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JOINT RESOLUTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE FEBRUARY 11, 2013 AS A DAY OF REFLECTION, MEDITATION AND PRAYER TO SUPPORT THE PURPOSE AND WORK OF THE MAINE WABANAKI-STATE CHILD WELFARE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkmikuk, the Penobscot Indian Nation and the State of Maine have signed a mandate to implement a truth and reconciliation commission; and
WHEREAS,  the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission represents a historic agreement to uncover and acknowledge the truth about what happened to Wabanaki children and families who were involved with the Maine child welfare system, to create opportunities to heal and learn from the truth and to collaborate to operate the best child welfare system possible for Wabanaki children and families; and
WHEREAS,  the 5 commissioners charged to undertake this work will be sworn in during a public Seating of the Commission Ceremony on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in the Town of Hermon; and
WHEREAS,  the day before the Seating of the Commission Ceremony, Monday, February 11, 2013, has been designated as a day of reflection, meditation and prayer to support the purpose and work of the Maine Wabanaki-State Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the commissioners and the commission's convening group will gather with spiritual leaders to prepare themselves for the work ahead; and
WHEREAS,  the Maine Wabanaki-State Truth and Reconciliation Commission invites people to join in reflection, meditation or prayer as their own faith and traditions direct them, to consider the opportunity the commission will provide to deepen human respect and compassion in hearing the truth of our shared history, to pray for the healing of deep and ancient wounds and to call for courage, clarity of purpose and openness; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, declare our support for the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its worthy efforts; and be it further
RESOLVED: That we join the Maine Wabanaki-State Truth and Reconciliation Commission in reflection, meditation or prayer, stand in spiritual solidarity with the commission and understand the importance of collaboration and relationship building through this process, and we declare February 11, 2013 as a day of reflection, meditation and prayer to support the work of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and be it further
RESOLVED: That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be displayed at the Office of the Secretary of State on behalf of the people of the State of Maine and be delivered to the appropriate representatives of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkmikuk and the Penobscot Nation.