#Tribal #sovereignty bill falters as #Maine lawmakers fail to override governor’s veto

By DAVID SHARP
Published 1:13 PM EDT, July 6, 2023

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — "Maine lawmakers failed Thursday to override the governor’s veto of a bill that would have expanded the sovereignty of #NativeAmerican tribes in the state by ensuring more federal laws apply to them.

"It’s a defeat for the tribes, which are bound by a land claims settlement that puts them on different footing than the nation’s other 570 federally recognized tribes.

"Both chambers had voted to enact the bill with big-enough majorities to override the veto, but some House members backtracked under pressure by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. She contends the bill was vague and would lead to lengthy and contentious litigation in coming years.

"But the tribes increasingly see [Gov Mills] as standing in the way of changes they say are necessary to improve their lives. Last week, Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis said he thinks the governor wants 'to protect an old guard and old mindset' by maintaining the status quo. And Dana, the tribal representative, said Thursday that some of the governor’s comments about the legislation were 'dangerous and misleading.'

"A bill to provide full sovereignty to the tribes this session is being held over, meaning it’ll be dealt with by lawmakers next year.

"Tribal leaders were optimistic about the future.
"'We were never going to take a step backwards when it comes to our sovereignty. We’re always going to be taking a step forward,' Dana after the vote.

"Francis of the #PenobscotNation added: 'Though today was a loss on the floor of the House, we’re confident moving forward we will only gain greater support.'"

#MaineTribes #Sovereignty #Penobscot #Passamaquoddy #WabanakiConfederacy #Maliseet #IndigenousNews #MaineSettlementAct #FirstNations #NativeAmericanNews

Maine Legislature vote expands sovereignty for Native American tribes

Story by By DAVID SHARP, Associated Press, June 22, 2023

"Native American tribes in #Maine took an important step toward greater sovereignty as the state Legislature voted to let most federal laws apply to #Wabanaki tribes, putting them on the same footing as other federally recognized tribes across the country.

"Both the Maine House and Senate approved the bill with enough support [from both Democrats and Republicans] Wednesday to overcome a potential veto of the bill [by Democrat Governor #JanetMills].

“Today signifies a landmark victory in the pursuit of Wabanaki self-determination," Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis said Thursday in a statement. The Penobscot are one member of the Wabanaki Nations, which encompasses Indigenous peoples living in what is now Maine.

"Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has opposed the bill, sponsored by House Speaker #RachelTalbo Ross, expressing concerns that it could lead to confusion and lawsuits. Her office had no immediate comment on the legislative action.

"#Tribes in Maine are set apart from the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country because of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, which stipulates they’re bound by state law and treats tribal reservations much like municipalities. That 1980 settlement for the #Passamaquoddy, #Penobscot and #Maliseet, along with a 1991 agreement for the Mi’kmaq, set the tribes apart from others in the country."

#NativeAmericanNews #Sovereignty #MaineSettlementAct #Mikmaq #FirstNations

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/maine-legislature-vote-expands-sovereignty-for-native-american-tribes/ar-AA1cTsDB?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=a12572c5009845dbd3317f031419ff0a&ei=6

#Maine tribes make #sovereignty call in first address in years

By Patrick Whittle, March 16, 2023

"Thursday's speech was preceded by a rally and tribal drumming at Maine State House. It was the second address of its kind, as the first State of the Tribes was held in March 2002. All five tribal speakers said the tribes need more autonomy from state government. They also touched on issues such as the need to improve tribal health care services, education and business growth."

#Penobscot #Maliseet #Passamaquoddy #Mikmaq #FirstNations #IndigenousNews #MaineTribes

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/maine-tribes-make-sovereignty-call-in-first-address-in-years/ar-AA18Imj8

#Wabanaki leaders, allies gather in Augusta for 'Celebration of Rising Voices'

January 4, 2023

"At the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta from 6 to 8 p.m., the Wabanaki Alliance is hosting a “Celebration of Rising Voices” event. The #Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador, Maulian Dana said she hopes the event will sustain the goodwill between the alliance and legislators.

"Wabanaki Leaders argue that the tribal nations in Maine are denied benefits that many other tribes in the country possess. Tonight’s celebration serves to remind new legislators of that disparity and the progress made in the last session."

#Maine #NativeAmericans #FirstNations #Indigenous

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/wabanaki-leaders-allies-gather-in-augusta-for-celebration-of-rising-voices/ar-AA15WqUn

I just came across this article from #Wabanaki REACH about an initiative to educate others about the truth behind Maine Claims Settlement Act.

TRUTH-TELLING INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON MAINE INDIAN LAND CLAIMS

Beyond the Claims– Stories from the Land & the Heart 

September 2022

Wabanaki REACH director, Maria Girouard: "I have witnessed changes brought about by the land claims, its impacts to my tribal community and how the land claims legislation has been used against #Penobscot and #Passamaquoddy people for years. I am hopeful that this project will illuminate the human side of this story and lay a foundation for meaningful change based on truth and understanding. The story of the land claims is more than just legalese in legislative documents."
#Indigenous #Maine #NativeAmerican

https://www.wabanakireach.org/truth_telling_initiative_to_focus_on_maine_indian_land_claims