Maine tribal chiefs push for changes to 1980 settlement in historic address

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 16, 2023

Maine’s five tribal chiefs addressed lawmakers on Thursday for the first time since 200. The historic speeches came at a pivotal moment in the historically fraught relationship between Maine and the tribes. It is governed by a landmark 1980 land-claims settlement. House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland — who championed the return of the tribal address — is planning another legislative effort this year to overhaul the settlement. The settlement was a response to a massive Penobscot and Passamquoddy claim of two-thirds of Maine. The $80 million agreement gave the state the ability to object to federal laws around Indian policy, something that has kept many laws from applying to Maine tribes.