In February 2022 Portland (ME) Friends submitted this written testimony in support of LD 1626, a bill to restore tribal sovereignty to Maine tribes.
To the Committee on the Judiciary, Maine 130th Legislature:
Portland Friends Meeting (Quakers) supports the passage of LD 1626. It has been more than forty years since the signing of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. Most states abide by federal Indian law, but the Settlement Act and its implementing legislation have reduced the tribes in Maine to the status of municipalities and taken away their sovereign rights.
In 2019 the Legislature established a Maine-Tribal Task Force to review the 1980 Act and report back with recommended revisions. In doing so, lawmakers referenced the many past disagreements over the language of this agreement that “have caused protracted and long-standing litigation” and “the diminishment of rights, privileges, powers and immunities of the Maine tribes” resulting in “a loss of health, education and general welfare compared to the overall population.” It concluded, “[T]he State does not prosper when a specific portion of its citizenry suffers.”
Maine Tribes deserve the freedom to control their own destiny. The State should not restrict the sovereignty of the Tribes in Maine. If LD 1626 passes, the Tribes will have the freedom to more fully continue their heritage of sustainable stewardship of their lands and waters. In addition to many other benefits, passage of the bill will restore their right to exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed by tribal members on tribal lands. When the Tribes have the freedom to determine their own futures, tribal members and all Mainers will prosper and take one step closer to right relationship with each other.
As Quakers who hold deeply to values of justice, equity and peace, we strongly urge your support for LD 1626.
Lyn Ballou and Rob Levin, co-clerks, Portland Friends Meeting