From Calumet to Crisis… and Back.”

FNWSU Title VII Indian Education Program in Swanton, VT announces the premiere and release of a new DVD entitled:  “From Calumet to Crisis… and Back.”

• The Abenaki Circle of Courage Program draws on the writings of acclaimed Native Author Larry Brendtro who first introduced this holistic model.  While we (Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, St.Francis/Sokoki Band) believe in the tenets of belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery these core values have been adapted to accommodate our own beliefs about children. 

• As we view children from an “at-promise” paradigm, conventional “at-risk” models are replaced by a strengths-based approach.  This 16 minute DVD invites the viewer to explore an after-school program designed, in part, to deal with the issue of tobacco reduction.  The outcomes are extremely positive and  point to practices that may be beneficial wherever children’s health is an issue.

• Through a model that utilizes our traditional dance and other customs, students learn the difference between tobacco as a sacred herb used for ceremonies versus the social convention of cigarette smoking.  Ultimately, there is a profound sense that when a community creates a context in which youth can thrive, they will…

 ***      The DVD will premiere on July 10, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. in the Community Room at the ECHO Center in Burlington as part of the Vermont Indigenous Celebration, a Vermont Quadricentennial Signature Event.  Copies of the DVD will be available and visitors will be able to meet the community leaders and children who made the film possible.

 For more information contact:  Jeff Benay, Director of Indian Education Programs, Franklin County VT (802) 868-4033; This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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