- Legislative Wrap-Up: Priority Bills from the 132nd Maine Legislature
The 132nd Maine Legislature has adjourned and many of our priority bills are now law! Check out our Legislative Wrap-Up to learn more about the 14 bills we tracked during the legislation.
- 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.
- Read the Latest Wabanaki Alliance Newsletter
This latest Wabanaki Alliance newsletter includes updates on priority legislation, candidate forums, and more!
- 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 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Youth Policy 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.
- On Wabanaki priorities, the Maine Legislature gets an incomplete grade
The August Wabanaki Voices column highlights how our legislative priorities faired during the first half of the legislative session. It was written by Maliseet Ambassador Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, board president of the Wabanki Alliance, and Maulian Bryant, executive director of the alliance and a citizen of the Penobscot Nation.
- Reuben “Butch” Phillips: A tribute to one who is now a Penobscot ancestor
Family, friends, and Wabanaki leaders pay tribute to the late Reuben “Butch” Phillips, a Penobscot Nation elder, former government official, and spiritual leader.
- Wabanaki Windows: State and Federal Tribal Recognition
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 March 25, 2025, features a discussion on federal and state processes for tribal recognition.
- Wabanaki Alliance Announces New Officers, Welcomes Associate Director
The Wabanaki Alliance has elected new officers and board members and appointed a new associate director.
- Wabanaki Alliance Media & Style Guide
The Wabanaki Alliance has launched a new media and style guide with common sense approaches to writing accurately and respectfully regarding Wabanaki people, history, land, and culture.
- Incoming Alliance Director Testifies at Congressional Hearing on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
On Nov. 20, 2024, incoming Wabanaki Alliance Executive Director Maulian Bryant joined other Indigenous leaders at a Congressional hearing in Washington, DC. Held by the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the hearing focused on the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women in the US.
- Wabanaki Alliance Statement on Biden’s Apology on U.S. Indian Boarding School Policy
Officers and members of the Board of the Wabanaki Alliance have offered a statement in response to President Joe Biden’s recent formal apology for the atrocities committed against Indigenous children, families, and communities under the United States Indian Boarding School policy.
- 131st Maine Legislature Scorecard Released
The Wabanaki Alliance has released its legislative scorecard for the 131st session of the Maine State Legislature, an analysis and compilation of votes on Wabanaki-related bills tracked by the organization as part of the alliance’s commitment to educating the people of Maine on issues of tribal sovereignty. Learn more and check your legislators’ ratings in our House and Senate Scorecards.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 14, 2024
The Wabanaki Alliance prepared a series of videos in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024, the fifth anniversary of this holiday being recognized by Maine law. Watch the videos here.
- Wabanaki Alliance Hires Penobscot Ambassador Maulian Bryant as Executive Director
The Wabanaki Alliance has hired Penobscot Nation Ambassador Maulian Bryant as the next Executive Director of the organization. She succeeds John Dieffenbacher Krall who will retire at the end of 2024.
- Wabanaki Alliance Endorsements for 2024 Legislative Campaigns
The Wabanaki Alliance has endorsed Democrat and Republican legislators and candidates in advance of the 2024 general election in November. See the full list here.
- Wabanaki Alliance Executive Director John Dieffenbacher-Krall to Retire
Wabanaki Alliance Executive Director John Dieffenbacher-Krall, who has served in the role since 2021, is set to retire at the end of 2024.
- Wabanaki Alliance Endorses Candidates in Republican and Democratic Legislative Primaries
The Wabanaki Alliance has endorsed four legislative candidates in two State Senate and two State Representative seats.
- Alliance Priority Bill LD 2007 Signed into Law
Gov. Mills has signed LD 2007 into law. The legislation reflects many of the criminal justice elements from the 2019-2020 bipartisan Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act.
- Maine House Passes LD 2007 Wabanaki Sovereignty Bill
The Maine House passed LD 2007 with bipartisan support. This amended bill would modernize several important provisions of the 1980 Maine Implementing Act and is based on five consensus recommendations pertaining to criminal jurisdiction.
- Understanding Tribal Sovereignty
Use this resource to learn more about tribal sovereignty and the Wabanaki Nations’ inherent right to self-governance and what you can do to support Wabanaki sovereignty.
The 132nd Maine Legislature has adjourned and many of our priority bills are now law! Check out our Legislative Wrap-Up to learn more about the 14 bills we tracked during the legislation.
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.
This latest Wabanaki Alliance newsletter includes updates on priority legislation, candidate forums, and more!
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.
Eight gubernatorial candidates and more than 150 people attended the Wabanaki Alliance 2026 Gubernatorial Forum March 19 at the Houlton Community Resource Center.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Honoring the life of Charles Norman Shay, Penobscot Nation citizen, warrior, and hero.
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.
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.
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.
Read some of the latest news coverage of Wabanaki issues appearing in news organizations across Maine and nationwide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sage Phillips and Keely Becker, both Penobscot Nation citizens and rising leaders, have joined the Wabanaki Alliance staff as a fellow and intern, respectively.
Family, Friends, and Wabanaki leaders pay tribute to the late Elizabeth Sockbeson, Penobscot Elder, Tribal Leader, and former Tribal Council representative.
The August Wabanaki Voices column highlights how our legislative priorities faired during the first half of the legislative session. It was written by Maliseet Ambassador Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, board president of the Wabanki Alliance, and Maulian Bryant, executive director of the alliance and a citizen of the Penobscot Nation.
Family, friends, and Wabanaki leaders pay tribute to the late Reuben “Butch” Phillips, a Penobscot Nation elder, former government official, and spiritual leader.
The Wabanaki Alliance has launched a new media and style guide with common sense approaches to writing accurately and respectfully regarding Wabanaki people, history, land, and culture.
On Nov. 20, 2024, incoming Wabanaki Alliance Executive Director Maulian Bryant joined other Indigenous leaders at a Congressional hearing in Washington, DC. Held by the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the hearing focused on the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women in the US.
The Wabanaki Alliance prepared a series of videos in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024, the fifth anniversary of this holiday being recognized by Maine law. Watch the videos here.
The Wabanaki Alliance has endorsed Democrat and Republican legislators and candidates in advance of the 2024 general election in November. See the full list here.
Wabanaki Alliance Executive Director John Dieffenbacher-Krall, who has served in the role since 2021, is set to retire at the end of 2024.
The Maine House passed LD 2007 with bipartisan support. This amended bill would modernize several important provisions of the 1980 Maine Implementing Act and is based on five consensus recommendations pertaining to criminal jurisdiction.
Use this resource to learn more about tribal sovereignty and the Wabanaki Nations’ inherent right to self-governance and what you can do to support Wabanaki sovereignty.
