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Alton man helps spearhead Native American Commission

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Friday, 12 February 2010
Alton man helps spearhead Native American Commission By HARRISON HAAS This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Friday, February 12, 2010 CONCORD — A hearing held at the State House Thursday morning has opened the door to the creation of a statewide Commission on Native American Affairs — something that New Hampshire is one of only nine states without. Alton resident Paul Pouliot, who is Sagamo of the Pennacook-Abenaki People , was present during a public hearing held at the State House Thursday morning to discuss House Bill 1610, Pouliot is a 15th generation Native American and represented the Pennacook Abenaki tribe during the public hearing. He said the meeting lasted 45 minutes longer than expected and there was barely enough room to stand since the room was packed full. Although some people didn't get to speak, he believes it was a successful stride in the right direction in getting the commission established. "It was a good hearing and a good interplay of thoughts and ideas," Pouliot said. "There was only one person in opposition, but overall I think all the questions asked by the representatives were fielded and answered properly." Not since colonial times has there been such an effort to establish a governmental relationship with Native Americans residing in New Hampshire. There are only nine states nationwide, including New Hampshire, that do not have some form of an established Native American commission, with Rhode Island being the only other New England state that doesn't have one. "We hope this goes forward," Pouliot said. "Some people are skeptical of opening up casinos and whatnot, but that's completely off the table. That's not on the agenda; it's not going to happen. This commission is strictly to help those social needs that could help and benefit the state." Pouliot said the 2000 census was a wake-up call to the fact that the state has at least 10,000 people who identify themselves racially as Native Americans, with 3,000 of them identifying themselves as full-blooded. "The census might be an eye-opener for us to see where the population rates are going," Pouliot said. He said that the 2010 census is expected to document an even greater number. "This is about the residents. The commission isn't to represent any particular group," Pouliot said. "It's there to represent the citizens. Its not about what tribe you're from." For the first time in New Hampshire history, if the Native American Affairs commission is created, it will give these New Hampshire residents a representative voice as a minority population. The commission will also represent the increasingly diverse population of Native Americans from tribes across the country that have or are moving into the state. "Quite happy with it moving forward. The state wants it, it's not a political battle," Pouliot said. "I think it's a pretty positive thing for us as well as the state." Assuming the commission goes forward, Pouliot said the community will need to provide 15 names to serve on the commission to the governor within 60 days. "We would like to see the more professional group as possible," he said. "We're looking for someone who can be representative of our community." Proponents of the bill note this proposed commission will not be funded by any state revenue. It is anticipated that the greater Indian community will be supporting the commission with their own volunteers and through donations and grants. The next step right now is waiting to see if the commission is formed, something Pouliot said he is optimistic about. "All in all, with politics being politics, you never know which way the wind will blow," he said. "This effort has been going on for years and I was pleasantly surprised to see the push from representatives working for this." Marking the occasion, there was a Native American cultural presentation at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Centre Street in Concord, where there were presentations of singing, drumming, flute playing and the screening of a documentary film before and after the hearing. http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100212/GJNEWS02/702129932/-1/CITNEWS

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