Two bills aimed at expanding tribal rights in Maine await action from Gov. Janet Mills, who has not indicated whether she will sign or veto the measures, according to Maine Morning Star. One bill would prohibit the state from seizing tribal land for public use, while the other would grant the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate internet gaming in the state.
The bills mark the latest effort to advance tribal sovereignty following the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, which excluded the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation from protections granted under federal Indian law. Despite legislative support, tribal leaders remain uncertain if Mills will approve the measures.