AUGUSTA (AP) – An association of American Indians is canceling a conference in Maine next week with the National Conference of State Legislatures, citing a lack of legislative gains this year.

Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Indian Nation told Maine Public Broadcasting Network that the National Conference of American Indians has withdrawn its participation in a planned meeting in Augusta with the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Francis and other tribal leaders asked the association to drop out of the joint summit.

During this year’s session, Maine lawmakers rejected bills to allow slot machines on Indian Island, where the Penobscots’ reservation is located, and to address sovereignty issues.

Francis says the National Conference of American Indians is represented by more than 550 tribes.

AP-ES-06-13-08 1752EDT