Wabanaki Alliance Legislative Testimony
In Support of LD 247: Recommendations for Changing Place Names
From testimony submitted February 12, 2025 by Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, President, Wabanaki Alliance and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Ambassador, in support of LD 247, An Act Regarding Recommendations for Changing Place Names. (Note: LD 247 was withdrawn by the sponsor. Read more here.)
In my time working for my nation, I have had a few examples of Wabanaki and Maine citizens wishing they had a say in changing problematic place names here in the state. There is a movement in the state now devoted to removing place names which memorialize slave owners, or place names built upon the oppression of marginalized peoples in other ways. It would be helpful to provide these citizens necessary support and resources. Yet there is a noticeable lack of policy here in the state to help these citizens. This bill creates helpful policy which is long overdue.