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2 Indian Tribes Withdraw from Maine Legislature in Protest
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/05/26/tribal-representatives-withdraw-from-legislature-as-tensions-with-lepage-grow/
Tribal representatives withdraw from Legislature as tensions with LePage grow
AUGUSTA –– The Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes withdrew their representatives to the Maine Legislature on Tuesday in response to what leaders said is a dangerous deterioration in the relationship between the sovereign tribes and the state.
Rep. Wayne Mitchell of the Penobscot Nation and Rep. Matthew Dana of the Passamaquoddy Tribe walked off the House chamber floor after lamenting what Dana portrayed as state attempts to perpetuate a “guardian-to-ward relationship” with the tribal nations. Tribal leaders assailed policies they say failed to respect the tribes’ sovereignty, denied members sustenance fishing rights and ignored tribal culture.
“Our hope is that one day the state will recognize us for who we are and value the tribes as sovereign partners and engage in a relationship of mutual respect,” Dana said during a floor speech. “Until then, we simply must decide our own future. If history has taught us anything, it certainly is that lesson.”
snip
“So to our people today we tell you this: We declare our independence, but we also say to you all that we will walk around with our chins up from now on,” Francis said. “We have gotten on our knees for the last time.”
Tribal representatives withdraw from Legislature as tensions with LePage grow
AUGUSTA –– The Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes withdrew their representatives to the Maine Legislature on Tuesday in response to what leaders said is a dangerous deterioration in the relationship between the sovereign tribes and the state.
Rep. Wayne Mitchell of the Penobscot Nation and Rep. Matthew Dana of the Passamaquoddy Tribe walked off the House chamber floor after lamenting what Dana portrayed as state attempts to perpetuate a “guardian-to-ward relationship” with the tribal nations. Tribal leaders assailed policies they say failed to respect the tribes’ sovereignty, denied members sustenance fishing rights and ignored tribal culture.
“Our hope is that one day the state will recognize us for who we are and value the tribes as sovereign partners and engage in a relationship of mutual respect,” Dana said during a floor speech. “Until then, we simply must decide our own future. If history has taught us anything, it certainly is that lesson.”
snip
“So to our people today we tell you this: We declare our independence, but we also say to you all that we will walk around with our chins up from now on,” Francis said. “We have gotten on our knees for the last time.”