Vermont Abenaki Artists Association is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ Cultural Sustainability program, made possible by the Wallace Foundation.
When: June 14 – 15, 2025, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491
Cost: FREE
Directions: Click here for Google Map
Join Vermont’s Native American community for Abenaki Heritage Weekend and Arts Marketplace June 14-15 at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT. Admission FREE. Rain or shine.
Citizens of Vermont’s Elnu, Nulhegan, Koasek, and Missisquoi Tribes share perspectives on life in the Champlain Valley. Storytelling, craft demonstrations, drumming, singing, and children’s play area. Featured arts include jewelry, wampum, quillwork, stonework, woodworking, and more. Special presentations include new publications on Vermont Abenakis 1790-2020, Abenaki Beadwork, and gallery talk in new exhibition “Deep Roots, Strong Branches.”
Bring a picnic and enjoy the the day with us!
Presented by Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and Abenaki Arts & Education Center.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY – June 14th
Museum Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
Ongoing Activities until 4:00pm
- Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed and on the Green)
- Art demonstrations in the Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed and on the Green)
- Children’s Activities: Abenaki Games, Make and Take (Boat Shed)
- Storytelling (Key to Liberty)
- Memory Art (Boat Shed)
- Open Door Clinic – FREE health screenings [Diabetes and Blood Pressure check] (Pine Grove)
11:00 – Greeting Song and Opening Remarks (Key to Liberty)
12:00 – Lunch and Listen: Nulhegan Abenaki Drum Group (Key to Liberty)
12:30 – Storytelling with Grandmother Willow Green (Key to Liberty)
1:00 – Something of Value: the Vermont Abenaki Community 1790 – 2020 (Book Talk), Frederick M. Wiseman, Ph.D. (Auditorium)
2:30 – Nulhegan Abenaki Drum Group (Key to Liberty)
3:00 – Storytelling with Chief Don Stevens (Key to Liberty)
3:30 – Introducing the Abenaki Cultural Conservancy, Joanne Crawford
4:00 – Closing
In the event of rain outdoor programs will be held in the Auditorium.
SUNDAY – June 15th
Museum Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
Ongoing Activities until 4:00 pm
- Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed and on the Green)
- Art demonstrations in the Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed and on the Green)
- Children’s Activities: Abenaki Games, Make and Take (Boat Shed
- Storytelling (Key to Liberty)
- Memory Art (Boat Shed)
- Open Door Clinic – FREE health screenings [Diabetes and Blood Pressure check] (Pine Grove)
11:00 – Greeting Song and Opening Remarks (Pine Grove)
11:30 – Storytelling with Chief Don Stevens (Key to Liberty)
12:00 – Lunch and Listen: Nulhegan Abenaki Drum Group (Key to Liberty)
1:00 – Earthshapers & Placemakers: Abenaki History in Deep Time, Margaret Bruchac, Ph.D. (Auditorium)
2:00 – Nulhegan Abenaki Drum Group (Key to Liberty)
2:30 – Storytelling with Grandmother Willow Green (Key to Liberty)
3:00 – Gallery Talk – Deep Roots, Strong Branches gallery talk with curator Vera Sheehan (Schoolhouse)
4:00 – Closing
In the event of rain outdoor programs will be held in the Auditorium.
Vendors Presenters Activities
Presentations
- Frederick M. Wiseman, Ph.D. – Something of Value: The Vermont Abenaki experience: 1790-2020
- Margaret Bruchac, Ph.D. – Earthshapers & Placemakers: Abenaki History in Deep Time
- Vera Sheehan – Deep Roots, Strong Branches Gallery talk
- Joanne Crawford – Introducing the Abenaki Cultural Conservancy
Ongoing Activities
- Children’s Abenaki Play Area (Ongoing)
- Arts Marketplace (see vendors/artists list below)
- Special Exhibit: Deep Roots, Strong Branches
- Nulhegan Drum
Cultural Tables
- Abenaki Cultural Conservancy
- Margaret Bruchac – Book Table
- Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
- Abenaki Arts & Education Center
- Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
- Abenaki Arts and Education Center
- Abenaki Health and Heritage
- Abenaki Play Group
Arts Marketplace
- Linda Sheehan – jewelry made from wampum
- Chief Roger Longtoe Sheehan (Saturday only)
- Patrick and Morgan Lamphere – Wood work, stone work
- Kerry Wood: Ash Splint Baskets (Saturday only)
- Mike Descoteaux/Pat Leno: Drums, rattles, beadwork, jewelry
- Chief Don Stevens, Nulhegan Tribe – cultural information
- Liz Charlebois – Birchbark biting and jewelry
- Willow Green – Jewelry, accessories, and rattles
- Victoria Barry – Beaded jewelry, ribbon skirts
- Carol McGranaghan – Wildflower Jams and Jellies
June 14 – 15, 2025, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT.
Kchi Wliwni (A Big Thank You) to our Supporters, Patrons, and Sponsors
Vermont Abenaki Artists Association is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ Cultural Sustainability program, made possible by the Wallace Foundation.