Rutland Mayor: Hasn’t Heard Any Dissent from Indigenous People

An online article at VTDigger, by Emma Cotton and a response letter

Published Nov. 17, 2020. Link to original article here.

The [Rutland] mayor said he believes most Rutland City residents oppose the change. When asked how statements from Native tribes who advocate for abolishing mascots with Indigenous names and imagery should factor into the decision-making of elected officials, Allaire said he hasn’t heard any dissent from Indigenous people. 

“I have not been contacted by any Native American group or anyone else to advocate one way or the other,” Allaire said…

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It seems necessary to provide a direct response to this assertion. My response below:

Dear Mayor Allaire,

My name is Rich Holschuh, a spokesperson for the Elnu Abenaki, one of four state-recognized bands in the current state of Vermont. You have recently stated that you "...[haven't] heard any dissent from Indigenous people." (VTDigger 11/17/20 https://vtdigger.org/2020/11/17/vote-on-rutland-mascot-change-blocked-but-conversations-and-division-continue/). When ethical issues arise before elected officials that have become involved in a clearly-stated situation, it is not the responsibility of the targeted party to address the lack of understanding. That is incumbent upon the official, in the equitable discharge of their civic duties, as non-discrimination and personnel guidelines make clear.

Notwithstanding, there is ample evidence available. We have stated our position clearly, in both this and equivalent situations. How does one make an informed decision on a question that directly implicates a People without consulting them? The lack of intentional communication begins to appear wilful. We did not create this controversy, but we are directly affected by it. My Letter to the Editor was printed in the Rutland Herald two weeks ago (https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/holschuh-ask-the-abenaki/article_1327f93b-5daa-5523-90cb-d31bfc61d683.html). Elnu Abenaki citizen Melody Walker's statement to this exact effect has been shared widely (attached below and referenced in the VTDigger article aforementioned).

While this topic has been clearly defined as a policy question under the jurisdiction of the School Board, it is clear that the City itself has become deeply involved, from citizens to Aldermen to the office of the Mayor. If Rutland as an entity chooses to make an informed and equitable decision on where, quite literally, it stands in regard to the well-being of the Indigenous People of this Land, the answers will become clear. Thank you for your attention to this. Please share this with the Board of Aldermen at your earliest convenience.

Wliwni - thank you,

Rich Holschuh