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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 19 November 2008 |
Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
Meeting minutes
October 23, 2008
Members Present: Donald Stevens, Chairman; Tim de la Bruere; Judy Dow; Jeanne Brink; Charles Delany-Megeso; Brad Barratt; Charlene McManis
Staff: Diane McInerney, Executive Assistance DHP, Commission Secretary; Joan Pellerin, Interpreter for Brad Barratt
Guests: Doris Seale, Burlington; Richard (Skip) Bernier, Coventry; Phyllis Donovan, Wheelock; Joy Madrona; Todd Herbert, Ndakinna Cultural Center; Dian Mueller, Commission Member Assistant
This meeting was brought to order by the Chairman, Don Stevens at
12:58 pm in the AOT Board Room, 5th floor, National Life Building, Montpelier.
Greetings
Don expressed his appreciation for the work that Mark Mitchell, the former chairman, and Hilary Casillas did for the Commission in the past. He welcomed the new members, Charles Delaney-Megeso and Brad Barratt to the Commission and there were introductions.
seconded. Commission members agreed unanimously to table the discussion until further information is presented at the next meeting.
2. Previous Work and Future Goals
Don felt the Commission has been bogged down by the issues of recognition. Don’s expectation, for Commission members to accomplish their goals this term, is to form committees that will spear head different projects. Meredith Stanton, head of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board has stated in regards to State Recognition Criteria that there are no Federal rules or guidelines that the state has to follow except that recognition is granted legislatively or by a legislatively vested commission with that authority. Don said the tribes that pushed last year for their own recognition outside the Commission have informed him that they will continue on their own path for recognition and may or may not ask for assistance from the Commission. The bill presented by this Commission to the Legislature last session was not passed and a new draft bill for recognition will have to be presented this year if the Commission deems necessary. At this time the Commission does not hold the authority to recognize tribes for the labeling of Indian arts and crafts. Commission members agreed to assist any native people and state agencies for drafting a new bill for recognition. Charles expressed his interest in spear heading a committee for the purpose of state recognition to native artisans for the labeling of Indian arts and crafts. Tim moved to revisit this topic at the next meeting and Judy seconded. Commission members unanimously agreed to table this discussion until the next meeting.
Tim volunteered to work with a small committee on the educational goals of the Commission. He mentioned that there are teacher kits available for check-out at the VT Historical Society/Fleming Museum about Native American heritage, but they are not part of the state education standards for curriculum. Charlene suggested a survey of what local heritage teachers would be interested in using. Don requested that Commission members bring a list of goals to work on as a committee to the next meeting.
Judy brought to light the fact that last year the Commission had agreed that she would be the spokesperson on Intervale issues concerning burial sites and Act 250. Judy requested member approval for this position again. Charlene moved to give Judy permission to speak in behalf of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs on Intervale issues and Charles seconded. The Commission unanimously agreed to support Judy as the spokesperson for Intervale issues that require information and/or Commission action.
3. Other Business
Commission members were presented with business card options and chose to use the Vermont State Logos. Members gave their personal information for the cards to the secretary who will create the cards on publisher and bring them to the next meeting.
Next commission meeting was scheduled for December 11th from 1-3:30 pm. All other meetings will be held on the 4th Thursday of every month there after unless it falls on a Holiday. Those meetings will be rescheduled for a different date.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane McInerney (say-air-kee-wayn-chukws) |
