Tribal-State Collaboration

In the years since the 1980 Settlement a recurring problem has been lack of effective communication and consultation between the state and tribal governments concerning state policies and activities that have impact on the tribes. MITSC has repeatedly called for better consultation by the state with the tribes. Two Executive Orders were issued by Maine Governors but they had little positive impact. In 2022 Maine enacted a Tribal-State Collaboration Act that requires state agencies to consult with the tribes pursuant to written individual agency policies. The statute requires that biannual reports on collaboration be submitted by the state agencies.