Abenaki identity is founded upon a unique and special heritage, which itself is embodied in our language, our history, and our traditional knowledge.
The Nulhegan Cultural and Historic Preservation Department’s primary purpose is to ensure the protection, preservation, and promotion of traditional teachings, cultural awareness, and historical accuracy of the Abenaki people. The Department and Tribal Council work to address the cultural needs of the Abenaki people in the areas of, but not limited to:
Our Mission
The Nulhegan Cultural and Historic Preservation Department’s primary purpose is to ensure the protection, preservation and promotion of traditional teachings, cultural awareness, and historical accuracy of the Abenaki people. The Department and Tribal Council work to address the cultural needs of the Abenaki people in the areas of, but not limited to:
History – research, document, and present Abenaki history that depicts an accurate picture of the past and present.
Language – revitalize, sustain, and encourage the use of the Abenaki language by providing ongoing educational opportunities through classes and using new technology.
Outreach – provide accurate Abenaki history, from a combination of primary source material and knowledgeable Elders, through educational resource development to classrooms, schools, and other interested organizations.
The Goal of the Cultural and Historic Preservation Department is to revitalize, promote, sustain and document the culture, language, and history in a manner that honors the past generations, ensures a healthy and balanced tribal community, utilizes the advice and knowledge of the elders, and educates the general public in a manner that serves tribal interests.
We do this by:
- Assisting Tribal Leadership in treaty rights protection
- Documenting traditional and ancestral knowledge
- Integrating Abenaki lifeways within our Tribal community and infrastructure
- Protecting sites, landscapes, and associated knowledge
Who We Are
| Tribal Historian / Director | Brian Chenevert |
| Material Culture Advisor | Dan Shears |
| Tribal Genealogist | Emily Hackett-Fiske |
| Special Project Genealogist | Sherry Gould |
| Language Specialist / Instructor | Jesse Bruchac |
| Assistant to the Director | Nathan Chenevert |
The Department is directed by the Tribal Historian (Department Director) who shall advise the Chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, the Nulhegan Tribal Council, the Divisions, Departments, Programs, Agencies, Authorities, Enterprises and any other instrumentalities of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe; the federal, state and local governments, private organizations and individual members on matters pertaining to cultural and historic preservation to achieve its goals.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need to contact the Preservation Department please send us an email. Everyone in the department will receive the email, if you need someone specific to answer, please ask kindly for them in your message.