This Is Not a Fight

The original headline for this Seven Days article "Caught in the Cross Fire | Fighting between Québécois and Vermont Abenaki tribes puts conservation groups in a bind" and the now-shortened "Fighting Between Québécois and Vermont Abenaki Tribes Puts Conservation Groups in a Bind" is both telling and misleading, an all-too-common media proclivity.

This is NOT a fight. It is a deliberate, unilateral campaign of political aspersion for partisan gain. When a group extends a hand in friendship to work for commonality, and another group refuses dialogue, there are other motivations. Abenaki communities in today's Vermont seek healing, understanding, and vital relationship. We are all connected, in many ways.

Earl Hatley, a citizen of the Missisquoi Abenaki community who is depicted in the photo at the head of the article, exemplifies this.