalized white supremacy and violence against BIPOC communities’
The woke lecture, first reported by The Maine Wire, reportedly began with Dibble listing her pronouns as ‘she/ they’ before insisting attendees to re-evaluate ‘what is behind the names that are all around us.’
Among the names she took objection to included the small island of Nipple, Maine, and the naming of Maine itself, which she felt would be better suited to the Wabanaki tribe’s ‘Dawnland’.
The host then displayed a standard place name sign with the sites replaced with monikers such as ‘Land Thief Hill’, ‘Enslaver Lake’ and ‘White Supremacy Hill.’
Advertisement
Certain place names were also deemed to ‘objectify or denigrate women, sexualize the landscape or play on tropes of loose women and witches’ – with ‘Old Maid Rock’ seen as particularly troubling.
Dibble added that ‘that is a topic that deserves its own presentation’, potentially after another taxpayer-funded contract.
She continued: ‘Once we know what is behind the names that are all around us, once we can see what lies behind the facade, the question we have to ask ourselves is are we as eager to continue honoring them.
‘Many Wabanaki elders, of course, and many of the knowledge keepers in Maine’s multi-generational black families are aware of the painful histories behind some of these names that normalized white supremacy and violence against BIPOC communities.
‘And we know that repeated constant exposure does harm.’
Advertisement
The webinar called for the end of alphanumeric codes being used for certain sites in Northern Maine, as they were determined to only be named for ‘resource exploitation.’
‘Maine is full of the soulless quantifiers that have served to parcel out land to timber barons. And I just want to contrast those numerical names designed to facilitate resource extraction with Dawnland,’ said Dibble.
The small island of Nipple, Maine (pictured) reportedly came under fire in the woke presenation
Dibble also took issue with Maine counties named after America’s Founding Fathers, including Washington, Hancock and Franklin Counties.
‘Franklin County was named after founder Benjamin Franklin, who was an active participant in the slave trade and an enslaver before becoming an abolitionist,’ she said.
The webinar was reportedly the final result of ABB’s $132,000 contract with the state, which Maine says on its government website is intended to ‘take up the critical work of researching and reckoning with our region’s complicity in the slave trade.’
Advertisement
The slide-show presentation then saw others step in to recount their struggle with Maine’s place names, with Maine State Geologist Steve Dickson noting that he has to use ‘offensive’ maps in his work that reflect old sites before they were re-named.
Native American activist and member of the federal Wilderness Society Jessica Lambert also spoke out about the direct harm the ‘offensive’ names have on her, as she claims to find herself unable to travel to certain places.
‘When you change the name from one that’s honoring into one that is denigrating people, that is racist, that is derogatory, you’re changing that space,’ Lambert said.
Native American activist and member of the federal Wilderness Society Jessica Lambert (pictured) spoke out about the direct harm the ‘offensive’ names have on her, saying ‘a lot of times I’ll be looking on Google Maps and see like a name that I’m like, that’s suspicious’
‘You’re tipping the balances of power, and I know that being an Indigenous person and going out a lot of times I’ll be looking on Google Maps and see like a name that I’m like, that’s suspicious or oh, that’s derogatory.
‘And I don’t want to go there. I don’t feel comfortable going there.’
Advertisement
The webinar reportedly concluded with a discussion on a piece of upcoming state legislation that would establish a State Names Authority, a move to replace names of sites the committee determines are insulting.
The bill, which is up for a vote on January 23, would also mandate that going forward, members of the State Names Authority must include a black person and a Native American person.
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – A Wall Street Journal article reports that Amy Gertner, the wife of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, told campaign aides she found sexually explicit text messages on Platner’s phone after he launched his bid for office last year.
According to the report, Gertner disclosed the messages while aides were conducting opposition research, and she asked a campaign aide to review what Platner had sent—reportedly to several women—to determine whether it could become a liability for his campaign.
The Wall Street Journal reports Gertner believed she was confiding in someone she considered a friend.
The article also states the couple discussed the messages in marriage counseling.
