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Hundreds of stakeholders from all over New England are learning about programs to transform the blighted properties into economic engines.

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Outside the Mi’kmaq Nation’s health department sits a dome-shaped tent, built by hand from saplings and covered in black canvas. It’s one of several sweat lodges

Self-determination and self-governance would bring benefits to both tribal and non-tribal communities in the state, a tribal official said.

House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross presented a sweeping bill Monday to expand the rights of Maine tribes to govern themselves, but negotiations are focused on a few specific reforms that supporters say have a chance to pass this year.

They say that a slate of bills that include proposals to allow them to expand their operations to include casinos and create an office of tribal relations in state government will help foster economic development in rural areas.