Year in Review: A Look Back at 2023

Our year began with an ambitious state legislative agenda to advance priority bills on issues important to Wabanaki citizens and ended with a landslide victory at the polls for a state constitutional amendment that requires the state to print the Maine Constitution in full for the first time since 1875, including a section about Maine’s original treaty obligations to the Wabanaki Nations that has been missing from printed versions for more than 100 years.

2023 in Review highlights these and other accomplishments, events, and actions undertaken by the Wabanaki Alliance and our Coalition of nearly 200 advocacy groups, businesses, and faith-based organizations. Want to help us build on this momentum in 2024? Make a donation to the Wabanaki Alliance, sign up for our email list, or add your organization or business to the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition.

Maine Voters Overwhelmingly Pass Question 6

Passamaquoddy Elder Theresa Downing holding orange and green lawn sign with text Yes on 6 Print Maine's History Maine voters overwhelmingly passed Question 6 on Nov. 7, approving the amendment to the Maine Constitution with 74% of the vote. The Maine Constitution will now be printed in full for the first time since 1875, including a section about Maine’s original treaty obligations to the Wabanaki Nations that has been missing from printed versions for more than 100 years.
(Photo: Passamaquoddy Elder Theresa Downing)
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Historic State of the Tribes Address

On March 16, all five Wabanaki Nations Chiefs spoke to a joint session of the Maine Legislature for a State of the Tribes address, the second in the state’s history and the first in more than 20 years. In attendance were state legislators, Congressman Jared Golden, Maine Supreme Court justices, Maine Constitutional Officers, Wabanaki guests, and the public.
(Photo: Passamaquoddy citizen Lauren Stevens sang the “Welcome Song” to begin the historic State of the Tribes address.)

Read more about the address »

Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day

On the same day as the Chiefs’ address, about 200 people from across Maine came to the State House for a Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day. Participants representing a range of groups and organizaitons took part in trainings, talked with their legislators, and witnessed the address.

View photos and videos from Lobby Day »

Celebration of Rising Voices

On January 3, leaders, elders, and Wabanaki citizens gathered alongside legislative allies from all parties in Maine’s 131st Legislature joined by allied organizations to attend the “Celebration of Rising Voices,” an event in Augusta to mark the beginning of the new legislative session and build support for Wabanaki sovereignty.

View other photos in the 2023 in Photos and Videos and on Facebook and Twitter.

State House Legislative Victories

Maine State Capitol building with dome and American flags in front The Wabanaki Alliance set a number of legislative priorities for the 131st Maine Legislature, including three measures that are now law and one that advanced a constitutional amendment to the Nov. 7 ballot that was overwhelmingly approved by Maine voters. More bills will be taken up when the Legislature returns in January.

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The Harvard Report

image of man at podium speaking with american and maine flags behind him A report by the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development found that Wabanaki Nations could become “economic engines” for rural Maine if the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act (MICSA) is modernized. Principal co-author Joseph Kalt briefed lawmakers March 9.
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Wabanaki Coalition Nears 200 Members

Group of people around a table with forms to sign up for canvassing for Question 6 Nearly 200 businesses and organizations have joined the Wabanaki Alliance Tribal Coalition, a group that supports Wabanaki inherent sovereignty and helps advance the work of the Wabanaki Alliance. Coalition members come from all across Maine and include a range of businesses, organizations, and demographics.

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Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together

Large crowd gathers for an event outside at sunset in front of a large white barn. More than 200 friends and supporters gathered Thursday, July 13th for the Wabanaki Alliance’s inaugural fundraiser Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together at Mallet Barn, Wolfe’s Neck Center, in Freeport.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rally for Question 6

An October 9 rally and march on Indigenous Peoples’ Day in support of Question 6 drew more than 200 Wabanaki citizens, Wabanaki Alliance Coalition members, state leaders, and other allies and garnered state and national media attention.

Read more »

2023 in Photos and Videos

Celebration of Rising Voices, January 3

Six men seated around a drum performing and signing — Drummers performing at Rising Voices.

Five people fill out nametags at a table. — Members of the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition representing dozens of organizations and groups attended the Rising Voices event.

Maulian Bryant, Penobscot Nation Ambassador and President of the Wabanaki Alliance, speaks at a microphone, smiling, hands clasped, with colorful banner in background with Our Land, Our Water, Our Future — Maulian Bryant, Penobscot Nation Ambassador and President of the Wabanaki Alliance, welcomed guests to Rising Voices.

Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation stands at a microphone — Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation shared comments with the crowd

Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians stands at a microphone smiling wearing black sweater — Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

Mi'kmaq Nation Chief Edward Peter-Paul speaks at the event.

Rena Newell, Chief of Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, wearing black sweater smiling standing at a microphone — Rena Newell, Chief of Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, spoke at the event.

Aaron Dana, Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative in the Maine House of Representatives stands at a microphone smiling, hands clasped — Aaron Dana, Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative in the Maine House of Representatives, speaks at the event.

