Film by Jacob Bearchum, Taylor Hensel, Adam Mazo, Chris Newell, Roger Paul, Kavita Pillay, Tracy Rector, and Lauren Stevens (listed alphabetically)

LOGLINE: Through song and stories, Waponahkik (the people of the dawn land) bring gratitude to the rising sun.

SYNOPSIS: Waponahkik (the people of the dawn land) bring gratitude to the sun where it first looks our way. Song and stories invite us to accept the new day and put behind us any harm done the day before. Featuring Passamaquoddy citizens Christopher Newell, Roger Paul, and Lauren Stevens; and Yo-Yo Ma.

Weckuwapok (The Approaching Dawn) was filmed at Moneskatik (Schoodic Point, Maine.)

ARTISTS’ STATEMENT: “Just before the sun peaks over the horizon, weckuwapok, the approaching dawn, has magical power. We believe that moment is full of promise, possibility, and power; a gift about to be given. This is what we celebrate in our film: reverence for our awareness of dawn breaking and an opportunity for the pomawsuwinuwok — standing bears, the human beings — to reconnect with the energy that gives us all life. Wabanaki languages are manuals for sustainability if we take the time to listen and share. Gathered at Moneskatik for weckuwapok, we welcomed the day with stories and music wishing we could all be together, so this film is our gift to bring the magic to you.” — Jacob, Taylor, Adam, Chris, Roger, Kavita, Tracy, and Lauren

ACCLAIM: “This film captures our language, our culture, our life views, and how we have managed to survive genocide. We all have a role on this earth, and when we take the time to celebrate our strengths and work together, we can create beautiful things. Wayne Newell’s wisdom (in this film) expressed it more than walking away and feeling good: 'We have a lot of work to do!' This work is important, and we must never give up!” — Chief Maggie Dana, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik

CALL TO ACTION: In addition to watching this film and all 7 episodes of Season One of the Reciprocity Project, you can explore learning materials, watch filmmaker roundtable discussions, listen to podcasts, and read more about the filmmakers’ inspiration on the Reciprocity Project website: https://www.reciprocity.org/.