Sipayik Students Learn Tribal Governance Through Mock Public Hearing and Council Meeting

Drummond Woodsum Tribal Nations attorneys, Michael-Corey Hinton, Esther Labrado, and Ryan Lolar, recently visited Sipayik Elementary School at the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation to lead a hands-on civic engagement exercise with 7th and 8th grade students. Through a mock public hearing and Tribal Council meeting, students explored how the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Sipayik government works and how community voices help shape tribal policy.

The exercise centered on a timely and relatable issue—ATV use in the community. Students took on various roles, from Tribal Council members to concerned citizens, and participated in discussions reflecting real-world concerns and debates. With guidance from facilitators, students learned how issues are brought before the Council, how public hearings function, and what decisions may follow. The students were joined in the exercise by Chief Pos Bassett and members of the Tribal Council, who also took on roles and participated in the mock discussion.

Though time allowed only for the public hearing and Council meeting portion, the experience gave students a meaningful introduction to the responsibilities of tribal governance and the importance of civic participation. Events like this help prepare our youth to be the next generation of community leaders.