Earlier this year, thousands of Mainers supported legislation to recognize the sovereignty of Wabanaki nations. To everyone involved, it was a huge disappointment that this bill was stalled in the process without becoming law.

That’s why we appreciate the bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden to grant the Wabanaki full access to benefits from any future federal laws pertaining to federally recognized tribes. HR 6707, the Advancing Equality for Wabanaki Nations Act, is now pending in the U.S. Senate.

Wabanaki nations are unjustly excluded from many federal laws that apply to nearly every other federally recognized tribe in the country. This means that Wabanaki citizens lose out on the benefits of federal laws intended to improve public health, recover from natural disasters, promote economic development and more. Mainers, especially rural Mainers residing near Wabanaki lands, also lose out on the positive ripple effects these federal laws would otherwise provide by helping people and stimulating the economy.

HR 6707 would update the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act to help the Wabanaki access federal programs and funds moving forward. The bill is not retroactive, although it would be an important step toward restoring sovereignty to the Wabanaki while efforts continue to pass more comprehensive legislation here in Maine.

For equity and fairness, the Natural Resources Council of Maine supports HR 6707. We urge U.S. Sen. Angus King to do the same.

Melanie Sturm
forests and wildlife director, Natural Resources Council of Maine
Brunswick

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