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On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 12pm, the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, along with the Abenaki Alliance, Vermont Abenaki tribal leaders, and community representatives, held a press conference to celebrate Governor Scott’s Proclamation 23-054 naming May 1-7, 2023 as Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week. In addition to Governor Scott’s fifth consecutive proclamation, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint issued a congressional delegation statement in commemoration.

Vera Longtoe Sheehan Originally published in “The Voice of the Turtle.” Traditional designs used to create Wabanaki clothing were not strictly ornamental.  Quite to the contrary, the wearer carefully chose the designs and materials to be used.  Each item had a symbolic and powerful meaning, which would help aid and Read more…

Vera Longtoe Sheehan This article was originally printed in the Abenaki Newsletter, “The Voice of the Turtle”in 1997.  However, it has been slightly revised to include current locations to purchase fresh Fiddleheads. For hundreds of years, possibly longer, Wabanaki women have spent cool spring mornings harvesting fiddleheads.  Today Fiddleheads can Read more…

Abenaki tradtions relating to three sacred plants.

Melody Walker Brook Portions of this article were previously printed in the Sept. 29, 2016 issue of the Montague Reporter and the November 7, 2016 issue of the Recorder.  As a citizen of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe, I was asked my opinion about an issue within our traditional territory. Read more…

Gov. Peter Shumlin signed two bills today that grant official state recognition to two Native American tribes: The Nulhegan and the Elnu.

Melody Walker Brook and Mike Plant Originally printed in the Calodonean Record on September 14, 2017. http://www.caledonianrecord.com/opinion/columns/melody-walker-brook-and-mike-plante-abenaki-tribal-statement-regarding/article_d69bd0c3-c497-57b4-8b96-f61a8536c036.html In many people’s minds, the blessings of a bountiful life in a place like the United States of America were made possible by the exploration and colonization ushered in by Christopher Columbus. However, this Read more…

The following press release from joint Native communities and individuals was coordinated and distributed statewide this past week: Long-awaited opportunity to move forward after 500+ years of cultural annihilation Ndakinna/Vermont (April 4, 2023) – On March 30, 2023, a joint statement from Roman Catholic Church leaders formally acknowledged and took Read more…