To all the readers,
I intend to begin updating the Abenaki Journal with news worthy articles, upcoming events, and activities that should be of interest to all of our community.
You can trust this blog will post ONLY authentic First Nations events. If you have a question about the authenticity of a hosted event, please don't hesitate to ask.
I support First Nations First.
Don't forget to Represent, Get involved, learn your culture, and never let them win the war on cultural genocide. The solution is in the culture.
Kindest regards,
Denise L. Watso
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Saturday, January 26, 2013
2013 IMPORTANT DATES
2013 ABENAKI NATION COMMUNITY - CAPITAL DISTRICT, NEW YORK
DRUM MAKING to TRADITIONAL ABENAKI SONGS
January 26th - February 24th
Abenaki families make a hand drum, then learn traditional Abenaki songs. The gatherings are held at the Shaker site, Colonie, New York. Meeting are from 1pm - 4pm.
ODANAK GENERAL ASSEMBLY
[1/26] [5/25] [9/28]
General Assemblies are for Odanak Band of Abenaki member updates, questions / answers of elected Council. All General Assemblies are held at the Community Center, and handicap accessable. The assemblies are at 1:30pm.
3rd ANNUAL SIQUAN (SPRING) CELEBRATIONS
April 20th
The Siquan (Spring) is a potluck social for our community, typically with an invited guest speaker. We welcome spring, and enjoy the afternoon, singing, drumming and feasting. 1pm - 4pm
ODANAK POW-WOW
July 5th - 7th
The Odanak annual Pow-Wow is an all weekend event.
SHAKER CRAFT FAIR
July 13th -14th
Abenaki community volunteers assist the Summer Shaker Craft Fair by hosting a childrens activity table, and a display of Abenaki artisans crafts. 10am - 6pm
SHAKER CRAFT FAIR
September 14th - 15th
Abenaki community volunteers assist the Fall Shaker Craft Fair by hosting a childrens activity table, and a display of Abenaki artisans crafts. 10am - 6pm
3rd ANNUAL PENIBAGOS
October 5th
The Penibagos (October - Leaf Fall Maker) is a potluck social for our community, typically with an invited guest speaker. We welcome the changes in the season, and enjoy the afternoon, singing, drumming and feasting. 1pm - 4pm.
ODANAK NOVEMBER ELECTION
TBD - 11/23 or 11/30
The elections dates are tentative.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Honoring Our Ancestors at the Branch of the River
 |
| 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
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Unseen Tears - Documentary Film of Thomas Indian School, Western, NY
Dear Readers;
April 2011
Some of our Abenaki community attended a documentary film "Unseen Tears" and panel discussion at Sage Colleges, Troy, New York, Dean of Education - Dr. Lori Quigley of Seneca Nation. An excellent documentary film that takes you through the lives of Seneca children - who today are adults who attended Thomas Indian School, in Western NY.
The schools are know as "Residential (Canada) or Boarding (Stateside) Schools", most of them were evil institutionalization of Indian children as young as 5 or 6 years old, sometimes even younger, taking every aspect of what is good and innocent in children and leaving them desperate to escape. They were often times abusive in every way imagineable.
Once old enough to leave, they could not escape far enough from the schools. Most attempted to escape themselves, self medicating with drugs and alcohol, some leaving home and joining the U.S. Military and sadly some committed suicide. Some have left this world because of alcohol or drug related deaths. These are our individual, family, community and nation struggles today. We have hope today, many of our people are following the Red Road to sobriety and recovery.
The day of the event (film) story; Michele Hamel (Benedict) and I went around and picked up some of the Abenaki elders -we all went to historic downtown Troy, NY, to enjoy a great dinner at local restaurant, had a few laughs, and then went on to Sage College, a beautiful campus by the way.
Dr. Quigley spoke first of the development of the how the film came to be. She then acknowledged and honored our Abenaki elders presence in the audience. The acknowledgement was awesome to witness for our elders. The film was very powerful. Councilors are present for anyone who may experience the need to talk to them during the film showing. The film is approximately 1/2 hour. There was a panel discussion of Seneca Nation people, all of whom had powerful messages to share for the audience. A question and answer period followed after the discussants finished.
The documentary film, Unseen Tears has begun a movement of healing for our people, through film. Our Indian people will begin to heal as we move toward open communication, openly discussing issues with each other and communitites, breaking down the barriors of silence. Remember the old saying "stop crying!", where do we think it came from? the past. Lets move on to the future;
Today we can honor our tears.
