Heritage Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Abenaki Heritage Weekend 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2025

Media Contact:

Eloise Beil, Deputy Project Manager
[email protected]
Cell/Text 802 999-1798

Traditions Come to Life at Abenaki Heritage Weekend

June 14-15 at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

On June 14-15, citizens of the New England Abenaki community will gather at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to celebrate their history and heritage, and the public is invited! Organized by the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, this free event is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

One of the highlights is the Native Arts Marketplace, where visitors can talk to artists, watch craft demonstrations, and purchase outstanding beadwork, paintings, jewelry, wampum, woodwork, leatherwork, drums, and other items.

“That’s what I love about this event – Abenaki people get to speak for themselves,” said Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Executive Director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association. “Visitors get to have personal conversations with artists about unusual craft traditions, with scholars Frederick M. Wiseman and Margaret Bruchac, and other community members with deep knowledge of both new research and the lived experience of generations of Indigenous Vermonters.”

Throughout the weekend there will be activities of interest to everyone. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy singing and drumming by the Nulhegan Drum. Children and adults alike will enjoy storytelling by Nulhegan Chief Don Stevens. A Children’s Area will include hands-on projects where children can enjoy cultural learning or make a gift to bring home for Father’s Day.

For those who want to bring home some lasting memories, the variety and quality of work created by Abenaki artists is outstanding. In the Arts Marketplace you will find traditional arts handed down through generations, as well as contemporary art often inspired by tradition. Michael Descoteaux demonstrates the making of hand drums; Patrick and Morgan Lamphere showcase an abundance of carved wood and shaped stone; and Linda Longtoe Sheehan presents wampum jewelry, while Victoria Barry shares beadwork. Liz Charlebois creates designs with the little-known art of birchbark biting. Carol McGranaghan crafts jams and jellies from hand-picked wildflowers. On Saturday, basketmaker Kerry Wood demonstrates the traditional weaving of Ash splints, a centuries-old technique now threatened by the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer beetles.

For a deeper dive into Abenaki culture, browse book tables with works by Abenaki authors both scholarly and family friendly. Bring home the latest research or favorite classics.

A special exhibit, Deep Roots, Strong Branches will open during Heritage Weekend. Artwork and stories by a dozen American Abenaki artists reflect centuries of life in the Abenaki homeland and the resilience of Abenaki people during troubled times. Tour the exhibition with curator, Vera Longtoe Sheehan this weekend, and return to visit the exhibition all season.

Thanks to Vermont Humanities and Vermont Arts Council, for their sponsorship of the event. Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and the Abenaki Arts & Education Center are supported by New England Foundation for the Arts through the Cultural Sustainability program of the Wallace Foundation. For more information on Abenaki Heritage Weekend, visit: AbenakiArt.org/abenaki-heritage-weekend.

Abenaki Heritage Weekend

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Abenaki Heritage Weekend banner.

When: June 13 – 14, 2026

Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491

Cost: FREE, donations welcome

Directions: Click here for Google Map

Click here to read about the 2025 weekend.

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Donate to Support the event!

Join Vermont’s Native American community for Abenaki Heritage Weekend and Native Arts Marketplace June 13-14 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 a children’s play area. Featured arts include jewelry, wampum, quillwork, stonework, woodworking, and more.

Bring a picnic and lunch while you listen!

For questions or accommodations, contact: [email protected]

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact: [email protected]

Presented through a partnership between Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, Abenaki Alliance, and Abenaki Arts & Education Center, and Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

2026 Schedule

SATURDAY – JUNE 13th

Ongoing Activities until 4:00 pm

  • Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed and on the Green)
  • Art demonstrations in the Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed, on the Green, and in the Pinegrove)
  • Children’s Activities: Abenaki Games, Make and Take (Boat Shed)
  • Storytelling (Key to Liberty)
  • Memory Art (Boat Shed)

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 Willow Greene (Auditorium)

1:15 – Mirror with a Memory. The Cultural bases of the Vermont Abenaki Legitimacy Debate, 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)