Advertisement
In a statement from Gertner provided by the Platner campaign, she wrote that they have gone through counseling and that their marriage today “is stronger than ever before.”
Amy Gertner provided a statement through the Platner campaign.
“I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend. In the months since, I have had to watch as she spread malicious gossip to anyone who would take her call. I trusted this person with the most private chapter of our lives – the early days of our marriage before any campaign was on our mind – and I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy.
“It is no secret that Graham and I have struggled on our fertility journey. We did the hard work that marriage requires. We went to counseling. We were honest with each other in ways that weren’t easy. And we came through it, not in spite of how much we’ve been through, but because of how much we love each other and the life we’ve built. Our marriage today is stronger than ever before.
“I know who Graham is. I know the man I married and the husband he has been to me on the best and the worst days of my life. That hasn’t changed, and it won’t.” – Amy Gertner
Advertisement
Platner and Gertner married in 2024, according to the report.
Earlier this year, we asked you, our readers, earlier this year to tell us your favorite places in Maine for budget-friendly feasting. You know where to find bang for your buck — Asian takeout, pizzerias, diners and hole-in-the-wall pubs held heavy sway in your voting, though you named some hip tourist favorites as well. Here are the top 25 our readers loved:
BBQ pork bahn mi at Bahn Appetit on Cumberland Avenue in Portland. (Photo by Meredith Goad)
Vietnamese takeout spot specializing in bahn mi sandwiches. Popular dishes include lemongrass beef bahn mi and bbq pork bahn mi. “It’s just a near perfect bahn mi,” one reader said.
Becky’s Diner in Portland has been a local favorite since 1991. (Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer)
390 Commercial St., Portland. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days. 207-773-7070, beckysdiner.com. No reservations.
Located in the heart of Portland’s working waterfront, Becky’s has been pleasing locals and tourists alike with budget-friendly meals and all-day breakfasts since 1991. Some of the most beloved dishes include blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, fried clams and lobster rolls.
Advertisement
Boda restaurant in Longfellow Square, shown in 2016. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
671 Congress St., Portland. 4-9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-347-7557, bodamaine.com. $9-$28. No reservations.
Boda bills itself as a “very Thai” kitchen and bar. Regulars often choose the Thai sticky rice balls and drunken noodles.
262 Island Ave., Long Island. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days through Labor Day, 207-766-2512, lobakehouse.com. $8-$24. No reservations.
Accessible only by boat, Byers & Sons offers sunset views from their deck on Casco Bay. Popular orders include lobster rolls, buffalo chicken pizza and donuts; don’t miss their Oyster & Champagne weekends with an added raw bar menu. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day it’s THE place to get a great lunch by the ocean, and then after the beach, stop by for a beer or prosecco on tap while you wait for a glorious ferry ride back to town,” one reader gushed.
A family restaurant institution for 19 years, Chick-a-dee offers a variety of local seafood dishes along with sandwiches, steaks, chicken and soups. Bestsellers include fried clams, haddock, seafood scampi and lobster stew.
Advertisement
Clayton’s Cafe & Bakery on Route 1 in Yarmouth. (Staff photo by Eric Russell)
A homey local staple since 1994, Clayton’s is known for its fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and seasonal soups. House favorites include the chicken salad and curried chicken salad sandwiches.
Funky lodge-style decor at CBG Bar & Grill, shown in 2020. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)
Purchase this image
617 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. seven days. 207-613-9356, cbgportland.com. $11-$20. No reservations.
A hip Portland pub celebrated for its fried snacks, craft cocktails and cheeseburgers. Regulars swear by the fish & chips, smash burger and fried chicken sandwich. “A veggie burger and a beer is under $25, and the vibes never fail,” one reader said. “Local, tastes good, no frills.”
Visitors to the Old Port pass Crispy Gai on Exchange Street in 2025. (Daryn Slover/Staff Photographer)
Purchase this image
90 Exchange St., Portland. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m., seven days. 207-536-1017, crispygai.com. lunch $9-$21; dinner $9-$25. Reservations only available for groups of 6-10.
