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House endorses committee—s recommendation not to create state recognition process for Kineo group
Summary
The House accepted the committee—s majority "ought not to pass" recommendation on LD 813, which would have created a state path for recognition of the Kineo as a tribal nation; the roll call was 82-57 in favor of the committee recommendation.
The Maine House accepted the committee—s majority recommendation that a bill to create a state recognition process for a group identifying as the Kineo not be advanced. The House vote was 82 yeas to 57 nays on the committee—s "ought not to pass" report.
Representative Poirier, sponsor of the measure, asked the chamber to give the Kineo a state-level path to recognition and said federal recognition can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars. He said the Kineo are a small group of under 100 people seeking a formal state process and asked colleagues to consider a route for recognition.
Members who spoke in opposition noted longstanding, active objections from Maine—s federally recognized Wabanaki nations and cautioned that a state recognition process with criteria based on ancestry or affinity could exceed state authority and undermine federal standards or the federal recognition process. Representative Simpkun, speaking for the committee, read testimony asserting that federal recognition centers on governmental continuity and sovereignty rather than affinity alone.
Representative Lee of Auburn noted experience in another state where state recognition had caused friction with federally recognized tribes. The committee majority concluded the state should not create a separate recognition path, and the House accepted that recommendation.
The House action records the committee—s recommendation as the chamber—s position and sends that report to the Senate.
