Mastodawn

Well, well... It seems #JanetMills is feeling the heat since #GrahamPlatner has made it very clear that he supports #Maine's #FirstNations!

#WabanakiNations, Mills are finding common ground

In the final chapter of the governor’s administration, she and tribal leaders are making progress on tribal priorities

Reuben M. Schafir, February 19, 2026

AUGUSTA — "#Wabanaki tribal leaders, state lawmakers and Gov. Janet Mills might not be entirely on the same page. But they’re reading the same book.

"Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee heard from tribal leaders and their allies Thursday during a hearing on two bills that address the applicability of #FederalIndianLaw in Maine.

"Statements made by tribal chiefs and Mills’ representative hint at a tone shift in the ongoing dialogue between the tribes and the governor.

"Both bills are sponsored by Sen. #RachelTalbotRoss, D-Portland, and would make federal Indian law broadly applicable to the Wabanaki Nations. #LD785 would also make other changes recommended in 2020 by a task force of lawmakers and tribal leaders, including repealing restrictions on tribal land acquisition and the expansion of tribal authority over hunting and fishing on their lands."

https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/19/wabanaki-nations-mills-are-finding-common-ground/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/GVfKa

#MainePol #MaineTribes #LandBack #FederalRecognition #TribalSovereignty #NativeAmericanNews #Sovereignty

Wabanaki Nations, Mills are finding common ground

In the final chapter of the governor's administration, she and tribal leaders are making progress on tribal priorities.

The Portland Press Herald

DoomsdaysCW Jun 22, 2023

Update - Unfortunately Gov #JanetMills vetoed this bill! Now she's trying to make nice!

#Maine Legislature vote expands #sovereignty for #NativeAmerican tribes

Story 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.

“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 #RachelTalbotRoss, 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."

#MainePol #NativeAmericanNews #Sovereignty #MaineSettlementAct #Mikmaq #FirstNations #LandBack

Maine Legislature vote expands sovereignty for Native American tribes

The Maine Legislature has voted to expand sovereignty for Native American tribes in the state. Lawmakers voted to let most federal laws apply to Wabanaki tribes, putting them on the same footing as other federally recognized tribes nationwide. The Maine House and Senate approved the bill with enough support Wednesday to overcome a potential veto by the governor. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has expressed concerns that the change could lead to confusion and lawsuits. Tribes in the state are governed by the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980. It stipulates that they are bound by state law, treating tribal reservations much like municipalities.

AP News