Legislature extends session, giving new life to tribal bills
Time is running out for several tribal sovereignty bills in the Maine Legislature
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Native Americans sang, beat drums and implored lawmakers and the governor to grant them full sovereignty as the legislative session drew rapidly to a close Wednesday.
Two of the three bills dealing with tribal sovereignty were in jeopardy before being given new life when the Legislature agreed to extend the session by another day, allowing more time for review.
“Never give up. It is worth every minute of effort to fight for what you believe are your inherent rights,” said Ernie Neptune, vice chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point.
With tribal rights on the line, the Wabanaki Alliance and allies rallied outside the State House on Wednesday, the second time in less than two weeks.
The Legislature already enacted a bill that would give the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point control over its drinking water, opening the door to greater sovereignty rights. The language was later tweaked to meet with the governor's approval.
But two other bills were pending further action in the Senate. They were placed on the appropriations table along with other bills that needed further review before a final vote.
The most sweeping of the measures would amend the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 to ensure tribal members in the state have the same rights as the nation’s other tribes.
Another bill, sponsored by the governor, would funnel money from mobile sports gambling to the tribes.
Darrell Newell, vice chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, said it's time to restore rights that were given under the 1980 settlement, which treated reservations as municipalities, not sovereign nations.
“It was a terrible mistake that was made 40 years ago, and we’ve been trying to undo it ever since," Newell said.
Sen. Rick Bennett, R-Oxford, urged lawmakers and the governor to avoid history repeating itself like in years past when native rights were trampled.
“Let us consider at this moment our place in history. What will our grandchildren say about this moment, this year, this decade, when we have the opportunity to do right. Will we meet the test of history?” he said.