Wabanaki Leadership Institute Fellows
Meet the 2020-2022 Fellows
The Wabanaki Leadership Institute (WLI) is a multi-generational, fellowship program that provides emerging and existing Wabanaki leaders an opportunity to gain or enhance critical leadership skills required to provide competent, culturally grounded leadership for the Wabanaki Nations.
LYNN MITCHELL
Passamaquoddy Indian Township
Lynn works for Maine Indian Education and has a passion for language preservation.
JOHN BEAR MITCHELL
Penobscot Nation
John Bear is the Program Director for the University of Maine’s Native American waiver program and a Professor of Native Studies.
JAN PAUL
Penobscot Nation
Jan works for the Penobscot Nation Natural Resources Department overseeing both the air and water quality programs.
AWENDELA DANA
Penobscot Nation
Awendela is the program coordinator for the Tribe’s Child Support Agency and a member of the Tribal council.
EDITH BELANGER
Wolostoq First Nation
Edith works with her Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk community on the claims and negotiations team, and on cultural revival projects. And, she writes a weekly chronicle for RadioCanada Indigenous Spaces.
GEO SOCTOMAH-NEPTUNE
Passamaquoddy Indian Township
Geo is an award-winning Native artisan, teacher, and mentor. They are also a world-class drag performer and a powerful advocate for LGBTQ2S rights.
MAGGIE DANA
Penobscot Nation
Maggie is the Chief for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik. Prior to becoming Chief, she served two terms as Vice Chief. She also has 20 years’ experience in the field of finance.
LOKOTAH SANBORN
Penobscot Nation
Lokotah is a staff reporter and Program contributor with Sunlight Media Collective. He is also a respected social activist and event coordinator.
ROSALIE LABILLOIS
Mi’kmaq First Nation Eel River Bar
Rosalie works for the Association of First Nations, and is a culture keeper, and youth mentor. She also has a beautiful singing voice.
KENDRA SOCKABESON
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik
Kendra is a Passamaquoddy language scholar who is committed to increasing language immersion in our communities.
RHONDA DECONTIE
Penobscot and Algonquin
Rhonda is the clerk of the Penobscaot Nation Tribal Court. She is a champion of culturally-based restorative justice, who teaches court staff across North America.
