Sag8mo Corner

May 3rd, 2006

Our Future

Kwai Kwai Nidobak (Hello Friends),

The Koasek Traditional Band would like to extend it’s thanks and gratitude to the many people who have made this day of recognition possible.

Kchi Oliwni (Great thanks) to Vt Gov. James Douglas for signing this bill today, the VT House with a very special thank you to Francis Brooks and committee along with the Senate for passing the bill and the late Sen. Jules Cann  who worked hard to introduce the bill that would become S.117.

We would also like to thank those who fought hard to get this bill passed and took the time to testify on behalf of the bill such as Jeff Benay, Fred Wiseman and Howard F. Knight, Jr.

At this time we would like to take a moment and remember those who are no longer with us physically and cannot be here to see this momentous event. Those such as Chief Walter Watso, Chief Homer St. Francis, Chief Joe Perro and Daryll Laraque who worked tirelessly on the front lines to put the Abenaki front and center. 

Today is not the end, but only the beginning of what is to come for the Abenaki Nation. This day has opened up a new world for Abenaki youth, a greater chance of a better education and economic development. But most of all it has instilled a sense of pride that yes, WE ARE ABENAKI, and that we do in fact exist and have been here in Ndakinna (Our Land) for over 8,000 years!

We must now take the torch that has been passed on to us and run with it. We must continue the fight. We must make sure that our children continue to be educated and take advantage of the opportunities given to them and go on to college. We must make sure that our children and their children learn their heritage and continue to pass on our distinct cultural being. We must make sure that our ancestors have a proper place to be laid to rest. We must make sure that we develop a proper economic development plan to benefit the next seven generations through environmentally friendly means.

But most importantly we must stand proud and remain ABENAKI!

Respectfully,

Chief Sachem Brian Chenevert

Koasek Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation

 

 

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