Ann Pollard-Ranco

/
Ann Pollard-Ranco - DFAI Market Artist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot

MEDIUM: Photography, Beadwork, Textiles

ARTIST STATEMENT
Ann Pollard-Ranco is a mixed media artist and citizen of the Penobscot Nation and Bilijk First Nation. Her interdisciplinary work weaves together photography, beadwork, and textile arts to explore themes of cultural revitalization, memory, and relationship to place. As a person of the Dawnland, she is guided by light in her creative process. Her work reflects a deep sense of cultural responsibility, shaped by her relationship to Penobscot language, homeland, and community. She is also involved in community-based language revitalization, rooted in relationship to land and kinship.

 
 
 

Andrea Hunter

/
Andrea Hunter - DFAI Market Artist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Mi’kmaq

MEDIUM: Painted Cedar Art

ARTIST STATEMENT
Kwè

My name is Andrea Hunter. I a Mi’kmaq Artist from Natoaganeg First Nation (Eel Ground). I currently reside in Connecticut with my family amongst our Algonquin sister tribes. As an artist I create hand painted cedar art using traditional and modern day designs in my work. As well as inlay style work into cedar art as well using materials such as crushed wampum shell and crushed stones. Using our people’s designs and bringing them to life using one of our four sacred medicines allows me to pass on traditions to our people and share my art for generations to come. Wela’lin

 
 
 

Alexandra Francis

/

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot

MEDIUM: Jewelry, Beadwork

BIOGRAPHY
Alexandra (Neptune) Francis is a Peskotomuhkat (fisher clan) naka Panawapskewi (eel clan) citizen, mother, and artist. Growing up at Sipayik, learning basic beadwork at an early age, the seeds of cultural expression were planted.

Alex ventured into 2D art while in high school and university and continues to use skills acquired as a basis for all creation. In 2019, she revisited beadwork and has continued to actively create contemporary and traditional art.

Presently residing in Panawapskek territory, as a Wabanaki Traditional Arts mentor, Alex actively shares knowledge with others with the aim of continuity for cultural art forms. The vitality of our culture lies in the passing on of all the aspects of what makes us who we are- passing on the gifts of our ancestors.

 

Connect with Alexandra

facebook
 

Jason Pardilla

/

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot

MEDIUM: Photography

BIOGRAPHY
Jason Pardilla is an accomplished outdoorsman, photographer/videographer, wood worker, and councilor. Exploring the Wabanaki Homeland year round, Jason works to round up Wabanaki stories that cause people to contemplate their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.

Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, canoeing, and cultural subjects, Jason is known for images that are punctuated by cultural, Wabanaki landscapes. Through the camera lens Jason strives to share his vision of Wabanaki homeland with all people, and inspire them to explore for themselves.

His perspective has earned him opportunities to work with exceptional people, build a birchbark canoe, and represent his tribe as a Penobscot Nation Tribal Councilor. Along with his tribe, Jason lives in his homeland in the Penobscot River Valley.

Jason has established himself as a river guide and creative. He is happiest with his family spending time on the Penobscot River.

 

CONNECT WITH JASON

website
 
 
 

Cassandra Rose

/

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Passamaquoddy

MEDIUM: Pottery & Leatherwork

ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a born and raised Passamaquoddy woman who grew up immersed in Maine’s natural beauty and rich culture. I am a mom to 4 amazing children who are my world. I find peace and The Lord exploring Maine’s majestic outdoors with some of my favorite things being scouting for eagle feathers, exploring the beautiful rocky coastline and soaking up the much waited summer sun. Growing up as a Passamaquoddy child I relish memories of collecting sea glass at Split Rock with my grandmother, picking sweet grass with my mom at Sipayik, harvesting blueberries with my siblings in Downeast Maine and fishing in the Passamaquoddy Bay with my dad.

