Maine Native American history is rich and diverse, primarily involving the Wabanaki Confederacy, which includes the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Abenaki tribes. These groups have inhabited the region for thousands of years, relying on the land and waterways for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They developed complex societies with distinct languages, traditions, and governance systems. European contact in the 17th century brought significant changes, including trade opportunities and devastating diseases. The Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 recognized some land rights and established a framework for tribal governance. Today, Maine's Native American tribes continue to preserve their heritage and advocate for their rights.