Tribal Chiefs and members from four tribal communities in Maine came together in solidarity outside the State House in Augusta on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in a historic move that ultimately led to them declaring independence and sovereignty from the State of Maine.
Chief, Kirk Francis, from the Penobscot Nation announced: “We have gotten on our knees for the last time, from here on out, we are a self-governing organization, focused on a self-determining path.”
The Penobscot Nation has been sending representatives to the State House since 1823, the Passamaquoddy since 1842 but they have found this to be ineffective in relation to the wellbeing of their people.
According to Native News Online;
"The relationship between the tribes and state has deteriorated significantly in recent years, due to clashes over tribal fishing rights, judicial jurisdiction and environmental standards. There have been some who have drawn a parallel between the Governor’s attempts to open Maine to environmentally destructive industrial practices, such as mountain top mining and tar sands production, and the recent attacks on tribal sovereignty and water rights. Whatever the cause, the relationship has become deeply strained and many of the state’s recent actions are being viewed by the tribes and their allies as little more than bully tactics."
Chief Francis of the Penobscot tribe explained what is next for the natives;
“We are now going to focus on Nation Building. Unfortunately, the process that we have been engaged in with the state has inhibited our ability to move forward, risking the stability and security of our current and future generations. We have an obligation to take care of our people.” You can watch the news report below to learn more;
