Wabanaki Alliance Legislative Testimony
In Support of LD 958: Protect Wabanaki Land from Eminent Domain
From testimony submitted April 4, 2025 by Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance and citizen of the Penobscot Nation, in support of LD 958, “An Act to Prohibit Eminent Domain on Tribal Lands.”
Federal law protects most tribal nations from state-level eminent domain, but the 1980 Settlement Acts have resulted in the Wabanaki Nations in Maine being unfairly excluded from these federal protections. History shows the harm of eminent domain on Wabanaki lands. Maine Route 190, which cuts through the heart of the Passamaquoddy Reservation at Sipayik, was taken by eminent domain in 1925—a decision made without tribal input. LD 958 would ensure that no such action happens again without tribal consultation. This bill encourages collaboration, not conflict. If a project could truly benefit the public, the state, and the tribes, the state should work with tribal leaders to find a solution. This legislation is a protective measure to guarantee consultation and mutual agreement before any action is taken on tribal lands. It ensures the tribes have a voice.
In Opposition of LD 812 and LD 813: Efforts to Undermine Tribal Recognition Process
From testimony submitted March 12, 2025 by Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance and citizen of the Penobscot Nation, in opposition of LD 812, An Act to Provide State Recognition of the Kineo St. John Tribe, and LD 813, An Act Regarding State Recognition of Native American Tribes.
The Wabanaki Alliance is opposed to these bills and we ask this committee to stand with the Wabanaki Nations who are federally recognized. These attempt to bypass the federal recognition process. Wabanaki Tribes have all met the standard at the federal level and we believe this legislation could set a precedent that may lead to groups becoming tribes in ways that undermine the status of the existing federally recognized tribes. These bills would cause further confusion and set back notjust the progress we have made, but also, the great strides we have made in healing our relationship with the state government.
In support of LD 14: Access to State Parks
From testimony submitted March 11, 2025 by Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance and citizen of the Penobscot Nation, in opposition of LD 14, An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks.
LD 14 represents an aspect of the growing movement to recognize the Wabanaki relationship to the land and for governments and institutions to take steps to restore Wabanaki access and stewardship to our traditional territory. By removing the cost to access some of these lands we can help ensure that all Indigenous people can work towards restoring their connection and empowering their journey.
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.