Rena Newell facts for kids

Rena D. Newell is an important leader for the Passamaquoddy Tribe. She is currently the chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, which is a community located in Maine.

Before becoming chief, she served as the tribal representative for the Passamaquoddy people in the Maine House of Representatives. She held this position for two terms, from 2018 to 2022. During her time in the Maine House, she was the only person representing a Native American tribe.

Serving in the Maine House of Representatives

Rena Newell is an independent politician, meaning she doesn't belong to a specific political party. While working in the Maine House, she was part of the Judiciary Committee. This committee helps make decisions about laws and justice.

Since other tribes like the Penobscot and Maliseet chose not to send representatives, Rena Newell was the only tribal voice in the Maine Legislature for several years. Tribal representatives don't get to vote on all laws, but they can suggest new laws or help with laws that are important to their tribes.

Making a Difference for Native Americans

Rena Newell worked hard to stop the use of Native American symbols as mascots in Maine schools. Many people felt these mascots were disrespectful. In May 2019, the Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, signed a new law banning these mascots. Rena Newell said this law helps promote "cultural diversity and awareness." She believed it would help everyone in Maine treat each other as equals.

In 2020, she stood with Governor Mills when a special pardon was given to Don Gellers. He was a lawyer who had helped tribal communities for a long time.

Working for Tribal Rights

In December 2020, Rena Newell spoke about the Wabanaki Alliance. This group works to build political power for tribes and teach people in Maine about tribal sovereignty. Tribal sovereignty means tribes have the right to govern themselves. She felt this was a big step forward for how tribes and the state work together.

Rena Newell also supported laws to get clean water for the Passamaquoddy community at Sipayik. Their drinking water has had unsafe chemicals since 1974. She worked to make sure her community had access to safe water.

In February 2021, she suggested creating a permanent Wabanaki representative position. This person would advise the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This would ensure tribal voices are heard in decisions about nature and wildlife.

She also supported a law called LD 2. This law would require looking at how new laws might affect different racial groups. She explained that in the past, laws were made without thinking about how they would impact tribal communities.

Rena Newell's time in the Maine House ended in 2022. Aaron Dana took over her role as the tribal representative.

Leading the Passamaquoddy Government

On September 8, 2022, Rena Newell was elected as the chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik. She won the election with 229 votes. She officially became chief on October 1, 2022.

About Rena Newell's Life

Rena Newell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Maine at Machias. She also worked as the education director for the Passamaquoddy tribe. She has two children and three grandchildren.

See also

• Passamaquoddy
• Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation
• Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation
• Wabanaki Confederacy
• Maine House of Representatives