(l-r) House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, Senate President Troy Jackson, Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, and Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative Aaron Dana

Three Indigenous men wearing black and orange shirts

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State of the Tribes Address, March 16, 2023

Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Chief Clarissa Sabattis entering the House chamber for the historic State of the Tribes address to a joint session of the Maine Legislature.

Standing ovation from supporters watching from an overflow room as the Wabanaki chiefs entered the House chamber.

Passamaquoddy citizen Lauren Stevens sang the “Welcome Song” to begin the historic State of the Tribes address.

A full gallery of Wabanaki citizens, allies and other honored guests watched the historic State of the Tribes address from the balcony of the House chamber.

"We are not a long-forgotten society. We are strong. We are resilient. And most importantly, we are still here." -- Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians

Wabanaki leaders, citizens and allies watched the address from the House balcony.

" Today is beyond symbolic. Today, just as I did 21 years ago, I will appreciate the words heard before me and those that will follow and it is certainly my hope that those in attendance today and watching and the citizens of this great state of Maine will also hear the messages brought forth on this day."-- Chief Rena Newell of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik

Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador Maulian Dana watches the address from the House balcony.

“The Penobscot people and Wabanaki Nations are Mainers. The blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors run through this land, and will continue to do so for generations to come. We are not going anywhere.” -- Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation

This is only the second State of the Tribes address in Maine history and the first to include all five Wabanaki chiefs.

"With open hearts and minds, with honesty and fair dialogue, there is no doubt we can create solutions that will not only benefit the Wabanaki people, but all Maine people. " -- Chief Edward Peter-Paul of the Mi'kmaq Nation

U.S. Rep Jared Golden, a longtime supporter of Wabanaki sovereignty, attended the State of the Tribes address as a special guest.

"The opportunity to address the unfair treatment that Maine tribes have received since 1980 can be worked on and end with this legislative body of leaders. " -- Chief William Nicholas of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk

Passamaquoddy culture keeper Dwayne Tomah offered the song “Come Together" to close out the joint legislative session.

Front row (l-r): House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Senate President Troy Jackson; Second row (l-r): Chief Sabattis, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, Chief Newell; Back row: Chief Francis, Chief Peter-Paul, Chief Nicholas.

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Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day, March 16

Passamaquoddy Tribal
Representative Aaron Dana (facing viewer), then clockwise Wambli
Martinez, Amuwes Dana and Nicholas Paul drum in the Hall of Flags
for the 2023 Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day. Barbara and Terry Baker
hold the banner. — Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative Aaron Dana (facing viewer), then clockwise Wambli Martinez, Amuwes Dana and Nicholas Paul drum in the Hall of Flags for the 2023 Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day. Barbara and Terry Baker hold the banner.

Nearly 200 people attended Wabanaki Alliance Lobby Day, a group so large, trainings took place in three different locations in the State House.

Supporters of Wabanaki sovereignty came from across the state to attend Lobby Day.

Lobby Day began with trainings led by allies and Tribal citizens, including Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador Maulian Dana.

Volunteers staffed check-in tables and Lobby Day trainings, helping supporters from all 16 counties learn more about the importance of Wabanaki sovereignty.

John Dieffenbacher-Krall, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance, led a training at Lobby Day.

Attendees at Lobby Day and the State of the Tribes address included Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald (left), Ambassador of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Darren Ranco, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, Chair of Native
American Programs and Coordinator of Native American Research at the
University of Maine, and a member of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission. — Attendees at Lobby Day and the State of the Tribes address included Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald (left), Ambassador of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Darren Ranco, a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, Chair of Native American Programs and Coordinator of Native American Research at the University of Maine, and a member of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission.

Allies at Lobby Day held banners created by the Artists Rapid Response Team (ARRT!).

A broad coalition #StandsWithWabanaki, including Defend Our Health.

A statewide coalition of organizations, businesses and faith-based groups support Wabanaki sovereignty, including the Maine Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network (MUUSAN).

Lobby Day participants lined the halls of the State House to talk with legislators about Wabanaki sovereignty.

Nearly 200 people attended Lobby Day to talk with legislators about Wabanaki sovereignty.

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Sage Phillips, Wabanaki Alliance Summer Fellow, offered a response to Gov. Janet Mills’ veto of LD 2004 in June

Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together, July 13

Large crowd gathers for an event outside at sunset in front of a large white barn. — More than 200 people attended Nihkaniyane: Let’s Go Forward Together at Mallet Barn, Wolfe’s Neck Center, in Freeport.

Drummers with the Firewolf Singers performed during the event.

Maulian Bryant, Penobscot Nation Ambassador and Wabanaki Alliance President, welcomed the more than 200 attendees at the event.

Maliseet Chief Clarissa Sabattis speaks at the event.

Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis speaks to the crowd.

dreamcatcher made of yellow and red beads — Wabanaki Champion award recipients each received an intricately designed dreamcatcher created by Martha Newell Bassett, a Penobscot and Passamaquoddy artist.

House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Passamaquoddy Citizen Corey Hinton standing side by side smiling. — House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Passamaquoddy Citizen Corey Hinton.

Senate President Troy Jackson laughs and claps hands with a small crowd looking on — Senate President Troy Jackson laughs at remarks at the event.

Sen. Rick Bennett received a Wabanaki Champion award at the event.

Rep. John Andrews receives his Wabanaki Champion award, presented by Rep. Aaron Dana of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Mi’kmaq Nation Vice Chief Richard Silliboy (right) presented a handmade basket to Darrell Newell (left) in recognition of his service on the Wabanaki Alliance Board of Directors.

(l-r) Senate President Troy Jackson, Maliseet Chief Clarissa Sabattis, Sen. Rick Bennett, Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis, Rep. John Andrews, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, Maliseet Tribal Ambassador Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative Aaron Dana, Penobscot Nation Ambassador Maulian Bryant and Iris Bryant.

The Firewolf Singers perform the Traveler Song to close out the event.

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Emma Soctomah, Passamaquoddy citizen and student at UMaine Machias, on Question 6

Indigenous People’s Day Rally in Support of Question 6, October 9

Person playing guitar and singing in front of large crowd for Indigenous Peoples' Day Rally held by Wabanaki Alliance — Just Honey of Honey Buzz Studios in Penobscot County performed for a crowd of more than 200. Photo: Rob Laraway

person wearing grey jackets creating a sign with text vote for truth yes on 6 — Participants made signs to hold during the rally and march. Photo: Anne Henshaw

person holding sign painted blue, white and yellow with text recognize indigenous rights — Photo: Anne Henshaw

Mi'kmaq Nation Vice Chief Robert Silliboy standing before microphones — Mi'kmaq Nation Vice Chief Robert Silliboy addressed a crowd of more than 200 people at the State House. Photo: Anne Henshaw

crowd with person holding sign with text self-determination for the wabanaki people! vote yes on 6! Party for socialism and liberation — Photo: First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland, ME

Three people holding signs with text You Are On Indigenous Land — Photo: Anne Henshaw

Group of people holding signs Yes on 6 — Members of the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition and other allies showed their support for Wabanaki sovereignty and Question 6. Photo: Rob Laraway

Woman stands at podium under white tent before a crowd holding signs that read Yes on 6 Vote for Truth and Transparency — Maulian Dana, Penobscot Nation Ambassador and Wabanaki Alliance President, speaks to the crowd. Photo: Anne Henshaw

Senate President Troy Jackson speaking to large crowd at Indigenous Peoples' Day rally in Augusta Maine — Maine Senate President Troy Jackson spoke in support of Question 6 at the 2023 Indigenous Peoples' Day rally and march. Photo: Rob Laraway

photo of crowd holding signs with text every child matters, yes on 6, vote for truth — Photo: Anne Henshaw

Man wearing a suit with red striped tie, glasses and outstretched hand speaks into a microphone — John Dieffenbacher-Krall, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance, speaks to the crowd at the pre-march rally. Photo: Anne Crenshaw

person with mustache and dark baseball cap and brown jacket holding white sign with text yes on 6 equals a vote for truth — Photo: Anne Henshaw

Crowd of people in front of grey building with white tent in foreground — More than 200 people attended the rally and then joined a march around the State House. Photo: Anne Henshaw

People walking in the Indigenous Peoples' Day march — Penobscot Nation Ambassador and Wabanaki Alliance Board President Maulian Bryant's family led off the march. Photo: Anne Henshaw

Crowd walking in march for Indigenous Peoples' Day — Photo: Anne Henshaw

People holding banner painted green and blue with text our land our water our future and circle painted white, red, black and yellow with text fairness equity sovereignty for wabanaki peoples — Photo: Anne Henshaw

Group of people marching for Wabanaki sovereignty in front of gray building — After the rally, participants took part in a march around the State House. Photo: First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland, ME

Woman holding a megaphone speaking to crowd with people holding yellow signs with letters Y E S Q 6 — Reese Remington with Maine Votes/Maine Voices Network, a member of the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition, speaks to the crowd. Photo: Anne Henshaw

Group of people standing in front of Maine State House with signs Yes on Q6 — Question 6 would require the state of Maine to print the entire state constitution, including a section on tribal treaties that has been excluded for more than 100 years. Photo: Rob Laraway

Group of people around a table with forms to sign up for canvassing for Question 6 — Volunteers were eager to sign up for canvassing shifts to talk to voters about voting Yes on Question 6 on November 7. Photo: Rob Laraway

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“Understanding Tribal Sovereignty,” produced by Adrian Madanes and the Maine Youth for Climate Justice Communications Team in collaboration with the Wabanaki Alliance