Speaking To The Ancestors Abenaki Gathering At ECHO
Posted 11.8.2011
Burlington, VT - In honor of Native American Heritage Month, local Abenaki bands in Vermont are partnering with Echo Lake Aquarium & Science Center, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to provide an educational affair for the public on November 11, 2011, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. On site there will be demonstrations by Abenaki artisans performing their crafts as well as displays of culture from traditional music to film screenings.
Admission to ECHO will be free of charge. Take advantage of this opportunity to witness and learn from artisans such as Elnu Abenaki, fiber artist and basket maker Vera Longtoe Sheehan as she demonstrates twining techniques passed on through her family for generations. Leave the conformities of traditional museum rules and engage all of your senses to further your learning experience. “Feel free to touch, pick up and smell anything on the table you’d like,” says Longtoe Sheehan.
Hear the heartbeat of not just the old villages but current generations by joining the Nulhegan and Elnu Abenaki Drummers and Denise Altvater, Passamaquoddy, as they perform traditional Wabanaki songs. In addition, have the chance to interact with tribal citizens of the Abenaki nation.
Films to be screened include “1609: The Other Side of History” by Fredrick Wiseman and “Speaking to the Ancestors” by the young Abenaki filmmaker, Lina Longtoe Schulmeisters.
This event comes on the heels of Gov. Peter Shumlin signing a proclamation declaring, “November Native American Heritage Month.” Although we should honor our culture and heritage every month, not just November, this serves as a time to teach, and to share, and to renew our commitment to our future and the generations ahead. Congratulations to Native America!” said Luke Willard, Chairman Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs.
Funding for this project has been made possible, in part by: 2010 Champlain Quadricentennial legacy grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage partnership and by ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, The Elnu Abenaki Tribe, Johnson State College, Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation, Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe and the The Wobanakik Heritage Center.
For more information on this event call (802) 579-0049 or email
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or on the web at http://vtindigenous.com/speaking-to-the-ancestors-abenaki-gathering-at-echo.html
The Nulhegan and Elnu Abenaki Tribes were granted official State recognition, by Gov. Peter Shumlin on April 22, 2011.
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