Shareable Links to Insightful Documents
-
Abridged Version - To Weave Unbroken Ties: Toward A Rightful Understanding of the Original Vermonters
A 4 page condensed version of the comprehensive essay providing context for the Abenaki experience within what has become today’s Vermont, in contrast to the allegations made by detractors with their own claims and motivations. Written by Jeff Benay, Ed.D., Director of Indian Education, FNWSU Feb. 2025
-
The Wolchik Decision of 1989
On August 14th, 1989, Judge Joseph Wolchik of the Vermont District Court in Franklin County, in a 96-page decision, held that the Missisquoi Abenaki were a tribe, retained aboriginal rights to hunt and fish, and thus did not need to acquire state fishing licenses. This victory was based on the adjudicated credibility of “highly reputable scholars,” destroying the false narrative being pedaled by today’s Odanak elite.
Drive link to pdf here (scanned paper copy) -
Legal and Policy Arguments Justifying Vermont State Recognition Of the Vermont Abenaki Tribes
A thorough examination of the concept of a state-based tribal recognition process (there are many) and how that process was rigorously applied in Vermont in 2010. A position paper written by a respected legal scholar with substantial experience in the body of “Indian Law.”
-
A Journey to State Recognition: The Vermont Abenaki Experience
A detailed timeline of the challenging Abenaki path to Vermont state recognition. Today’s media stories are often light on substance and heavy on sensationalism. This paper seeks to deepen the conversation as some members of the Canadian Odanak community have sought to generate disregard for Vermont’s Native Abenaki. Written by Jeff Benay, Ed.D., Director of Indian Education, FNWSU April 2024
-
To Weave Unbroken Ties: Toward A Rightful Understanding of the Original Vermonters
A comprehensive essay providing an appropriate historical context of the Abenaki experience within what has become today’s Vermont, in contrast to the allegations made by detractors with their own claims and motivations. Written by Jeff Benay, Ed.D., Director of Indian Education, FNWSU Feb. 2025
Drive link to pdf here. -
Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: A Survey of State-Recognized Tribes and State Recognition Processes across the United States
A nationwide contemporaneous, comprehensive assessment of state tribal recognition processes, written by Alexa Koenig and Jonathan Stein, in the Santa Clara Law Review, Vol 48, Volume 1.
-
State Recognition of American Indian Tribes: National Conference of State Legislatures Brief
State-tribal relations have a long and complex history in the United States. States’ government-to-government relationships with tribes continue to evolve, taking many forms, including formal recognition. Usually accomplished through legislative action, state recognition of American Indian tribes is just one tool used to build state-tribal collaboration.
-
Tribal Recognition in Vermont - The Role of Federal Standards: Kesha Ram
An overview of the development of state tribal recognition processes, particularly in Vermont, written by Senator (then Representative) Kesha Ram, who was a participant. An article published in Communities & Banking Magazine, Winter 2011 issue.
-
State Recognition of Native American Tribes in the United States: Overview and Processes
State recognition of Native American tribes refers to the formal acknowledgment by state governments. State recognition is particularly important for tribes not federally recognized, as it grants them access to state programs, services, and the ability to advocate for their interests at the state level. A brief written by Breanna Sheehan, Administrative Director for the VCNAA, Winter 2011.
-
Expert Witness Testimony in Support of Missisquoi State Tribal Recognition: Dr. Peter Thomas
A full transcript of the expert witness provided during the hearings for Missisquoi Community’s application for VT state tribal recognition by eminent ethnohistorian and longtime UVM Professor Peter Thomas, PhD in 2011.
-
A Human Rights and Legal Analysis of the 'Understanding Our Roots' Report
A thorough legal analysis, by two Mi’gmaw scholars and professors at Schulic School of Law, of the Dalhousie (Halifax, NS) University’s report proposing to arbit on-campus questions of Indigenous indentity. Authored by Naiomi Metallic and Cheryl Simon, Dec. 2023.
-
A Historical Perspective on Native Intercommunity Disparities Across an Imposed Colonial Border
There is an extensive body of established evidence for past jurisdictional precedent regarding interactions across political borders on the Vermont State - Tribal level. A letter written to VT legislators by the Nulhegan Cultural and Historic Preservation Department, Feb. 2025.
-
Dr. Peter Thomas: Letter to Vermont Delegation in Continued Support of the State Tribal Recognition Process
A Feb. 2025 letter written by an expert witnesses for Missisquoi community’s Vermont tribal recognition application in 2011 - by ethnohistorian and long-time UVM professor Peter Thomas PhD.
-
Encountering Ndakinna: Recovering Abenaki History in Vermont and New Hampshire
Native histories are deeply rooted in present-day Vermont and New Hampshire - Ndakinna (“our homeland”). In this recent presentation, Dr. Margaret M. Bruchac draws upon her long career to make this continuance of connection very clear.
-
Suggested Readings: Best Sources for Abenaki Histories in Vermont and New Hampshire
A selection of recommended archaeological, historical, linguistic, and other published references relating to the North American Indigenous people known as the Western Abenaki in present-day VT and NH in the US, and as the First Nations Abenaki in present-day Quebec, Canada. Compiled by Dr. Margaret M. Bruchac and Barbara A. Mathews December 2024
-
Comprehensive Sources for Upper Connecticut River Valley Native Histories: VT & NH
A list of archaeological, historical, and other published references relating to the traditional homelands of the North American Indigenous people known as the Central Abenaki and Western Abenaki in present-day VT and NH, and as the First Nations Abenaki in present-day QC, CA. Compiled by Dr. Margaret M. Bruchac and Barbara A. Mathews, November 2024
-
Dr. R. Duncan Mathewson III: Providing Expert Testimony on In-Situ Abenaki Continuance
A letter to a state legislator from a longtime Vermont professor of anthropology and archaeology confirming the need to provide longstanding evidence of in-territory continuity of Vermont’s descendant Abenaki communities.
-
John Moody: Letter to Representative in Light of Recent Claims
Long-time research scholar John Moody shares insights regarding well-established in-state Abenaki continuity, countering recent claims and actions taken by others that choose to willfully ignore existing evidence to the contrary.
-
Overview of Historic Odanak Reserve-Based US Land Claims
A compilation of actions establishing intentions to pursue legal land claims within the US borders sanctioned by the Odanak Band council and personnel.
-
Select History of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe
An introductory survey of the existence and continuance of the community known now as the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk - Abenaki Nation, including connections to the VT Eugenics Survey and the Phillips family specifically. Compiled by Nulhegan Chief Donald Stevens January 2025
-
Abenaki Alliance Letter to VT Legislators 03.17.2025
Cover letter hand delivered to elected Representatives and Senators from the Abenaki Alliance, a coalition of the leadership of the Missisquoi, Nulhegan, Koas, and Elnu Vermont State-recognized Abenaki Tribal Governments re: Truthful and Relevant Documentation Concerning the Validity of Vermont State Recognized Abenaki Tribes