Abenaki Names to Appear on VT State Park Signs
At WCAX-3 By Kevin Gaiss
Published: Oct. 16, 2020 at 5:05 AM EDT
Abenaki tribes from our region have been working toward more visibility for years and a new law provides a new opportunity to make their culture more visible. “We’ll look actively for opportunities to post Abenaki place names within the parks,” said Vermont Forestry Commissioner Michael Snyder.
It’s a subtle change but it’s coming to state parks all over Vermont, and Abenaki leaders say they are excited about the progress. “This is bringing things forward a little bit more and that, we really appreciate that,” said Richard Menard, Chief of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi.
Bill H.880 was signed by Governor Phil Scott earlier this month and gives The Commission on Native American Affairs the go-ahead to have the Forest Parks and Recreation Department post Abenaki names to accompany English names on state park signage. They aren’t changing any state park names, just adding new language.