It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Asia Neveah Stevens, a proud member of the Penobscot Nation, who left to be with her ancestors on Sunday, October 18th. Asia recently graduated from Orono High School with High Honors as a member of the National Art Honor Society, and had a fruitful, busy summer afterwards. She worked as an intern with Wabanaki Youth in Science, which provided her with the opportunity to travel to the numerous Wabanaki Communities in Maine and a Mohawk Community in New York, performing fulfilling work for her people alongside friends and relatives. Before working with WaYS, Asia loved working at the Waterfront Concerts, catering to performing artists from around the world. Asia loved being Indigenous and was deeply connected to her Wabanaki culture, with familial connections to both Passamaquoddy communities, Sipayik and Motahkmikuk, as well as the Maliseet First Nations community of Tobique.

Asia’s loves were her friends, writing, drawing, being outdoors, and most of all, music. You could often find her fishing, skateboarding, or walking in the early mornings or evenings with her friends. She had a signature style–big hair, hoodies, sweatpants, and clean, bright shoes. Asia loved Dunkin Donuts, Red Bulls, and expressing herself through artwork and writing. She collected tapestries, rocks, and Native flags. She was spiritual, an “old soul”, and a deep thinker–always seeking answers to the unknown.

Asia had a tremendous presence, a contagious personality, and a smile brighter than the rising sun. She was a natural leader with a strong sense of justice, and she fiercely advocated for her family and friends. Regardless of tough times, Asia laughed and spread positivity, finding good in every situation. She always left a room better than it was before, making friends everywhere she went, leaving an impact on everyone she encountered.

Asia was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Timothy Stevens; her great-grandfathers, Eugene Stevens and William McDougall; her great-grandmothers, Janice Irene "Rene" Attean and Frida Stevens; her great-aunts, Janice Francis, Lori Stevens, and Gayle Stevens; her great-uncles, William McDougall and Howard Stevens; her paternal great-grandmother, Ruby Richter of Sipayik; and her great-uncle, Dean Francis of Indian Island.

Asia is survived by her mother, Taletha Stevens, and her partner, James, of Indian Island; her father, Nicholas Bear, and his wife, Breann, of Indian Island; her beloved siblings, Cyra Caparaz Osborne, Carmella Bear, Landon Duffy, Layla Bear, Wesley Green, Wolatqin Bear, and Bronson Bear; her maternal grandmother, Teri Attean; her aunt, Skye Stevens; her aunt, Sasha Lacoote; Auntie Spam; her uncle, Seneca Stevens; her cousin, Chase Stevens; her Auntie Annette; her paternal great-grandmother, Edwina Mitchell; her grandfather, Ronald Bear, and his partner, Amy; her grandmother, Margo Richter Downing; her grandfather, Paul Downing; her uncle, Cree Neptune-Bear; her aunt, Selena Neptune-Bear, and her partner, Giorgio; her uncle, Keith Downing, and his partner, Amanda; her uncle, Gabe Paul, and his wife, Nicole; and her uncle, Nick Francis, and his wife, Mel; close friends Mahseyo, Aleena, and Nora; along with many other friends and family members.

A sacred fire will end on Saturday, October 24th, followed by a Memorial Service at 10:00 AM at the Sockalexis Arena, 16 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island. There will be a potluck lunch after the service. Family and friends are welcome to gather in remembrance of Asia's life and to celebrate the joy and love she brought to so many.