Indian Agent Reports
With the separation of Maine from Massachusetts in 1820, Maine assumed the responsibilities previously held by Massachusetts regarding its indigenous communities. Initially, the Governor and Executive Council had formal authority over the Wabanaki, which later shifted through several departments, including a Bureau of Indian Affairs and a Department of Indian Affairs, until the establishment of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission in 1980.

In 1821, the passage of P.L. c.175 created the position of Indian Agents, who were appointed by the governor to report annually on the status of the Wabanaki to the Legislature. These agents were responsible for managing and disbursing funds belonging to the Wabanaki, known as the "Indian fund," which originated from treaty negotiations, land sales, and leases, and negotiating on behalf of the Wabanaki.

The reports detailed how funds from the Maine State Legislature were allocated to the tribes, covering expenses such as building repairs, assistance for the poor, salaries for officials and clergy, agriculture, and educational costs. They also included demographic and health data. The reports provided insights into the indigenous communities during a time when the Wabanaki peoples were considered wards of the state.  The role of Indian agents ended with the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980.