tribeOf all the issues that divide Gov. Janet Mills from most members of her own Democratic Party, none is more vexing, or seemingly inexplicable, than her dogged opposition to any substantive alteration of the Land Claims Settlement Act governing Maine’s relationship with its Indian tribes. The 1980 law has had vast and invidious consequences far […]
Maine Tribes
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers work on bill to let Wabanaki tribes benefit from federal laws
The bill would grant the Wabanaki tribes in Maine to federal laws that benefit the nation’s 570 other federally recognized tribes.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Last-minute bill would allow Maine tribes to benefit from federal laws
Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis said the measure, which would not allow Indigenous tribes to operate a casino without special permission from the state, is a top priority for the legislative session that is nearing an end.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Sports
Gambling director optimistic Maine sports betting could go live by November
A revised set of rules governing sports gambling in the state was published Wednesday. Barring significant public comment, they could be sent to the attorney general’s office for approval by June.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers to consider new tribal casino bill
Rep. Ben Collings of Portland introduced the bill as a placeholder intended to keep a tribal gambling proposal in the wings after state lawmakers act on a tribal sovereignty bill expected to come out in the next few weeks.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Douglas Rooks: For Gov. Mills, an invitation to dance with the Maine tribes
There is a way forward for the governor if she wants to show she can collaborate with the Wabanaki.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Recognizing tribal rights in Maine would boost entire state
Maine tribes’ inherent right to self-governance persists. State lawmakers of 2023 seem to be coming around to that fact.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Tribal leaders call for expanded rights in rare appearance before joint session of Maine Legislature
The second formal State of the Tribes Address in the state’s history comes as lawmakers in both parties appear to be working on a tribal sovereignty bill that could survive a potential veto from Gov. Janet Mills.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills, lawmakers clash over printing tribal treaty language in Maine Constitution
Supporters of House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross’ bill say it is a powerful truth-seeking measure,’ while the governor’s office dismisses it as ‘a misguided attempt to right a historical wrong that never occurred.’
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Big issues await legislators in new session, starting with heating Mainers’ homes
When it begins work this week, the 131st Legislature will dig into its first big test: a bipartisan deal on energy relief.