Today in front of the Statehouse, Governor Shumlin signed two bills recognizing the Missisquoi, St. Francis Sokoki band of the Abenaki (Northwest VT), and the Koasek of the Koas Abenaki (Upper Valley VT) as Native American tribes in Vermont. Since Shumlin has taken office, all four Alliance Tribes have been officially recognized by the State. The other two, the Nulhegan (Northeast Kingdom), and the Elnu (Southern Vermont) were recognized last year.
Finally recognizing these tribes is a HUGE step forward in righting a tragic history; one that includes the taking of land, war, and (in the last century), the forced sterilization of Abenaki women through a state sponsored eugenics program.
Recognition, in addition to respect, grants the Abenaki the right legally sell their trades as “Native American Made”, and qualifies them for federal education money. Even so, the Abenaki, being demographically the poorest people in Vermont, still have many struggles before them.
The quest for tribal forests, the need for a VT Indian Childhood Welfare Act, access to state grant writers (to qualify for federal grants), are just some of the challenges facing the now RECOGNIZED tribes.
Even so, today was a historic day, and as Vermonters, both Abenaki and non-Abenaki alike, this is a day to be proud of.
*Folks who are interested in this issue should listen to Vermont Edition tomorrow (Tuesday, May 8th) on VPR. The program will be focused on the Abenaki, and the struggles before them today. The program is live at noon, and is rebroadcast at 7pm.
Below is a link to the relevant VPR webpage on the show:
http://www.vpr.net/episode/535…
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ALSO
*If you are a Vermonter, please go to the below link and sign the petition in support of Abenaki Tribal Forests!
http://action.sierraclub.org/s…
*If you live in Vermont, please go to the below link and download an Abenaki Tribal Forest petition and have your friends, co-workers, families, and neighbors sign!