Federally recognized Indian tribe
Indian reservation in Maine, United States
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians of Maine (HBMI) (Malecite-Passamaquoddy: Metaksonekiyak Wolastoqewiyik (MW))[3] is a federally recognized tribe of Maliseet, whose land is along the Meduxnekeag River in Maine, United States.[4] They are headquartered in Littleton, Maine, located in Aroostook County.
This HBMI is related to the larger Maliseet First Nations of New Brunswick, Canada.[5] The Maliseet have traditionally occupied areas of the Saint John River valley, including its tributary, the Meduxnekeag River. When Great Britain and the United States established a boundary through this area under the Jay Treaty of 1794, the Maliseet were given the right to freely cross the border with Canada, as it was within their ancestral territory.[5] The HBMI was invited to take a nonvoting seat in the Maine Legislature, starting with the 126th Legislature in 2013.
Politics
The HBMI is governed by a Tribal Chief and a six member council. The Tribal Chief is democratically elected and serves a four year term, as are the tribal councilors, whose elections are staggered.[1] As of July 1, 2023, the Tribal government consists of:
- Tribal Chief: Clarissa Sabattis[1]
- Councilor: Joshua Toner[1]
- Councilor: Crystal Tucker[1]
- Councilor: Beth Aucoin[1]
- Councilor: Cathy St. John[1]
- Councilor: Suzanne Desiderio[1]
- Councilor: John Flewelling[1]
Each American Indian nation in Maine is allotted a non-voting seat in the Maine Legislature, a tradition started in 1823, and formalized in 2013. The HBMI have refused to send a delegate since 2018, due to their strained relationship with Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, namely due to the latters refusal to allot more federal funds for Indian reservations.[6][7] However, in summer of 2023 a breakthrough was reached where the Legislature passed a law that would allow tribes in Maine access to federal laws and a degree of self determination independent from the state of Maine.[8] In March 2023 a Houlton Maliseet returned to the Legislature, along with three other tribes; the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, and the Mi'kmaq Nation.[9]
Starting in November 2023, the HBMI began the process of creating a Healing to Wellness Court, a restorative justice effort to reduce a repeat of criminal behavior and to engage the local community. The court is largely modeled after the one created by the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation.[10]
Economic development
The HBMI farm potatoes, barley, and clover on tribal lands. They also own a roller skating rink (Rollerama).[2]
In conjunction with the municipal government of Houlton, the HBMI were awarded $15,000,000 as part of the Foxcroft Road improvements to repair and widen the tribe's main arterial road into the city, which also acts as a border crossing with Canada.[11]
In 2023 the HBMI entered a partnership with Caesars Sportsbook and where given exclusive rights to operate mobile sports wagering in the state.[12]
Watershed restoration
The HBMI is working to restore the watershed of the Meduxnekeag River, which was damaged by logging drives, and bring back the native Atlantic salmon. The restoration aims to slow the flow of the river and cool its overheated waters, which a planner with the HBMI said are both increasing with climate change in Maine. The river lacks the structure and complexity that it used to have that allowed salmon and other fish to live in the river.[13] In 2023, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians received $1.6 million in federal funds for river restoration within the Saint John River watershed.[14] Projects will address habitat needs, infrastructure, biodiversity, and "high climate risk".[15]
Culture
The Maliseet belonged to the Algonquian languages family. The people now use English as their first language. They constitute nearly six percent of the population of Houlton.[citation needed]
Every year the HBMI hold a "Recognition Day" celebration, commemorating the anniversary of when the tribe received federal recognition on September 9, 1980.[16]
