You say the Chief craves attention in the media.  You apparently have no idea that we have appointed the Chief to act as our spokesperson when contacted by the Press so of course she is mentioned in newspaper articles.  And why not?  Mr. Barratt:  Apparently, you have not been in the greater Swanton area for a long time or you would understand why Chief April is contacted precisely because the accomplishments of Missisquoi are impressive.  

Back when you were a young child, the drop-out rate among Heads of Households was 70% with almost 50% of our people leaving school before 9th grade.  At the time, we had fewer than 5% of graduating Abenaki High School Seniors going on to any post-secondary education. Through extraordinary efforts by the Tribe we can now say the drop-out rate is below 3%.  That's right, Mr. Barratt.

And do you know that almost 60% of last year's graduating class went on to college?  Where exactly have you been?  Chief April has long supported these educational accomplishments starting with a very strong tutorial program back in the 1980's.  Students who struggled found themselves to be the recipients of wonderfully creative tutors who never gave up on kids, regardless of their handicapping condition.  

April has always sought out what has been in the children's best interest and for your information, she has been a strong advocate conveying to public schools that if they could not do a good enough job, then an Abenaki student must be allowed to get an education in an alternative placement.  We believe this is what a good Chief does: Go up against the tide of mediocrity that would have kept our children down and fight-tooth and nail-to make sure that equality of educational opportunity is alive and well.  

Perhaps Mr. Barratt you should speak to the hundreds of community members who would say that our Indian Education program has been a godsend to them and for this we are grateful that the Chief has been in the forefront of activities celebrating the children.  

Where have you been Mr. Barratt when our "Circle of Courage" After-School Program has been lauded by the State as one of the most innovative programs these folk have ever seen where we teach dozens of children-grades 2-6-about their traditional culture through dance, drumming/flute-playing, and other traditional cultural offerings that have sought a way to curtail the high Abenaki rate of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and other substance abuse.....

We have had dozens of Missisquoi Valley Union High School(MVU) student volunteers at the Center since they want to "pay back" for the opportunities afforded them.  And do you know what, Mr. Barratt?  Of the 77 students who have graduated through the Circle of Courage Program only 1 student has gone on to use any substance.  

We are incredibly proud of this statistic yet obviously for you this is no big deal for otherwise how could you say we do nothing at Missisquoi and you want to make sure that Abenakis are afforded real chances with you as a Commission member?  

Wow, Mr. Barratt: Kindly tell us what you and your esteemed colleagues on the Commission on Native American Affairs have done since the Commssion's inception?   Nothing.  The Commission has been plagued by such self-interest that you have done not-a-thing.  When the Commission got started, the first order of business was to develop a Scholarship Guide that would benefit all Abenaki children.  Well where is the guide?  Where are any of your accomplishments?  

You are a pathetic soul whose only claim to fame has been to denigrate Chief April St.Francis Merrill.  Well, it is April who quit smoking over 3 years ago because she is a role model for the children of the community.  Can the same be said for you, your family, your colleagues?   

It is Chief April St. Francis Merrill who will present a sample of the Abenaki Scholarship Guide to the legislators on Tuesday, January 26th because  she said we could not wait for the Commission and she facilitated the development of this Guide.  What have you facilitated other than hate-mongering and vile accusations.  Look deeply into your soul, Mr. Barratt, and ask why are you so very bitter.  

Were you not afforded opportunities through our programming?  Were you not tutored through our Indian Education Program?  We are sincerely sorry if you did not get these services as hundreds of children did benefit.  Indeed, Mr. Barratt: It is Missisquoi that has taken the lead in everything from education to cultural offerings to economic development.

We have been honored by the Federal Department of Labor, Mr. Barratt and, again, we are proud to say that it is the Chief who ran point on initiative after initiative.  

Who is it that arranges for hundreds of needy kids to get presents and a visit by Santa year after year through Operation Santa Claus?  Chief April St.Francis Merrill.  

Who is it that organizes the Heritage Celebrations in May year after year?  Chief April St.Francis Merrill.  And finally, Mr. Barratt, who is it that looks to expand that which we offer and bring it to the entire area so that Abenaki and non-Abenaki people can benefit?  Chief April St.Francis Merrill.  

In closing we suggest you come down to the newly renovated Tribal Headquarters for a cup of coffee and visit with us.  We don't bite, Mr. Barratt, regardless of what you've been told by those who are so very jealous they don't know what to do other than slander us and drag our good name through the mud.  Well enough.  We are trying our best to be inclusive yet you have to give us a chance.  Then decide what to write in your next blog or e-mail to those whose ear you would like to capture...
 
In Peace:
The Abenaki Tribal Council
Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi
St.Francis/Sokoki Band
 
Winifred "Winnie" Kuebler                   
Janice Medor                                
David  Vanslette
Stanley Rollo
Thomas Phillips
Raymond "Jim" Young  

Review - VCNAA Commissioner Barratt Shows Resentment

"I assure you that Tim, Jeanne, Judy and I have our reasons for being on the VCNAA", stated Brad Barratt. Is this his reason?

Shaking up the tribe
by: Brad Barratt
Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 00:35:04 AM PDT

I've always acknowledged my Abenaki heritage and for a long time, I've wanted to take part in the tribal council and the political process it involves. However, the council in my opinion, is a puppet council.

There is no tribal democracy here. Instead, the chief came to power by nepotism and not a fair vote. Her father was chief and she became chief while he was on his last legs.

My email below is an attempt to shake things up and get the gears of change started.
Note: I originally posted this diary at Daily Kos as well.

Here's the email in full.