In this episode of Tributaries, Brian Altvater speaks about the forthcoming Alewife Run, a relay from Sipayik to Forest City. Established in 2012 by the Schoodic RiverKeepers and allies on both sides of the river, the run aims to raise awareness about the vital role of the alewife and their traditional migration to spawning grounds. Brian also shares some of the long history of the Skutik River, native sea run fish, and the Passamaquoddy tribe's relationship with both. More recent developments, such as dam removal and restoration of fish passage to the Skutik River, have had the positive impact of alewives returning in increasing numbers.
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MITSC has recently completed and published a new special report, Sea Run, which addresses the impact of Maine policies and activity on the quality and quantity of traditional tribal fish stocks and sustenance lifeways practices, spanning from the time of first contact between Europeans and the Wabanaki Nations to the present day. This report provides a broad overview of actions and inactions by the State of Maine, whether those actions/inactions were based on express policy, informal policy, or on decisions simply not to have any policy at all. The report includes specific recommendations for implementation that are intended to promote discussion and cooperative action.
In 2021 MITSC published a Research Report on the 1876 Removal of Article 10, Section 5 from Printed Copies of the Maine Constitution.
Over the past few years PFAS have emerged as a growing contaminant of concern for the food supply in Maine as testing has revealed levels of contamination where land was spread with sludge containing PFAS (in most cases, decades ago).
More About Tribal-State Environmental Issues
In 2001 the Wabanaki Studies Law (often referred to as LD 291) was enacted, requiring that Wabanaki Studies be taught in Maine public schools. Penobscot Rep. Donna Loring was the primary legislative sponsor, with Passamaquoddy Rep. Donald Soctomah as a co-sponsor.. MITSC was centrally involved in the creation and implementation of LD 291.
Learn more about Wabanaki Studies
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (often referred to as UNDRIP) was adopted by the United Nations on September 13th, 2007. The Declaration is a comprehensive statement addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples. The document includes 46 Articles that address the rights of indigenous peoples to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures, and natural environments, and to pursue self-determined development, in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.
Read Our Brief History of UNDRIPA new documentary from Sunlight Media Collective about Penobscot Nation’s intrinsic kinship connection to the Penobscot River.
Tributaries is MITSC's newsletter where you can stay current on Tribal-State relations, legal developments, resources, and stories from our communities.
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