Rev. Catherine Sabine M. Ed, L.M., CH, Commissioned Healer and National Spiritualist Teacher from  the Micmac Indians tribe, was the featured speaker  recently at USM’s Lewiston/Auburn Senior College “Food for Thought” luncheon.  She spoke about the conflicts of being a Micmac Indian child living in a white community.

Rev. Catherine Sabine is a tribal elder of the Micmac indians in MaineThere was an ongoing effort to assimilate Native Americans. This resulted in her Micmac culture becoming socially invisible. This continued until November 26, 1991, when the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians became Federally recognized. She is their tribal elder. She is a former tribal councilor and a former Big Cove First Nation Sun dancer. She continues to be a pipe carrier.

Micmac Indians in Portland

Her father, whose languages were Micmac and French, was born and raised at Eel River Bar First Nation, in New Brunswick, Canada. He crossed over on the Foot Bridge in Caribou in 1920. Her mother, who was Franco-American (she denied being half Micmac,) was born in Waterville and French was her only language. They settled in Portland’s East Deering section. When other Canadian relatives arrived, they too settled in Portland, forming a small Indian community.

Rev. Catherine Sabine is the founder, president, and pastor of the Spiritualist Church of Eternal Life, in Sabattus. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University. She earned a  Master’s Degree in Education in the Native American Leadership program. She is a retired Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Marriage and Family Therapist.

Senior College, now in its 14th year, presents the monthly 11:30 luncheon program in Function Room 170 at USM Lewiston/Auburn Center. The LA Center is on Westminster Street in Lewiston. The cost, which includes lunch, is $7 with advance reservation or $8 at the door. Call 753-6510 for information about the month’s speaker, or to make reservations.