Clean drinking water is a basic right, and most of us are fortunate to enjoy it. Unfortunately, the Passamaquoddies of Pleasant Point do not.

Water tests regularly show dangerous chemicals, and the water is often too dirty for drinking or washing. A bill in the legislature (LD 906) would allow the Passamaquoddies to access clean water from wells they own in the neighboring town of Perry. Unfortunately, Rep. Laurel Libby opposes this bill on grounds of process, saying that the Passamaquoddies should first consult with their neighbors in Perry.

I agree process matters, so let’s consider the bigger process of colonialism. That’s a strong word to drop into this conversation, so let me put it in the form of two questions. Under what process is it that Passamquoddies — who have lived in their homeland for thousands of years — find themselves begging for permission to access their own clean drinking water? Under what process do state and town governments get to ignore the Passamaquoddies’ problem for decades?

Colonization is a process Mainers can undo. LD 906 allows Passamaquoddies to access the water they need. It does not interfere with their neighbors’ access to their own water. It restores some Wabanaki rights that state and local laws have undermined.

This is a process we should all support. Pleasant Point is far from most of us, but we all know that clean water matters.

Joe Hall, Auburn