Darren Ripley

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkmikuk

PANEL: Honoring 250 Years of Wabanaki Veterans' Service

BIOGRAPHY
Hello my name is Shane A. Hill. I am a Tribal Elder and a proud combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps. I am also a devoted family man, father to four adult children and husband to my wife, Stephanie, for over 21 years. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, trapping and I take great pride in teaching these traditions to younger generations.

My commitment to service has taken me overseas as one of the few tribal members to actively participate in combat operations. During my time in the military, I deployed as part of UNISOM forces in support of Operation United Shield, serving in Mogadishu, Somalia, within a special operations command. In that high-risk combat environment, I earned a Combat Action award for directly engaging hostile forces, an experience that reflects my dedication to mission accomplishment, professionalism, and resilience.

After my military service, I continued serving veterans at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, where I first served as Manager and later became Superintendent. I then went on to serve as Superintendent of Cemeteries for the Bureau of Veterans’ Services. In these roles, I ensured the highest standards of honor and dignity for those laid to rest and their families. My work was formally recognized by Senator Susan Collins after our cemetery system received a near-perfect score through the National Cemetery Administration evaluation process. That recognition reflects my strong attention to detail, integrity, and deep respect for fellow veterans. I remain a committed advocate for veterans and their families, working to ensure they receive the recognition, resources, and support they deserve.

Today, I serve as Facilities Manager for the Mi'kmaq Nation, where I take pride in being a proactive and hands-on leader. I focus on improving infrastructure, strengthening operations, and supporting the evolving needs of our community. As a Tribal Elder, I am dedicated to preserving our cultural traditions, sharing our history, and offering guidance grounded in my life experiences, service, and leadership.