Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation
Juried Artist since 2016
Brian Chenevert is the Historic Preservation Officer for the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe and a talented artist. He is a storyteller, author, and wood worker. who was taught wood carving and whittling by his grandfather at a young age.
He is a history buff whose research helped to revive the traditional Abenaki winter game of Snow Snakes which has now been played annually since 2007. Brian’s hand carves snow snakes, war clubs and rattles decorating them by burning in traditional Wabanaki designs.
For almost 20 years Brian has provided traditional Abenaki and Wabanaki stories for multiple Abenaki newsletters and in 2015 published his first book, “Azban’s Great Journey”, which is a compilation of traditional and original tales of the Abenaki trickster – Azban, the raccoon. Azban’s Great Journey is now available for purchase on Amazon.
Brian has developed the coloring book Abenaki Animals with fellow Nulhegan Abenaki artist, Francine Poitras Jones. Most recently, they have collaborated on the storybook Swift Deer’s Spirit Game (2019) that was just released.
He is also a drummer and singer who performs with the Nulhegan Abenaki Drum.
Artist Statement
I have always loved working with wood, carving and shaping it into a creation of all your own. I enjoy taking a simple branch and working it into a snow snake which will bring joy to some boy or girl at our annual winter games.
I have been telling and sharing Abenaki stories for many years, providing stories for multiple Abenaki newsletters and culminating in completing my first book about Azban the raccoon. The tales of Azban, in particular, are ones my children loved to hear over and over throughout the years which is what led to him being the topic of my first book.
In 2015, Brian published his first book, “Azban’s Great Journey”, which is a compilation of traditional and original tales of the Abenaki trickster – Azban, the raccoon. Azban’s Great Journey is now available for purchase on Amazon.
Brian has developed the coloring book Abenaki Animals with fellow Nulhegan Abenaki artist, Francine Poitras Jones. Most recently, they have collaborated on the storybook Swift Deer’s Spirit Game that was just released.
In addition to woodworking and carving, I enjoy bead work and crafting and have made many pieces which include porcupine quill earrings and chokers, wampum earrings, belts, bracelets, and necklaces.
Contact Info
Email: [email protected]
Presentations
2016, 2018
Abenaki Heritage Weekend, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
Publications
- 2015 Azban’s Great Journey, Amazon Publications, Print Media – Available on Amazon
- 2019 Swift Deer’s Spirit Game. Crowstorm Publishing – Available on Amazon
Radio Interviews
- Reger, Deborah, Moccasin Tracks. January 2016. WGDR 91.1 FM
- Native Opinion. February 12, 2016. http://nativeopinion.com/new-events/2016/2/12/podcast-guest-brian-chenevert
Affiliations
Vermont Abenaki Artists Association