Tribal Treaty Language Will Be Restored in Printed State Constitution

In a significant move, voters in Maine have overwhelmingly supported a referendum to amend the state’s constitution. This amendment reinstates sections that acknowledge historical tribal treaty obligations, marking a pivotal moment in acknowledging and honoring the state’s Indigenous heritage.

The referendum, known as Question 6, was presented to voters on the Maine ballot with the following language:

“Do you favor amending the constitution of Maine to require that all of the provisions of the constitution be included in the official printed copies of the constitution prepared by the Secretary of State?”

The proposition was set for a decisive victory. This result mandates the restoration of certain sections of the Maine Constitution to its printed version, specifically parts concerning the state’s original treaty obligations to Native American tribes.

The focus of this amendment lies in three sections from Article 10 of Maine’s original state constitution—sections one, two, and five. These sections, omitted from official printed copies since 1876 following a statewide vote in 1875, detail the Acts of Separation allowing Maine to become an independent state in 1820, separating from Massachusetts. The language within these sections symbolizes a ‘divorce’ between Massachusetts and what is now Maine. Notably, Section five includes language obligating Maine to honor the same treaties Massachusetts made with indigenous tribes in the 1770s.

The Wabanaki ambassadors have expressed that including these previously omitted sections will help restore Maine’s Indigenous history and foster transparency between the state government and its constituents. Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, tribal ambassador of the Houlton Band of Maliseets, emphasized, “Wabanaki people are just as much a part of Maine’s constitutional heritage as anyone else.”

Penobscot Nation Ambassador Maulian Bryant further added, “The passage of Question 6 is important to our overall work towards increased recognition of tribal nations’ inherent sovereignty and self-determination. The passage of Question 6 honors the legacy of our tribal ancestors. It brings about truth and transparency for all Mainers. I’m appreciative that Mainers agreed to support our shared history.”