Donna Loring. Photo by Jane Peasley
Can you imagine if an important portion of the U.S. Constitution was kept from public view? That's exactly what's happened in Maine for centuries and Donna Loring, a member of the Penobscot Nation, is tired of the state ignoring the sovereignty of the original peoples:
Maine's maltreatment of the Tribal Nations began long before 1923. This treatment of the Tribes laid the groundwork for a long slippery slope that leads Maine to where it is today. I am more and more convinced that the relationship between the State of Maine and the Maine Tribes was and is not only one of Paternalism but one of dishonesty, marginalization and disrespect. It is a relationship of total and complete domination. I truly believe that Maine cannot get on the right path until it learns to treat all it's citizens Native People and People of Color with respect and dignity. The historical record shows they never have. The State of Maine has never recognized our Tribal governments sovereign status. It has continuously kept firm control over the Tribal governments that live here since it became a State in 1820. The ironic thing is that Maine owes its very existence as a State to the Tribes. When Maine petitioned Massachusetts for its Statehood Massachusetts agreed but only under the condition that this new State take over its treaty obligations. These obligations were made in lieu of the Tribes agreement to join the American Revolution to fight against the British. Massachusetts agreed to give $30,000 to be held in Trust upon the new States completion of the agreement with the Tribes.Read More:
Donna M. Loring: Dominated in Maine: A Tribal Perspective From Behind the White Curtain (Indian Country Today 9/10)
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