Vermont abenaki ancient glyphs4/2/2024 ![]() Each tribe has its own process of governance - in some tribes, chiefs serve for life - and it's customary among the Abenaki to make big decisions by consensus. In 2010, members of the Nulhegan tribe elected Stevens chief, a position he'll hold as long as he's able - and as long as tribal elders want him. Stevens was instrumental in moving those petitions through the legislature, too. Recognition of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi and the Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki came the following year. He was chair of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs in 2011, when the state recognized the Nulhegan and Elnu Abenaki tribes. "For me here today, this is something that's come full circle," said Charles Delaney-Megeso, a 63-year-old Nulhegan tribal elder. Donovan's predecessor, William Sorrell, who left office in 2017, opposed Abenaki recognition. But its historical significance - an Abenaki chief being introduced and endorsed by Vermont's top law enforcement officer - wasn't lost on the indigenous people in the room. ![]() To those who frequent Statehouse press events, this one seemed fairly routine. He noted that, in his view, the legislation would result in minimal loss of state revenue. to acknowledge our history," Donovan said. "Chief, I'm proud to say I'm with you, and I want to say thank you for asking us to look at the historical record, to look at the law.
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