Regards all,
April 2011
Some of our Abenaki community attended a documentary film "Unseen Tears" and panel discussion at Sage Colleges, Troy, New York, Dean of Education - Dr. Lori Quigley of Seneca Nation. An excellent documentary film that takes you through the lives of Seneca children - who today are adults who attended Thomas Indian School, in Western NY.
The schools are know as "Residential (Canada) or Boarding (Stateside) Schools", most of them were evil institutionalization of Indian children as young as 5 or 6 years old, sometimes even younger, taking every aspect of what is good and innocent in children and leaving them desperate to escape. They were often times abusive in every way imagineable.
Once old enough to leave, they could not escape far enough from the schools. Most attempted to escape themselves, self medicating with drugs and alcohol, some leaving home and joining the U.S. Military and sadly some committed suicide. Some have left this world because of alcohol or drug related deaths. These are our individual, family, community and nation struggles today. We have hope today, many of our people are following the Red Road to sobriety and recovery.
The day of the event (film) story; Michele Hamel (Benedict) and I went around and picked up some of the Abenaki elders -we all went to historic downtown Troy, NY, to enjoy a great dinner at local restaurant, had a few laughs, and then went on to Sage College, a beautiful campus by the way.
Dr. Quigley spoke first of the development of the how the film came to be. She then acknowledged and honored our Abenaki elders presence in the audience. The acknowledgement was awesome to witness for our elders. The film was very powerful. Councilors are present for anyone who may experience the need to talk to them during the film showing. The film is approximately 1/2 hour. There was a panel discussion of Seneca Nation people, all of whom had powerful messages to share for the audience. A question and answer period followed after the discussants finished.
The documentary film, Unseen Tears has begun a movement of healing for our people, through film. Our Indian people will begin to heal as we move toward open communication, openly discussing issues with each other and communitites, breaking down the barriors of silence. Remember the old saying "stop crying!", where do we think it came from? the past. Lets move on to the future;
Today we can honor our tears.
Regards all,
Denise L. Watso
Monday, October 17, 2011
Denise L. Watso, NY - Nominated for Councilor 2011
Today I announce to the Abenaki community, my family and friends, that on October 15th, 2011, I did officially accept the nomination for Councilor. The discussion with my family at Odanak over the October 9th weekend, and decided upon a couple days before the Nominations took place.
As most of you are aware, my past 15 years of being actively involved in organizing Abenaki cultural, social and political events in the Albany, NY metro area and actively involved with the Government of Odanak, with family living at Odanak and in the States, it just seemed to be the right time to begin the discussions.
I am present always and available to assist, and not only during election season, for the past 15 years I have been dedicated to our people’s advancement in all areas, i.e. education, health, citizenship code, McIvor, Esquega, preserving our elders stories, thereby preserving our history and our culture, always promoting, protecting and defending our aboriginal rights.
My vision is to gain the confidence and support of the Abenaki community on both sides of the border, through dedication and hard work.
Thank you all for your time, more to follow;
Regards all;
Denise L. Watso, Freddy Watso’s daughter
As most of you are aware, my past 15 years of being actively involved in organizing Abenaki cultural, social and political events in the Albany, NY metro area and actively involved with the Government of Odanak, with family living at Odanak and in the States, it just seemed to be the right time to begin the discussions.
I am present always and available to assist, and not only during election season, for the past 15 years I have been dedicated to our people’s advancement in all areas, i.e. education, health, citizenship code, McIvor, Esquega, preserving our elders stories, thereby preserving our history and our culture, always promoting, protecting and defending our aboriginal rights.
My vision is to gain the confidence and support of the Abenaki community on both sides of the border, through dedication and hard work.
Thank you all for your time, more to follow;
Regards all;
Denise L. Watso, Freddy Watso’s daughter
Monday, May 2, 2011
SHAME on SHUMLIN, GOVERNOR of VERMONT
Dear Readers:
Peter Shumlin, then a state senator, now the governor. The below resolution shows how heavily involved and supportive then Senator Peter Shumlin was of the "Mohickans and Cheif Golden Eagle" by answering the question posed; Shall the joint resolution be adopted in concurrence? moving to add a clause and actually have the resolution mailed to "Cheif Golden Eagle" P.O. Box.
He was uneducated of native history then, as he is now. How are we supposed to take him or any Vermont legislator seriously? Unfortunately, we don't have a choice. They thought that Ron Roberts and the “Mohickan Mohegan” were a real Indian people and tribe. And in 2011 they’re making the same embarrassing mistake with the “Elnu,” the “Nulhegan” and other fake "tribes" next in line at of Vermont’s revolving door of fake tribes.
Vermont legislators, and State legislators across the Nations, are continually getting scammed by hucksters dressed up as “Indians”. One would think Vermont learned its lesson and not allow history to repeat itself. A embarrassing moment, now a dark eye on Vermont’s own history.
