December 23, 2024

cjstudents

News for criminal justice students

Maine tribes’ battle for more rights, explained

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AUGUSTA, Maine — A sweeping tribal sovereignty effort will be heard again by Maine lawmakers on Tuesday with Gov. Janet Mills preparing a counteroffer falling short of what tribes want but raising the chances of imminent progress.

The centerpiece bill backed by tribes would effectively give the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy and Maliseets the same rights as other tribes across the country on issues ranging from criminal justice, taxation, sporting and natural resources on their lands. Mills, who has criticized the scope of the measure, plans to introduce a more limited one being heard later this week.

It underscores the delicate position sovereignty supporters are in. While chiefs have been clear that they want full sovereignty enjoyed by other tribes, the agreement governing the state-tribal relationship goes back more than 40 years in part because the state has been reluctant to give up power. Corporate interests are wrapped up in the negotiations as well.

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