Post by Okwes on Nov 13, 2006 11:57:42 GMT -5
Abenaki return incumbents to tribal seats
Written by Jedd Kettler
Thursday, 02 November 2006
SWANTON: In sharp contrast to heated election races elsewhere in the state and region, annual Abenaki elections for the Missisquoi St. Francis/Sokoki Band saw all races uncontested and settled during one afternoon meeting this week.
About 80 Sokoki Band members took part in the Sunday, Oct. 29 nomination process at the Abenaki Tribal Headquarters in Swanton. Because only incumbents were nominated, a single ballot was cast for each candidate during the meeting, and no November ballot elections will be needed.
Band members nominated and elected incumbents Homer St. Francis II, Burton Decarr, and John Churchill to two-year seats on the seven-member Tribal Council.
The Abenaki Self-Help Association Inc. seven-member Board of Directors saw incumbents Marge Greenia, Lawrence LaFrance, and Anna Louko return for another two years.
Registered Sokoki Band members have been voting in the annual Tribal Council elections since 1973, shortly after the Vermont’s Abenaki began reasserting their presence and re-organizing politically.
ASHAI, a non-profit group aimed at addressing needs within the community, was formed in the late 1970s. The group operates a local food shelf, conducts the annual Operation Santa, provides vocational support, and fosters other economic, social, educational and cultural goals. While the group’s work benefits members of the Abenaki community, many of its activities — including the food shelf and Operation Santa — also benefit other residents in need.
Written by Jedd Kettler
Thursday, 02 November 2006
SWANTON: In sharp contrast to heated election races elsewhere in the state and region, annual Abenaki elections for the Missisquoi St. Francis/Sokoki Band saw all races uncontested and settled during one afternoon meeting this week.
About 80 Sokoki Band members took part in the Sunday, Oct. 29 nomination process at the Abenaki Tribal Headquarters in Swanton. Because only incumbents were nominated, a single ballot was cast for each candidate during the meeting, and no November ballot elections will be needed.
Band members nominated and elected incumbents Homer St. Francis II, Burton Decarr, and John Churchill to two-year seats on the seven-member Tribal Council.
The Abenaki Self-Help Association Inc. seven-member Board of Directors saw incumbents Marge Greenia, Lawrence LaFrance, and Anna Louko return for another two years.
Registered Sokoki Band members have been voting in the annual Tribal Council elections since 1973, shortly after the Vermont’s Abenaki began reasserting their presence and re-organizing politically.
ASHAI, a non-profit group aimed at addressing needs within the community, was formed in the late 1970s. The group operates a local food shelf, conducts the annual Operation Santa, provides vocational support, and fosters other economic, social, educational and cultural goals. While the group’s work benefits members of the Abenaki community, many of its activities — including the food shelf and Operation Santa — also benefit other residents in need.