Hearings on bills to overturn restrictive provisions of the historic 1980 land claims settlement acts with Maine’s tribes to be held Tuesday.
passamaquoddy tribe
Rep. Golden introduces bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
The 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act excludes the state’s tribes from most federal laws benefiting Indian nations in the United States.
A walk along the Presumpscot River honors Wabanaki history
The sort of outdoor lesson provided by the Falmouth Land Trust on Indigenous Peoples’ Day remains rare, but Wabanaki and conservation leaders hope that will change.
Maine plans to transfer parcel of land back to Passamaquoddy tribe
The land is a 3.2-acre waterfront parcel in the Washington County town of Meddybemps.
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.
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.
Donna Loring, retired tribal affairs adviser to Gov. Mills, says a sovereignty deal can be reached
The Penobscot elder, politician and writer is encouraged by symbolically important progress, but she says the heavy lifting lies ahead.
Native Mainers plan to reflect, educate on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Maine is one of 14 states and the District of Columbia that now observe Native American or Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of, or in addition to, Columbus Day.
Maine tribal leaders press for changes to 1980 settlement agreement
As the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act approaches its 40th anniversary, they say it has failed to respect tribal sovereignty and is holding them back economically.
Mills, tribes take step toward ending years-long dispute over sustenance fishing
A bill would create a ‘sustenance fishing’ designation aimed at reducing pollution levels on waterways that are important to Maine’s 4 tribes.