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New native American cultural center opens in East Calais 
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Times Argus Staff - Published: December 1, 2008 MONTPELIER – Todd Hebert learned of his roots four years ago.
Now, he is bringing the information about his people to a larger crowd at the Ndakinna Cultural Center and Museum on Moscow Woods Road in East Calais. The center celebrated its grand opening on Saturday at its new location just off Route 14 in a red former mill building – the center moved from East Montpelier – and Hebert's family was there to celebrate with him.
Although his late grandmother, an Abenaki, never told Hebert of his heritage, his two children will now be immersed in it.
"My grandmother took it to the grave and never spoke of it," said Hebert, referring to a generation that was told to abandon their culture and assimilate into the Anglo-American society. "My mom was brought up never really knowing… In order to know about your heritage, you need to know your past to know where you're going. That's something I live by."
And work by these days. The walls of the center are full of emblems of Native American culture including baskets, herbs, dreamcatchers, walking sticks, traditional dress, corn husk dolls, photos and writings – both in English and Algonquin.
Through the center Hebert is looking to pass on traditions that nearly were phased out, by offering lessons in native American language, hosting drum and talking circles and and other workshops focusing on the native culture.
Area schools have inquired about having Abenakis visit to speak to students and teach them more about history than what is offered in traditional books.
"A lot of things I learned growing up (that) my grandmother taught me was part of my heritage, she just didn't say it," said Hebert.
With the passing of time, there is now one big difference in his children's lives than that of his grandmother, being Abenaki is no longer something to hide.
"Everyone in (their) school knows that they are Abenaki," said Hebert. "They can go to school proud and not worry about somebody picking on them."
The Ndakinna Cultural Center is inter-tribal, which means all Native American traditions are welcome.
While drums sounded in one room of the center on Saturday, Charlene McManis was teaching a couple of visitors how to do beadwork in another. Originally from Oregon, McManis is a member of the Umpqua tribe.
"There is no perfection, we don't understand that concept," said McManis while picking up tiny beads with a needle and weaving them into a pattern. "I happen to excel in beadwork – and I like it."
She first learned how to bead in fourth grade and was taught how to draw before that to make designs for the beadwork. As a young girl McManis often included beads in a lot of creations she made for her dolls or herself.
"Patience is one of the values we're taught as children," she said, naming a few more aspects of her cultural heritage. "We enjoy being with (the) older people – which is a lost art."
Beginning in the new year, McManis, a Vermont resident for more than 20 years, will be teaching beading at the center.
"Being Native American isn't just about blood, it's a spiritual way of life," a sticker on the wall of the center says.
Hebert's wife, Debra, a Texas native, has accepted this to be true. When it comes to passing on Abenaki traditions to her children, Debra is going with the flow.
"It's been a change, but I'm open to changes," said Debra Hebert about her husband's recent discovery. "I'm happy for him that he was able to find his ancestry… I think it's great that he's doing this. It's his heritage. If he can find out about it and teach people about it, the more power to him."
To find out more about the Ndakinna Cultural Center and Museum, go to www.ndakinna.org or call 456-8884.
Contact Sarah Hinckley at
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