Today we have a chance to expand our forest conservation efforts while also helping preserve the culture of the Abenaki in Vermont.

The Abenaki people are the original Vermonters, and they are facing a tough situation. While two tribal groups are recognized by the state (and two more are seeking recognition in the General Assembly this year), they have no land and no source of revenue. As a result, these tribes face high rates of poverty. Tribal forests can help change that and protect our state’s natural and cultural treasures.

Sign the Vermont Sierra Club’s petition today supporting the new and innovative concept of tribal forests in Vermont by going to the below link:

http://action.sierraclub.org/s…

Over the past year, we, the Vermont Sierra Club, have been working hard to establish town forests as part of the Our Forests, Our Future campaign.

Our campaign has formed a partnership with the native Nulhegan and Elnu Abenaki tribes of Vermont to not only to help preserve their forests, but also their culture.

These tribal forests will conserve wildlife habitat and build and protect paths for animal migration. Most importantly, tribal forests will allow the Abenaki to provide firewood for their elders, food for their families through hunting and fishing, and give tribes sources of revenue through sustainable forestry and maple sugaring.

Tribal forests, like town forests, will advance our conservation goals and support the social and economic progress of the tribal community. To secure support for these forests, we need your help. Sign our petition today by going to the below link:

http://action.sierraclub.org/s…

By signing this petition, you will be adding your name to those in Vermont, who like yourself, value our environment and believe we should allow the Abenaki the means to take care of their people.

Sign the petition and let Governor Shumlin know that we support tribal forests!

Solidarity,

David Van Deusen

Conservation Organizer

Vermont Sierra Club