The Bridge at Motahkomikuk
When a Bridge is More Like a Wall
Route 1 bridge between Princeton and Indian Township (spanning the Grand Falls flowage/Lewey Lake outlet
Postcard from 1957 by Luther S. Phillips
To the west of the bridge lies the ancient village of Passamaquoddy, which is approximately 8,000 years old. This location was known for its fishing spots, level land, and portage sites. In 1990, an archeological survey was conducted at the site, revealing many artifacts. Due to the placement of dams downstream, however, it was necessary to operate pumps throughout the duration of the project.
To the east of the bridge is the Flowage, where the Skutik River runs to the mighty Atlantic Ocean—a day’s paddle if conditions are right. Several hundred feet beyond the bridge lies the grassy outline of Captain Lewey’s Island. In the late 1700's, Capt. Tomah Lewey left St. Andrews, New Brunswick due to the influx of Loyalists, and paddled with his wife and children to a 10-acre island near Lewey Lake. Here he built a wigwam, farmed hay, and was hired as a navigator on a steamship. When a sawmill dam flooded the island in 1851, Captain Lewey was forced to relocate his family to the site where the Tribal Office now sits. The area became known as Lewey’s Farm.
Elders have recalled that the bridge acted as a wall. We stayed on our side and Princeton people stayed on their side. But because the stores and supplies were in Princeton, interactions occurred. They were often strained.
Passamaquoddy Girl
by Mary Ellen Socobasin (1947-1988)
A proud Indian girl grows up on the reservation
Takes a walk to the white community
She knew nothing of "them"
She was greeted with laughter
She was treated unfairly
For she did nothing to "them."
She was called a redskin
She looked upon herself saw only brown skin
She wonders what is wrong with"them."
She is called an Apache with a sneer.
She says, I am Passamaquoddy eyes full of tears.
She asks herself what have I done to "them."
They make funny noises imitating her language.
She says to "them" I know two languages.
Doesn't that mean anything to you.
But to "them," they only understood one language.
The language of hate.
She asks herself what have I done to "them."
They don't know her. Still they condemn.
She committed no crime still they prosecute
Stones of injustice are thrown at her
Her heart starts to fill with bitterness.
She proclaims her hate for "them."
Years of ignorance go by.
Then she realized what was happening.
She was getting to be just like "them."
She says I am not one of "them."
I will not condemn all of "them."
For I am Passamaquoddy
A proud Indian woman.
Further Resources
To learn more about the ancient village of Passamaquoddy and archaeological digs, view “Passamaquoddy Artifacts with Donald Soctomah”
“The Passamaquoddy: A People Reborn” is a short film made by then high school senior Shireen Hinckley, the granddaughter of the last Indian Agent.
Visit the Passamaquoddy Cultural Heritage Museum
This research was compiled as part of the Mihqitahatom: The “I Remember” Walk at Motahkomikuk/Indian Township, which took place on August 17, 2025. For more research related to this area, click on the tags below. To download a hi-res version of the posters below for educational use, please contact where@atlanticblackbox.com.
This walk was a collaboration between the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk (Indian Township), First Light, and the Walks for Historical & Ecological Recovery (WHERE), a series convened by Atlantic Black Box, following the actions and determination of the community and leadership from elders.
Poster design by Meadow Dibble