INDIAN ISLAND – Some members of the 123rd Legislature had an eye-opening experience Wednesday as they learned about the Penobscot Nation’s geography, culture, history and goals.

“We really wanted to focus on open dialogue with state leaders,” said Penobscot Chief Kirk Francis.

After being led on a tour of some of the island’s facilities, including the school, health center and community building, the legislators joined tribal members and leaders for lunch and remarks from the chief.

He explained that he wanted legislators to be able to understand that there’s more than just politics behind requests that the Penobscots make in Augusta.

“This is about the effect that tribal government is having on real lives,” Francis said.

The Penobscots have several important issues in Augusta, including gaming, health and environmental issues as well as proposed changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, a federal law that was tailored specifically for Maine.

“We just felt like it was important,” Francis said. “If we’re asking them to understand, we need to better educate.”

He added that the issues facing the tribe aren’t limited to Indian Island.

“This is not just an Indian issue. … This is a Maine issue as well,” Francis said.

Legislators in attendance agreed, and Rep. Richard Blanchard, D-Old Town, said it was an eye-opener for those who are not from the area.

“A lot of it was something that they knew was here, but didn’t know how it was developed,” Blanchard said.

Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, said it was an educational experience for her as a representative in a neighboring town.

“For me being a neighbor, I want to know as much about the Penobscot Nation and their culture as possible,” she said. “By understanding the current state, the past state and the potential for the tribe we can better help them. It’s important to understand that there are real people with real faces connected to these issues.”

Cain said she learned that there isn’t anything that happens on the island that isn’t connected in some way to tribal values. She gave the example of the tribe’s new assisted-living facility for Penobscot elders.

“They have six beds, but they’ve got a waiting list,” Cain said. The importance of elders and keeping them close to the community is very important to the Penobscots, and it’s difficult to do without funding.

“Those are real needs,” Cain said.

This is the first time legislators have been invited for this kind of tour and luncheon, and Francis said he hopes it helps the state’s leaders understand where the Penobscots are coming from when they pitch ideas and legislation.

“The challenges that face us are many and we’re committed to fighting those challenges,” Francis said, noting that he realizes the Penobscots have values and traditions that others may not understand. “All we ask is that that be respected. … We also look forward to having a signature role in shaping Maine’s future.”

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