Two years after it was introduced, more than 1,000 people, including many teachers, have completed a University of Maine System course about the history of the Wabanaki Nations in Maine, system administrators announced Friday.
The program, launched in November 2022, allows students to learn about Wabanaki Nations history from the Ice Age through today and earn a digital credential demonstrating their understanding of the subject material.
Called the Dawnland credential, the certification was created by John Bear Mitchell, a lecturer and outreach and student development coordinator for the Wabanaki Center and UMaine system’s Native American waiver and educational program coordinator. A citizen of the Penobscot Nation, Mitchell created it to better prepare Maine’s educators to teach Wabanaki studies.
The state of Maine has required K-12 schools to teach Wabanaki studies for more than two decades. Sponsored by then-Rep. Donna Loring, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, the 2001 Wabanaki Studies Law mandated the subject but did not include funding or resources to support schools in its instruction. The Dawnland credential seeks to fill in some of those gaps.
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“It’s great to see there is so much interest in this credential,” Mitchell said in a prepared statement. “My hope, for those who take it, is for them to teach about the tribes that lived on this land before and since Maine became a state from our perspective. To learn about us and to teach about us makes all of Maine a better place to live. By taking away misunderstandings and misrepresented ideology, we can create a true sense of place.”
Many Maine schools have benefited from the Dawnland credential, USM spokesperson Samantha Warren said in a statement. About 300 educators in the RSU 21 district serving Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have earned the credential.
In addition, all teacher education students at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Augusta earn the Dawnland credential before they begin their student teaching.
“Our System’s Dawnland credential equips educators with essential knowledge about the first people of this land we now call Maine and the ability to share with their students the history, culture and contributions of the citizens of the Wabanaki Nations,” said UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy.
The online course takes about 10 hours to complete and costs $25.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.
Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”
“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.
Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.
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However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.
READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate
Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.
Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.
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“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.
Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
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On March 2, Spurwink will join community partners for a special viewing of Building Hope: Ending Homelessness in Maine at the University of Southern Maine’s McGoldrick Hall.
Directed by Richard Kane and produced by Melody Lewis-Kane, the film shines a compassionate light on the realities of Maine’s homelessness crisis. Through deeply personal stories, Building Hope explores the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and families, while highlighting the hope that emerges when communities come together to create solutions. It’s been praised for its honesty, dignity, and inspiring message: change is possible when we work together.
Following the screening, a panel of local leaders and advocates will discuss the film and the ongoing effort in Maine to end homelessness. Panelists will include Katherine Rodney, Director of Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center; Cullen Ryan, Chief Strategic Officer at 3Rivers; Donna Wampole, Assistant Professor of Social Work at USM; and Preble Street staff. Catherine Ryder, Spurwink’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, will bring her expertise in trauma-informed care and community collaboration to the panel as the moderator.
Keon Johnson had 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Maine Celtics defeated the Windy City Bulls 122-87 in an NBA G League game on Sunday afternoon at the Portland Expo.
Hason Ward scored 16 points and Jalen Bridges 14 for Maine (13-15), which had seven players score in double digits. Bridges drained four 3-pointers for the Celtics, who shot 13 for 28 (46.4%) from beyond the arc.
Max Shulga dished out 11 assists and scored nine points.
Maine led 33-18 after one quarter 72-36 at halftime.
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Keyshawn Bryant scored a game-high 25 points for Windy City (12-12).
