Governor Mills’ Chief Legal Counsel in Maine Sunday Telegram Op-Ed: Governor is Committed to Building on Progress with Tribal Nations in Maine

In a Sunday Telegram op-ed, Governor Janet Mills’ Chief Legal Counsel, Cynthia Montgomery, declared the Governor’s steadfast commitment to building on the progress made with Maine’s tribal nations.

Montgomery noted that Governor Mills has taken meaningful steps to foster a constructive relationship with Maine’s four federally recognized tribes. She highlighted the Governor’s recent visits to each of the tribes, during which she discussed the importance of collaboration and respect between the state and the tribes.

The Governor has also worked to reduce barriers to employment, education, and healthcare for tribal members in Maine. Her office has actively sought feedback from the tribes on how best to address their needs and concerns.

From her position as Chief Legal Counsel, Montgomery emphasized Governor Mills’ dedication to upholding the tribal nations’ inherent sovereignty, as well as her commitment to upholding and honoring their treaties with the state. Montgomery noted that the Governor’s administration has joined the tribes in litigation to protect the tribes’ lands and waters.

The Governor also recognizes the importance of including the tribes in the decision-making process. To that end, she has created a new Tribal Advisory Group, which is made up of members from each of the four tribal nations. This group will meet regularly to advise the Governor on issues of importance to the tribes.

Montgomery concluded by declaring the Governor’s commitment to a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with Maine’s tribal nations. She is confident that, with continued collaboration and respect, the Governor will be able to build on the progress already made and ensure that Maine’s tribal nations are able to thrive.

In a Sunday Telegram op-ed, Cynthia Montgomery, Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Janet Mills, asserted the Governor’s steadfast commitment to furthering the advancement of Maine’s four federally recognized tribes. Montgomery highlighted the Governor’s recent visits to each of the tribes, during which she discussed the importance of collaboration and respect between the state and the tribes. Moreover, Mills has taken meaningful steps to reduce barriers to employment, education, and healthcare for tribal members. Her administration has actively sought feedback from the tribes on how best to address their needs and concerns.

The Governor additionally recognizes the tribes’ inherent sovereignty, and is dedicated to upholding and honoring their treaties with the state. To that end, her office has joined the tribes in litigation to protect their lands and waters. Furthermore, Mills has created a Tribal Advisory Group, comprised of members from each of the four tribal nations, to regularly advise her on important tribal issues.

In conclusion, Montgomery declared the Governor’s commitment to a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with Maine’s tribal nations. Governor Mills is confident that, with continued collaboration and respect between the state and the tribes, the progress made thus far will be built upon, allowing Maine’s tribal nations to thrive.