The Aroostook Band of Micmacs finally received federal recognition in 1991 after a long process of research and petition to the U.S. government.
The name Micmac is from mi'kmaq, derivation uncertain: possible "our kin-friends" or "people of the red earth."
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians received federal recognition in 1980. Since then, they have built a tribal center on their lands along the Meduxnekeag River near Houlton. Many Maliseets refer to themselves as Wolastoqiyik, "people of the Saint John River."
The Passamaquoddy Tribe has two reservations in Washington County. Motahkokmikuk is located 50 miles inland at Indian Township. The name Passamaquoddy comes from pestomuhkatiyik, meaning "people of the pollock-spearing place."
The Passamaquoddy Tribe has two reservations in Washington County. Sipayik overlooking the ocean is at Pleasant Point. The name Passamaquoddy comes from pestomuhkatiyik, meaning "people of the pollock-spearing place."
The Penobscot Indian Nation has their main reservation at Indian Island, in the Penobscot River near Old Town. The name Penobscot comes from panawahpskek, "the place of the white rocks," or "where the rocks widen."