Maulian Bryant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maulian Bryant
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Bryant in 2019
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| 1st Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador | |
| In office 2017–2024 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 17, 1984 Indian Island, Penobscot Nation, Maine, US |
| Education | University of Maine (Political Science) |
Maulian Bryant (born May 17, 1984) is an important leader and activist from the Penobscot Nation. She used to be on the Penobscot Nation Tribal Council. In 2017, she became the first Tribal Ambassador for her Nation, a role she held until 2024. Now, she works as the executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance, helping four Indigenous Nations in Maine.
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Early Life and Learning
Maulian Bryant was born on May 17, 1984. She grew up on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation. Her father, Barry Dana, was a former Chief of the Penobscot Nation. Maulian went to the University of Maine. She studied political science and earned a scholarship in 2005. In 2022, Colby College gave her a special honorary degree.
Working for Her Community
Maulian Bryant has done a lot of important work for her community.
Early Political Roles
In 2016, Bryant was chosen to be on the Penobscot Nation Tribal Council. This was a four-year term. In 2017, Chief Kirk Francis named her the first Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation.
Helping Make Laws
As Tribal Ambassador, Maulian often visited the Maine State House in Augusta. She spoke up for her community and helped create new laws. For example, she helped with a bill to ban Native American mascots in Maine schools. She also helped change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.
Other Important Roles
Since 2018, Bryant has been on the board of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. This group works to improve life for people in Maine. In 2020, she helped lead a group focused on climate change. She also received an award for her achievements as a woman in Maine.
Leading the Wabanaki Alliance
In September 2024, Bryant left her role as ambassador. She became the executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance. This group works for the four Indigenous Nations in Maine. These nations are the Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi'kmaq Nation, and Passamaquoddy Tribe.
Standing Up for What's Right
Maulian Bryant is also known for her activism. She works hard to bring attention to important issues.
Changing Native American Mascots
Maulian Bryant started a group called "Maine's Not Your Mascot." She believes that using Native American mascots in schools is wrong. She has worked to remove these mascots from schools across Maine.
In 2015, she tried to change the "Indians" mascot in Skowhegan, Maine. She spoke to the school board and community. At first, the school committee voted against changing the mascot.
But Maulian kept working with other school districts. She helped change mascots in many other places. Later, she and other Native American leaders tried again in Skowhegan. After many meetings, the Skowhegan "Indians" mascot was finally retired. Soon after, a bill was passed to ban Native American mascots in all public schools in Maine.
Helping Missing Indigenous Women
Bryant also works to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women. This is a serious issue that affects many Indigenous communities.
In 2019, she worked on a bill to help tribal courts. This bill would allow the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe to deal with crimes by non-tribal people. In 2024, she spoke to the US House of Representatives. She explained that many Indigenous women are victims of violence. She said these crimes do not get enough attention.
Personal Life
Maulian Bryant lives on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation. She lives there with her three children. Before becoming ambassador, she worked in human resources for Penobscot Indian Nation Enterprises.
