Maliseets to get state rep in 2012

    AUGUSTA – Gov. John E. Baldacci held a State House ceremony, Monday to sign LD 445, “An Act To Improve Tribal-State Relations,” into law.
    Chief Brenda Commander said: “A lot of people worked very hard to make this happen and it was well supported. This bill will allow us to be a part of what’s going on in the legislature. In the past we had to rely on the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes to make input.”
    Commander also said the bill is very positive for the Maliseet people and she is “excited and so very pleased about this positive step. Now, the work begins.”    
    The bill, sponsored by Representative Charles Priest (D-Brunswick), adds a representative from the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to the Maine State Legislature beginning in 2012. 
    Among other actions, the bill also ensures that laws that address cooperative agreements among Maine communities expressly include the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation, thereby clarifying that the tribes have the ability to enter into interlocal agreements to meet the needs of their people.
    “This legislation is another important step in ensuring that our Native American tribes in Maine have a voice in decisions that impact our communities,” said Governor Baldacci. “As I said earlier this year, when I signed my order to improve communications between the executive branch in Maine and our Native American tribes, we cannot truly succeed as a state unless all our people and all of our communities succeed. Working collaboratively is key.”