Please see the Journal affirming the resolution to legitimize the "Mohickans" below:
_______________________________________________________
Joint Resolution Adopted in Concurrence with Proposal of Amendment
Joint House resolution entitled: J.R.H. 55.
Joint resolution commending the education and cultural endeavors of Vermonters of Mohickan Mohegan ancestry and requesting that the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs assist them as set forth in Executive Order No. 97-90.
Having been placed on the Calendar for action, was taken up.
Thereupon, pending the question, Shall the joint resolution be adopted in concurrence?
Senator Shumlin moved that the Senate propose to the House to amend the joint resolution in the last Resolved Clause by striking out the period and inserting in lieu thereof a comma and the following additional Resolved Clause:
, and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Secretary of State be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Chief Golden Eagle (Ronald Roberts) of the Mohickan Mohegan Indian Nation of Vermont at Box 208 in Poultney, Vermont 04765.
Which was agreed to.
Thereupon, the pending question, Shall the joint resolution be adopted in concurrence with proposal of amendment? was decided in the affirmative.
PART 3 of 3: Governor Shumlin Involvement in "Mohickan Mohegan" Resolution
Peter Shumlin, then a state senator, now the governor. The below resolution shows how heavily involved and supportive then Senator Peter Shumlin was of the "Mohickans and Cheif Golden Eagle" by answering the question posed; Shall the joint resolution be adopted in concurrence? moving to add a clause and actually have the resolution mailed to "Cheif Golden Eagle" P.O. Box.
He was uneducated of native history then, as he is now. How are we supposed to take him or any Vermont legislator seriously? Unfortunately, we don't have a choice. They thought that Ron Roberts and the “Mohickan Mohegan” were a real Indian people and tribe. And in 2011 they’re making the same embarrassing mistake with the “Elnu,” the “Nulhegan” and other fake "tribes" next in line at of Vermont’s revolving door of fake tribes.
Vermont legislators, and State legislators across the Nations, are continually getting scammed by hucksters dressed up as “Indians”. One would think Vermont learned its lesson and not allow history to repeat itself. A embarrassing moment, now a dark eye on Vermont’s own history.
Please see the Journal affirming the resolution to legitimize the "Mohickans" below:
_______________________________________________________
Journal of the Senate
________________
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1999
Joint House resolution entitled: J.R.H. 55.
Joint resolution commending the education and cultural endeavors of Vermonters of Mohickan Mohegan ancestry and requesting that the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs assist them as set forth in Executive Order No. 97-90.
Having been placed on the Calendar for action, was taken up.
Thereupon, pending the question, Shall the joint resolution be adopted in concurrence?
Senator Shumlin moved that the Senate propose to the House to amend the joint resolution in the last Resolved Clause by striking out the period and inserting in lieu thereof a comma and the following additional Resolved Clause:
, and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Secretary of State be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Chief Golden Eagle (Ronald Roberts) of the Mohickan Mohegan Indian Nation of Vermont at Box 208 in Poultney, Vermont 04765.
Which was agreed to.
Thereupon, the pending question, Shall the joint resolution be adopted in concurrence with proposal of amendment? was decided in the affirmative.
Joint Resolutions Adopted in Concurrence
Sunday, May 1, 2011
VERMONT LEGITIMIZES MADE UP TRIBE- “MOHICKAN MOHEGANS”
PART 2 of 3: Joint Resolution No. R-90 in Vermont
Vermont legislators passed the following sham resolution, with lots of Vermont legislators getting scammed by the false claimant Ron Roberts - Mohickan Mohegans:
NO. R-90. JOINT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL ENDEAVORS OF VERMONTERS OF MOHICKAN MOHEGAN ANCESTRY AND REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS ASSIST THEM AS SET FORTH IN EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 97-90. (J.R.H. 55)
Offered by: Representatives Maslack of Poultney, Waite of Pawlet, Alfano of Calais, Allard of St. Albans Town, Angell of Randolph, Baker of West Rutland, Barney of Highgate, Blanchard of Essex, Bourdeau of Hyde Park, Bristol of Brattleboro, Brown of Walden, Buckland of Newport Town, Carmolli of Rutland City, Colvin of Bennington, Crawford of Burke, Cross of Winooski, Dakin of Colchester, Darrow of Dummerston, Deen of Westminster, Deuel of West Rutland, Emmons of Springfield, Flaherty of South Burlington, Flory of Pittsford, Freed of Dorset, Gervais of Enosburg, Ginevan of Middlebury, Gray of Barre Town, Hathaway of Barton, Houston of Ferrisburg, Howrigan of Fairfield, Hube of Londonderry, Hudson of Lyndon, Hyde of Fayston, Johnson of Canaan, Kehler of Pomfret, Krasnow of Charlotte, Krawczyk of Bennington, Kreitzer of Rutland City, LaBarge of Grand Isle, Larocque of Barnet, Larrabee of Danville, Little of Shelburne, Livingston of Manchester, Marron of Stowe, Masland of Thetford, Mazur of South Burlington, McGrath of Ferrisburg, McNamara of Burlington, Metzger of Milton, Miller of Shaftsbury, Molloy of Arlington, Moore of Rutland City, Morrissey of Bennington, Neiman of Georgia, O'Donnell of Vernon, Osman of Plainfield, Perry of Richford, Pike of Mendon, Poirier of Barre City, Postman of Brownington, Quaid of Williston, Richardson of Weathersfield, Rusten of Halifax, Schiavone of Shelburne, Seibert of Norwich, Smith of Sudbury, Starr of Troy, Suchmann of Chester, Sullivan of Burlington, Sweaney of Windsor, Sweetser of Essex, Towne of Berlin, Vincent of Waterbury, Vinton of Colchester, Willett of St. Albans City, Winters of Williamstown and Zuckerman of Burlington.
