Abenaki Alliance: Celebrating the Indigenous Peoples of Vermont

October 9 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day – an opportunity for all Americans to acknowledge the resilience and diversity of Native cultures in the United States, and celebrate the contributions of those who have been in relationship with the Land long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

We are the four Western Abenaki tribes recognized by the State of Vermont: Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, Elnu Abenaki Tribe, Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation, and Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation.

On this day of national acknowledgment, it is important to come together in celebration of all Native cultures. We have been Indigenous people of these homelands, now recognized as a part of the United States, for more than 12,000 years.

The Abenaki in Vermont live peacefully as place-based people, celebrate our heritage, and enjoy the recognition granted to us by the governor, state legislature, and the entire Vermont congressional delegation. We believe that communities are stronger when they are inclusive, respect differences, and honor a variety of lived experiences.

We also recognize and honor our Canadian First Nations counterparts, Odanak and Wôlinak in Quebec. We have shared heritage, family origins, and cultural traditions. There is more that ties us together than sets us apart. Sadly, some individuals seek to divide, rather than celebrate our commonalities.

It is important to understand that we all live within the colonial-derivative governmental structures imposed upon us by our respective nations. We are separated by an international border and are citizens of different countries. We are subject to different laws and live under different rules of sovereignty. Odanak and Wôlinak are recognized under Canadian law, embodying their unique lived experiences in Canada. They are not recognized in the United States, where our lived experiences and realities are different.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let us affirm that all Indigenous people need to come together to find ways to both uplift and celebrate our differences. Our tribal nations need to work together to end the violence, competition, and disconnection that is the legacy of colonization across North America so that we all may find better paths forward in a changing world.

Our truths, our stories, and our ancestors are intertwined throughout history and we honor all beings who share this space with us in our traditional ways. If we work together, we can foster an inclusive and respectful voice for our shared heritage to ensure cultural continuity for future generations.

Wliwni. Thank you.

Rich Holschuh (of Brattleboro), Chief Don Stevens, Vera Sheehan and Chief Joanne Crawford are representatives of the Abenaki Alliance, www.abenakialliance.org

This Op-Ed appeared in the Brattleboro Reformer Oct. 6, 2023 and in many other outlets statewide.