“First Permanent Settlement in Vermont” (sic) - Fort Dummer in winter, a painting at the Vermont History Center in Barre (artist Bruce Mitchell for First Vermont Bank collection)

Three hundred years ago in the southeast corner of what is now called Brattleboro - on the west bank of Kwenitekw (the Connecticut River) - a fortified wooden structure was built by order of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. This military outpost marks the beginning of a continuous British (and successive Vermont/American) invasion and colonizing occupation of Sokoki Abenaki homelands. The evening’s discussion will explore “the view from the shore”, focusing upon Native-centric aspects of this lasting incursion into long-established place-based relationships here in Sokwakik.

This a free gathering, open to everyone, and will be held at the Elnu Cultural Center at 350 Putney Rd, Brattleboro, VT. Best entry is off Eaton Avenue, using the Shore Drive entrance - it’s a corner lot.