Archive
View our post archive below to find links to current and previous updates from the Wabanaki Alliance. We also track local, state and national news coverage of issues important to the Wabanaki tribes in Maine. Find a selection of that media coverage in our In the News list.
Donald Soctomah, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
The Honorable Donald Soctomah is one of six individuals honored by the Wabanaki Alliance at the 2026 Nihkaniyane event on October 1 in Freeport and one of two honorees chosen by the Wabanaki Youth Policy Initiative.
Donna Loring, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
The Honorable Donna Loring is one of six individuals honored by the Wabanaki Alliance at the 2026 Nihkaniyane event on October 1 in Freeport, and one of two honorees chosen by the Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative.
Clarissa Sabattis, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is one of six individuals honored by the Wabanaki Alliance at the 2026 Nihkaniyane event on October 1 in Freeport.
Sheila McCormack, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation is one of six individuals honored by the Wabanaki Alliance at the 2026 Nihkaniyane event on October 1 in Freeport.
Richard Silliboy, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
The Honorable Richard Silliboy, a founding member of the Wabanaki Alliance and Vice Chief of the Mi’kmaq Nation for more than 11 years, is one of six individuals honored by the Wabanaki Alliance at the 2026 Nihkaniyane event on October 1 in Freeport.
Darren Ranco, 2026 Nihkaniyane Honoree
Darren Ranco, chair of Native American Programs and professor of anthropology at the University of Maine, is one of six individuals honored by the Wabanaki Alliance at the 2026 Nihkaniyane event on October 1 in Freeport.
Wabanaki Alliance Announces 2026 Legislative Candidate Endorsements
The Wabanaki Alliance has released its endorsements for this election cycle. The Alliance has spent months reviewing answers to its legislative questionnaire, culling over voting records, and interviewing candidates. See if candidates for your state senator and representative received an endorsement.
Alliance Announces Legislative Scorecard for 132nd Maine Legislature
The Wabanaki Alliance has released the legislative scorecard for the 132nd Maine Legislature. See how your state senator and representative voted on our priority legislation.
Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together 2026
The Wabanaki Alliance will host the fourth annual Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together on Thursday, October 1, at Wolfe’s Neck in Freeport to celebrate progress, partnership, and the continued fight for Wabanaki sovereignty and justice.
Wabanaki Windows: America’s 250th from a Wabanaki Perspective
This two-part episode features a discussion of the 250th birthday of the United States of America, as told from a Wabanaki perspective. Guests included Harald Prins, a professor of anthropology at Kansas State University who has worked with Wabankai communities for decades; Darren Ranco, Penobscot citizen and chair of Native American Programs and professor of anthropology at the University of Maine; and Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Ambassador for the Maliseet Nation.
Read the Latest Wabanaki Alliance Newsletter
The August 2026 Wabanaki Alliance newsletter includes updates on a new role for Zeke Crofton-McDonald, previews of Nihkaniyane and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and more!
Wabanaki Windows: Tribute to Penobscot Elder Reuben “Butch” Phillips
This episode features a discussion on Reuben “Butch” Phillips, a Penobscot Nation elder, former government official, and spiritual leader who died in July 2026. The episode included comments from Sage Phillips, Penobscot citizen and Phillips’ granddaughter, and a recording of an earlier interview with Phillips on birch bark canoe making.
CD2 House Candidates Take Part in Wabanaki Alliance Forum
Shown here (l-r): Vice Chief Teresita Hamel, candidate Matt Dunlap, candidate Paige Loud, candidate Joe Baldacci, candidate Jordan Wood, Chief Sheila McCormack, Mak Thompson, and Sonya Eyler All four Democratic US House candidates for the second Congressional district...
Respect and Protect the Penobscot River
The May 2026 Wabanaki Voices column discusses efforts to protect the Penobscot River. It was written by Maulian Bryant, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation and executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance.
First Annual Wabanaki Nations State of the Youth
In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Border Towns and the Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative, the Wabanaki Alliance was honored to help bring together the 1st Annual Wabanaki Nations State of the Youth.
