April 25, 2008
Penobscots want out
The Penobscot Indian Nation wants to sever ties with the state after the governor vetoed its most recent attempt to open a casino on tribal land.
Tribal Chief Kirk Francis told Portland news station WCSH 6 that the tribe intends to withdraw its representatives from Augusta, govern itself and proceed with plans to launch gaming on Indian Island, despite a court settlement between the state and the tribe that prevents the Penobscots from governing themselves and operating a gaming facility.
Francis told WCSH that Gov. John Baldacci's veto was the last straw and being free from state oversight is worth losing state aid, noting the tribe gets most of its funding from the federal government. "This relationship seems to be very parental on the part of the state," said Francis. "So we feel, we know, we have an inherent sovereign right to determine our own future."
Tribal Chief Kirk Francis told Portland news station WCSH 6 that the tribe intends to withdraw its representatives from Augusta, govern itself and proceed with plans to launch gaming on Indian Island, despite a court settlement between the state and the tribe that prevents the Penobscots from governing themselves and operating a gaming facility.
Francis told WCSH that Gov. John Baldacci's veto was the last straw and being free from state oversight is worth losing state aid, noting the tribe gets most of its funding from the federal government. "This relationship seems to be very parental on the part of the state," said Francis. "So we feel, we know, we have an inherent sovereign right to determine our own future."
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