The logic escapes me for excluding the Wabanaki tribes in Maine from the federal laws that benefit the 570 other federally recognized tribes in the country. The injustice is clear; however, passing L.D. 2004, An Act to Restore Access to Federal Laws Beneficial to the Wabanaki Nations, would be one step toward righting that injustice.
L.D. 2004 would make accessible laws meant to improve public health, assist recovery from natural disasters and promote economic development – all of which would benefit the surrounding nontribal communities as well as the tribes.
Other states have dealt effectively with issues that have arisen in relationship to these federal laws by respecting the tribes as equal partners in problem solving. Tribal leaders in Maine have demonstrated over and over again their willingness to work in partnership with the people of Maine. They reach out in the spirit of shared community in spite of the taking of their land 500 years ago, and the continuing assault of cultural erasure and disrespect.
The Wabanaki have lived on this land we all love for thousands of years, and it is past time for Maine to take the initiative to heal our broken relationship. Let’s create a partnership built on mutual respect and an honest desire to hear and heed the Wabanaki voices so long ignored and denied. It is time to pass L.D. 2004.
Cathey Cyrus
Brunswick
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