Above: On May 30, more than 150 Sipayik community members attended the Sipayik Energy & Resilience Power Up Symposium to learn about energy auditing, tax credits, and tribal-driven energy projects, among other updates.
Sipayik Resilience Committee
The Sipayik Resilience Committee( SRC) advances energy sovereignty and climate resilience through citizen action, supporting sustainable living in alignment with Passamaquoddy values. SCEC acts as the fiscal sponsor for SRC and provides financial and administrative support. Learn more at sipayikresilience. org.
In 2025, SRC initiatives included:
• Weatherize Sipayik that included energy audits and window inserts for tribal members
• No-cost energy auditing and energy coaching program through collaboration with the College of the Atlantic
• Community engagement related to the strategic energy planning initiative, in partnership with the Passamaquoddy Tribal Government at Pleasant Point
798
Window inserts built since 2023
21,661
Gallons of heating oil saved since 2023
Downeast Fisheries Partnership
The Downeast Fisheries Partnership( DFP) continued regional collaboration to advance watershed connectivity, sustainable fisheries, and stewardship.
DFP completed its two-year watershed education project, engaging approximately 100 students annually in grades 5-8 across Washington County. Field-based learning focused on water quality, invasive species, sea-run fish migration, fish passage, and flooding mitigation. The project also included professional development opportunities for regional educators.
DFP hosted a regional convening, bringing together approximately 40 partners to reflect on priorities and the future of regional fisheries. The Partnership initiated a comprehensive review of its 2020 – 2025 Strategic Plan and advanced the Downeast Fisheries Trail Revitalization Project, completing the trail sign evaluation phase and securing initial funding to begin restoration and content updates.
Exploring clam gardens
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