AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine's Indian tribes have recalled all of their tribal representatives to the Legislature, citing a complete disintegration of their relationship with the state of Maine.
The tribes have been battling with the LePage administration over issues of sovereignty, fishing rights, access to tribal lands, gambling ventures and other contentious issues.
The Penosbcots and Passamaquoddys said Tuesday they would now rely on each other instead of the state.
"We're to a place where we need folks to clearly state their value in partnering with the tribes," Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis told a crowd of gathered at a rally. "So to our people today, we tell you this: We declare our independence. But we also say to you all that we'll walk around with our chins up from now on. We have gotten on our knees for the last time."
Tribal leaders plan to hold a second press briefing Wednesday to further outline their plans of a new Wabanaki Alliance.