AUGUSTA (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage has rescinded a 2011 executive order that sought to promote cooperation between the state and American Indian tribes.
Tribal leaders tell the Portland Press Herald that the governor’s decision won’t have a significant practical impact because, for the most part, the order was never implemented. But Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis says it does “nothing but fuel an already volatile relationship.”
The order directed state agencies and departments to create policies recognizing the sovereignty of the tribes, among other things.
Peter Steele, a spokesman for LePage, told The Associated Press that the governor rescinded the order because his efforts to “promote collaboration and communication with the tribes have proved unproductive.” He says Maine’s “interests have not been respected” in the relationships between the state and tribes.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less