OUR MISSION
The mission of Four Directions Development Corporation is to improve the social and economic conditions of the Native American tribes in Maine — the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot — through education and investment in affordable housing, tribal business ventures, and Native entrepreneurship.
Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative
Enhancing tourism and creating economic opportunities for the Tribal Nations in the State of Maine.
🎉 Congratulations to 2026 Artisan Grant Fund recipient Mike Sockabasin!
Mike Sockabasin is a multidisciplinary Passamaquoddy filmmaker whose work focuses on preserving and sharing Indigenous stories. After beginning his career in narrative filmmaking, Mike returned to Motahkomikuk and recognized the need for cultural, historical, and language preservation through film.
Today, he blends documentary and narrative storytelling to create impactful visual work that celebrates Indigenous perspectives and experiences. A strong advocate for Native representation in the arts, Mike is committed to amplifying the voices and talents of fellow Wabanaki visual artists.
The Artisan Grant Fund will help support Mike as he continues to create meaningful stories that preserve culture, strengthen community connections, and inspire future generations.
Join us in celebrating Mike and his dedication to Indigenous storytelling and cultural preservation!
Instagram: @mikesockabasin ... See MoreSee Less
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Come see over 50 artisans' work at this year’s Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas on July 11-12 on the campus of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. Learn more and register at dawnlandfestival.org! ... See MoreSee Less
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Four Directions Development Corporation will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend! ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 Congratulations to 2026 Artisan Grant Fund recipient Susan Hinkel of Wooden Way Creations!
Susan Hinkel is a Maine artisan, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Wooden Way Creations, a family-run business based in Princeton, Maine. Through her work, Susan helps create handcrafted wooden products that blend creativity, craftsmanship, and functionality while celebrating the natural beauty of the materials they use.
As both an artist and business owner, Susan has helped grow Wooden Way Creations into a recognizable Maine-made brand, sharing handcrafted work with customers across the region and beyond. Her dedication to learning, creating, and building a sustainable artisan business reflects the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that the Artisan Grant Fund is designed to support.
The Artisan Grant Fund will help Susan continue expanding her creative work, strengthen opportunities for growth, and further showcase Indigenous and Maine-made artistry through Wooden Way Creations.
Join us in celebrating Susan and her commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and small business success! ... See MoreSee Less
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Mark your calendar!The Abbe Museum ’s Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas has announced its full lineup of Indigenous-led panel discussions, taking place July 11-12, 2026, on the campus of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Four panels and two days of live performance bring Indigenous voices to Bar Harbor this July! Learn more at DawnlandFestival.org. This festival is free and open to the public. ... See MoreSee Less
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Join our friends at Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness for a Pride Month community walk!Please join WPHW at the Maliseet Health and Wellness Center, 4:00PM, Wednesday, June 24th for a colorful community walk this Pride Month! Wear your most colorful shirt to support!
“Pride: because love is beautiful in every shade!”
We will provide healthy snacks, water and limited giveaway fitness gear . Hope to see you there. ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 Congratulations to 2026 Artisan Grant Fund recipient Cassandra Candelmo!
A proud Passamaquoddy artist, Cassandra creates handcrafted pottery and leather goods that celebrate her culture, heritage, and connection to the natural world. Inspired by a lifelong love of making and the example set by her mother, she uses traditional influences and personal experiences to create meaningful pieces that tell a story.
Drawing from memories of gathering sweetgrass, harvesting blueberries, and spending time on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay, Cassandra's work reflects both the beauty of Maine and the traditions of her community. Through her pottery and leatherwork, she blends cultural teachings with contemporary design while honoring Indigenous craftsmanship.
Cassandra describes working with leather and clay as healing and therapeutic, helping her reconnect with the earth, her heritage, and her Creator. Each piece is handcrafted with the hope that it will bring joy and be cherished for generations.
The Artisan Grant Fund will help support Cassandra as she continues to grow her artistic practice and share Passamaquoddy culture through her work.
Join us in celebrating Cassandra and her dedication to Indigenous artistry and cultural preservation!
Instagram - @nisuwok_wiphunsisok
Facebook www.facebook.com/share/18mvXUwKBF/?mibextid=wwXIfr ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, we recognize Native American Veterans Day and honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of Native American veterans and active-duty service members.
Native people have a long and proud history of military service, including generations of Wabanaki men and women.
Thank you to all Native veterans for your service and dedication. ... See MoreSee Less
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In observance of Juneteenth, Four Directions Development Corporation will be closed on Friday, June 19.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to reflect on freedom, history, and resilience. ... See MoreSee Less
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