Rhonda Decontie, a UMA alumni, and Judge Eric Mehnert started the Healing to Wellness Court program at Penobscot Nation Tribal Court, which has shown great success.
Penobscot Nation
Bills on tribal sovereignty issue likely delayed until next year
Leaders of tribal nations in Maine say the state has failed to recognize their sovereignty and want an overhaul of the landmark 1980 agreement with the state.
Donna Loring, retired tribal affairs adviser to Gov. Mills, says a sovereignty deal can be reached
The Penobscot elder, politician and writer is encouraged by symbolically important progress, but she says the heavy lifting lies ahead.
More than 700 acres of ancestral land returned to Penobscot Nation
The private foundation that donated land for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine has returned 735 acres to the Penobscot Nation.
Native Mainers plan to reflect, educate on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Maine is one of 14 states and the District of Columbia that now observe Native American or Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of, or in addition to, Columbus Day.
Carrabassett Valley club closes ATV trails on posted tribal land
Penobscot Nation representatives erected no trespassing signs.
Lawmakers reviewing 1980 agreement take up tribal gambling
One of 22 proposed changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act would allow Maine’s tribes to operate casinos under the same federal law that governs tribal gambling nationwide.
Governor, attorney general urge caution on changes to 1980 state-tribal agreement
Gov. Janet Mills, in particular, raised concerns that the proposed changes could end up ‘breeding confusion and extensive litigation at a time when we have finally begun to move past these.’
Sustenance fishing rules proposed for Maine waters draw mixed response
The Mills administration negotiated an agreement with tribal leaders this year that proposes tightening water quality standards to better protect the health of people who rely on fishing for sustenance.
Tribal sustenance fishing bill headed to Gov. Mills’ desk
The legislation would tighten Maine water quality standards in certain waterways with the long-term goal of protecting tribal members who exercise their sustenance fishing rights.