Indian Island training trail named for Andrew Sockalexis to be unveiled Nov. 1

        INDIAN ISLAND – On Friday, Nov. 1, to kick off Native American Heritage Month, the Penobscot Nation will unveil the Andrew Sockalexis Training Trail on Indian Island. A ceremony will be held at St. Anne’s Church at 1 p.m. 

    This project features trail signs that illustrate the athletic career of Andrew Sockalexis (1892-1919), and his legacy in the Penobscot community. Andrew had a short but successful career as a runner. He was a three-time Boston Marathon finisher, and competed in the 1912 Olympics in Sweden. Andrew Socalexis is buried on Indian Island, his life cut short by tuberculosis in 1919.

    The signs are to be posted on one of many trails on Indian Island where Sockalexis trained. The entire trail is 1-½ miles long, going up to Oak Hill, the highest spot on Indian Island. Posted at ¼-mile increments, the new signage informs and educates community members about the running achievements of Andrew Sockalexis.

    The Socalexis Training Trail is a collaboration of the Penobscot Nation Public Safety, Penobscot Nation Health Department, and the Cultural and Historic Preservation Department. This initiative aims to focus on health and wellness, and issues like tuberculosis, a significant health problem in American Indian/Alaskan native populations. Questions about the trail can be referred to james.francis@penobscotnation.org.

    Also, on Sunday, November 3, The 2019 11th Annual Ralph K. Thomas 8K Run/2.5 Mile Walk will be held. Registration is from 8-9:45am, the race starts at 10 a.m. The proceeds will benefit diabetes prevention and awareness. Contact: robert.bryant@penobscotnation.org or 817-7358, or dee.love@penobscotnation.org or 817-7301 for information on the race.

    The Penobscot Nation proudly announces these fitness projects to encourage wellness and to highlight athleticism in Penobscot history.