In this Aug. 1, 2021, file photo, a rally to support the Penobscot Nation's fight for water rights brought members of Wabanaki tribes and their allies to the Bangor waterfront. Credit: Murray Carpenter / Maine Public

Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com.

It’s not easy to follow all the legislation that’s being considered all the time, but LD 1626 caught my attention. I only recently learned that Native tribes are governmental bodies, like countries and states.

It only makes sense that tribes should have control over their own governmental structures and laws. The task force (on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act, quite a mouthful!) studied the issues thoroughly, and I hope Gov. Janet Mills will follow its recommendations and support LD 1626.

If others, like me, are concerned about repairing the harms of the past, I recommend the website wabanakialliance.com as a resource.

Heather Denkmire

Portland