An important step in protecting Wabanaki lands | Letter

Posted June 14 PressHerald

No one should have their land taken by the state without consultation or agreement, yet that’s precisely what the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act has allowed to happen on Wabanaki land for the past 45 years, without the tribes having any say.

This month, the Maine State Legislature has a chance to change that by passing LD 958, an act to prohibit eminent domain on tribal lands. This bill, which has significant bipartisan support, would remove the language that has allowed the state to exercise the power of eminent domain over tribal lands, and it would restore a necessary element of recognition of the Wabanaki Nations as sovereign governments with inherent power to regulate their territories.

The Maine Council of Churches, a proud member of the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition, affirms our respect for and recognition of the inherent sovereignty of the indigenous tribes that have stewarded this land for more than 12,000 years. So, we call on our Legislature to pass LD 958 and thereby provide a measure of protection for our neighbors who, for too long, have been mistreated, disrespected and betrayed.

Passage of LD 958 is one step the Legislature can take toward promoting harmony, reconciliation and mutual understanding between our state and the Wabanaki Nations. It is a step that is long overdue.

Rev. Jane Field
Portland