AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Feb. 7, Governor Paul R. LePage met with members of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission in the Governor’s Cabinet Room at the State House.
The meeting gave Commission members an opportunity to speak with the Governor about various issues that affect Maine Tribes and Tribal-State relations.
The Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission is an inter-governmental entity created by the Maine Implementing Act of 1980.
Contributed photo
MEETING IN AUGUSTA — Members of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission met with Governor Paul LePage last week to discuss Indian affairs. Taking part are, from left, Linda Raymond, appointed by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians; Jamie Bissonette Lewey, chair; John Dieffenbacher-Krall, MITSC executive director; Governor LePage; Denise Altvater, appointed by the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik; Bonnie Newsom, appointed by the Penobscot Indian Nation; and Gail Dana-Sacco, appointed by the state.
Six members are appointed by the state, two are chosen by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, two are picked by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and selected two by the Penobscot Indian Nation.
The 12 appointees select the 13th, who serves as the chair.
In 2011, Governor LePage nominated two members, John J. Boland and Harold W. Clossey, to the Commission. Last year, Governor LePage nominated Gail Dana-Sacco to fill a State seat.
The Commission meets regularly; however, this is the first time the Commission has met with Executive leadership of the State of Maine as an entire body. Individual Tribes have met with previous governors, and Governor LePage has worked closely with the Tribes to improve relations between the State and Tribes.
