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I am a master of social work student at the University of Maine, and I write regarding LD 785, An Act to Enact the Remaining Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act. This bill had a public hearing on Feb. 19, and the legislative committee is yet to debate its passing.
The goal of this bill is to amend the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act and to restore tribal self government to federally recognized tribes in the state of Maine.
The federally recognized tribal nations in the state of Maine have been unable to fully benefit from more than 150 federal laws passed since 1980, due to the 1980 Maine Indian claims settlement act. Due to this, they have missed out on opportunities for economic growth, increased access to health care and ability to expand environmental protections.
A study conducted by Harvard University in 2022, shows that giving the federally recognized tribal nations in Maine access to these federal laws, which will put them at par with other federally recognized tribes in the United States, could lead to significant job creation and opportunities for economic development not just for the Wabanaki Nations but also for their neighboring rural communities in Maine.
The passing of LD 785 would not just be a win for the Wabanaki Nations, but for all of us in the state of Maine. I believe that as a state, it is important that we do right by the Wabanaki Nations, by restoring tribal self government for the Wabanaki Nations, giving them access to laws that are rightfully due them.
Tracy Safor
Orono
