Tribes in forefront

The recent legal battles concerning the Maine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the paper companies has brought the Maine tribes into the media forefront. My outrage at the blatant prejudice and disrespect for the tribes and their leaders necessitates that I speak my mind. My perspective and insight is unique. I have served as the environmental director for Indian Township (Motahkmikuk) for 31/2 years. I am a British citizen with dual U.S. citizenship, having lived in Maine for almost 12 years. I love Maine and its people, and am happy to raise my two children here.

On Nov. 9, I saw the three governors of the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes treated in such a disrespectful way as to leave me furious and speechless. Unfortunately, the government-to-government relationship with the federally recognized tribes in Maine is poorly executed by the state of Maine. I am ashamed of the government of Maine and the state of Maine court system. I have no words that could be printed to describe my contempt for the paper companies involved.

During the day’s proceedings a “respected” member of the state judicial system referred to the tribal governors as “you Indians.” The judge actually compared the governors of two great tribal nations to deadbeat dads who are in contempt for failure to make child support payments. The final blow was to fine the tribes $1,000 a day, and jail the governors until full compliance with the court’s order.

As a representative of the Passamaquoddy’s Indian Township Environmental Department, I know that our main concerns are that the waters of the state are clean and healthy, and that tribal members are able to safely eat the fish and game that use these waters. I know these are the concerns of all Maine citizens regardless of our heritage. Trevor White Environmental director Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township