Mi’kmaq Nation opens tribal court and recovery center

The Mi’kmaq Nation has officially opened a tribal court and a substance abuse recovery center in Presque Isle, Maine. Tribal leaders described the opening as a “historic milestone” for sovereignty and self-determination.

With the establishment of this judiciary, the Mi’kmaq become the fourth of Maine’s four Wabanaki Nations to operate its own court system. The court is scheduled to begin hearing cases in October, focusing primarily on civil cases and family court matters, such as those involving the Indian Child Welfare Act. Judge Eric Mehnert, who serves as the chief justice for the Penobscot and Maliseet nation courts, will preside. The court will also function as a “healing to wellness court,” a specialized program utilizing restorative justice for non-violent offenders.

Adjacent to the court is the Msit No’kmaq Resource Center, which serves as Maine’s first substance abuse recovery facility located on tribal land. The center is open to the general public and provides resources including access to therapists, case managers, and indigenous recovery programs like Wellbriety.