Congressman Jared Golden (center) at the State of the Tribes address in March 2023 at the Maine State House.
Photo credit: Wabanaki Alliance.
The Wabanaki Alliance has enthusiastically endorsed Congressman Jared Golden for re-election in Maine’s second Congressional district.
“Congressman Jared Golden has been a steadfast champion for the tribes in Maine,” said Maulian Bryant, incoming Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance. “Congressman Golden has constantly given voice to those who consistently have not been heard. He champions working class Mainers, rural Mainers, lobstermen, the tribes, and anyone else who has been disenfranchised. Mainers in the 2nd Congressional District need that independent voice to keep fighting for them. We proudly and enthusiastically support his re-election.”
Congressman Golden’s efforts in support of Wabanaki Nations include:
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- Sponsored and passed a law through the House to guarantee Wabanaki Nations self determination and equal access to federal benefits available to tribes in other states. Unfortunately, the bill was killed by Sen. Angus King (ME-I) in the Senate. Golden has fought since then to get the bill passed through the full Congress, and has said he’ll reintroduce it if re-elected.
- Supported expansion of the Violence Against Women Act for Wabanaki tribes.
- Secured millions in funding for the Passamaquoddy to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve affordable housing, and build a youth center at Sipayik.
- Highlighted the importance of the tribes and his dedication to Wabanaki sovereignty by inviting Penobscot Tribal Chief Kirk Francis as his guest to the 2023 State Of The Union.
Since 1989 the personal income growth of tribal members in Maine has lagged behind other tribes across the country. While other tribal citizens across the United States have seen a personal income growth of 61%, the Wabanaki people in Maine have seen growth of just 9%.
“Jared understands tribal issues are about fairness and a prosperous rural economy,” Bryant said. “When tribes have access to federal laws like the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country it’s clear those tribes and the surrounding areas prosper. Wabanaki Nations are in Washington, Penobscot, and Aroostook Counties. All these areas could use an economic boost in the arm. Congressman Golden understands that when tribes have self-determination, the ability to make decisions for their communities, not only are the tribes prosperous but the surrounding areas as well.”
