Maine Tribes
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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.
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PublishedFebruary 19, 2020
Lawmakers reviewing 1980 agreement take up tribal gambling
One of 22 proposed changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act would allow Maine's tribes to operate casinos under the same federal law that governs tribal gambling nationwide.
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PublishedFebruary 14, 2020
Governor, attorney general urge caution on changes to 1980 state-tribal agreement
Gov. Janet Mills, in particular, raised concerns that the proposed changes could end up ‘breeding confusion and extensive litigation at a time when we have finally begun to move past these.’
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PublishedNovember 22, 2019
Senate version of renewed Violence Against Women Act would weaken tribal courts
Penobscots have sought jurisdiction over domestic violence on their reservation, as allowed under a House version of the bill.
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PublishedNovember 21, 2019
Sustenance fishing rules proposed for Maine waters draw mixed response
The Mills administration negotiated an agreement with tribal leaders this year that proposes tightening water quality standards to better protect the health of people who rely on fishing for sustenance.
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PublishedOctober 14, 2019
Our View: New Maine holiday a chance to tell new stories
Everyone knows the story of Christopher Columbus, but the history and cultural impact of Native Americans have been brushed aside.
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PublishedAugust 25, 2019
Maulian Dana: Many still silenced after women got the vote
Native Americans in Maine did not achieve full suffrage rights as citizens for many years after the right to vote was extended to women in 1920.