AUGUSTA, Maine — A newly signed bill will amend state law and grant Wabanaki nations tribal court jurisdiction over certain crimes committed on tribal land.
Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, signed the legislation into law Monday. Wabanaki leaders called the legislation a priority during this legislative session.
"An Act Regarding the Criminal Jurisdiction of Tribal Courts" will give the tribes enhanced power to prosecute some criminal cases if the alleged perpetrator is a member of a tribe.
The law amends the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act to address changes proposed by a task force comprised of tribal leaders and other stakeholders more than four years ago.
“The strengthening of tribal courts and restoration of criminal jurisdiction represents great progress in our efforts to restore the recognition of our inherent tribal sovereignty that we did not relinquish in 1980," Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador and Wabanaki Alliance Board President Maulian Bryant said in a release.
Bryant told NEWS CENTER Maine this bill passage is a positive development for the tribes as the Indian Claims Settlement Act limited tribes from certain criminal jurisdiction. Looking around the country at other tribes, Bryant said having a strong tribal court system is a "key indicator of success."
Tribes have been able to handle certain civil crimes, Bryant added, but now tribal ideas can be woven into the legal process in a "groundbreaking way" and help with how the tribes deal with certain drug offenses in tribal wellness court.
LD 2007 was worked on in collaboration with tribal leaders, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, the Mills administration, and other stakeholders.
“LD 2007 is the product of the time, resources, and commitment of many people, and it represents meaningful progress in the important and ongoing effort of partnership and collaboration with the Wabanaki people that has the support of Mainers from all over the state," Ross, a Democrat, said in a release.
The law will also allow the Penobscot Nation to regulate drinking water on tribal land.
While progress has been made in amending certain statues of the Indian Claims Settlement Act, Bryant said tribal leaders would continue to work with lawmakers and do what they can to benefit the tribes.
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