I was born, grew up, and now live on the ancestral land of Vermont’s (N’dakinna) Indigenous people, the Abenaki People of the Dawn, the westernmost tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. I was raised to love the land at my home in Charlotte, Vermont—my brother and I would spend hours in the woods playing, building forts, and exploring. Sadly, I grew up not fully appreciating the history of the Native people who have taken care of it for generations. Only in my adulthood have I begun to really learn about the tribes and bands that still exist here—Elnu, Nulhegan, Ko’asek, and Missisquoi—and the culture they’ve maintained in the face of colonialism and systemic oppression that persists today.
More recently, my professional career, and among other things, white privilege, has provided me with opportunities to work on storytelling projects with Vermont’s Abenaki communities. Two projects in particular—the Indigenous Expressions Portrait Gallery and Indigenous Expressions Film Series—afforded me the time, and personal introductions, to meet and learn from members of the tribes and bands that live on this land today. I feel fortunate; I feel undeserving. I should probably feel both.
Why was an indigenous photographer and/or filmmaker not hired to work with these communities to share their stories? What was the Vermont Eugenic Survey and how did it impact the Abenaki communities here? Why was the fight for Vermont state recognition so hard, and why do the Abenaki tribes remain unrecognized by the federal government today?
These are just some of the questions I’ve found challenging to face and cathartic to explore. Below are resources that have been useful along my path, including, in particular, this collection of photography and film featuring, and produced by, Native Americans: Project 562
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.
Weaving a thread through the 7 generations. Melody Walker Brook gives an incredibly powerful and touching insight into rebirth of the Abenaki Elnu tribe.
State v. Elliott, 616 A.2d 210 (Vt. 1992), is a decision of the Vermont Supreme Court holding that all aboriginal title in Vermont was extinguished "by the increasing weight of history."
Vermont’s Native Americans, Don Stevens, Nulhegan Abenaki Band & Melody Walker Brook, VT Commission on Native American Affairs
Vermont Eugenics. This site offers the story of how eugenics emerged and flourished in Vermont during the first half of the twentieth century, as told in the voices of those involved.