My passion for making was born out of watching my mom create with her hands; from dresses to yummy food to beading I have always wanted to follow in her footsteps. As a proud Passamaquoddy woman I am grateful to be able to share my culture and heritage through leather and clay. My work reflects the many influences I’ve had and is a collective of Maine indigenous culture. I am drawn towards creating pieces that reflect God’s creation and my heritage. For example, my Hazel bag takes a traditional Passamaquoddy medicine bag and transforms it for modern day use. Each bag is hand crafted and tells a story. My signature Nisuwok Wiphunsisok (Two Feather) mug, is glazed with copper and turquoise, symbolic of my love for turquoise jewelry and my heart to support fellow indigenous artisans. I find working with both leather and clay healing and therapeutic; using my hands and reconnecting with the earth and Creator. Each of my pieces are handcrafted with the hope that they will bring joy to your life and can be passed down from generation to generation

 
 
 

Kaya Lolar

/
Kaya Lolar - DFAI Market Artist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Passamaquoddy

MEDIUM: Basketry - Ash

ARTIST STATEMENT
Kaya Lolar (she/her) is a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation and has been learning to bead alongside her mother from their mentor, Alexandra Francis, since the spring of 2024. Kaya has a passion for writing (especially creatively) and greatly values the power of storytelling as one of many tools to amplify Indigenous voices and inspire the youth of generations to come. She aims to expand her creativity through the traditional practice of beading as a reimagined vessel for sharing stories.

Gal Frey

/

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Passamaquoddy

MEDIUM: Basketry - Ash

ARTIST STATEMENT
Gal Frey (Passamaquoddy) makes ash sweetgrass baskets and beadwork. She is from Passamaquoddy reservation in Indian township. She grew up in a basket making family and joined the family in making utility baskets as a weaver. As an adult she apprenticed with Sylvia Gabriel through the basket makers alliance learning to process material and the finer points of basketry.

 
 
 

Darren Ripley

/
Darren Ripley - DFAI Panelist

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.

Shane A. Hill

/
Shane Hill Mi'Kmaq Veteran Wall Pic - DFAI Panelist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Mi’kmaq Nation

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.

Donald Soctomah

/
Donald Soctomah - DFAI Panelist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Passamaquoddy

PANEL: Honoring 250 Years of Wabanaki Veterans' Service

BIOGRAPHY
Donald Soctomah is a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Native American historian, author, teacher, filmmaker, lecturer, and storyteller. He received a Forestry Bachelor degree and a Honorary Doctorate degree from the University of Maine system. He serves as the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Passamaquoddy Tribal communities, and received a Presidential appointment to the board of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission. Donald works on the protection of culturally significant sites, artifacts and knowledge. He has written several books about Passamaquoddy history, as well as co-authored two children’s books, Remember Me: Tomah Joseph’s Gift to Franklin Delano Roosevelt and The Canoe Maker. Donald has appeared on National Public Television, Maine Public Television, Canadian Broadcasting, Animal Planet and is a frequent consultant to the Smithsonian Institution, US Library of Congress, and Maine State Museum.

Nolan Altvater

/

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Passamaquoddy

PANEL: Native Photography as Self-Determination

BIOGRAPHY
Nolan Altvater (they/them) is a Passamaquoddy visual artist from Sipayik. Working with film, photography, and mixed media as an interdisciplinary studies Ph.D student, their work explores the intersections between visual culture and the (re)production of place, identity, and history within Passamaquoddy ways of knowing and being. They currently have work displayed as part of the Mαwte: Bound Together exhibit at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center and in the permanent archives for the Maine Historical Society.

