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Our band tries to stay active and keep our citizens involved. This is just an example of some of the things we do together - snowsnake games, basketmaking, regalia-making classes, drumming - check back occasionally to see what we've been doing!
A Little Bit of History...
A winter game played by the Abenaki was called the snow snake. Most
Abenaki snow snakes were hand carved pieces of wood, usually hickory
or ash, that were approximately 18-24 inches, although some Wabanaki
tribes made snow snakes that were up to 6-7 feet long. Among the
numerous shapes are two main varieties, the spoon mouth – Amkuôn
which is about 2 feet long and flat at top and bottom with one end
concave like the bowl of a spoon and the snake head – Skoks Mdeb
which is long slender and round with one end resembling a snakes head
and the other pointed. There is also the Skegaweis which is flat
underneath, round on top and about 2 feet in length and the
P’tgukwholok which is the largest of all and is from 5 to 7 feet long and
nearly round with both ends raised slightly and pointed.
Snow snakes ready for the game.
Listen to the introduction given by Crystal Xavier in Abenaki
On February 19, the our tribe held a non-traditional pack basket making class in Holland, Vermont at the Nulhegan Educational 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)
This was our best turnout yet! Good food, good fellowship, and a good time had by all.
Prior to the potluck, we had our Tribal Council elections. Please see our Government page for a list of our new Tribal Council. We are looking forward to the next three years under their leadership and guideance.
Chief Don Stevens Represents a New Era of Abenaki Leadership in Vermont - read about the latest happenings in Vermont and how our Chief has brought about change.
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Historical Information displayed on this website is supported by the US Congress and National Archives Project
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