What does it mean to you and the Native Americans living in Vermont?

An American Indian Heritage Month Message

"National American Indian Heritage Month"

N0vember 2006 

              "National American Indian Heritage Month" honors and recognizes the original peoples of United States in November.  President George H. W. Bush signed into proclamation this joint resolution in 1990.  Since 1994, similar proclamations have been issued.  

On May 3, 2006, Governor James Douglas signed into law the recognition of the Abenaki people in Vermont.  It is only fitting, as we celebrate American Indian Heritage Month, we take note of these tenacious Native Americans.

The newly created Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs is actively exploring the unique educational needs offering the Abenaki Experience and to provide the necessary resources supporting these life-long learning opportunities for all Vermont children. 

As, (former), Chairman of the Commission, I feel one of the greatest challenges is addressing the grave misconception by non-Indians regarding the Abenaki people. Abnaki or Abenaki (both: ăbnä'kē) are Native North Americans of the Algonquian branch of the Algonquian-Wakashan linguistic stock. 

            The name Abnaki was given by the French.  More suitable would be Wabanaki, a word referring to morning and the east.  Wabanaki may also be interpreted as those “living at the sunrise.” 

             By 1990, 1,500 Abnaki lived in the United States, mostly in Maine, New Hampshire, and northern Vermont.  Acknowledging the Abenaki presence in Vermont is important.

            November is when many Americans commemorate the time when American Indians and English settlers celebrated the bounty of their harvest and the promise of new kinships. Native Americans have given valuable contributions in agriculture, medicine, music, language and art, not only in Vermont but the United States and the rest of the world. 

            During this month, all Vermonters should take the time and experience the life, history and the rich cultural traditions of the Vermont Abenaki.

-Mark Mitchell

http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/pgm_curriculum/history/newsletters/newsletter_1106.pdf