3:00 –Cultural Documentation: Utilization of Technology, Diane Stevens

4:00 – Closing

SUNDAY – JUNE 14th

Ongoing Activities until 4:00 pm

  • Children’s Activities: Abenaki Games, Make and Take (Boat Shed)
  • Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed and on the Green)
  • Art demonstrations in the Arts Marketplace (Boat Shed, on the Green, and in the Pinegrove)
  • Storytelling (Key to Liberty)
  • Memory Art (Boat Shed)

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 – Broken Chains of Custody: Identifying and Recovering Lost Wampum Belts, Margaret Bruchac, Ph.D. (Auditorium)

2:00 – Nulhegan Abenaki Drum Group (Key to Liberty)

2:00 – Reviving Ancient Art, Liz Charlebois (Auditorium)

2:30 – Storytelling with Willow Greene (Auditorium)

3:00 – Gallery Talk – Parley and Protocol, War and Peace: Gallery Talk with curator Vera Sheehan (Schoolhouse)

4:00 – Closing

In the event of rain outdoor programs will be held in the Auditorium.

Schedule subject to change.

Native Arts Marketplace June 13-14, 2026 11am-4pm

Native Arts Marketplace Vendors

  • Linda Sheehan – Jewelry made from wampum
  • Chief Roger Longtoe Sheehan (confirmed)
  • Mike Descoteaux/Pat Leno: Drums, rattles, beadwork, jewelry
  • Liz Charlebois – Birchbark biting and jewelry
  • Willow Green – Jewelry, accessories, and rattles
  • Victoria Barry – Beadwork and clothing

Cultural Tables

  • Nulhegan Tribe – cultural information
  • Abenaki Cultural Conservancy
  • Greenfield Review Press/Bowman Books
  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
  • Abenaki Arts & Education Center
  • Abenaki Health and Heritage
  • Abenaki Language School

Art Demonstrations

  • Making wampum beads from quahog shells
  • Weaving wampum beads
  • Wood Carving
Man working on art project with child looking on.
Artist demonstrating how to make wampum beads from quahog shells.

Accessibility

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is committed to making our museum visit accessible for all visitors. The Museum originally opened in 1985 and we have both historic and contemporary buildings on our grounds, all of which have an accessible entrance at grade level or with ramps. Approximately one-third of the Museum site consists of open grounds, which include gardens, grassy and natural areas, pine groves, picnic areas, gravel walkways, outdoor exhibits, and facilities for watercraft at North Harbor. Our waterfront is at the base of a steep gravel path and is not wheelchair accessible.

Partner With Us

Join us in supporting Abenaki artists!

Why Sponsor?

Sponsorship supports:

  • Abenaki arts and culture programs.
  • Free access to events.
  • Visibility: Over 700 people attend the event annually. Your logo will appear on this page, on print materials (programs and event maps), and on social media posts.
  • Allyship: Partner with the local Indigenous community on cultural and educational programming.
  • Alignment: Arts, culture, and community wellness.
  • Strengthened community connections and positive brand recognition.

How to Become a Sponsor

  • Email Vera at [email protected]
  • Download and complete the Sponsorship form
  • Choose you sponsorship level
  • Submit form and electronic payment through our fiscal sponsor’s secure website OR
  • Scan QR code to make a secure payment through our fiscal sponsor’s website and email us your name or company name as it should appear .

Sponsorship Levels and Benefits

Platinum – Presenting Supporter $5,000
  • Top-tier placement on all event materials
  • Prominent recognition on sponsored event social media posts and website
  • Verbal recognition during event
  • Recognized at a Presenting supporter of the Abenaki Heritage Weekend

Gold – Lead Supporter $2,500
  • Logo featured prominently on event materials
  • Recognition on website and social media
  • On-site recognition during events
Silver – Event Sponsor $1,000
  • Logo on event materials
  • On-site acknowledgement
  • Social media acknowledgement
Bronze – Community Sponsor $500
  • Name listed on event materials
  • Social media acknowledgement

Custom sponsorship available upon request.

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ Cultural Sustainability program, made possible by the Wallace Foundation.

June 13 – 14, 2026, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Abenaki Alliance logo with mountains, water, and sun.
Abenaki Arts and Education Association logo with dark blue background and a white design with double curves and florets and words that say Sharing Abenaki Educational Resources with Classrooms Across N'dakinna.
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Vermont Arts Council logo.
Vermont Community Foundation Logo
Vermont Humanities logo.
Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op logo.

