KENNEBEC JOURNAL • February 9, 2022
Citizens of Maine, you have a unique opportunity to rectify a grievous injustice perpetrated on Wabanaki tribes residing here. The Legislature will soon deliberate a bill, L.D. 1626, “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act,” which would restore sovereignty to the Wabanaki over their territories in Maine. This bill is a top priority of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, the Maine Council of Churches, other faith groups, many environmental groups, prominent labor groups, social justice organizations, and others. L.D. 1626 will not put private ownership of land and water at risk, nor add to the financial burden of Maine residents, and will not prevent hunters and fishermen from accessing hunting and fishing grounds in Maine. ~ Edward “Ted” Potter, Racial Justice Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine; John Maddaus, Committee on Indian Relations, Episcopal Diocese of Maine; The Reverend Eleanor Prior, Racial Justice Commission, Episcopal Diocese of Maine