Whereas, improving one's knowledge of the various cultures that are represented in Vermont's population is a worthy objective, and
Whereas, it is particularly important that young persons are educated about the diverse backgrounds that can be found within the state's borders, and
Whereas, in an effort to teach Vermonters about Mohickan Mohegan culture, Vermonters of this ancestry have traveled throughout the state to present lectures and presentations at schools and other locations, and
Whereas, these programs have enlightened the audiences about this culture and have won praise from teachers and school principals, and
Whereas, Vermonters of Mohickan Mohegan ancestry are now embarking on a more ambitious endeavor to establish a cultural village in southern Vermont that will feature displays and other educational activities that will provide the visitor a firsthand demonstration of Mohickan Mohegan life and an opportunity to engage in other economic development endeavors, and
Whereas, this cultural village and other economic initiatives have the potential to be major educational, cultural and tourist facilities, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly commends the important educational and cultural endeavors that Vermonters of Mohickan Mohegan ancestry have initiated and plan to develop in Vermont and requests that the Governor's Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs assist Vermonters of verifiable Mohickan Mohegan ancestry as set forth in Executive Order
No. 97-90, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Chief Golden Eagle (Ronald Roberts) of the Mohickan Mohegan Indian Nation of Vermont at Box 208 in Poultney, Vermont 04764.
Without question legislators passed the Joint Resolution, placing in jeopardy the historical integrity of the Mohican and Mohegan Nations, two Federally Recognized tribes, historically known in the region. The integrity and credibility of Indian people and the tribes impacted was also breached by the States malefeasence.
The resolution was rescinded, there is no such “tribe Mohickans” and this fact should have lain to rest any further attempts at legislating ANYTHING in regards to Native peoples after the truth came to light. Legislators failed in a major way.
How could they think there was a “tribe” called the Mohickans!?
This is the $64,000 question, based on Vermonts current day attempt at State Recognition. 2 groups claiming my ancestors, that I pointed out in the fabricated applications of these "tribes" "Elnu and Nulhegan", still has not been addressed, agian without question.
The State breached the trust of Native peoples far and wide by the Ron Roberts major debacle, and legislators failed Vermont citizens by placing them at risk for fraud by this huckster.
Legislators failed then to ask hard questions, taking verbatim Ron Roberts told them. Why? Because he “looked and dressed” like an Indian. Legislators also failed in their duty of due diligence of protecting the historical integrity of the Mohican and Mohegan Nations.
The debacle with Ron Roberts proves legislators and the Governor are not equipped to make such decisions.
Vermont failed in its first attempt by legitimizing a “fake tribe” in Vermont just a few years ago. History should not have been allowed to repeat this embarressment and blatant infringement on aborignal rights.
Abenaki Justice will prevail in the second attempt.
