We are educators from across the state of Vermont who all contribute to the inspiration of children and students in this world. We want to honor the legacy of Vermont’s Indigenous people, the Abenaki People of the Dawn, who have cared for this land for generations and continue to do so. We recognize that colonialism and the oppression of Native peoples are a current and ongoing process, and we commit to building our awareness of our present participation. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We honor with deep gratitude this land and all it gives us.
We also honor the histories of BIPOC people and acknowledge both the painful history of enslavement and that this country was built on the backs of Black and Brown people.
In the words of Chief Don Stevens of the Nulhegan tribe, please learn more about Abenaki culture and history, support the Abenaki people, stay engaged, be kind and caring to and accepting of the Abenaki people, and honor the fact that they have always had, and continue to have, a lot to offer.
- Abenaki tribes/bands in Vermont (N’dakinna):
- Elnu Abenaki Tribe: Elnu is an Abenaki Tribe based in Southern Vermont. We work to continue our cultural heritage through historical research, lectures and school programs, oral storytelling, singing, dancing and traditional craft making. Our primary focus is ensuring that our traditions carry on to our children. We are traditionalists trying to maintain our culture in a modern society. Learning from the past creates a better future for all.
- Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe: The mission of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation is to strengthen our government; to build our community, and ensure sustainability; to protect our customs and traditions; and to revive our culture and celebrate our heritage while sharing it with those around us. N’dakinna (our homeland) is nestled among the lakes, rivers, and forests of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Our connection to this land cannot be described in any language. It is our birthright and obligation to advocate for our ancestral territory so that its uniqueness and beauty will be protected for the generations to come.
- Ko’asek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation: The Koasek Abenaki is an autonomous band of Abenaki families of what is now called the Western Abenaki Tribes, which have been recognized by the State of Vermont. The Koasek Abenaki people are the native inhabitants of central and northwest New Hampshire and northeast and central Vermont. koasekabenakination.com
- Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi: The Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi is a Native American Tribe and First Nation located in Swanton, Vermont. The Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi mission is to engage in efforts which will promote and sustain a strong, healthy, and united community for the members of the Abenaki Nation. It is further our purpose to improve the quality of life for the tribal members we serve by identifying, addressing, and working to decrease gaps in service and treatment across the spectra of health, human, and social services.
In addition to information found at the individual tribe/band websites:
- Speakers available to give presentations remotely via Zoom or in-person in VT schools:
- Chief Don Stevens, Nulhegan Tribe
- Jesse Bruchac, traditional storyteller, musician, and Abenaki language instructor
- Melody Walker Brook, speaker specializing in Abenaki history, culture, and art
- Abenaki Native Land map
- Abenaki History exhibit, Burlington International Airport
- Indigenous Expressions exhibit & film series videos, Echo Leahy Center
- Askwa n’daoldibna iodali: We Are Still Here, Bennington Museum, through 12/31/21
- N’dakinna Education Center – includes Abenaki language courses
- CCV Abenaki Speaker Series
- Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
- Donations:
- Abenaki Helping Abenaki (Nulhegan) – Seventh Harvest Relief Project (community gardens to address food insecurity)
- Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi (Food shelf, advocacy & support programs)
- Ko’asek (unspecified)
See also, our BEST/VTPBIS State Team Commitment to Equity and Equity Resources