"There is also another important leftover matter stemming from a failed referendum initiative that cannot be allowed simply to drift into the shadow of seemingly more immediate problems in Augusta.

This governor and this Legislature need to make a serious effort to repair relations with Maine's Indian tribes in the wake of last year's rejection by voters of a huge casino operation in southern Maine.

Some tribal leaders took that rejection as an instance of racial prejudice and oppression by the state's white population, particularly when the same voters that blocked the Indian casino endorsed a massive slot-machine scheme for a Bangor racetrack.

To demonstrate their frustration and anger, members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation who serve as delegates to the Maine Indian Tribal Commission walked out of a meeting of the panel a year ago and have not been back."

Get the Story:
Jim Brunelle: Too important to ignore -- State must repair relations with its Indian tribes (Blethen Maine Newspapers 12/3)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Maine tribes need more attention (11/22)