There was near-unanimous support for L.D. 1626 among those giving testimony, while details of the governor’s alternative plan emerged behind the scenes.
Penobscot Nation
Lawmakers reconsider decades-old restrictions on Maine tribes’ sovereignty, long a flashpoint
Hearings on bills to overturn restrictive provisions of the historic 1980 land claims settlement acts with Maine’s tribes to be held Tuesday.
Rep. Golden introduces bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
The 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act excludes the state’s tribes from most federal laws benefiting Indian nations in the United States.
Penobscot Nation Tribal Court officials speak about restorative justice at University of Maine at Augusta
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.
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.