As we reflect on 2024, the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC) is proud to share the strides made in fostering improved Tribal-State relations, protecting natural resources, and advancing the well-being of the Wabanaki Tribes. This year, MITSC engaged in critical initiatives, including working to update our fishing regulations, securing grants to support our mission, and amplifying education through innovative outreach programs. From strengthening collaboration efforts to supporting cultural preservation, these accomplishments exemplify our commitment to honoring the mutual prosperity of the Wabanaki Nations and the people of Maine.

Below, you’ll find a detailed summary of MITSC’s 2024 achievements across our five focus areas. We thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work toward a more equitable and collaborative future.

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Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission 2024 Accomplishments

  • Reviewed the effectiveness of the Act to Implement the Maine Indian Claims Settlement and the social, economic, and legal relationships between the Wabanaki Tribes and the State of Maine.
  • Began revision of the MITSC fishing regulations through collaboration with the Wabanaki Tribes and the Maine Department of Inland Fish & Wildlife.
  • Successfully applied for 4 private grants to support MITSC initiatives and projects.
  • Participated in public hearings on projects posing health and environmental risks to Wabanaki tribal nations, such as the Wolfden Pickett Mountain rezoning application and the Juniper Ridge contract extension request.
  • Undertook projects in five Focus Areas designed to fulfill MITSC’s statutory mandates:
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    • Education & Outreach
      • Initiated the MITSC Outreach Education Program, which includes a comprehensive website of written materials concerning the Settlement and narrative journalism videos of current issues.
      • Supported the African American-Wabanaki Studies Act (LD 2001), promoting the long-delayed implementation of the 2001 Wabanaki Studies Law, which MITSC helped to develop.
      • Staffed educational resources tables at public events such as the Common Ground Fair.
      • Published Tributaries, dispersing current information through video, podcasts, and written word. Episodes released in 2024 included an introduction to MITSC’s Special Report, SEA RUN, featuring interviews with co-authors Judson Esty-Kendall, Esq., and Professor Anthony Sutton. Subsequent interviews included Dwayne Shaw of the Downeast Salmon Federation, Brian Altvater, President of the Skutik Riverkeepers, and Darel Bridges, a Passamaquoddy Tribal Annual Ancestors Paddle participant.
    • Natural Resources Protection
      • Continued updating fishing rules for water bodies within or bordering Indian territory of the Houlton Band of Maliseets, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation.
      • Began developing an audio version of the SEA RUN report and secured funding for three projects based on the report’s recommendations.
    • Sustaining Tribal Cultures
      • Supported the inclusion of a tribal member on the Baxter State Authority.
      • Engaged with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations on their “Place Justice Initiative.”
    • Economic & Revenue Development
      • Monitored the implementation of tribal online sports betting.
      • Explored economic initiatives benefiting Wabanaki communities.
      • Prepared to review offshore wind development solicitations.
    • Improving Tribal-State Relations
      • Provided written and oral testimony on eleven bills concerning the Wabanaki tribal nations introduced in the 131st Maine Legislature.
      • Advised legislative staff and the Office of the Speaker of the House as requested.
      • Testified on the following bills:
        • LD 78: RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require All Provisions in the Constitution to be Included in the Official Printing.
        • LD 1349: An Act to Review State Lands and Waterways That Have Sacred Traditional or Other Significance to the Wabanaki People.
        • LD 1620: An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding the Mi’kmaq Nation and to Provide Parity to the Wabanaki Nations.
        • LD 1642: An Act to Strengthen the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools.
        • LD 1679: An Act Regarding the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission.
        • LD 1970: An Act to Enact the Maine Indian Child Welfare Act.
        • LD 1834: An Act to Establish the Office of Tribal-State Affairs.
        • LD 1835: An Act to Require the State to Notify Indian Tribes and Indian Nations When New Laws Are Enacted That Need to Be Certified.
        • LD 2001: RESOLVE, to Establish the African American and Wabanaki Studies Advisory Council and Provide Funding to Support African American Studies and Wabanaki Studies.
        • LD 2007: An Act to Advance Self-Determination for Wabanaki Nations (original title).
        • LD 2007: An Act Regarding the Criminal Jurisdiction of Tribal Courts and to Extend the Time for the Penobscot Nation to Certify Its Agreement to Public Law 2023, Chapter 369.

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As we reflect on 2024, the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC) is proud to share the strides made in fostering improved tribal-state relations, protecting natural resources, and advancing the well-being of the Wabanaki Tribes.

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