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.

Welcome!

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Vermont Abenaki Artists Association (VAAA) is a Native American arts organization that serves the public by connecting them to Abenaki educators, artists from the visual and performing arts as well as literary genres.

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to promote awareness of state-recognized Abenaki artists and their art, to provide an organized central place to share creative ideas, and to have a method for the public to find and engage state-recognized Abenaki artists. We do this by presenting public programs, cultural events, and museum exhibitions that educate the public in understanding Abenaki art and culture.

Since 2013, VAAA has partnered with leading museums, colleges, and cultural organizations across Vermont and the Northeast, including Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, Institute for American Indian Studies, Middlebury College, and many others.

Connect with us to stay up-to-date and be part of a dialogue that embraces the past, present, and future of Abenaki art.

Donate Now!

Your support ensures Vermonters can engage with living Abenaki culture through exhibitions and public programs. Monthly gifts of $15 – $25 help sustain this work year round. Support Vermont Abenaki Artists Association.

Abenaki Heritage Weekend Poster for 2026
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Quick Links

Artist Galleries
Make a donation
Exhibitions
Calendar of Events
Become a Juried Artist
Contact us

Abenaki Heritage Weekend 6/13 – 6/14, 2026

Supported in part by Vermont Humanities, The Vermont Arts Council, and NEFA – the New England Foundation for the Arts’ Cultural Sustainability program, made possible by the Wallace Foundation.

Visit Our Artists’ Galleries Online

Step into the captivating world of our artists, where you’ll find a treasure trove of visual narratives that speak to the heart and soul of the Abenaki culture. The stories and artistic expressions of state-recognized Abenaki artists are at the heart of our association. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for their heritage, they bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Browse these virtual galleries, where art defies the constraints of time, and culture resonates through brushstrokes, carvings, weavings, and more. Your visit to our artist pages promises not only inspiration and connection but also a profound appreciation for the enduring artistic spirit of the Abenaki people.

Artists (alphabetical)
In Memory
Art by Medium or Technique
Amy Hook-Therrien creating art.
Paul Rene Tamburro in his workshop.
Linda Longtoe Sheehan holding up a wampum belt she made.

Our Impact

Donate today.

Support Our Mission ↗

Join us in sustaining our mission of preserving Abenaki culture and fostering artistic expression by making a meaningful donation. Your support directly contributes to our impactful programs, enriching events, educational initiatives, and the creation of new exhibitions. Together, we can ensure the continuity of this invaluable cultural legacy.

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Attend Abenaki Museum Exhibits ↗

Step into a world of creativity and culture – visit our Exhibits page for detailed information on current exhibitions, including locations and dates. Immerse yourself in the vibrant stories waiting to be explored.

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Find Abenaki Education Resources ↗

Expand your knowledge and access valuable resources by visiting the Abenaki Arts & Education Center website for comprehensive Abenaki educational information and teacher resources.

Stay Connected

Beyond the artwork, Vermont Abenaki Artist Association (VAAA) organizes public programs, cultural events, and museum exhibitions that educate and inspire. By engaging with us, you’re not just experiencing art – you’re becoming part of a vibrant community that values tradition, creativity, and connection.

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

American Abenaki Curriculum

Logo for the American Abenaki Curriculum - A Journey of History and Resilience

We are excited to let you know about the new American Abenaki Curriculum: A Journey of History and Resilience.

The curriculum was created by the American Abenaki community, through a partnership between the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, Abenaki Alliance, Abenaki Arts and Education Center, the Indian Education Consortium of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, Missisquoi Title VI Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), Circle of Courage Program, and Vermont Abenaki Artists Association. Read More ….

Read More

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Click on the brochure image to download a printable copy.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, & PARTNERS

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ Cultural Sustainability program, made possible by the Wallace Foundation.

New England Foundation for the Arts logo - NEFA
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Abenaki Arts & Education Center Logo.
Vermont Arts Council logo.
Vermont Humanities logo.
State-Recognized Tribal Artists Guild Logo
Vermont Folklife logo.