Abenaki Heritage Weekend kicks off at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Citizens of the New England Abenaki community gathered at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum this weekend to celebrate their heritage and history.
More than 300 people showed up to enjoy the festivities throughout the weekend.
Recently, Abenaki tribes in Vermont have been accused of being “pretendians” by tribes in Canada-- in other words, falsely laying claim to a culture.
Abenaki Chief Don Stevens says no matter the accusations Vermont tribes will continue to be who they are.
“For us, it’s about uplifting and educating. We are one of the original people that are here. And we’ve always been here, we always will be,” Stevens said.
Organizers hope through more education people can better understand what the Abenaki culture is all about.
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