Opinion: Returning land and care of it to Wabanaki Nations yields great opportunity

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • July 19, 2026

Last month the Mi’kmaq Nation acquired 3,400 acres of forest, wetland and streams. This new property, called Mesgilg Maqamigew, is located in Bridgewater. It more than doubles the land held by the Nation. Held within the “bigness” of Mesgilg Maqamigew are forest, fields, wetlands and miles of South Whitney Brook, known locally for its brook trout. Mesgilg Magamigew is nestled between the two largest populations of Mi’kmaq citizens (Houlton/Littleton and Presque Isle /Caribou) and is located only a mile off Route 1, making it very accessible to the Nation’s citizens. The size and accessibility of this land make it a place rich with possibilities for practicing culture. This is the sixth completed project in the Tributary Land Returns, a collaboration between the five federally recognized Wabanaki tribes and seven non-native organizations, to return over 50,000 acres to Wabanaki communities across 11 different projects. ~ Brett Ciccotelli is First Light’s core staff member for land return; Shannon Hill is the environmental health director for Mi’kmaq Nation