Henry John Bear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry John Bear
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| Member of the Maine House of Representatives for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians |
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| In office January 2013 – January 2019 |
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| Preceded by | David Slagger |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1956 Lewiston, Maine |
| Political party | Green Independent (since 2017) Democratic (before 2017) |
| Spouse | Violet |
| Children | Four |
| Residence | Houlton, Maine |
| Alma mater | University of Maine (L.L.M.) University of New Brunswick (J.D.) University of Maine (A.A.) |
| Occupation | Treaty & Economic Rights Advocate |
Henry John Bear is an important leader from the Maliseet people in Maine. He made history in January 2013 when he became the first person elected to represent the Maliseet people in the Maine House of Representatives. This means he helped make laws and decisions for the state of Maine, especially for his community.
Contents
Who is Henry John Bear?
Henry John Bear was born in 1956 in Lewiston, Maine. He grew up in a family that faced many challenges. When he was 17, he joined the United States Coast Guard. This is where he met his wife, Violet Dotson.
His Family and Home
Henry and Violet have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They live in Houlton, Maine. In Houlton, they run a special place that helps Maliseet people who need care and support.
Representing His Community
In 2013, Henry John Bear became the first elected member of the Maine House of Representatives for the Maliseet people. Before him, someone was appointed to this role. Being elected meant the Maliseet people chose him directly to speak for them in the state government.
His Political Journey
Henry Bear was first a member of the Democratic Party. In November 2017, he changed to become a member of the Maine Green Independent Party. He also ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, but he did not win that election. After his term ended, the Maliseet people decided not to send a delegate to the Maine House of Representatives for the 2019-2020 session.
Becoming a Lawyer
Henry Bear continued his education and earned a special law degree (called an L.L.M.) from the University of Maine School of Law in May 2020. He then became a lawyer in Maine later that year.
Helping First Nations Groups
As a lawyer, Henry Bear has been working with groups of First Nations people. These groups are from Canada and are working to address issues they faced in residential schools. He helps them in their legal efforts.
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