Abenaki Alliance - Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

An Evening With the Vermont Abenaki

April 30, 2025 by Francine Poitras Jones

“An Evening with the Vermont Abenaki”

Hear from Vermont Abenaki and learn about Vermont’s Tribal Recognition process.

What: the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs (VCNAA) is hosting “An Evening with the Vermont Abenaki” to educate and engage with new lawmakers about the state’s Tribal Recognition process and hear from scholars, community members, and allies. The evening will include a presentation on the VCNAA, a look at Vermont Abenaki history and current experience, and a panel discussion.

Speakers and guests:

Breanna Sheehan of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs; Abenaki Scholar Marge Bruchac; Scholars Peter Thomas and Giovanna Peebles; Vermont Abenaki Chiefs Brenda Gagne, Shirly Hook, Roger Longtoe Sheehan, and Don Stevens; and moderator Katherine Sims.

When: Wednesday, April 23, 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Where: Vermont Statehouse, Room 11

Contact:
Breanna Sheehan, Administrative Director
Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
[email protected]
Poster artwork courtesy of Vermont Abenaki Artists Association Collection

Our Turn: Sharing Community, Rutland Herald. May 4, 2023

March 6, 2024May 10, 2023 by Francine Poitras Jones

Is Vermont being lobbied for Nuremberg Laws?

Race-based attacks and harmful stereotypes are putting Vermont’s Abenaki communities in jeopardy, and it needs to stop. This week is Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week, yet international special-interest groups are threatening state-recognized Abenaki tribes with cultural erasure in an effort to position themselves for recognition and rights within the United States.

Click here to read the full article in the Rutland Herald.

Abenaki Alliance: Is Vermont being Lobbied for Nuremberg Law? Brattleboro Reformer. May 2, 2023

March 6, 2024May 10, 2023 by Francine Poitras Jones

Race-based attacks and harmful stereotypes are putting Vermont’s Abenaki communities in jeopardy and it needs to stop. This week is Abenaki Recognition and Heritage Week, yet international special-interest groups are threatening state-recognized Abenaki tribes with cultural erasure in an effort to position themselves for recognition and rights within the United States.

Using their Canadian status as recognized First Nations, Odanak and Wôlinak in Quebec are using state and federally-funded universities and media organizations to promote their propaganda — threatening to rewrite 12,000 years of Native heritage in the Abenaki homelands now known as the State of Vermont.

Click here to read the full article in the Brattleboro Reformer

Chief Don Stevens

September 27, 2025March 28, 2021 by Administrator

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2013 – Master Artist: Storyteller

Don Stevens is Chief of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk – Abenaki Nation and President of AHA Abenaki Helping Abenaki. Don is an accomplished leader, businessman, writer, and lecturer. Don has served on many boards and commissions including the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs and Attorney General Board of Racial Disparities. He helped lead the fight to obtain recognition, acquire land, and federal settlement agreements for the Abenaki People. He has 30 years of experience in Information Technology, Logistics, and Manufacturing strategies. Don served in the US Army, graduated from Champlain College, and holds several Honorary Doctorate Degrees.