“The subjugation of the Wabanaki Nation’s self-governing capacities is blocking economic development to the detriment of both tribal and nontribal citizens, alike.”

I recently listened to a broadcast talk by a Harvard professor that brought home that point clearly and emphatically. Before that I only knew that for some reason Maine’s native tribes were unfairly treated compared to all others in the U.S. The unfair treatment has cost them dearly.

The report also noted that “For the tribal citizens of Maine held down by the Maine Indian Claims Act restrictions, loosening or removing those restrictions offers them much in the way of upside payoffs and little in the way of downside risks.”

So what are we waiting for? Gov. Mills, please approve the necessary changes to Maine law to give sovereignty to the Wabanaki Nations in Maine. They deserve it, and have earned it.

Peter Garrett

Winslow