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HISTORY
BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE COF THE Mi'kmaq Nation
Micmacs and Maliseets living in Aroostook County came together to form the Association of Aroostook Indians (AAI) in the mid 1960's. The two Tribes worked together to get the two Tribes recognized through the 70's. The two Tribes separated when the Maliseets achieved Federal Recognition in 1980. Once the two Tribes went their separate ways the Maliseets became the Houlton Band of Maliseets and the Micmacs, still unrecognized became the Aroostook Micmac Council (AMC).
Throughout the 1980's the Micmacs worked hard to receive Federal Recognition. With the assistance of Harald Prins, genealogist, and his wife Bunny McBride they did much research to prove that the Micmacs have lived in Aroostook County for hundreds of years. The Tribe also had much appreciated legal assistance from Pine Tree Legal. Both parties played a crucial part in the Micmacs achieving Federal Recognition.
Finally, after a long struggle the Micmacs achieved Federal Recognition on November 26, 1991. (See legal page Recognition Act P.L. 102-171) The Micmacs changed their name from Aroostook Micmac Indians to the Mi'kmaq Nation. The Tribe was awarded $900,000 for land claims to purchase property.
Since Federal Recognition the Tribe has made many strides. They now have many services to offer Tribal members, which are detailed throughout the website. Many economic opportunities are in the works with hopes that the Tribe may one day be self-sufficient.
