The TRUTH about Frederick Matthew Wiseman PhD. - PART 2

March 10, 2000

Indian Times [Akwesasne Newspaper] Volume 18 #10, Page 04

NOTICE

The Akwesasne “Kahwatsire” Genealogy and Historical Society will be meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at Phil Tarbell’s place (The Lost Dauphin) Tekahshon’karo:rens, for 7:00 p.m.

Our guest speaker will be Frederick Matthew Wiseman from the Wabanakik Heritage Centre, Swanton, Vermont.

Mr. Wiseman will be speaking on the controversy of DNA genetic testing to prove Native Ancestry which is in legislature by the State of Vermont. Anyone interested in attending is most welcome.

May 25, 2000

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Page 05

Abenaki festival set for this weekend in Swanton

SWANTON – The Abenaki Cultural Heritage Festival will fill Swanton Village Park this weekend.

“We have dancers and drummers throughout both days,” said April [St. Francis] Rushlow, acting Abenaki chief.

There will be a fashion show. Frederick Matthew Wiseman will tell the history of the Abenaki culture.

Storyteller Joseph Bruchac III and the Wobanaki dancers will perform Saturday afternoon.

February 02, 2001

Akwesasne Indian Time Newspaper Vol. 19#4

Community Notice

Potluck Dinner & Speaker

Kahwa:tsire Genealogy and Historical Society invites the Community of Akwesasne to attend, a Potluck Dinner and hear a special guest at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2001 at the St. Regis Recreation Center, Kanatakon.

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Director of the Abenaki Museum and Cultural Center in Vermont, will be giving a lecture titled “The Great Peace of 1701”.

Next summer will be the 300^th Anniversary of the Treaty between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Great Council Fire and New France.

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman will explore the crucial role of the St. Lawrence Mohawks and their allies in getting this council and its treaty ratified. In the aftermath of the treaty, the Mohawks and their allies maintained constant contact and helped each other against the tide of European expansionism overwhelming their ancient lands.

Although many Abenakis as well as Mohawks have forgotten this ancient alliance, memories, somewhat clouded, still remain.

For example, the “Life Chiefs”, “long hairs” and “Seven Nations Chiefs” are political remnants of the ancient alliance now mostly buried beneath current Iroquois Confederacy loyalty.

Many wampum belts with their “fourteen fires (Great Council Fire) symbolism” such as the Wolf Belt at Akwesasne, the Kahnesetake belt, or the Fourteen Fires belt of the Passamaquoddies have been resurrected to serve more current political purposes than remembering the ancient universal peace and its symbols.

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, who has been a great advocate for this ancient alliance for many years, will discuss the past and current implications of this treaty.

He will also give the Akwesasne community some information on the plans being made in Montreal, Quebec, Canada for a celebration of this treaty and discuss how the community may become part of the celebration.

For more information or to confirm your attendance, please call Bernice Lazore at 575-2341, ext. 167 or Rosemary Bonaparte 575-2341 ext. 263.

If you bring a food dish to share it would be appreciated.

February 04, 2001

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Page 3D

Books – Green Mountain Bookshelf

By Sally Pollak – Free Press Staff Writer

Athenaeum honors one writer, one artist

“The Voice of the Dawn: An Autohistory of the Abenaki Nation”

(University of Press of New England, $45.00 hardcover; $19.95 paperback) by Frederick Matthew Wiseman is an account of Abenaki culture and history written by a member of the Abenaki Tribal Council.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, a scholar of the Mayan culture who has been a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, teaches at Johnson State College.

His book on the Abenaki nation is the first written by one of its own. Fred M. Wiseman is director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum and Cultural Center.

As he writes, his story “is a sash woven of many strands of language.”

These include family and tribal history, ideas that belong to the “remembered wisdom of the Abenaki community,” those that which “Mother the Earth has revealed to us …“

February 13, 2001

Abenaki Tribal Council Meeting

Present: Chief Homer Walter St. Francis Sr., Frederick M. Wiseman, Burton DeCarr, April (St. Francis) Rushlow, Harold “Charlie” St. Francis, Homer St. Francis Jr., and Harlan LaFrance

Guests: Roy Bergeron, Lawrence LaFrance, and Marjorie

The Council talked about Vermont State Recognition.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman spoke about the 300 year Anniversary of the Great Peace of Montreal.

39 Nations will be represented and the date of the event was August 04, 2001. Fred will keep the Council updated.

Tribal Council discussed selling the Berkshire property owned by Homer Walter St. Francis Sr., which is 8 acres. The Tribal Council implied that they could not afford to pay the taxes on this property. Homer St. Francis Jr. said he was willing to purchase the property. The Tribal Council will sell for $300.00 dollars, plus all the back taxes on said Berkshire, Vermont property.

 Chief Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. made a motion to sell, seconded by Harlan LaFrance, and all agreed.

April 05, 2001

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Ancient bones policy in committee’s hands: Opposing groups continue struggle toward compromise

SWANTON VILLAGE – Signs of give and take emerged during a Wednesday night brainstorming session between Abenaki citizens, Swanton and Highgate Town Officials, and Monument Road landowners.

About 70 people from all three parties gathered at the Swanton Village Municipal Complex, where they aired their grievances and formed a committee aimed at drafting a new policy regarding unmarked Native American graves throughout Vermont.

Described and “revolutionary” by Highgate Select Board Chairman Richard Noel, the session came on the heels of a recent policy draft from Greg Brown, Department of Housing and Community Affairs commissioner.

Greg Brown’s recommendations for identifying and responding to the unearthing of human remains are insufficient, because they place burdens on municipalities and property owners and do not address the issue statewide, those affected by the situation said.

