This summary was prepared by MITSC in October, 2022. It covers some encour=raging developments in Tribal-State relations from 2019 to the time of writing, while also noting that broad proposals to fundamentally change the restrictive jurisdictional structure imposed on the Wabanaki Tribes by the 1980 Settlement had not been enacted.
Although broad proposals to fundamentally change the restrictive jurisdictional structure imposed on the Wabanaki Tribes by the 1980 Settlement have not been enacted, it is important to note that there is momentum for positive change and many encouraging developments have occurred since 2019, including but not limited to the following:
Native American school mascots banned.
Wabanaki seat established on the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Board of Trustees.
Indigenous Peoples Day replaced Columbus Day.
Establishment of a a new designated use of sustenance fishing in Maine's Water Classification Law.
Wabanaki seat created on the IF&W Advisory Council.
Wabanaki seat created on the UMS Board of Trustees.
Wabanaki seat created on the Marine Resources Advisory Council.
Elimination of time limits for adding tribal trust lands.
Legal barriers removed regarding tribal court criminal jurisdiction over domestic violence by non-Indians.
Meddybemps ancestral village site returned to Passamaquoddy Tribe.
Wabanaki Tribes obtained exclusive access to online sports betting.
State tax laws amended to promote tribal economic development.
New state law enacted requiring State agencies to consult with Tribes regarding State programs, rules, and services that affect Tribes and tribal members.
New law enables the Passamaquoddy Tribe to develop sources of safe drinking water on tribal lands without state approval.
