This collection documents the relationship between state government and the Maine indigenous communities: the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot, collectively known as the Wabanaki. This relationship is illustrated through treaty documents, tribal petitions, and letters. Native Americans have inhabited this region for thousands of years, and since the arrival of European settlers, they have fought for survival, facing the loss of their land and livelihoods as settlers exploited natural resources such as timber and fish.  Today, most of Maine's indigenous people live on tribal lands, where they maintain their own tribal governments, natural resources, and schools. Traditionally, they have sent representatives to the Maine legislature, where these tribal representatives can sponsor legislation but do not have voting rights. In 2015, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation withdrew their legislative representatives due to rising tensions with the State regarding issues of respect and sovereignty. The Maliseet Tribe chose not to withdraw their representative.

Today, most of Maine's Native people live on tribal lands, where they maintain their own tribal governments, natural resources, and schools. Traditionally, they have sent representatives to the Maine legislature, where these tribal representatives can sponsor legislation but do not have voting rights. In 2015, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation withdrew their legislative representatives due to rising tensions with the State of Maine government regarding issues of respect and sovereignty. The Maliseet Tribe chose not to withdraw their representative.