Maine Constitution printed for first time in 150 years — now with previously omitted treaty language

The Maine Secretary of State’s Office on Thursday unveiled the first formal printing of the Maine Constitution in 150 years. This version includes key treaty commitments made to the Wabanaki Nations that were cut from earlier printed copies of the document and restored by voters in 2023.

“Restoring this language to the Maine Constitution is a visible and lasting reminder of the important role the Wabanaki people played in the formation of Maine,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows in a statement following the unveiling at the Maine State Cultural Center in Augusta.

In 1876, Maine added an amendment to its constitution to remove three sections, one being the Articles of Separation that outline Maine’s Native treaty provisions. Despite being omitted from printed copies, the Articles of Separation were to “remain in full force.” 

Roughly 73% of Maine voters supported the Nov. 2023 ballot measure that amended the constitution, requiring that all provisions be printed in official copies of the document. 

“The Wabanaki have existed in Maine for 13,000 years, and voters made it clear that their immeasurable contributions to our collective past, present and future should be known, acknowledged and celebrated, not hidden from history,” Bellows said.

The new version was printed using a 19th century letterpress onto vellum — a traditional paper material made with animal skins — by Wolfe Editions of Portland and will be permanently housed at the Maine State Archives alongside the original 1820 copy and the 1876 version.