"Maine's Indians are much more visible, both in the modern world and in the state's history, than are tribes elsewhere in New England.

They have been able to preserve much of their heritage.

But they have also been victims of land grabs and discrimination.

Racist attitudes towards them continue to this day.

I used to think that tribal casinos couldn't have enough of a positive effect to make up for the evil of gambling.

Wandering through the [Mashantucket Pequot] museum's fantastic Pequot Village, filled with wigwams and lifelike replicas of tribal members engaged in the activities of daily life, changed my mind.

It was impossible to emerge from that place without a greater understanding and respect for the Pequots' way of life.

We could learn many lessons from their attitudes toward the land and each other.

But I also walked out with the thought that injustice against Native Americans continues. Maine voters allowed an out-of-state company to set up a racino.

Why not give the Passamaquoddies a chance? Why not give them a chance to show us what they can do?"

Get the Story:
Liz Soares: Racino? Or racism? (The Kennebec Journal 4/28)