I am writing in response to the Aug. 26 article “Gov. Mills pledged to revive Maine’s tribal relations board. Most state seats are empty.”

The gist of the article is that the vacancies on the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC) have rendered the commission ineffectual and “teetering on the verge of stalling out.” To the contrary, MITSC is experiencing one of its most productive eras.

MITSC’s statutory directive is to review the effectiveness of the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act and the social, economic and legal relationship between the state and the tribal nations. The commission has issued numerous major reports, and its recommendations have been incorporated into many legislative initiatives.

MITSC is also responsible for issuing the fishing regulations on certain waters that border Indian territory, making recommendations on the designation of new tribal trust lands and extended reservations and reviewing developments of offshore wind projects. MITSC also has a long record of advancing public education about the Wabanaki people and the Settlement Act.

While it is true that Gov. Mills has not filled the four state seat vacancies, she has supported MITSC through the passage of the 2022 Tribal-State Collaboration Act and a substantial increase in funding. This funding, along with increased support from tribal and private foundations, has enabled MITSC to hire two full-time staff members for the first time. Rather than grinding to a halt, MITSC has new wind in its sails.

Jill E. Tompkins
Executive Director, Maine Indian Tribal State Commission
Whiting