HOULTON, Maine — The Wabanaki Alliance will hold a forum for Maine’s gubernatorial candidates in Houlton on Thursday.
The session is the first of three events slated to discuss nonpartisan issues and policies affecting the Wabanaki Nations before the 2026 mid-term election. The alliance also plans to hold sessions for U.S. Senate and House candidates.
The 6 p.m. forum offers the large pool of candidates a platform to share their visions regarding tribal sovereignty, economic collaboration and the future relationship between the state and the Wabanaki Nations, according to the Wabanaki Alliance.
For more than 40 years, the constraints of the 1980 Settlement Act have shaped — and often limited — the relationship between the Wabanaki Nations and the state of Maine, said Maulian Bryant, a Penobscot Nation citizen and executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance.
“By bringing this conversation directly to our communities, we are creating a historic space to discuss how we can finally move past the policy imbalances of the past,” she said. “This forum is an invitation for the next Governor to walk with us toward a future where Tribal sovereignty is recognized and our inherent rights are part of how Maine moves forward.”
As of Friday, there were 13 gubernatorial candidates vying for a June primary win, according to the Maine Secretary of State’s Office. They include, Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester; Jonathan Bush, R-Cape Elizabeth; Robert Charles, R-Leeds; Troy Jackson, D-Allagash; David Jones, R-Falmouth; Angus King III, D-Portland; James Libby, R-Standish; Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon; Owen McCarthy, R-Gorham; Benjamin Midgley, R-Kennebunkport; Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven; Nirav Shah, D-Brunswick; and Robert Wessels, R-Paris.
“On day one of my administration, I will introduce legislation to fully recognize the inherent sovereignty of the Wabanaki Tribes,” said former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson on Friday.
During her two terms, Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed legislation related to tribal sovereignty.
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is hosting the debate at The Community Resource Center, located at 654 North St. in Houlton.
“We’re honored and excited to host this debate here at the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians,” said Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Ambassador and president of the Wabanaki Alliance Board.
According to Crofton-Macdonald, the tribes have worked hard over the years to form meaningful relationships with the state of Maine and the towns surrounding the community.
This debate will offer an opportunity to continue fostering strong relationships and allow our community members and other Wabanaki citizens the chance to center our issues and ask important questions that might have otherwise gone unaddressed, he said.
“For the Wabanaki Alliance to host its first-ever gubernatorial forum is a profound milestone in our shared journey toward justice and mutual respect,” Bryant said. “This forum is an invitation for the next Governor to walk with us toward a future where Tribal sovereignty is recognized and our inherent rights are part of how Maine moves forward.”
Dates for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House candidates’ forums have not been announced.
Thursday’s forum is open to the public. Doors will open at the Community Resource Center at 5:30 p.m. Organizers ask that attendees register for the forum for planning purposes.
