Three Council Fires
The Advisory Council
The Governing Council (Board of Directors) is composed of key leaders from the Wabanaki Nations. They oversee the work of the Executive Director and make decisions for the organization as a whole.
The Governing Council Members
Sherri Mitchell, Esq
Chair/CEO -Indigenous Rights Attorney, Author,
Educator (Penobscot) Founding Director
Dr. Darren Ranco
Indigenous Scholar/Environmentalist, Chair of the Native Studies Program,
University of Maine (Penobscot)
John Bear Mitchell
Associate Director, Wabanaki Center, Professor of Native Studies, University of Maine (Penobscot)
Rhonda Decontie
Restorative Justice Educator, Clerk of Court (Penobscot/Algonquin)
Maggie Dana
Vice Chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipiyak (Passamaquoddy)
Eric Mehnert, Esq
Chief Judge, Penobscot Nation Tribal Court
The Governing Council
The Advisory Council is composed of cultural and traditional Indigenous leaders who are either from or reside
within Wabanaki Territory. They offer guidance and suggest direction for the organization at the request of the
Board or Executive Director.
The Advisory Council Members
Miigam’agan
First Mi’kmaq Hereditary Chief, Elder in Residence St. Thomas
University and University of New Brunswick, Language Keeper
Lobster Clan - Eskinopetij Mi’kmaq First Nation
Niskapisuwin
Geo Neptune, Traditional Artist, Educator,
First Openly Transgender Elected Official in Maine
Snowy Owl Clan - Motahkomikuk Passamaquoddy Nation
Jan Paul
Water and Air Quality Specialist, Environmental Educator,
Penobscot Nation Natural Resource Department
Crow Clan - Penobscot Nation
Tawoma Martinez
Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Advocate and Community Educator,
Head Female Traditional Dancer
Sparrow Hawk Clan - Mescalero/Jicarilla Apache and Lakota
John Dennis
Language Keeper/Teacher, Cultural Educator, Traditional Dancer,
Keeper of Laughter Medicine
Moqi Clan, Eskasoni First Nation
Matthew Dana II
Former Passamaquoddy Ambassador to the Maine Legislature,
Passamaquoddy Chief of Police, traditional drummer and singer
Bear Clan - Motahkomikuk Passamaquoddy Nation
The Clan Mothers Council
The Clan Mother’s Council is the organization’s dispute resolution body. They transform conflict and resolve
disputes according to traditional circular processes.
The Clan Mothers Council Members
Miigam’agan
Esgenoopetitjj First Nation - Lobster Clan
Lisa Dutcher
Tobique Wolastoq First Nation, Crow Clan and Wolf Clan
Marilyn Francis
Eskasoni First Nation, Whale and Red Tail Hawk Clan
Stephanie Morning Star
Mohawk, Turtle Clan
Tania Morey
Aroostook Band of Mi’kmaq, Bear Clan
Charlene Paul Huerth
Penobscot Nation, Crow Clan and Eel Clan
Beverly Little Thunder
Standing Rock Lakota, Bear Clan
Jean Bartibogue
Esgenoopetitj, Lobster Clan
Sharon Tomah
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk, Eagle Clan
Rachael Nicholas
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, Owl Clan
Simone Senogles
Red Lake Anishinaabe, Eagle Clan