Attorney Michael-Corey Hinton Testifies Before Congress on Behalf of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Corey Hinton, a prominent attorney and co-leader of Drummond Woodsum’s Tribal Nations Practice Group, testified before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, advocating on behalf of Chief William Nicholas, Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. Hinton’s testimony highlighted key funding priorities essential to the Tribe’s well-being and sustainability, including support for law enforcement, family and child services, and the Tribe’s fish and game programs.

In his testimony, Hinton provided both historical and contemporary context for the challenges faced by the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Chief Nicholas, who has dedicated his life to public service, emphasized the Tribe’s resilience and self-governance despite numerous challenges, including those imposed by the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act.  “We are deeply proud to be both Passamaquoddy and American,” Hinton said, quoting Chief Nicholas, “but our sovereignty continues to be undermined by laws and policies that have hindered our ability to fully benefit from federal programs aimed at improving the quality of life for Indian nations.”

Hinton’s testimony outlined three critical areas in need of immediate federal investment:

• Public Safety Needs
  The Tribe’s Police Department, tasked with providing 24/7 public safety coverage across the 23,000-acre Indian Township Reservation, is severely understaffed and working from outdated facilities. Despite these challenges, the Tribe remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community. Hinton urged Congress to increase funding for law enforcement to address these gaps and allow for better officer recruitment and retention.
• Fish and Game Department
  With jurisdiction over 120,000 acres, the Tribe’s Fish and Game Department relies on a team of four game wardens to protect the Tribe’s natural resources. Due to the expansive territory and high demand during hunting season, the department struggles with insufficient staffing. Hinton emphasized the need for increased funding to improve safety and enhance the ability of wardens to effectively patrol and respond to emergencies across vast and remote areas.
• Family and Child Services
  The Tribe’s Family and Child Services Department has faced significant challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic, which left the department severely understaffed. Despite the increasing demand for services, the department is currently managed by a team of just three individuals who handle 52 active ICWA cases, 23 children in tribal guardianship, and 18 child/family cases under case management supervision. Hinton called on Congress to increase funding for these vital services, which are essential for the well-being of the Tribe’s children and families.

“The challenges we face as a Tribe are significant, but with the right federal support, we can continue to thrive,” said Hinton. “We urge this committee to consider the critical needs of the Passamaquoddy Tribe as you make decisions about funding for Indian Country.” In closing, Hinton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to testify and reiterated the Tribe’s commitment to working with federal agencies to improve the quality of life for all members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Corey Hinton, a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe (Sipayik), is the co-leader of Drummond Woodsum’s Tribal Nations Practice Group. He is an expert in federal Indian law and policy and has represented clients in matters related to economic development, law enforcement, and natural resources. Corey has a long history of advocating for tribal communities, particularly in areas such as law enforcement and environmental management.

Read Corey’s full testimony here: https://dwmlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HHRG-119-AP06-Wstate-HintonC-20250225.pdf