Governor LePage and Wabanaki Tribal Nations to Commence Signing of Mandate for Truth and Reconciliation Process

Augusta, Maine - Friday, June 29 at 10:00 am in the Hall of Flags, Governor Paul LePage, Wabanaki Chiefs and other Wabanaki elected officials, Wabanaki citizens, members of the Maine Legislature, members of the Truth and Reconciliation Convening Group, the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission, and others will gather for a historic signing of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Mandate and Selection Panel documents. 

The six governments, including the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkmikuk, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, Penobscot Indian Nation, and State of Maine, will sign two documents commencing the first-in-the-nation, multi-year process to uncover the truth concerning Wabanaki experiences with the child welfare system, implement system change, and promote healing. Speakers will explain the importance of the TRC, the positive collaboration between the State of Maine and the Tribes, and how Wabanaki and State leaders expect the TRC to proceed.

The TRC is  a unique undertaking initiated in an effort to gain an honest and accurate history of the Wabanaki experience with the State Child Welfare Program in Maine.  The TRC is a collaboration of leaders and members of all Wabanki Tribes, employees of DHHS Office of Child and Family Services, and members of the Muskie School of Public Service.   The documents to be signed by the respective leaders on Friday will build on the process started on May 24, 2011 with the signing of the Declaration of Intent.