I support tribal sovereignty. Tribal sovereignty simply means the right of indigenous people to govern themselves. https://wabanakialliance.com/sovereignty/ The Wabanaki Nations have lived in what is now Maine for thousands of years. They include the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation.
To say that the U.S. government and the State of Maine have abused, neglected and taken advantage of Maine’s indigenous people is an understatement. The Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 and the continuing refusal of the State of Maine to recognize their sovereignty are prime examples.
Maine’s government must recognize that the State of Maine and the Wabanaki Nations are co-equals. It is way past time to honor their sovereign right to govern themselves. Sovereignty will be a win-win for Maine’s indigenous people and for the State of Maine as the former grow their economy, become more prosperous, and bring more prosperity to the regions in which they live and work.