Wabanaki Alliance to Hold Candidate Forum for US House CD2
The Wabanaki Alliance will hold a forum for 2026 US House candidates in the second Congressional district at 6 pm Wednesday, May 13, in Presque Isle to discuss nonpartisan issues and policy affecting the Wabanaki Nations. The forum will be hosted by the Mi’kmaq Nation.
Senate Candidates Take Part in Wabanaki Alliance Forum
More than 100 people attended the Wabanaki Alliance 2026 US Senate Forum April 16 at Indian Island School in Old Town. Hosted by the Penobscot Nation, the forum included Democratic candidates David Costello and Graham Platner.
Priority Bills in the 132nd Maine Legislature
The Wabanaki Alliance tracks legislation related to the Wabanaki Nations during each legislative session. Below are the bills we tracked during the 132nd Maine Legislature — many of which are now law! Find details on all the bills we tracked in 2023 and...
Wabanaki Alliance to Hold US Senate Candidate Forum
The Wabanaki Alliance will hold a forum for 2026 US Senate candidates at 6 pm Thursday, April 16 in Old Town to discuss nonpartisan issues and policy affecting the Wabanaki Nations. The forum will be hosted by the Penobscot Nation.
Wabanaki Windows: Land Claims
This episode features a discussion on the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. Guests include Evan Richert and Roger Milliken Jr., two longtime leaders in land use, planning, and conservation in Maine, who talk about their analysis of the act, why Maine stands apart on Tribal sovereignty, and what it means for the future of justice in our state.
Gubernatorial Candidates Take Part in Wabanaki Alliance Forum
Eight gubernatorial candidates and more than 150 people attended the Wabanaki Alliance 2026 Gubernatorial Forum March 19 at the Houlton Community Resource Center.
Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative Advocates for Wabanaki Studies Funding
Members of the newly formed Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative (WPYI) have announced their advocacy for a bill that would strengthen Wabanaki Studies in Maine schools.
Wabanaki Alliance Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Set for March 19
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.
Wabanaki Windows: The Wabanaki Alliance
This episode features a discussion on the Wabanaki Alliance, why it was formed, the work it does, and why it matters now. Guests included Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance, and Darren Ranco, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation and chair of Native American Programs and professor of anthropology at the University of Maine.
Support Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools
Maine legislators are considering funding and final passage of a bill that would help the state come into compliance with a law that requires the teaching of Wabanaki studies in all public K-12 Maine schools. Take action now to pass this bill!
Wabanaki Alliance Joins Conservation, Youth Groups for Joint Lobby Day March 3
The Wabanaki Alliance will join environmental advocates and youth climate leaders for a combined Conservation + Youth + Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day at the State House in Augusta from 8 am to noon on Tuesday, March 3.
Public Hearings Draw Testimony from Hundreds of Wabanaki Citizens and Allies
Public hearings at the Maine State House on February 19 drew oral and written testimony from hundreds of Wabanaki citizens and allies who support two bills to expand Wabanaki sovereignty.
Take Action to Support Wabanaki Sovereignty
Legislators are considering LD 785 and LD 395, two bills that would expand Wabanaki sovereignty. Tribal leaders and allies are working to pass these important bills and need your help! Learn more about the bills and how you can #StandWithWabanaki in our Take Action Toolkit.
Wabanaki Windows: Tribute to Charles Norman Shay
Listen to a specially curated episode of Wabanaki Windows, a monthly podcast that airs on WERU Community Radio and is hosted by Donna Loring, a Penobscot Nation Elder and Vice President of the Wabanaki Alliance. This two-part episode, which aired December 24-25, 2025, features a tribute to Charles Norman Shay, a Penobscot citizen, warrior, and hero.
Press Conference Highlights Wabanaki Alliance Legislative Priorities
The Wabanaki Alliance held a press conference on Monday, February 3 at the Maine State House to outline the coalition’s legislative priorities for the second session of the 132nd Maine Legislature.
LD 785/395 Frequently Asked Questions
What would these bills do? Why do tribes in Maine support them? How will they benefit the state? Find answers to your questions about LD 785 and LD 395 in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)!
LD 785 Talking Points
Conversations with legislators, friends, family, and neighbors offer an important opportunity to share why LD 785 is needed and how it will benefit the Wabanaki Nations and all of Maine.
