Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission

MITSC was created as part of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement of 1980, an agreement reached between the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, State of Maine, and the United States.

MITSC is an independent inter-governmental entity with thirteen members. Six members are appointed by the State, two by the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, two by the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and two by the Penobscot Indian Nation. The thirteenth member, who is the Chairperson, is selected by the other twelve members.

MITSC’s principal responsibilities are to continually review the effectiveness of the Settlement and the social, economic, and legal relationship between the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation and the State of Maine.

In its broadest sense, MITSC is tasked with supporting effective Tribal-State relations, and in service of this, emphasizes outreach, networking, and education.