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I worked closely with the Penobscot Nation as commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife under then-Gov. Angus King, and I saw firsthand their long tradition of conservation and stewardship of the land and waters we all share. I am glad to see increased emphasis among state lawmakers in restoring rights to our Wabanaki neighbors, and I am heartened that there are efforts underway in Congress to open the door to more equitable treatment for the Wabanaki tribes under federal law. It does not make sense that the laws Congress passes to benefit hundreds of federally recognized tribes across the country don’t automatically apply to the four federally recognized tribes in Maine.
I don’t question the motivations of those who negotiated the 1980 land settlement – but as times change, so should we and the laws that govern us. The tribes have been our allies in protecting our outdoor resources and heritage.
I urge Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to support this long overdue federal legislation. It’s time for us to be better partners with our Wabanaki neighbors as they seek equal treatment under federal law.
Bucky Owen
Orono