ARTWORK BY JENNIFER PICTOU, MI’KMAQ NATION

Tribal Sovereignty is the inherent right of Tribes to govern themselves - a right that has existed centuries before any contact with outsiders and is recognized by the U.S. Constitution.

We are stronger when we work together, respect our differences, and nurture our relatedness. Unfortunately, many Maine residents and visitors know little to nothing about the Native Nations that have lived here for millenia - even if they feel supportive. The federally-recognized Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (collectively known as the Wabanaki Nations) have endured as sovereign and self-determining peoples, with distinct and diverse languages, cultures, governments, and economic structures, despite colonization and attempted genocide. Removing legal barriers to their economic opportunity and self-determination is a win for all who live, visit, and work here.

DID YOU KNOW? 

• Since 1980, Maine has used legislation to deny the Wabanaki Nations’ inherent Sovereignty, excluding them from many guaranteed Federal rights and protections. This has resulted in decades of economic and social barriers for Wabanaki peoples and surrounding communities. 

• There are over 570 federally-recognized Native Nations in the US and Wabanaki Nations are the only federally-recognized ones excluded from those rights and protections.

WHAT DO WABANAKI PEOPLES WANT?

• A future where the self-determination of Wabanaki communities and the full exercise of their Tribal Sovereignty is secured by legislation and supported by the public will.

• Where Wabanaki Nations no longer face the inequitable economic and legal effects of this legislation and their children, families, and elders have the opportunity to flourish. 

• Where Wabanaki people shape and author their own story.

BE AN ALLY! 

• UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT SOVEREIGNTY
  Do your research; write your representatives to express your support; emphasize sovereignty with your choice of words: Tribal Nations and Tribal Citizens (vs. Tribes and Tribal members).

• MAKE WABANAKI PEOPLES VISIBLE
  Demand accurate and inclusive media coverage, acknowledge Wabanaki homelands at all public gatherings. 

• HAND OVER THE MIC
  Resist speaking for Wabanaki organizations and peoples.

• SUPPORT WABANAKI AND NATIVE-RUN ORGANIZATIONS
  Donate your time, talent, funds, amplify messages on social media: use the hashtag: #StandwithWabanaki.

LEARN MORE!

• Wabanaki Alliance: Understanding Tribal Sovereignty

• Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development: Wabanaki Nations Report

• Wabanaki Reach: Educational Resources

• Abbe Museum: Educator Resources