This Old Port hotspot specializes in Southeast Asian street food and expertly crafted tropical-inspired cocktails. Must-orders include hat yai fried chicken/wings, crispy deluxe sandwich, pad see ew and Crying Tiger.
Cozy sandwich shop known for its flavorful Belgian-style frites cooked in duckfat. Don’t miss the Duckfat grilled cheese with raclette and cheddar, poutine with duck gravy, milkshakes and donut holes.
Advertisement
240 US-1, Falmouth. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-536-0771, on Instagram @fuegofalmouth. $8-$27. No reservations.
Casual, kid-friendly Mexican eatery known for its fast, friendly service. Popular orders include uniquely-wrapped chimichangas, coconut shrimp and margaritas. “The smothered burritos are heavenly, ” one reader noted.
Great Lost Bear bartender Tina Hafner pours beer from a large range of taps. (Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
This laid-back brewpub is a Portland institution known for its eclectic decor, extensive comfort food menu and wide array of beers on tap. Top-sellers include the pulled pork nachos, cheesesteaks and peanut butter and jelly wings. “Tons of options, all done pretty darn well,” one readers said. “And it’s a piece of Portland history; there aren’t many affordable, family friendly, classic bar/diners like GLB left!”
A busy scene at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster in South Freeport in 2022. (Jill Brady/Staff Photographer)
36 Main St., South Freeport. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Wednesday. 207-865-3535, harraseeketlunchandlobster.com. $8-$37. No reservations.
A family-owned business operating on the South Freeport waterfront since 1970, specializing in fresh local seafood. Seafood baskets are on the more expensive end of their offerings, but sandwiches are value-priced.
72 Maine St., Brunswick. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-798-6888, online menu. $5-$25. No reservations.
Advertisement
Cozy Japanese sushi restaurant with some hot specialty entrees. Customers laud the bento boxes, chicken teriyaki and sushi boats. One customer notes: “The bento box at lunch is full of delicious fish, and other there are other tasty dishes.”
Nikos Waterville House of Pizza, a family-owned staple in town, shown in 2022. (Rich Abrahamson/Staff Photographer)
Purchase this image
145 Main St., Waterville. 10 a.m.-9 p.m, Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-873-4300, nikoswatervillehouseofpizza.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
This Waterville mainstay has been serving pizza, pasta and subs since 1980. Regulars recommend the meatball subs, Big Mac pizza and steak bombs.
A mashed potato, bacon and scallion slice from Otto in Auburn. (Andree Kehn/Staff Photographer)
Purchase this image
10 locations throughout Maine. Find days/hours of operation of specific locations at ottoportland.com. $10-$28. No reservations.
Portland-based pizza chain known for their creative toppings. Popular pizza orders include the butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry; mashed potato, bacon and scallion; and fresh pineapple, bacon and hot honey. “Top-quality, thin crust pizza,” one reader said. “Try the Mushroom and Manchego option. Great combo and unusual.”
The iconic sign for Pizza by Alex in Biddeford. (Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer)
93 Alfred St., Biddeford. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days. 207-283-0002, pizzabyalexmaine.com. $9-$14. No reservations.
A beloved family-owned Biddeford pizzeria, serving New England Greek-style 10-inch pies topped with cheddar for 66 years. Fan favorites include Alex’s special, Hawaiiand pizza, and Yaya’s Greek, with feta cheese and spinach. “Prices for a personal pizza can’t be beat, and Yaya’s Greek pizza is sooo good,” raves a regular.
Don Camire outside Rapid Ray’s. Camire runs the legendary Saco spot, which his father, Ray, launched 72 years ago. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
Another York County institution, Rapid Ray’s has been Southern Maine’s hometown go-to for takeout fast food since 1953. Top sellers include the burgers and hot dogs, onion rings, clam cakes and lobster rolls.
