Maine Tribes
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PublishedApril 14, 2022
Maine House advances historic bill to restore tribes’ sovereignty
The bill, which faces opposition from Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, passed 81-55 and now goes to the Senate.
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PublishedMarch 31, 2022
Congress hears Rep. Golden’s bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
Several members of the House indigenous affairs subcommittee were perplexed by the limits the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act imposed on the tribes.
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PublishedMarch 15, 2022
Divided legislative committee passes landmark tribal sovereignty bill
The proposal to rewrite the state's land claims settlement act is opposed by the Mills administration, which has offered more narrow legislation negotiated with tribal leaders.
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PublishedOctober 3, 2021
Pandemic highlights food insecurity in Maine’s tribal communities
A nonprofit is trying to help build resiliency by educating people about how to grow and cook traditional foods.
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PublishedJuly 1, 2021
Supporters of tribal gaming bill fail to override Mills veto
The House voted 80-53 to override the governor's opposition to a bill restoring gaming rights lost in a 1980 legal settlement with the state, short of the two-thirds margin needed.
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PublishedJune 30, 2021
Gov. Mills vetoes bill to provide gaming rights to Maine tribes
Leaders of the 4 tribes reacted harshly to the veto, which was issued just hours before the measure would have become law without the governor's signature.
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PublishedMay 17, 2021
Passamaquoddy tribe reacquires island stolen more than 150 years ago
Pine Island, also known as White’s Island, was illegally taken from the tribe in the mid-19th century. Conservation groups helped get it back.
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PublishedMay 4, 2021
Bills on tribal sovereignty issue likely delayed until next year
Leaders of tribal nations in Maine say the state has failed to recognize their sovereignty and want an overhaul of the landmark 1980 agreement with the state.
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PublishedFebruary 27, 2021
Proposal would create a new state-recognized tribe in Maine
A former Houlton Band of Maliseets tribal representative is seeking state recognition for the Kineo Band of Maliseet, but other tribes are opposed.
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PublishedFebruary 17, 2021
Commentary: Permanent resolution is possible in Maine state and tribal relations
To show good faith in implementing its treaty obligations, the state must create a fifth constitutional office where tribal issues and concerns could be respectfully addressed.