REVISED 10/20/21
UPDATED 2021-2022 MITSC WORK PLAN
1. Section 6207(8) Sustenance Fishing Study. This project is ongoing, with completion
anticipated by the end of 2021. Follow-up in 2022.
2. L.D. 1626- Proposed changes specific to the role of MITSC. Staff will draft a summary and analysis for the Commissioners prior to the November MITSC meeting. MITSC will formulate and present its recommendations/testimony to the Tribes and the State.
3. L.D. 1626- Regarding Jurisdictional Changes to the Settlement. MITSC will continue to monitor developments. Tribal and State officials will be invited to make presentations to MITSC. MITSC will continue to discuss LD 1626 as it evolves and MITSC will formulate and present its recommendations/testimony regarding the proposed jurisdictional changes.
4. MITSC legal brief regarding PIN v. Frey in the Supreme Court. MITSC will decide whether to submit a brief in support of the appeal.
5. Report on the Removal of Article X, Section 5 from the Printed Maine Constitution. Staff and/or contractors will perform additional research and update the Report.
6. Indian Child Welfare Act- MITSC will collaborate with other entities in Maine to protect tribal children, families, and tribes against threatened erosion of the rights and protections provided by the Indian Child Welfare Act and related Maine laws.
7. Education on UNDRIP. Staff will continue to participate in informational sessions at the Maine Legislature and other available forums as part of MITSC’s ongoing effort to promote the principles and practical applications of UNDRIP in Tribal-State relations. In 2022 MITSC will conduct an expanded educational project regarding UNDRIP and ways to advance its principles in Maine-Wabanaki relations.
8. MITSC as an Education and Resource Entity/Additional Funding. MITSC will continue to improve and expand its function as a research/education/resource entity. As part of that effort, MITSC will continue to explore ways to obtain additional funding through grants and collaborations with existing nonprofit entities, and potentially the formation of a new tax-exempt nonprofit entity.
9. Wabanaki Studies/Fully Implementing LD 291. MITSC will play an active role in promoting full implementation of Wabanaki Studies in Maine schools. MITSC will collaborate with other entities engaged in this effort. MITSC will determine to what extent Wabanaki Studies have already been included in Maine schools and, if necessary, MITSC will conduct or assist in a survey to obtain that information. To promote the preparation of Maine schoolteachers to teach Wabanaki Studies, MITSC will engage with entities such as the UMaine Board of Trustees, UMO, UMF, the Maine Commissioner of Education, and the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
10. Sipayik/Eastport Water Problems. MITSC will continue to participate in stakeholder meetings and will pursue ways for MITSC to play a supportive and collaborative role in securing a long-term solution.
11. Tribal-State Consultation/Dispute Resolution. MITSC will study and make recommendations regarding possible legislation and executive orders.
12. MITSC Issues Arising from the Report of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations. MITSC will collaborate with the Permanent Commission to address issues regarding the legal, social, and economic relationships between the State and Tribal populations Issues examined may include discrimination, disproportionate incarceration rates, health care access and quality, courts, law enforcement, education, social services, economic development, employment, and other issues. MITSC could determine what data is currently being collected and made available by the State and, if necessary, MITSC could advocate for better data collection and availability. MITSC could make more use of the following provision in Section 6212 of the MIA:
5. Interagency cooperation. In order to facilitate the work of the commission, all other agencies of the State shall cooperate with the commission and make available to it without charge information and data relevant to the responsibilities of the commission.
13. Repatriation. MITSC will continue to support entities working on repatriation.
14. Wolfden Mining Projects. MITSC will continue to monitor developments.
15. Administrative/Internal Issues. The Administrative Committee will review and make recommendations to MITSC on various pending administrative/internal issues, including a review/update of the By-Laws and the Personnel Policy.
16. Periodic Review and Update of MITSC Work Plan. This Work Plan will be reviewed and updated at the anticipated MITSC annual retreat in the spring/summer of 2022. Thereafter the Work Plan will be reviewed and updated semi-annually.
