Gov. Janet Mills opposes the measure by her fellow Democrat to automatically include Maine’s tribes in any new federal Indian laws.
Penobscot Nation
U.S. Supreme Court denies Penobscot Nation appeal over namesake river
A federal judge previously ruled that the reservation includes islands of the river’s main stem, but not the waters.
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.
Bills to advance, constrain tribal land rights presented to state lawmakers
Tribes support bill to create process for tribal access to state-owned sacred areas, reject bill constraining where they can acquire new trust lands
Governor supports limited expansion of tribal rights, while casino interests cry foul
Tribal representatives support the governor’s plan but emphasize that they do not see it as a substitute for a more sweeping tribal sovereignty package Gov. Mills opposes.
Bill to restore tribal sovereignty gets overwhelming public support, but Gov. Mills wants targeted approach
There was near-unanimous support for L.D. 1626 among those giving testimony, while details of the governor’s alternative plan emerged behind the scenes.
Lawmakers reconsider decades-old restrictions on Maine tribes’ sovereignty, long a flashpoint
Hearings on bills to overturn restrictive provisions of the historic 1980 land claims settlement acts with Maine’s tribes to be held Tuesday.
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.
Penobscot Nation Tribal Court officials speak about restorative justice at University of Maine at Augusta
Rhonda Decontie, a UMA alumni, and Judge Eric Mehnert started the Healing to Wellness Court program at Penobscot Nation Tribal Court, which has shown great success.
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.