A 300-page report recommends radical changes in the way that Maine tribes interact with the state government.
A task force reviewing the 1980 Indian Land Claims Act concluded that tribes in the state are far behind in their independence and sovereignty. State Rep. Donna Bailey, who co-chaired the task force, declared, “The recommendations are pretty consistent, in that we are recommending that the Maine tribes move toward being more in line with the other tribes across the country.”
Among the 22 recommendations by the report are calls to recognize the jurisdiction of tribal courts and give tribes the right to regulate fishing and hunting on tribal land. It also recommends changing tax laws so tribal members won’t be taxed for working or selling products on tribal land.
The recommendation raising the most hackles is one that would place tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which could lead to tribal casinos.
Barbara Cardone, whose district includes Bangor, home of the Hollywood Casino, told the Maine Republic, “That casino not only employs a lot of people in my district, but it is a significant part of the tax base for the city of Bangor. But there are so many other issues here.”
