Vermont State Parks Begin Adding Abenaki Place References

The implementation of H.880, enacted as Act 174 of 2020, has begun to show its public side. The bill, which was entitled “An act relating to Abenaki place names on State park signs” was considered during the legislative session of 2020, from introduction in January through passage by both chambers by mid-September, and signed by Governor Phil Scott into law on October 8, 2020. After two years of work prioritizing State parks which would need new signage; research and consultation into Abenaki references that might apply; and developing templates and procedures, the first iteration was recently announced by the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.

WCAX - Channel 3 TV carried the story in two recent episodes with station staff on December 14 and with Melissa Cooney on December 28, 2022, and Vermont Public did as well with Lexi Krupp aired its own coverage on December 27.

The announcement of this first implementation of the statute provoked some criticism, along with a great deal of positive commentary. In keeping with the spirit of the effort, and recognizing that this is a work-in-progress intended to begin to address the erasure of the original language (and the cultural values that it represents) within this landscape, the process aspires to be broadly inclusive and seek additional opportunities for dialogue and raising awareness.

On its Facebook Page, the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs has commented: “We are glad that we can continue to increase awareness of land relationships that have been in place for millennia, and share ways of seeing and being here that have been omitted from historic and contemporary narratives. It is appropriate that the language which formed here be brought back into familiarity, as we find better ways to co-exist with all of our relations.

We would like to affirm that the implementation of H.880/Act 174(2020) is a collaborative, restorative process which welcomes participation and dialogue from others with insight and who would like to be included in the initiative. With multiple contributors from the various Abenaki communities, we will end up with better informed and relevant results. Our meetings are open to the public and anyone who would like to contribute can be in contact with VCNAA, which is charged with the implementation of the statute.”