The Elnu Abenaki Tribe is a close-knit Abenaki band or community with a unique approach that sets us apart from other modern tribes. Our focus is firmly rooted in preserving and understanding Abenaki history and culture, making us a stronghold of tradition amidst changing times. Knowledge keepers and skilled artisans form the heart of our community, passing down traditions and artforms like quillwork, wampum-making, stone carving, and regalia sewing.
This commitment to skill-sharing ensures that our ancestral practices continue to thrive among younger generations, maintaining our cultural heritage. Our gatherings are a cornerstone for upholding this legacy, where we come together to exchange traditional Wabanaki songs and stories, securing the passage of knowledge and heritage to the next generations. Beyond our community, we are actively involved in educational efforts, offering lectures and demonstrations on Abenaki history and culture at schools, museums, and historic sites. By preserving our ancestral traditions, we, the Elnu Abenaki Tribe, not only honor our heritage but also build a bridge between the past and the present that is grounded in purpose and vitality.
Many of us feel that by living by the ways of our ancestors we can become closer to the old ones.
– Sagamo Roger Longtoe Sheehan
Elnu is a proud member of the Abenaki Alliance, a collaborative endeavor that seeks to cultivate a unified voice for the Abenaki communities within our ancestral lands. Through this alliance, we aim to establish a resolute, lasting, and cohesive presence that authentically represents our Native heritage, culture, and principles to the broader world. This collective effort reinforces our commitment to preserving our identity, while simultaneously fostering greater awareness and understanding of our shared values among those around us. Learn more about the Abenaki Alliance.
Legal and Legislative Timeline
The legal status of the four State-Recognized Tribes is codified into law under which acknowledges their “historic and cultural contributions of Native Americans to Vermont,” Vermont Statutes Title 1, Chapter 23 (1 V.S.A. § 852)
§ 853a. Recognition of Elnu Abenaki Tribe
The Elnu Abenaki Tribe has filed an application for tribal recognition with the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and has complied with the recognition requirements contained in subdivisions 853(c)(1)-(9) of this title and is hereby recognized by the State of Vermont as a Native American Indian tribe. (Added 2011, No. 9, § 1, eff. April 22, 2011.)