WHEREAS,  the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkmikuk, the Penobscot Indian Nation and the State of Maine have signed a mandate to implement a truth and reconciliation commission; and

WHEREAS,  the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission represents a historic agreement to uncover and acknowledge the truth about what happened to Wabanaki children and families who were involved with the Maine child welfare system, to create opportunities to heal and learn from the truth and to collaborate to operate the best child welfare system possible for Wabanaki children and families; and

WHEREAS,  the 5 commissioners charged to undertake this work will be sworn in during a public Seating of the Commission Ceremony on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in the Town of Hermon; and

WHEREAS,  the day before the Seating of the Commission Ceremony, Monday, February 11, 2013, has been designated as a day of reflection, meditation and prayer to support the purpose and work of the Maine Wabanaki-State Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the commissioners and the commission's convening group will gather with spiritual leaders to prepare themselves for the work ahead; and

WHEREAS,  the Maine Wabanaki-State Truth and Reconciliation Commission invites people to join in reflection, meditation or prayer as their own faith and traditions direct them, to consider the opportunity the commission will provide to deepen human respect and compassion in hearing the truth of our shared history, to pray for the healing of deep and ancient wounds and to call for courage, clarity of purpose and openness; now, therefore, be it