INDIAN ISLAND – The relationship between the Penobscot Indian Nation and state government, already at perhaps its sourest point in years, apparently won’t be improving anytime soon.

The latest indication of strife came when a meeting that was scheduled for next week in Augusta between the National Conference of American Indians and the National Conference of State Legislatures was postponed.

The NCAI canceled the meeting as a show of solidarity to Maine’s tribal leaders, particularly the Penobscots, who have begun severing ties with the state over issues with sovereignty and gaming, Penobscot Chief Kirk Francis said Friday.

“Given the current state of affairs, we didn’t think it was a good idea for them to be here,” Francis said of the national American Indian organization. “We appreciate that they stood by us.”

The Penobscot Nation has not only threatened to cut all ties with the state – Francis said most of its programs get no state funding – but has also ramped up efforts to bring slot machines to Indian Island without state permission.

David Farmer, spokesman for Gov. John Baldacci, said the governor is patently opposed to gambling unless it’s specifically supported by the voters.

“They are required to follow state laws just like everybody else,” he said Friday. “This is a matter that may ultimately be settled in court.”

While Farmer said recent discussions between state and tribal leaders have been open, Francis characterized the talks as “not-so-great exchanges.” He said things have only gotten worse since the most recent legislative session, when four Indian-related bills were defeated, including a proposal to bring 100 slot machines to Indian Island.

“The last time we met with them, they had only a few legislators involved. We don’t want our issues to be a mockery,” the chief said.

The meetings between the National Conference of American Indians and the National Conference of State Legislatures were scheduled for June 19-21 in Augusta.

Francis said Maine tribal leaders, including those from the Passamaquoddys, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, didn’t even know about next week’s meeting until recently.

“We had heard rumors, but no one ever confirmed them,” he said. “It seems strange that there was no attempt to get us involved in those meetings. Maybe it was a miscommunication, maybe not.”

Farmer said he wasn’t aware of next week’s meetings, either, and wondered if the NCAI’s pullout was symbolic.

NCAI meets twice a year with the National Conference of State Legislatures to “identify ways in which intergovernmental cooperation can be beneficial to both states and tribes and provide a forum in which discussions can begin,” according to the organization’s Web site.

The two organizations apparently have been working together for several years to promote intergovernmental cooperation between states and tribes through a state-tribal relations project.

Francis said he’s not going to wait for more discussions with the state before moving forward with his gaming plans. He also has been in contact with the U.S. Department of the Interior about the Penobscots’ intentions and is exploring legal options regarding the tribe’s civil rights.

Farmer said the governor hopes communication between state and tribal leaders continues.

“It’s amazing to me the destructive power of slot machines, even before they are introduced,” he said. “Regardless of what happens, the state and the tribes are connected. We’re the same people. We’re going to have to live and work together.”

erussell@bangordailynews.net

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