Elnu Abenaki and Retreat Farm Partner for the Atowi Project
In the Brattleboro Reformer
Published Oct. 20, 2020
In May 2019, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed into law a bill officially recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in place of Columbus Day. At a celebration of the occasion Monday, Oct. 12 in Brattleboro, members of the Elnu Abenaki community were happy to announce the launch of the Atowi Project, a long-term collaboration with Retreat Farm, which hosted the gathering.
Centered upon the West River’s “Meadows” — known traditionally to the Abenaki as Wantastegok — the project will enable a place-based opportunity for Native voices to engage with the broader community, while enhancing capacity and creating awareness for the future. Elnu Sôgmô (Chief) Roger Longtoe Sheehan welcomed those attending the celebration with traditional song and greetings, and invited them to learn more about the Original People and their connections to their homelands. “We’ve been here a very long time,” he said “and we’re still here, despite what you’ve been told.”