Vermont legislators passed the following sham resolution, with lots of Vermont legislators getting scammed by the false claimant Ron Roberts - Mohickan Mohegans:
NO. R-90. JOINT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL ENDEAVORS OF VERMONTERS OF MOHICKAN MOHEGAN ANCESTRY AND REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS ASSIST THEM AS SET FORTH IN EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 97-90. (J.R.H. 55)
Offered by: Representatives Maslack of Poultney, Waite of Pawlet, Alfano of Calais, Allard of St. Albans Town, Angell of Randolph, Baker of West Rutland, Barney of Highgate, Blanchard of Essex, Bourdeau of Hyde Park, Bristol of Brattleboro, Brown of Walden, Buckland of Newport Town, Carmolli of Rutland City, Colvin of Bennington, Crawford of Burke, Cross of Winooski, Dakin of Colchester, Darrow of Dummerston, Deen of Westminster, Deuel of West Rutland, Emmons of Springfield, Flaherty of South Burlington, Flory of Pittsford, Freed of Dorset, Gervais of Enosburg, Ginevan of Middlebury, Gray of Barre Town, Hathaway of Barton, Houston of Ferrisburg, Howrigan of Fairfield, Hube of Londonderry, Hudson of Lyndon, Hyde of Fayston, Johnson of Canaan, Kehler of Pomfret, Krasnow of Charlotte, Krawczyk of Bennington, Kreitzer of Rutland City, LaBarge of Grand Isle, Larocque of Barnet, Larrabee of Danville, Little of Shelburne, Livingston of Manchester, Marron of Stowe, Masland of Thetford, Mazur of South Burlington, McGrath of Ferrisburg, McNamara of Burlington, Metzger of Milton, Miller of Shaftsbury, Molloy of Arlington, Moore of Rutland City, Morrissey of Bennington, Neiman of Georgia, O'Donnell of Vernon, Osman of Plainfield, Perry of Richford, Pike of Mendon, Poirier of Barre City, Postman of Brownington, Quaid of Williston, Richardson of Weathersfield, Rusten of Halifax, Schiavone of Shelburne, Seibert of Norwich, Smith of Sudbury, Starr of Troy, Suchmann of Chester, Sullivan of Burlington, Sweaney of Windsor, Sweetser of Essex, Towne of Berlin, Vincent of Waterbury, Vinton of Colchester, Willett of St. Albans City, Winters of Williamstown and Zuckerman of Burlington.
Whereas, improving one's knowledge of the various cultures that are represented in Vermont's population is a worthy objective, and
Whereas, it is particularly important that young persons are educated about the diverse backgrounds that can be found within the state's borders, and
Whereas, in an effort to teach Vermonters about Mohickan Mohegan culture, Vermonters of this ancestry have traveled throughout the state to present lectures and presentations at schools and other locations, and
Whereas, these programs have enlightened the audiences about this culture and have won praise from teachers and school principals, and
Whereas, Vermonters of Mohickan Mohegan ancestry are now embarking on a more ambitious endeavor to establish a cultural village in southern Vermont that will feature displays and other educational activities that will provide the visitor a firsthand demonstration of Mohickan Mohegan life and an opportunity to engage in other economic development endeavors, and
Whereas, this cultural village and other economic initiatives have the potential to be major educational, cultural and tourist facilities, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly commends the important educational and cultural endeavors that Vermonters of Mohickan Mohegan ancestry have initiated and plan to develop in Vermont and requests that the Governor's Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs assist Vermonters of verifiable Mohickan Mohegan ancestry as set forth in Executive Order
No. 97-90, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Chief Golden Eagle (Ronald Roberts) of the Mohickan Mohegan Indian Nation of Vermont at Box 208 in Poultney, Vermont 04764.
Without question legislators passed the Joint Resolution, placing in jeopardy the historical integrity of the Mohican and Mohegan Nations, two Federally Recognized tribes, historically known in the region. The integrity and credibility of Indian people and the tribes impacted was also breached by the States malefeasence.
The resolution was rescinded, there is no such “tribe Mohickans” and this fact should have lain to rest any further attempts at legislating ANYTHING in regards to Native peoples after the truth came to light. Legislators failed in a major way.
How could they think there was a “tribe” called the Mohickans!?
This is the $64,000 question, based on Vermonts current day attempt at State Recognition. 2 groups claiming my ancestors, that I pointed out in the fabricated applications of these "tribes" "Elnu and Nulhegan", still has not been addressed, agian without question.
The State breached the trust of Native peoples far and wide by the Ron Roberts major debacle, and legislators failed Vermont citizens by placing them at risk for fraud by this huckster.
Legislators failed then to ask hard questions, taking verbatim Ron Roberts told them. Why? Because he “looked and dressed” like an Indian. Legislators also failed in their duty of due diligence of protecting the historical integrity of the Mohican and Mohegan Nations.
The debacle with Ron Roberts proves legislators and the Governor are not equipped to make such decisions.
Vermont failed in its first attempt by legitimizing a “fake tribe” in Vermont just a few years ago. History should not have been allowed to repeat this embarressment and blatant infringement on aborignal rights.
Abenaki Justice will prevail in the second attempt.
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