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!
Nulhegan Gathering
Held every August, this gathering is open to the public. Throughout the weekend there is singing, storytelling, drumming, and dancing along with other activities to be enjoyed by adults and children. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn how to pound ash and throw a tomahawk. You can watch a basketmaker or a flintmaker and ask questions. There are also Abenaki vendors so you can go shopping!
The snowsnakes are ready!
Snow Snake – Psôn Skoks
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.
The photo gallery shows pictures from several of our snowsnake games that have been held over the years. You will see the faces of many of our beloved tribal citizens who are with us now in memory.
Basket Making Classes
It was a success!
Basket making is a traditional art that many Abenaki families have been doing for generations. Selling baskets was a way of life for many and even today, our basket makers sell their beautiful baskets to supplement their incomes. Nulhegan has been blessed with many basket makers and they have been taking the time to teach their craft to others to ensure that this valuable art is passed down for the next seven generations.
Keep an eye on our events calendar so you won’t miss the next class we have!
Abenaki Heritage Weekend
Every year, in June, Nulhegan participates in the Abenaki Heritage Weekend that is held in Vergennes, Vermont. All four tribes in the Abenaki Alliance are involved in this event and people from all over Vermont attend, with even some coming from the other New England states and New York. We’ve had participants come from as far away as Montana!
Abenaki Nation Banner
Making Ribbon Skirts
We wear ribbon skirts for various reasons, including expressing cultural identity, celebrating resilience, and honoring our ancestors. We often wear them in ceremonies, powwows, or even as everyday wear, serving as a symbol of pride and strength.
We have had several ribbon skirt making classes and we will surely have more because these classes are so popular! Keep an eye on our events calendar so you won’t miss the next one.
Such a beautiful variety of styles and colors!
