MECHANIC FALLS – Pottle Hill Inc., an advocacy agency for people with developmental disabilities, recently held a day of diversity for the people they serve through the organization’s Pottle Works program day habitation activities.

The participants learned about Native American culture through story telling and hands-on drumming and dancing demonstrations and a question-and-answer session led by representatives of the Maine Eastern Tribal Indian Society.

Grand Chief Bob Silver Eagle Braun and First Chief Brent Standing Bear Man Allaire told stories, explained the history of the society band, which is comprised of people of mixed blood, and shared information about the significance of various Indian rituals, outfits and tools used in ceremonials.

The society has 93 members. To become a member, the applicant is required to provide genealogical proof. The band holds meetings primarily in the Limerick area and is working on finding a permanent site. The ultimate goal is to be formally recognized as indigenous people.

The society will hold a powwow on Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19, at the Cornish Fairgrounds and the public is invited. A highlight will be storytelling by elder Ken Little Hawk, a Mohawk Indian. There will also be flute playing, drumming and dancing.

To learn more about membership, the powwow or genealogy research, contact Bob Silver Eagle at 793-4801.