Post by blackcrowheart on Nov 22, 2005 12:50:53 GMT -5
South Burlington The powers that
don't have to be
While news of the federal ruling by the Bureau of Indian Affairs denying the
petition for tribal recognition submitted by the Abenaki Nation at
Mazipskwik (Missisquoi) was an affront to my strong sense of respect for the
sovereignty of the united clans represented, it came as no great surprise considering
the government's long history of disconnect from and systematic disregard for
the true indigenous record of Vermont.
Almost predictably, the argument resurfaced in the Bureau of Indian Affairs
decision that the Abenaki claim to recognition was defective because of their
inability to prove cohesiveness dating back 200 years or more. This opinion
was consistent with a more recent, two-pronged strategy in the state to
recognize a "tourism friendly" Abenaki, who had always been here (apparently,
fishing and hunting from lakes and streams in a transient manner), while denying
the existence of an "interior" Abenaki, born from and living on the Mother
Earth of the Green Mountains.
In spite of numerous setbacks, including the "weight of history" ruling in
1995 by the Vermont Supreme Court, overturning an earlier pro-Abenaki decision
in the so-called "Elliot Case" and in total disregard for all accepted
scientific and archaeological research," the people of Wobanakik continue the
fight for state and federal recognition -- a fight that is far from over.
Vermont schoolchildren know the true story of the Abenaki, of the Archaic
and Woodland tradition, measured in millennia. They understand and appreciate a
remarkable oral history; the gift of a very special and unique culture. And
we must take their lead in extending to the Abenaki Nation this long-awaited
and much-deserved measure of respect.
ROBERT L. HUNTON
Williston Exercise, folks;
it's good for you
don't have to be
While news of the federal ruling by the Bureau of Indian Affairs denying the
petition for tribal recognition submitted by the Abenaki Nation at
Mazipskwik (Missisquoi) was an affront to my strong sense of respect for the
sovereignty of the united clans represented, it came as no great surprise considering
the government's long history of disconnect from and systematic disregard for
the true indigenous record of Vermont.
Almost predictably, the argument resurfaced in the Bureau of Indian Affairs
decision that the Abenaki claim to recognition was defective because of their
inability to prove cohesiveness dating back 200 years or more. This opinion
was consistent with a more recent, two-pronged strategy in the state to
recognize a "tourism friendly" Abenaki, who had always been here (apparently,
fishing and hunting from lakes and streams in a transient manner), while denying
the existence of an "interior" Abenaki, born from and living on the Mother
Earth of the Green Mountains.
In spite of numerous setbacks, including the "weight of history" ruling in
1995 by the Vermont Supreme Court, overturning an earlier pro-Abenaki decision
in the so-called "Elliot Case" and in total disregard for all accepted
scientific and archaeological research," the people of Wobanakik continue the
fight for state and federal recognition -- a fight that is far from over.
Vermont schoolchildren know the true story of the Abenaki, of the Archaic
and Woodland tradition, measured in millennia. They understand and appreciate a
remarkable oral history; the gift of a very special and unique culture. And
we must take their lead in extending to the Abenaki Nation this long-awaited
and much-deserved measure of respect.
ROBERT L. HUNTON
Williston Exercise, folks;
it's good for you