November 25, 2019

Maine Veteran Service Agencies to Co-Host Wabanaki Cultural Awareness Training

AUGUSTA, Maine (November 25, 2019) - On Friday, December 5, 2019, the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services (MBVS) and the VA Maine Healthcare System will co-host the states first-ever Wabanaki cultural awareness training, focusing on the service of Maines Native American veterans and service members.

As part of the presentation, Donald Soctomah, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Passamaquoddy Tribe will be speaking on the topic of Maine Native American History and the role Native American veterans have taken in the United States Military.

"The Bureaus mission is to serve all of Maines veterans," said Sarah Sherman, Director of Strategic Partnerships for MBVS. Its our hope that by providing cultural awareness training to our community partners, we will be better able to serve our Native American veterans. We hope to use this event as an opportunity to give voice to a group of veterans that has proudly served their country .

Over the past few months, MBVS has forged new partnerships with Native American tribes across the State of Maine in an effort to improve services and collaborate at veterans events.

MBVS and VA Maine are committed to providing quality care and service to all veterans. It is the Bureaus mission to ensure that each and every veteran who walks through the door receives the attention and assistance they deserve.

The training will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. at the VA Maine Healthcare System, Theater (Building 210). Following Mr. Soctomahs presentation, there will be a screening of Underground Cities The Secrets of World War I,a film recounting the early part of WWI and the Yankee Division of New England. A brief question and answer session will be held after the film.

Media interested in attending the showings should contact Melissa Willette, Director of Communications, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services at Melissa.Willette@maine.gov or 207-430-6004 or Jonathan Barczyk, Acting Public Affairs Officer, VA Maine Healthcare System at Jonathan.Barczyk@va.gov or 207-623-8411 ext. 2969 for more information.

To learn more about available resources for Veterans and their families, please contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services at 207-430-6035 or visit their website www.maine.gov/Veterans.