Column: Book explores history of tribal relations in Maine

Wednesday, May 18, 2011  

"Maine's Franco-American history is often intertwined with the state's Native American populations.

In a new book, "Unsettled Past-Unsettled Future: The Story of Maine Indians," York writer and former state legislator Neil Rolde describes episodes where the French and the Indian history came together. It's a modern history that delves into deeper issues, especially the complicated Land Claims Act and the current relationship between the tribes and the state.

Three tribal nations, the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot and Maliseet, were involved in the complex landmark case called the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement.

A Passamaquoddy leader, Donald Soctomah, said Rolde's book is especially important because it explains in uncomplicated language how the Indian Land Claims Act came about. More important, Rolde also describes how the landmark decision continues to be misunderstood.

"When writing the book, Neil looked at all the different levels of the Indian issues. He addresses concerns the Indians have because he was serving in the Maine Legislature and working in state government when many of the Claims Act issues were discussed," said Soctomah, who is Tribal Historic Preservation director in Indian Township, where he lives. Soctomah recently completed a term as the official Indian representative to the Maine Legislature."

Get the Story:
Juliana L'Heureux: Tribal historian praises book on Maine Indian history (The Portland Press Herald 5/17)