The Festival takes place in the height of summer, in the heart of the Maine Woods The Festival features inspiring presentations and authentic programs all about the region, all led by expert Maine people The Festival is a one-week journey, landing in a remote, spectacular landscape, learning the ways of the Wabanaki and the ways of the Woods  The Festival helps to find the cultural thread and quiet solace that inspires harmony with Nature, for its many human benefits The Festival celebrates the balm of the Maine Woods, as seen through the eyes of Thoreau, learned from the traditions of the Wabanaki 

Schedule of Events:

Penobscot Ways in the Woods & Waters with the Penobscot Nation Cultural & Historic Preservation Department

James Eric Francis, Sr., director of Penobscot Cultural and Historic Preservation, talks birch bark canoes with some participants of the popular cultural immersion canoe camping trip.
Like Thoreau, participants learn under the wing of Penobscot guides about Wabanaki ways, past and present, and the Penobscot life connection to Maine woods and waters. This trip follows the last leg of Thoreau's 1857 trip on the Penobscot River, ending at Indian Island in Old Town. Trip features easy canoeing/camping. Days feature guided activities, and may include learning plant identification & traditional medicinal uses; history, archeology, flintknapping, Native ways of being in the natural world, the importance of the ash tree to Wabanaki culture, and sweetgrass weaving; visit to a wigwam, exploratory walks. Cultural immersion includes traditional drumming & singing demonstrations; campfire circle talk; learning about birch bark canoes, even trying one out.

Monday after breakfast, paddlers move downstream to Indian Island in Old Town, load out, have lunch, and gather into a closing circle before saying goodbyes. Advance registration is required.