LD 785 and LD 395 Take Action Toolkit
Legislators are considering two bills during the 132nd Maine Legislature that would expand Wabanaki sovereignty. The first, LD 785, would protect Wabanaki rights by restoring tribal self-government to tribes in Maine. The second, LD 395, would extend to the Wabanaki Nations most existing and future federal laws that already apply to the other 570 federally recognized tribes.
Both bills are based on consensus recommendations from a bipartisan task force convened by the Maine Legislature to address long-standing issues with a land claims act passed in 1980 that governs the relationship between the state and the tribes in Maine. Tribal leaders and allies are working to pass these important bills and need your help! Learn more about the history that led to the legislation, why they are needed, and how you can support their efforts in this Take Action Toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What would these bills do? Why do tribes in Maine support them? How will they benefit the state? Find answers to your questions about LD 785 and LD 395 in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)!
LD 785 Talking Points
Conversations with legislators, friends, family, and neighbors offer an important opportunity to share why LD 785 is needed and how it will benefit the Wabanaki Nations and all of Maine.
LD 395 Talking Points
These talking points on LD 395 will help you as you talk with legislators, friends, family, and neighbors about why the bill is needed and how it will benefit the Wabanaki Nations and all of Maine.
Submit Testimony for LD 395 and LD 785
Legislators will hold public hearings for LD 395 and LD 785 on Thursday, February 19 and they need to hear from you! Follow our guide for submitting your testimony and testifying at the hearing.
Contact Your Legislators
Public hearings on LD 785 and LD 395 will be scheduled soon, so now is a great time to contact your legislators and tell them why you support these bills!
Write an LTE in Support of LD 785 and LD 395
Letters to the editor are a powerful way to persuade legislators to pass LD 785 and LD 395. Find everything you need to write and publish your LTE!