World Day for AudioVisual Heritage2025

In this podcast, we spoke to Donald Soctomah and Dwayne Tomah, two prominent Passamaquoddy historians and cultural preservationists, about a remarkable piece of history: wax cylinders containing some of the earliest audio recordings of the Passamaquoddy people, dating back to 1890. Donald Soctomah, an author, tribal historic preservation officer, and former state legislator, has long worked to protect and revitalize Wabanaki culture and language. Dwayne Tomah, a fluent Passamaquoddy speaker and cultural educator, has played a key role in interpreting and restoring the meaning behind these ancient recordings. Together, they share the powerful story of how these voices—once thought lost to time—have been rediscovered, translated, and brought back to life, offering a rare and intimate window into the cultural resilience and enduring spirit of the Passamaquoddy people. Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San) Music by Pista, used with permission Music 'Burn your village to the ground' by 'The Haluci Nation, used with permission. Image 'Edison Wax Cylinder' from Wiki Commons