For the Passamaquoddy, the root of contemporary economic failures lies in generations of oppression and misguided promises. What appears, on the surface, to be a struggle over open and fair process and hastening the “will of the people” is, at its most basic level, a battle over historical responsibility.

Understanding the debate over the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal within Passamaquoddy territorial waters and tribal land requires at least a basic appreciation of the historical legacy of centuries of social, cultural and economic upheaval, and conflicting interests of indigenous people, the state of Maine, formerly Massachusetts, and the Maritimes.

On June 22, Maine’s governor leveraged his political power by sending his emissaries, comprised of top cabinet members, to personally deliver a message to members of Sipayik that LNG is not only good for “Indians,” it’s good for Maine. Later, he said, “if Passamaquoddys don’t want it, I don’t want it.”

Which is it? On the evening of Aug. 3, Gov. Melvin Francis promised that a referendum would be held in 90 days. On Aug. 13, members of Sipayik received notice in a local newsletter that the Passamaquoddy Governor and Tribal Council would hold a special referendum on Aug. 17.

Even with all the media coverage, only one indigenous leader within all of Wabanaki territory, Passamaquoddy Traditional Sakom, Hugh Akagi, has expressed concern. In agreement with Akagi’s position, hastening and manipulating an internal tribal process on an issue bearing such magnitude (LNG in Passamaquoddy Territory) evidences no process.

Despite the fiery pace and LNG public information deficit, Passamaquoddy people are clearly not united on the issue of LNG. Like Sipayik’s tribal council’s 4-3 vote on Aug. 3, calling for a nonbinding referendum, the referendum on Tuesday belies any misconceptions that Sipayik members are wholeheartedly committed to the prospects of an LNG terminal. Like other coastal communities of Maine, Tuesday’s vote proved once again there’s community division, and not unanimity.

While a few individuals may believe that inviting LNG into Passamaquoddy territory is about heroics, there is nothing bold about internalized oppression, nor is disenfranchising indigenous people from exercising their right to cultural survival an indicator for progress. LNG is hideous, dangerous and undesirable, and does not comport with Passamaquoddy cultural tradition. Those of us willing to take our responsibility to preserve what little we have left have expressed our will and intent to protect the homeland.

Don’t wait until the costs for the security infrastructure necessary for an LNG terminal are revealed to wonder who is also going to have to pay the price for LNG’s corporate malfeasance. Passamaquoddys are not the only ones being bamboozled on this deal. If Maine’s people remain silent too long, the oppression continues and another misguided promise will prevail. It’s time to speak out against those who are willing to sacrifice a pristine environment and the lives of indigenous people for corporate greed.

It’s time to take action – call Maine’s governor and tell him to stop his policies of environmental racism and interference with indigenous independence.

Vera Francis lives in Sipayik.