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When I was a teenager in the 1970s, I heard about the Maine Indian Land Claims suit and I naively assumed things would work out well for the them. Years later (after I’d moved away and then back again), I still had not learned that Maine’s Indigenous communities were missing out on some essential federal aid. As an interested neighbor, I did attend workshops and lectures by indigenous leaders such as Allen Sockabasin (Passamaquoddy) and Barry Dana (former chief of the Penobscot). Now, thanks to many groups including the Wabanaki Alliance, I get it!
I’m totally impressed that Maine’s Native American citizens have been doing as well as they have, despite years of challenges. Hooray for the resilience of these people who still live and work here, love the land and rivers, and care for their families. Let’s stand with them on LD 1626.
Mariana S. Tupper
Yarmouth