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state-recognized tribes win back fishing and hunting rights
Governor Scott signed H.716 on July 13, 2020 giving Vermont Abenaki free hunting and fishing rights.
Please note that the Act goes into effect January 1, 2021. It is important to read a copy of the Act. You must apply for a special license - just carrying your card is not sufficient. However, there is no cost for the special license. Since this is a new program, further instructions will be provided before the law takes affect on what and how the process will work. This law does not include all big game tags (like bow, turkey, muzzle loader, etc.) which still would have to be purchased as extra. It only comes with what is issued with the combination hunting and fishing license. We will work on these rights at a later date.
Abenaki win back free fishing and hunting rights
Here's an interesting article from The Other Paper
Statement by the Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO
VERMONT ABENAKI SOVEREIGNTY TAKES STEP FORWARD - TRIBES RECLAIM HUNTING & FISHING RIGHTS - H. 716 PASSES
Today H. 716 became law:
"(7) A certified citizen of a Native American Indian tribe that has been recognized by the State pursuant to 1 V.S.A. chapter 23 may receive a free permanent fishing license or, if the person qualifies for a hunting license, a free permanent combination hunting and fishing license upon submission of a current and valid tribal identification card."
Just a decade ago the Abenaki did not even have the respect of recognition from the State of Vermont. Today, four tribes are recognized (the Nulhegan, Missisquoi, Kaosek, and Elnu). And further, as of 2012, the Nulhegan have even established a collectively owned Tribal Forest in the Northeast Kingdom. And as of today, with the passage of H. 716, all four Tribes have reclaimed their traditional hunting and fishing rights.
These are HUGE achievements in a very short time. And while all the Chiefs and active Tribal Citizens deserve honor and respect for realizing these achievements, Nulhegan Chief Don Stevens certainly deserves much credit for seeing these major victories through.
The Vermont AFL-CIO is proud to stand by the Vermont Abenaki Tribes and to support them in their efforts to reclaim their sovereignty. We are further honored to work with them in the Green New Deal coalition along with Rights And Democracy. Together we are strong.
Solidarity,
David Van Deusen
President of the Vermont AFL-CIO
