Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday that she’s appointed 70-year-old military veteran and former Penobscot Nation police chief and tribal council member Donna Loring.

Loring said she’ll work alongside Mills to create a new relationship between the tribes and state government. Loring’s duties will include advising Mills and making recommendations on tribal-related matters.

Loring served as Penobscot Nation tribal representative in the Maine Legislature for 12 years.

Only one of Maine’s Native American tribes sent a representative to the Legislature this year, down from two last year.

Maine’s tribes include the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.