AUGUSTA (WGME) – New legislation in Augusta would allow Maine tribes to benefit from federal laws.
Supporters claim it's "righting a wrong" for Maine’s Native Americans.
Backers of the bill say Maine’s tribes are the only federally recognized tribes that are routinely denied the benefits of federal laws that help other tribes across the country prosper, including the right to open a casino without state permission.
Maine's tribes actually gave up that right under the terms of the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, which paid the tribes more than $80 million, but this bill would restore access to more than 150 federal laws.
"The cleared status of the Mi'kmaq Nation will allow the tribal government to be approved for more state and federal discretionary funds, grants and loans that complicated their previous applications," House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross said.
"For the first time in 30 years, this bill will provide jurisdictional parity for the Mi'kmaq Nation and the rest of the tribes in Maine," Mi’kmaq Nation Chief Edward Peter-Paul said.
The bill does have some bipartisan support, but also opposition, including from Governor Janet Mills, who says there are real legal issues surrounding the bill.