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Track Bills in the 131st Maine Legislature
We’re tracking state legislation on tribal issues in the 131st Maine Legislature. Check out our Bill Tracker to learn more about these bills, see where they are in the legislative process and find out how you can take action to Stand with the Wabanaki!
Wabanaki Nations’ Chiefs Address Maine Legislature In Historic Address
All five Wabanaki Nations Chiefs addressed a joint session of the Maine Legislature for a State of the Tribes address, only the second in the state’s history and the first in more than 20 years.
Wabanaki Nations Could Be ‘Economic Engines’ for Rural Maine, Harvard Report Co-Author Tells Legislature
A co-author of a Harvard report that found the Wabanaki Nations could become “economic engines” for rural Maine if the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act is modernized offered a briefing on the report to the Maine Legislature on March 9.
Article: Tribes in Maine Left Out of Native American Resurgence
An article in The Conversation, an independent news organization, highlights elements of a recent report from the Harvard Kennedy School that determined the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act has seriously limited the economic growth potential of the Wabanaki Nations, putting them well below the average for all other federally recognized tribes.
#NotYourMascot
Navigating discussions about Indian-themed mascots is notoriously difficult and time consuming, but communities that invest the time to listen and learn from Indigenous peoples invariably find their communities strengthened as a result. Wabanaki Alliance Coalition partner Suit Up Maine created this guide on how to talk about Indian-themed mascots with guidance from Penobscot Nation Ambassador Maulian Dana.
Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis Attends State of the Union Address
Reflecting the government-to-government relationship between the Penobscot Nation and the United States, Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis attended President Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress Tuesday night as a guest of Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME).
Widespread Media Coverage of Alliance Statement on Fate of Federal Legislation
State and national news media published numerous stories about a statement issued Dec. 20 by the Wabanaki Alliance on the fate of a measure that would have placed Wabanaki Nations in Maine on equal footing as all other federally recognized tribes with regard to future...
Speaker Talbot Ross Meets with Leaders of Wabanaki Nations
Maine Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross met recently with Chiefs Rena Newell, William Nicholas, Edward Peter-Paul, Kirk Francis, and other members of leadership at tribal offices, part of her ongoing legislative work to improve Maine’s relationship with its Tribal neighbors.