Archive
View our post archive below to find links to current and previous updates from the Wabanaki Alliance. We also track local, state and national news coverage of issues important to the Wabanaki tribes in Maine. Find a selection of that media coverage in our In the News list.
Panel on Wabanaki Studies Law Set for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
An online panel discussion set for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 10, will explore the implementation of the 2001 Wabanaki Studies Law and include discussion of a new report examining the law’s effectiveness. The event is hosted by the Abbe Museum, ACLU of Maine, Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission and Wabanaki Alliance.
Recent Tribal Elections and Appointments
The Passamaquoddy Tribes and Penobscot Nation have elected new leaders and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians has appointed the Tribe’s first Tribal Ambassador.
2022 Candidate Endorsements and Legislative Scorecard
The Wabanaki Alliance today announced their endorsements of candidates for the Maine Legislature and their legislative scorecard for the 130th Maine Legislature. They also announced their decision not to endorse a candidate for Governor of Maine.
Join the Wabanaki Alliance staff!
The Wabanaki Alliance is hiring a Voter Engagement Coordinator and a Digital Content Manager. Learn more about the positions and how to join the Wabanaki Alliance staff!
Wabanaki Nations’ Statement on LD 1626
Leaders of the Wabanaki Nations offered a statement regarding the Maine Legislature’s work on restoring tribal sovereignty. Read that statement and learn more about the issue.
LD 1626 passes House and Senate and awaits final action
LD 1626 would restore tribal self-governance to the Wabanaki tribes in Maine. Learn more about the bill and find out how you can support it!
Support LD 906: Clean water for Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik
UPDATED 4/21: LD 906 has been signed into law! The legislation that will finally bring clean drinking water to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik after a 40-year struggle to address contamination in the water supply from the Passamaquoddy Water District.
Sipayik Citizens Rally in Support of Clean Drinking Water
Hundreds of Sipayik citizens and allies rallied at the Maine State House in support of LD 906 and clean drinking water and called on Gov. Mills to drop her opposition to the bill.
LD 1626: Submit testimony at the public hearing
Legislators will hold a public hearing at 9 am Tuesday, Feb. 15 on LD 1626, and they need to hear from you! Read more to learn how to submit testimony and testify at the hearing.
Wabanaki Alliance Hires First Full-Time Executive Director
The Wabanaki Alliance has hired John Dieffenbacher-Krall, a veteran community organizer and longtime advocate for the Wabanaki tribes in Maine, as its first executive director.
Wabanaki Alliance Executive Director speaks at Jan. 6 vigil
Many people who watched the events unfold in the nation’s capital on January 6, 2021 were shocked as some Americans attempted to block the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another. Wabanaki citizens were repulsed by the acts of violence and the attempt to thwart the will of 81 million voters.
Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission Seeks New Chairperson
The Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission is recruiting people to be considered for the position of Chair. Learn more about the position and how to apply.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day rally calls for systemic change
Tribal and legislative leaders held a press conference at the State House for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Virtual Rally for Wabanaki rights.
Guest editorial: Without self-government, Indigenous Peoples Day does not honor Maine’s Wabanaki tribes
In this guest editorial in the Bangor Daily News on Oct. 8, 2021, Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseets and Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation share why passing LD 1626 is the only way to truly honor Wabanaki tribes.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Virtual Rally for Wabanaki Rights
Join the Wabanaki Alliance and partners for the Rally for Wabanaki Rights: A Virtual Rally for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 11! more>>
LD 1626: Frequently asked questions
What is LD 1626? Why do tribes in Maine support it? Why should I ask my legislators to pass it? We answer these and other questions in our LD 1626 FAQ.
Who supports LD 1626?
Support for LD 1626 comes from local, state, and federal leaders, Mainers across the state, and more than 90 racial and social justice and faith-based groups. Read more>>