The Wabanaki Alliance will hold a forum for 2026 gubernatorial candidates at 6 pm March 19 in Houlton to discuss nonpartisan issues and policy affecting the Wabanaki Nations. The forum will be hosted by the Houlton Band of Malisset Indians.
As Maine prepares for the 2026 election to succeed Governor Janet Mills, this forum offers a critical platform for candidates to share their visions for the state’s future, specifically regarding tribal sovereignty, economic collaboration, and the unique relationship between the State of Maine and the Wabanaki Nations.
“We are excited to be able to hold this forum and hear directly from the candidates their detailed stances on issues facing Wabanaki Nations and our people,” said Maulian Bryant, a Penobscot Nation citizen and executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance. “It makes me happy that the Maliseet community is welcoming this event and we get to work on it together.”
The forum will be held at the Community Resource Center in Houlton and Clarissa Sabattis, Tribal Chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, will make opening remarks.
“We’re honored and excited to host this debate here at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians,” said Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Ambassador and president of the Wabanaki Alliance Board. “Over the years, we have worked hard to form meaningful relationships with the State of Maine and the towns surrounding our community. This debate will offer an opportunity to continue fostering strong relationships and allow our community members and other Wabanaki citizens the chance to center our issues and ask important questions that might have otherwise gone unaddressed.”
This is the first of three candidate forums the Wabanaki Alliance will hold this year. Plans for forums for candidates for US Senate and US House will be announced soon.
The Houlton Community Resource Center is located at 654 North Street in Houlton. Doors will open at 5:30pm. To assist with planning, please register via the link below.