Maya Attean

/
Maya Attean - DFAI Panelist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot

PANEL: Native Photography as Self-Determination

MEDIUM: Photography

BIOGRAPHY
Maya Tihtiyas Attean (b. 1994) is a Wabanaki (Penobscot & Passamaquoddy) artist living in Abenaki territory in Maine, raised on the Penobscot Reservation. Her work reflects her ancestry, resilience, and connection to the natural world. Through exploring the duality she embodies within the colonized world she exists within, she marries mediums and techniques of multiple cultures to create new realities and possibilities within her work. Maya earned her BFA within Photography from Maine College of Art & Design in 2023. Her work has been shown at the Portland Museum of Art, the Abbe Museum, the ICA at MECA&D, SPACE Gallery, and more. She has received the BIPOC studio award from SPACE Gallery in 2024, the Visionary Award from the Film Photo Award in 2025, and is a Kindling fund 2026 grantee. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Portland Museum of Art and the Abbe Museum.

 
 
 

Jeremy Dennis

/
Jeremy Dennis - DFAI panelist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Shinnecock Indian Nation

PANEL: Native Photography as Self-Determination

BIOGRAPHY
Jeremy Dennis (b. 1990) is a contemporary fine art photographer, an enrolled Tribal Member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY, and lead artist and founder of the non-profit Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Inc. on the Shinnecock Reservation. In his work, he explores Indigenous identity, culture, and assimilation.

Dennis was one of 10 recipients of a 2016 Dreamstarter Grant from the national non-profit organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth. He was awarded $10,000 to pursue his project, On This Site, which uses photography and an interactive online map to showcase culturally significant Native American sites on Long Island, a topic of special meaning for Dennis, who was raised on the Shinnecock Nation Reservation.

Jeremy Dennis holds an MFA from Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, and a BA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University, NY.

He lives and works in Southampton, New York, on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation.

Daniel French

/
Daniel French - Dawnland Festival panelist

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Mohawk

PANEL: Native Freedom of Expression

PERFORMER: Featured performer - Saturday, July 11, 1 - 1:45 p.m. on the Main Stage

BIOGRAPHY
From Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl Daniel French is turning heads & hearts with his electric stage presence & signature sound. From Las Cafeteras founder to film composer turned solo firebrand Daniel’s art influences culture worldwide from Netflix studios to National debates, from Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl & beyond. Hailing from Mohawk & Mexican roots his L.A. Latin, hip hop & Indigenous future sounds aim to build bridges even the most divided nation can dance on.

Photo By Gio Solis

Esther Labrado

/
Esther Labrado Native Freedom of Expression panelist for DFAI

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians

PANEL: Native Freedom of Expression

BIOGRAPHY
Esther Labrado is an attorney at Drummond Woodsum, in the Tribal Nations Practice Group. She assists clients on a broad array of matters, including trial and appellate litigation, code drafting, and development and enhancement of tribal justice systems, with an expertise in criminal jurisdiction issues. Esther is a citizen of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and a descendant of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Prior to joining Drummond Woodsum, Esther was the Legal Manager and Policy Lead, Legal and Governance at the National Congress of American Indians, where she advised Tribal Nations on implementation of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, managed a $13 million microgrants program for crime victim services, and staffed the Tribal Supreme Court Project. Esther also clerked for the Honorable Marjorie K. Allard on the Alaska Court of Appeals. Esther has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2024 and 2025, and by Best Lawyers on its Ones to Watch list in 2026 for her work in Native American Law.

Sam St. John

/
Sam St. John Water is Life Panelist for Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Maliseet

PANEL: Water is Life

BIOGRAPHY
As a Maliseet tribal member, Sam has had a lifelong relationship with the environment on both a personal and professional level. Since 2016, he has worked as a Natural Resources Technician, mainly in the Meduxnekeag River, an international branch of the greater Wolastoq (St. John River) watershed. Projects include:

  • Meduxnekeag River water quality monitoring and river restoration

  • Atlantic salmon conservation efforts in Maine and New Brunswick, Canada in conjunction with First Nation and Canadian government entities

  • Climate change adaptation methods and action plan writing

  • Implementing methods of controlling invasive plants and animals

  • Wabanaki Youth in Science

  • Contributor to salmonid research in Mongolia through Rutgers University