We, of the Dawnland Metis of Maine, want to express our support for the establishment of a resort casino in Sanford. Our membership is made up of mixed-heritage people of European and American Indian ancestry and is comprised of Mainers from all walks of life. We are dedicated to the full acceptance of all peoples, preserving our heritage and in ensuring our recognition as descendants of the original First People of this land.

We thank the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot people for introducing their job-creating proposal, the resort casino, and ask Creator’s blessing on their endeavor to alleviate Maine’s poverty and create better-paying jobs for all of Maine’s citizens. For with the current economic situation, life in Maine is not the way it should be.

The environmental concerns of the impact of a resort casino are for naught because for more than 10,000 years, by Great Spirit’s design, the indigenous people of Maine have been the keepers of the Earth Mother.

We pray that our tribal brothers and sisters are successful in their pursuit of happiness, which they so richly deserve. This good fortune will enable Indian people to be self-reliant and sovereign as the Great White Father promised them and their posterity by treaty and Sacred Pipe.

Come this Nov. 4, the choice in the voting booth for our membership is clear: Vote yes to Maine jobs, vote yes on the resort casino.

David Spirit Bear Walton

Dawnland Metis of Maine

Waterboro