2007 BORN TO READ Conference, Closing
Allen Sockabasin sang familiar songs, including “Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog,” using Passamaquoddy words.
- “It was so wonderful to have Mr. Sockabasin here. What a treat!”
Allen Sockabasin is a Passamaquoddy tribal member and storyteller, and the author of Thanks to the Animals, a children’s book that is quickly becoming a Maine classic. This tale—about a baby who is sheltered from a harsh winter storm by gentle animals—has resonated with many readers. Since Born to Read began giving copies of this book to early childhood caregivers in the Many Eyes, Many Voices training, we have heard about preschool classrooms captivated by the story, curious about the animals, concerned for the lost baby, and eager to tell their own stories of moving between winter and summer homes. Allen is also the author of a memoir called An Upriver Passamaquoddy, which recounts his childhood in the village of Mud-doc-mig-goog using rare photographs and personal recollections. The memoir is also an account of the struggles of the Passamaquoddy people to battle racism and the extinction of their language and customs.
For the conference closing, Allen presented a moving testimonial about the importance of language in preserving Passamaquoddy traditions and values. He talked about the history of his people, the evolution and gradual demise of their language, and his own mission to revive that language. Children and stories are the two most important tools in this mission, so his efforts resonated with the audience of early childhood professionals. Finally, Allen took out his guitar and played some familiar songs that he has translated into Passamaquoddy. For a unique and memorable duet, he invited John Porcino to join him on stage to sing the English, then sang the songs back in his own language.
- “Loved Allen Sockabasin—what a powerful speaker. He brought out all the emotions, from tears to laughter!”
- “Great finish—I loved Allen.”
- “I’m so glad I stayed until the end and enjoyed it all! John was GREAT and Allen’s experiences and storytelling were eye-opening and his philosophies refreshing.”
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