State Rep. Donna Loring, a leader of the Penobscot Indian Nation, will speak on issues facing Native Americans in Maine at 7 p.m. today at the University of New England in Portland.

Loring is the author of a new book, "In the Shadow of the Eagle: A Tribal Representative in Maine." The lecture is free and open to the public.

Loring has been involved with issues such as the drive to change offensive names, the teaching of Native American history in Maine schools, casinos and racinos, and the interpretation of sovereign rights for tribes.

Loring's lectures are part of the university's Diversity Lecture Series based on the theme of "Privilege, Power & Politics."

Loring will speak in the Maine Women Writers Collection of the Abplanalp Library, first floor, 716 Stevens Ave.