VERMONT SENATE ATTEMPTS TO SILENCE ABENAKI VOICES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  VERMONT SENATE ATTEMPTS TO SILENCE ABENAKI VOICES

February 2, 2011

On January 25, 2011, Sen. Vince Illuzzi invited elected leaders; Councilor Jacques Thériault Watso and Alain O'Bomsawin, representatives of the Abenaki people, and Richard Bernier, Denise Watso to testify before the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs regarding S.10 and S.11.  These bills would extend official state recognition to two applicant organizations who claim to be Abenaki, a position which is NOT supported by the evidence.

On January 31, 2011, the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs informed Mr. Bernier that it had rescinded its invitation - only Vermont residents would be allowed to provide "direct oral testimony."

This attempt to silence the Abenaki people is in direct opposition to Abenaki history and to our aboriginal rights.  Some of us have our primary residence in Vermont, and many others live in Quebec, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and elsewhere.  However, Vermont has been part of our homeland for thousands of years.  We will not abandon our nationhood - something much larger than one state - because legislators are scared to hear from the true indigenous people of the Champlain Valley, the Green Mountains, the Connecticut River and the shores of Lake Memphramagog.

What are they so afraid of?  Why must they attempt to silence our voices, and deny us our aboriginal, civil, and human rights?  Why can't they look us in the eyes and hear our voices as we speak in defense of the truth of Abenaki history and the need for justice and respect?  What are they so afraid of?