The Wabanaki Alliance has added a fellow and intern the staff, welcoming Sage Phillips and Keely Becker, both Penobscot Nation citizens and rising leaders. They will work closely with Wabanaki Alliance Director Maulian Bryant, Associate Director Monica Castellanos, and the board of directors on a number of projects, including tracking priority legislation, communications, fundraising, and outreach.
Sage Phillips
Phillips is serving in her second fellowship with the Alliance, having served previously in that role in 2023. While a leader in her own right, Phillips also brings a depth of family experience and perspective to her work with tribal rights and advocacy. She is the granddaughter of Reuben “Butch” Phillips who made his journey to the ancestors this summer after a long life of service to the Penobscot Nation and the Wabanaki Confederacy as an elected official, cultural leader, and foundational figure in the tribe’s history and identity.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in political science and human rights and a master’s degree in human rights with a focus on Indigenous education rights, Phillips has garnered national attention and praise for her leadership skills and passion for working for tribal issues. She was named a 2021 Truman and Udall Scholar, a 2024 Champion for Change Fellow, and serves as the vice chair of the Center for Native American Youth’s Youth Advisory Board.
Keely Becker
Becker is a first generation descendant of the Penobscot Nation and her grandfather, the late Fred Becker, was a long time leader in the tribe’s fire department as well as a beloved member of the community. He is remembered as a kind and thoughtful person who cherished his Penobscot culture and community; and we are so thankful we get to work with Keely in honor of his lasting contributions.
An undergraduate in the University of Maine Orono, Becker has achieved praise and encouragement from her professors in the social work program who highly recommended her for this internship. Becker brings to her work her growing expertise in her field as well as her dedication to her Wabanaki heritage and people.
