PortFringe is based in so-called Portland, Maine, which was settled on the traditional unceded territory of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Wherever you’re tuning in from, you are also on stolen land, and we implore you to learn more about whose land you live, work, and play at https://native-land.ca

We recognize and honor the Nations who comprise the Wabanaki Confederacy—including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac peoples—who have stewarded and continue to steward this land throughout the generations. We affirm the inherent sovereignty of these Nations in this territory. We support their efforts for land and water protection and restoration, and for cultural healing and recovery. We remember the members of the Nations of the Wabanaki Confederacy whose lives and land were taken through genocide and colonization of this land. We acknowledge that this genocide and colonization is ongoing, even today, and that we benefit from this harm. We commit to the ongoing work of decolonization in ourselves, our families, and our communities in Maine and beyond.

We pay respect to elders both past and present. We are grateful for this land we call home; for the bounty of food, shelter, recreation, and beauty this land provides for us and for all living things. We demonstrate our thanks for the land and our commitment to this work of decolonization through our actions. It is not enough to simply say these words: we must take direct action as well. We urge you to join PortFringe in supporting the work of Wabanaki Reach and The Wabanaki Alliance here in Maine.

PortFringe is committed to undertaking the work to undo systemic oppression and racism, and question how we are beneficiaries of systems that have excluded people for centuries. We invite you to join us in this work.