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On February 19, the our tribe held a non-traditional pack basket making class in Holland, Vermont at the Nulhegan Education and Cultural Center. The goal of the class was to spark interest in our citizens with regard to our basketry heritage. The class was led by Tracie Jaquish Quirion, a basket maker having 13 years of experience, who was taught by both native and non-native basket makers and teachers.  

It was a day long class filled with energy and fellowship. The workshop began with a 15- minute Abenaki Language introduction and greeting song presented by Crystal Xavier, a Nulhegan citizen and Language Keeper.  

All attendees had the opportunity to go around and introduce themselves and where they lived in the Abenaki language. Everyone participated and they did great. We shared a family potluck and ate as such with Ali Lewis, our youngest attendee, serving up an ancestor plate first.  

Bill and Sherry Gould are planning a week-long traditional Abenaki basketmaking workshop that will include ash pounding for splints, tool-making, and basket making techniques. This is a perfect opportunity to do a deeper dive into our traditions and learn from some of our tribal master basket makers.  

Crystal has received the blessings of Jesse Bruchac to offer Abenaki language classes and will be making plans to launch those in the near future.  

Attendees were Ali Lewis, Christina Cotnoir, Rebecca Hardy, Deborah Olden, Laura Lapierre, Brian Lapierre, Abena Songbird, Linda Savoca, Crystal Xavier, and Dan Coutu. 

(Written by Crystal Xavier)