Stacey Gagne was in fifth grade (11 years old) when she started volunteering for a program called The Abenaki Learning Center. It was a place where students from Highgate and Swanton (VT) schools could go and get help with their school work. Abenaki crafts and snacks were incorporated within the program. Funding changed when President Bush took office. The program was revamped and called The Abenaki Circle of Courage. This program teaches native and non-native children about the Abenaki culture. They teach native dance, flute, crafts, jewelry, drumming, songs, and foods. For the last 20+ years they have had students come from Highgate, Swanton, St. Albans, and Alburgh Schools. Stacey has grown from a volunteer at a young age to being the assistant coordinator to this program.

Part of an ongoing webinar series on contemporary Native perspectives within Ndakinna, Abenaki homelands. Pre-register for the Zoom link here, please.