Gov. Mills clashes with tribal relations board, leaving seats unfilled [Video]

Two seats on a state board that works to build state and tribal relations remain unfilled following an unusual clash between Gov. Janet Mills and members of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission over two of the governor’s nominees.

Mills pulled the nominees this week after commission and tribal leaders objected to them as having agendas or a history of challenging tribal sovereignty efforts. Mills fired back, saying she is concerned about the objectivity of the commission. It’s not clear when, or if, she plans to submit new nominees.

The back-and-forth comes amid long-running tensions between the governor’s office and the tribal communities and their advocates.

An attorney for Mills and the co-chair of the legislative committee that held confirmation hearings on the nominees last week also highlighted the unusual nature of the exchange, saying boards and committees don’t usually weigh in on their potential members.

“I understand and respect some …