I grew up in Maine and went to grade school in Kennebunk. I am currently studying sociology at the University of Southern Maine. I realize now that my education about the tribal nations has been severely lacking. I was taught so little about the true history of this state and the people whose land was stolen from them. I did not know the extent of Maine’s injustices against Indigenous tribes.
I have so much to learn, and I am not writing this to give my opinion, only to own my ignorance and show my full support for Maine tribes and L.D. 1626.
Because of the denial of self-governance by the state of Maine, tribes in Maine have endured a significantly worse quality of life than the other 570 federally recognized tribes, with limited access to their land, lack of control over their environment, limited access to jobs and lower quality of life.
The violence and structural inequality facilitated by the state have done irreparable damage that is disgraceful. L.D. 1626 is the first step in the right direction for tribes in Maine. I strongly encourage you all to support this bill.
Kenna McLeod
Arundel
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