ANNAPOLIS, MD — On Thursday, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller hosted a meeting with six Maryland tribes to discuss concerns within the tribal communities at the State House. The historic meeting marks the first time an administration has met simultaneously with the leaders of all of Maryland's organized tribes.
“The state of Maryland is grateful to our tribal communities and their vital contributions to our society,”
said Gov. Moore. “We must continue to do work in partnership with Maryland’s tribes to ensure the well being of indigenous Marylanders. From land and cultural preservation to expanded educational opportunity, our administration is committed to doing the necessary work to create a more inclusive state that leaves no one behind.”
The three state-recognized tribes in attendance included the Piscataway Indian Nation, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe Choptico Band and Cedarville Band, and the Accohannock Tribe. The three non-state or federally recognized tribes in attendance included the Assateague Peoples Tribes, the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, Pocomoke Indian Nation. Representatives from the North Carolina State-recognized Lumbee Tribe were also in attendance, given the significant Lumbee population in the Baltimore region..
“Our administration knows the deep value that our tribal communities bring to our state,”
said Lt. Gov. Miller. “Today marks a historic opportunity to bring Maryland tribes to the table to discuss the biggest challenges facing tribal communities and our state. By continuing our work together, we can leverage our full potential and build a stronger, more welcoming Maryland.”
In the last census, more than 40,000 individuals in Maryland identified as being American Indian or part American Indian. While pockets of American Indian tribes and groups cover Maryland's eastern and western shores, more than half of the state's native population lives near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
In January 2012, Maryland formally recognized two Maryland Indian tribes: the Piscataway Indian Nation and the Piscataway Conoy Tribe. This was the first time that the State of Maryland had taken the official action of recognizing a petition for Maryland Indian Status. In 2017, the Accohannock Tribe was also recognized.
In 1976, the Maryland General Assembly created the
Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs to represent and serve the state's native communities. The commission aids in the process of obtaining state and/or federal recognition for tribes. Comprised of commissioners from Maryland tribes, this official statewide agency provides a forum for cooperation and communication within the native population in the state. It acts as the liaison between Maryland's natives and the state and federal governments.
The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs serves as the official statewide agency for Native Americans and is a source for information and contacts on Maryland Indians. Maryland has three state-recognized tribes: the Piscataway Indian Nation, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, and the Accohannock Indian Tribe. Consultation with the commission is treated in the same way that an agency would consult with a local government, historical society, or community organization. Agencies should consult with the state-recognized tribes, if relevant to their areas of interest, and with the commission, as these are all official organizations.
The Moore-Miller administration will continue to consult directly with tribal leaders and work with the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs and the United Tribal Authorized Chiefs and Chairs traditional council.