Image credit: Maine Conservation Voters
With the Maine legislative session now behind us, the First Light Policy Working Group thanks you for your letters, emails, calls, and showing up in support of Wabanaki sovereignty and land access. In this work together we are making the connection between land return and sovereignty.
We are excited about some wins, steps in the right direction, and positive momentum for more work coming in the near future. Looking ahead, now is a great time to examine or better yet ask those running for office their stance on Wabanaki sovereignty. You can do this as a citizen or as an organization (as long as you are polling all candidates – read more about 501c3’s permissible activities).
As always, the Wabanaki Alliance is a great source for more information.
Wins (Bills that Passed!):
LD 14, An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks
This bill provides Wabanaki citizens free access to state parks, historic sites, camping areas and state managed beaches.
LD 1054, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Conservation Easements
Clarifies language in the Maine Conservation Easement Act to enhance opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations to access the same legal tools as land trusts and municipalities, allowing them to better care for Wabanaki lands and culturally important sites. The bill expands the definition of “conservation easement” to include easements that preserve the historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural aspects of a property and expands the definition of “holder” to include federally recognized Tribes.
LD 870, An Act Regarding the Membership of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission
This bill adds two members to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, one of whom must be a Wabanaki citizen selected by the leaders of the Wabanaki Nations.
LD 1474, An Act to Strengthen the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools
This bill creates the position of Wabanaki Studies Specialist within the Maine Department of Education to oversee compliance with the 2001 Wabanaki Studies Law, which requires the inclusion of Wabanaki history, economic and political systems, and culture in the curricula of all public K-12 schools.
In the Right Direction…
The two sovereignty bills were heavily amended and passed in very different form:
The bill was amended to expand tax exemptions for Wabanaki community members and to provide Mi’kmaq Nation the option to have a tribal representative to the Maine Legislature, which the other three nations have.
LD 395, An Act to Restore Access to Federal Laws Beneficial to the Wabanaki Nations
LD 395 passed as an amended version that would not implement the changes outlined in the original bill, but would instead create a task force to develop a plan to implement those changes.
Wabanaki sovereignty bills similar to LD 785 and 395 in their original versions will very likely be taken up by the next legislature starting in December 2026. Stay tuned as we will need your help!
Thank you!
First Light Policy Working Group