This is our issue, too. The tribes in the land we call Maine (Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Aroostook Band of Micmacs) deserve the rights, privileges, powers, duties and immunities similar to those of other federally recognized Indian tribes within the United States. I understand that this is not an instance of our state granting their rights but rather restoring their rights.
It has been a long time coming, but the moment is now to restore some of their sovereignty that was taken away by the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. In order for all of us who live on these lands and waters to fight to survive in this changing climate we all need to be aware of the injustices suffered by our indigenious communities in the past and present. Equity and restorative justice must be centered going forward so that we can stand together. It is the right thing to do for ourselves and our state of Maine.
L.D. 2094, An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act, ought to be passed by our Legislature.
We all should stand with the tribes’ needs for the freedom to control their own destinies. When the tribes thrive, Maine will thrive. When the tribes prosper, Maine will prosper.
Amy Eshoo
North Yarmouth
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Kennebunk Post
Letters to the Editor
-
Kennebunk Post
Community News
-
Kennebunk Post
Business News
-
Lakes Region Weekly
Guest column: George Colby and the better angels of our nature
-
Times Record Opinion
Commentary: Cheaper solar power means low-income families can also benefit – with the right kind of help
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.