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The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians of Maine is a federally recognized tribe of Maliseet, whose land is along the Meduxnekeag River in Maine. They are headquartered in Houlton, Maine, located in Aroostook County.
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This tribe is related to the larger Maliseet First Nations of New Brunswick, Canada. The Maliseet have traditionally occupied areas of the Saint John River valley, including its tributary, the Meduxnekeag River. When Great Britain and the United States established a boundary through this area under the Jay Treaty of 1794, the Maliseet were given the right to freely cross the border with Canada, as it was within their ancestral territory.
They belonged to the Algonquian languages family. The people now use English as their first language. They constitute nearly 6% of the population of Houlton.
Government
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians of Maine is governed by an elected six-member council. The current chief is Brenda Commander.
The tribe obtained federal recognition on 10 October 1980.
Economic development
The Houlton Maliseet farm potatoes, barley, and clover on tribal lands. They also own a roller skating rink.