Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) signed an executive order that directs state agencies to consult with tribes before developing legislation, rules or policies that affect them.

The order directs agencies to come up with a consultation policy. Each agency will appoint a tribal liaison that will report directly to the head of the agency.

“We know that we cannot truly succeed as a State unless all our people and all of our communities succeed,” Baldacci said in a press release. “We can accomplish great things when we work together collaboratively. This is true between State government and Tribal governments. That’s why I am ordering all State agencies to promote positive and effective communications with Tribal governments.”

Tribal leaders said the order was the first of its kind in state history.

Get the Story:
Tribes praise executive order (The Bangor Daily News 2/25)