Advertisement
501 Cottage Road, South Portland. Noon-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-747-4089, rattleshakegrill.com. $10-$24.
Rattle Shake began life as A&C Soda Shop before rebranding last December. Popular orders include the burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, ice cream floats and boozy milkshakes. “Best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten anywhere,” one reader said.
Joseph Urtuzuastegui, who owns El Corazon with his wife, in the restaurant’s dining room in 2024. (Staff photo by Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
190 State St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207- 536-1354, elcorazonportland.com. $10-$20. Reservations by phone.
Downtown restaurant serving authentic regional Mexican fare, as well as specialties like goat birria and deviled shrimp. Regulars love the pollo en mole, tamales and fried green tomato tacos.
Ruski’s Tavern, shown in 2022. (Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)
212 Danforth St., Portland. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days. 207-774-7604, ruskisportland.com. $8-$22. No reservations.
A landmark dive bar in Portland’s West End dating back to 1892 with a surprisingly expansive menu offering sandwiches, pizza, burgers and dogs, salad and soups, pubby starters and breakfast all day. Popular orders include eggs Benedict, fish & chips and Ruski’s steak bomb.
131 Ossipee Trail W., Standish. 4-8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. -8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-772-0360, sillys.com. $10-$17. No reservations.
Advertisement
The interior of Silly’s in Standish has the same idiosyncratic charm of the original restaurant in Portland. (Courtesy of Colleen Kelley)
This cherished restaurant operated out of Portland since the 1980s before relocating to Standish last year. The fun and quirky space serves up whimsically named dishes like Empire Strikes mac, a protein-topped mac and cheese, the Stop Bacon Sense BLT wrap, and Gravy Danger fries with gravy, bacon and cheese.
548 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days. 207-541-9097, tacoescobarr.com. $5-$18. No reservations.
A funky downtown taqueria offering tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burritos and more. Crowd pleasers include the puffy tacos, chipotle sweet potato taquitos and fish tacos.
Renowned for its bountiful all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, Taj also offers a wide selection of tasty Indian fare at budget-friendly price points for lunch and dinner. Fan favorites include the samosas, butter chicken, masala dosa and chicken tikka masala.
782 Forest Ave., Portland. 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days. 207-828-1114, online menu. $9-$21. No reservations.
Advertisement
Longstanding Vietnamese restaurant near Woodfords Corner offering a variety of pho, vermicelli dishes, fried rice and other hot entrees, as well as pan-Asian selections like pad Thai and lo mein. Regulars swear by the rare beef salad, beef pho and stir-fried chicken with Chinese broccoli.
Tomaso’s Canteen in Portland, shown in 2023. (Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer)
A friendly, no-frills neighborhood bar in the East End, Tomaso’s serves up a menu of pub grub classics like wings, burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches and their house special sausages. Fan faves include loaded Dump Truck Fries, mac & cheese and The Costanza reuben.
The group from Skowhegan Area High School’s outdoor leadership program built tables for the overlook in Dallas Plantation.
Posted
Updated at
Advertisement
1 min read
You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.
Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more.
Advertisement
Article link sent!
An error has occurred. Please try again.
Advertisement
With a Lewiston Sun Journal subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.
It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page.
With a Lewiston Sun Journal subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.
Advertisement
Students from Skowhegan Area High School’s outdoor leadership program visit Quill Hill on Thursday to see picnic tables they built for the overlook in Dallas Plantation. The students built the tables at the request of the owners of the overlook as a way for the students to put their stewardship to practice. (Quentin Blais/Staff Writer)Seth Jones, from left, Roza Rowe and Maxwell Degaff, all juniors at Skowhegan Area High School, eat lunch Thursday while visiting the picnic tables they built for the overlook at Quill Hill in Dallas Plantation. (Quentin Blais/Staff Writer)
Advertisement
Quentin Blais, an Illinois native, is the community reporter for the Rangeley Highlander. He covers Rangeley and the surrounding towns in northern Franklin County. Quentin studied photography and journalism…
More by Quentin Blais
