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An Act To Recognize the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 30 MRSA c. 605  is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 605
METIS EASTERN TRIBAL INDIAN SOCIETY OF MAINE RECOGNITION ACT
§ 8101.  Short title
This chapter may be known and cited as “the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine Recognition Act.”
§ 8102.  Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
 
1.  Laws of the State.     "Laws of the State" means the Constitution of Maine and all laws and rules of the State and its political subdivisions and judicial interpretations thereof.
 
2.  Metis.     "Metis" means a person who:
 
A.  Is of Metis Nation ancestry;
 
B.  Self-identifies as Metis; and
 
C.  Is a member of the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine.
 
3.  Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine.     "Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine" means the membership society of Metis people in this State.
 
4.  Metis Nation.     "Metis Nation" means the people who are:
 
A.  Included within the definition of "aboriginal peoples of Canada" within section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 of Canada; and
 
B.  Descended from the historic aboriginal people then known as Metis who resided in the area of North America known as the historic Metis Nation homeland and used and occupied as the traditional territory of the Metis.
§ 8103.  Recognition
The State recognizes the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine as a distinct aboriginal group.
§ 8104.  Laws of the State
Nothing in this Act alters the application of the laws of the State to any person or entity or extends to any person or entity a legal status that augments or diminishes the person’s or entity’s rights, powers, privileges or immunities under the laws of the State. The Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine, Metis people and all property held by or for the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine or any Metis person are subject to the laws of the State and to the civil and criminal jurisdiction of the courts of the State to the same extent as any other person, entity or property.
 
SUMMARY
This bill extends state recognition to the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine as a distinct aboriginal group. This bill does not alter the application of the laws of the State to the Metis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine or Metis people.