Nilsa Caisamo, a 23-year-old mother from the Chocoe Tribe of Panama, said she made a 3,000-mile journey to Maine to learn how to preserve her culture and become more self-sufficient.

Caisamo sailed on the Pajaro Jai ship against her mother's wishes. She left her 2-year-old son with her sister and said it's been hard being away from him since the trip started on June 4.

But she said she hoped to learn how to successfully market the traditional baskets she produces. She can sell one for about $500 but middlemen mark them up for ten times the cost.

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Leaving family behind, tribal traveler hopes she can protect their future (The Bangor Daily News 8/4)

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Tribe from Panama sails 3,000 miles to Maine (8/3)