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 known as Maulian Dana. She served on the Penobscot Nation Tribal Council. In 2017, she became the Penobscot Nation's first Tribal Ambassador. She held this special role until 2024. In September 2024, she started a new job. She became the executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance. This group works for the four main Indigenous Nations in Maine.
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Early Life and Education
Maulian Bryant was born on May 17, 1984. Her birthplace was the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation. She is one of five children in her family. Her father, Barry Dana, was a former Chief of the Penobscot Nation. He served as Chief from 2000 to 2004.
Maulian went to the University of Maine. In 2005, she received a special scholarship. She graduated in 2006 with a degree in political science. This field studies how governments work. In 2022, Colby College gave her an honorary doctorate degree. This is a special award for her achievements.
Political Work and Leadership
In 2016, Maulian Bryant was chosen to join the Penobscot Nation Tribal Council. She served a four-year term. In September 2017, Chief Kirk Francis gave her a new role. She became the very first Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation.
As Ambassador, she often visited the Maine State House in Augusta. There, she spoke for her community. She helped create new laws and policies. For example, she suggested a bill to ban Native American mascots. She also helped change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.
Since late 2018, Bryant has been on the board of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. This group works to improve the lives of people in Maine. In 2020, she was named co-chair of a climate change group. This group focuses on fairness in climate plans. She also received a Maryann Hartman Award that year. This award honors women in Maine for their achievements.
In September 2024, Bryant left her role as Ambassador. She became the executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance. This organization was started in 2020. It represents the four Indigenous nations in Maine. These nations are the Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi'kmaq Nation, and Passamaquoddy Tribe.
Activism and Advocacy
Maulian Bryant is well-known for her activism. She works hard to bring attention to important issues.
Addressing the "Hunt for the Indian" Event
In November 2017, the Skowhegan, Maine Chamber of Commerce planned an event. It was called "Hunt for the Indian." People were supposed to find small Native American figurines. This event was meant to help local businesses.
Bryant quickly spoke out against it. She asked Native Americans and their supporters to take action. This event was especially hurtful because of past events. The Battle of Norridgewock and a proclamation by Spencer Phips led to many deaths. Many Abenaki and Penobscot people were killed.
On November 5, 2017, the Chamber of Commerce apologized. They said they were wrong to plan the event. They canceled it right away. They understood they had caused a problem. Bryant later praised the Chamber for their apology and for canceling the event.
Working to End Native American Mascots
Maulian Bryant started the "Not Your Mascot" chapter in Maine. She has worked to remove Native American mascots. These mascots, names, and symbols were used in schools.
In 2015, Bryant led efforts to change the "Indians" mascot in Skowhegan, Maine. On April 13, 2015, she spoke to the school board. She was part of a group of Wabanaki people. They spoke to the school board and community. However, the school committee voted against changing the mascot on May 7, 2015.
Bryant then worked with other school districts in Maine. She successfully helped change Native American mascots in all other districts. Skowhegan was the only one left. In late 2018, Bryant and other Native American leaders tried again. After many meetings, the Skowhegan "Indians" mascot was finally retired.
Soon after, Bryant introduced a bill called LD944. This bill aimed to ban Native American mascots in all public schools. Representative Benjamin Collings sponsored the bill. On April 30, 2019, the bill passed in the Maine Senate.
Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Bryant has also focused on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. This problem has affected Indigenous communities for many years. In 2019, she worked on a bill called LD 766. This bill would allow the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe to prosecute non-tribal offenders.
In November 2024, she spoke to the US House of Representatives. She was asked by Chellie Pingree to speak. Bryant represented the Wabanaki Alliance. She explained that many Indigenous women face violence. She said these crimes do not get enough attention. She also mentioned a lack of funding and poor teamwork. She noted restrictions from the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act.
Personal Life
Maulian Bryant lives on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation. She lives there with her three children. Before becoming Ambassador in 2017, she worked for Penobscot Indian Nation Enterprises. She was the director of human resources.