LD 395 Talking Points
These talking points on LD 395 will help you as you talk with legislators, friends, family, and neighbors about why the bill is needed and how it will benefit the Wabanaki Nations and all of Maine.
Submit Testimony for LD 395 and LD 785
Legislators will hold public hearings for LD 395 and LD 785 on Thursday, February 19 and they need to hear from you! Follow our guide for submitting your testimony and testifying at the hearing.
Contact Your Legislators
Public hearings on LD 785 and LD 395 will be scheduled soon, so now is a great time to contact your legislators and tell them why you support these bills!
Write an LTE in Support of LD 785 and LD 395
Letters to the editor are a powerful way to persuade legislators to pass LD 785 and LD 395. Find everything you need to write and publish your LTE!
Learn About the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition
Nearly 350 businesses and organizations that support Wabanaki inherent sovereignty have joined the Wabanaki Alliance Tribal Coalition! See the list of members and find out how your organization or business can help advance the work of the Wabanaki Alliance!
Charles Norman Shay, Penobscot Nation Citizen, Warrior, and Hero
Honoring the life of Charles Norman Shay, Penobscot Nation citizen, warrior, and hero.
Write a Letter to the Editor
Letters to the editor can help persuade legislators to pass legislation or change policy. Our LTE Guide offers tips to get your started and a list of newspapers.
Special MECEP Report: Land, Economy, and Tribal Rights in Maine
In October 2025, Wabanaki Coalition member organization Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) released a special report, Sovereignty Starts Here: Land, Economy, and Tribal Rights in Maine. Learn more here.
Alliance Hosts ‘From Treaties to Today’ Panel
This fall, the Wabanaki Alliance was proud to host “From Treaties to Today: Wabanaki Tribal Sovereignty in Maine,” a panel discussion about the Alliance’s work and an overview on the future of sovereignty for the Wabanaki Nations.
Tribal Issues in the News
Read some of the latest news coverage of Wabanaki issues appearing in news organizations across Maine and nationwide.
#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. With guidance from Wabanaki leaders, Wabanaki Alliance Coalition partner Suit Up Maine created this guide on how to talk about Indian-themed mascots.
Online Auction Showcases Works by Wabanaki Artists, Authors, and Others
Did you miss our Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together event? You can still support the mission of the Wabanaki Alliance and the work that we do by participating in our online auction!
Wabanaki Alliance Urges Voters to Reject Question 1 on Nov. 4
On November 4th, Maine voters will face a referendum question, Question 1, that seeks to fundamentally change Maine’s election laws and make it significantly harder for Wabanaki citizens and all Maine voters to cast their vote. Learn more about this voter suppression measure.
Alliance and MEEA Announce Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative
Youth coordinators from Maine Environmental Education Association and the Wabanaki Alliance are partnering during the upcoming legislative session on a Wabanaki Youth Policy Initiative for Wabanaki youth, ages 16 to 22.
Wabanaki Windows: Korean & WWII History and Veterans
Listen to a specially curated episode of Wabanaki Windows, a monthly podcast that airs on WERU Community Radio and is hosted by Donna Loring, a Penobscot Nation Elder and Vice President of the Wabanaki Alliance. This episode, which aired July 22, 2025, features a discussion on Wabanaki veterans who served in the Korean War and World War II.
Oct. 8 Event to Celebrate Friendships and Alliances
Join the Wabanaki Alliance for our third annual Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together event on Oct. 8 in Freeport as we celebrate friendships and alliances and honor John Banks, Brianne Lolar, and Emma Soctomah for their support, friendship, and dedication to the Wabanaki Alliance and Wabanaki people.
Wabanaki Alliance Welcomes Fellow, Intern
Sage Phillips and Keely Becker, both Penobscot Nation citizens and rising leaders, have joined the Wabanaki Alliance staff as a fellow and intern, respectively.
A tribute to Penobscot Elder Elizabeth Sockbeson
Family, Friends, and Wabanaki leaders pay tribute to the late Elizabeth Sockbeson, Penobscot Elder, Tribal Leader, and former Tribal Council representative.