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| Left to right: Denise L. Watso, Daniel G. Nolett, Senator Roy J. McDonald, Councilor Claire O'Bomsawin, Town Councilman John Rustin Sr., Town Supervisor Jean Carlson, and President of Knickerbocker Mansion Joseph Ferrannini |
Schaghticoke – “at the branch of the river,” or
the confluence of the Hudson and Hoosic Rivers – was home to aboriginal people
from the Connecticut River Valley who fled the turmoil of King Philip’s War,
when the English fought and defeated an alliance of First Nations which
included some of our ancestors – Pocumtucks, Norwottucks, Sokwakis, and
others. Ancestors of the Msadoques, Wawanolett, Capino, and many other
families were once known as Schaghticoke Indians.
Our Abenaki families have continued to live in
the southeastern Adirondacks and upper Hudson Valley, and today the Capital
District is home to many of our people.
On July 28, Abenaki people were invited to the
Summer Festival at the Knickerbocker Mansion, an historic site located on our
ancestors’ lands. Many local Abenaki attended, and several people
traveled down from Odanak for the event. Our Council signed a resolution
proclaiming the significance of Schaghticoke in the history of our people, and
this was presented to several local dignitaries by Councilor Claire O’Bomsawin.
This was accompanied by an historical overview and songs presented by Daniel G.
Nolett, Ozalee Nolett, Alanis Nolett, Jennifer Hanson, Noah Watso-Hanson,
Michele Hamel, Anita Sioui, and me.
The rest of the day was devoted to fellowship,
much of it spent under a large tent enjoying Abenaki songs led by Daniel Nolett
and Jacques T. Watso. It had been many years since our people drummed at
this site. It was an honor to be there with my fellow Abenaki, singing
our traditional songs.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all of
the local community members who attended. Thanks also
to Christopher Roy for his research on the historical presentation.
Additionally, I would like to extend special
thanks to all of those Abenaki who traveled four-and-a-half hours from Odanak
to participate in the event: Daniel Nolett and his family, Jacques T.
Watso, Priscilla Watso, June Benedict Palmer, Anita Sioui, and Councilor Claire
O’Bomsawin.
Ktsi wliwni!
Denise L. Watso