The committee’s goal is to develop a different policy, one that is fair to landowners, municipalities and Native Americans, said Earl Fournier, Swanton Select Board Chairman.

Members of that committee are:

Monument Road landowners:

John Wilda, Alex Dubois, William Hulbert, Bernie LaRocque and Warren Fournier.

Abenaki representatives:

April St. Francis – Rushlow (Acting Abenaki Chief), Frederick Matthew Wiseman and Carol Delorme

April 23, 2001

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Pages 1A-4A

By Lisa Jones – Free Press Staff Writer

Chief’s daughter fights for the ‘old ones’ … Landowners, Abenaki see solutions to remains dispute

When April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow said that if one or two burials were found during excavation it might be reasonable to move them if all other options had been exhausted, “you could almost hear the tension go out of the room,” said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, an Abenaki resident of Swanton and a Johnson State College archaeologist.

May 20, 2001

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

“THE VOICE OF THE DAWN,”

7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, Vermont

A new history of the Abenaki nation, presented by Frederick Matthew Wiseman, director of Vermont’s Abenaki Tribal Museum and Culture Center in Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont. Fred M. Wiseman will also show a display of Abenaki artifacts. Free.

229-0774.

June 15, 2001

The Newport Daily Newspaper

Engagement Announced VENEZIA/WISEMAN

Dara Mae Venezia and Fred William Wiseman

Mike and Diane Venezia of Newport, Vermont, announce the engagement of their daughter Dara Mae Venezia of Derby, Vermont to Fred William Wiseman, also of Derby, son of Frederick Matthew Wiseman of Swanton, Vermont, and Diane (nee: Peel) of Newport, Vermont.

Dara Mae Venezia is a 1998 graduate of North Country Union High School, and a 2001 graduate of Vermont Technical College with an associate’s degree in Business Management. She is employed at the Newport Elementary School.

Fred William Wiseman is a 1998 graduate of Missisquoi Valley Union High School, and a 2001 graduate of Vermont Technical College with an associate’s degree in Computer Science. He is employed at Vermont Link.

A June 2002 wedding is planned.

July 07, 2001

Abenaki Chief Dies

“He had a vision for the Abenakis and never backed down, never compromised, never gave up,” said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, a Swanton Abenaki who directs the tribal museum in town, and chairs the humanities program at Johnson State College. “I think he’s been the central person within the last 20-25 years in the renaissance of the Abenaki.”

“People knew the Abenakis were here,” Fred Wiseman said, “He didn’t let people forget it.”

July 12, 2001

The County Courier Newspaper Pages 01-02

By Susan Trzepacz

Abenaki Chief Homer St. Francis Dies At 66

Although Fred Wiseman grew up in Swanton and was of Abenaki descent, Fred Wiseman himself had not been a part of the local Native American community.

After earning a doctorate in anthropology and living outside of Franklin County, Vermont for a number of years, Fred Wiseman returned to Swanton and became involved with the tribal council.

When Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. appointed him as tribal ambassador of cultural affairs, Fred Wiseman was uncertain as to just what was expected of him.

“I went into his office,” Fred Wiseman said, “and asked him what my charge was.”

He said there was no charge.

“You [Frederick Matthew Wiseman] just have to deal with historical and archaeological stuff,” Homer said, “Now you do it right or you’re out.”

Frederick Matthew Wiseman reflected, “I must have done it right because he never fired me.”

Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. became a little warmer toward Fred M. Wiseman over the years and entrusted him with greater responsibility.

Fred M. Wiseman believes that the change came about as the result of years of discussion about hunting and fishing.

“To Homer St. Francis, archaeologists were a dime a dozen,” he said, “but a good fisherman was something to be treasured.”

Frederick Matthew Wiseman described Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. as “the last in a long series of chiefs who have fought for the Abenaki homelands.”

January 03, 2002

The Akwesasne Indian Time Volume 20#1

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman put on a presentation about the Great Law of Peace in Kanatakon. He represented the Abenaki version of the Great Law of Peace and had Wampum Beads and other items as well as historical maps to back up his talk.

January 19, 2002

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Abenaki angry with Dean Stance: Gov.’s opposition to joint resolution doesn’t sit well

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman – a Swanton-based Abenaki expert – and Representative Fred Maslack (R-Poultney), who collected the House signatures with Representative Michael Obuchowski (D-Bellows Falls).

Fred M. Wiseman called the Vermont Governor’s allegations regarding land claims and casinos “lies and red herrings” that can be disproved by anyone with knowledge of Federal Indian law or the Abenaki.

They stressed that the Abenaki are not gunning to steal anybody’s land. “I want you to think about this,” Frederick M. Wiseman said, “If these same State of Vermont officials declared that our African-American, Latino, Jewish or gay/lesbian brothers and sisters were not who they said they were, Vermont would have a scandal so fast that it would make our heads spin,” Frederick Wiseman said. 

February 07, 2002

The Akwesasne Indian Time Newspaper Volume 20#5, Page 17

Community Notice Section

Akwesasne Kahwasi:re Genealogy Society Notice

The Akwesasne Kahwasi:re Genealogy Society is scheduling a monthly Meeting at the Kanatakon Recreation Hall on Monday, February 11, 2002, at 7:00 p.m.

Guest Speaker will be Dr. Fred Wiseman of the Abenaki Tribal Museum in Swanton, Vermont

Dr. Wiseman’s topic is “the Seven Nations: History and Repatriation.”

Everyone is welcome.

TALK TO BE DELIVERED BY FREDERICK WISEMAN

TITLE: The Seven Nations: History and Repatriation

Dr. Frederick Wiseman will be discussing his research on the Seven Nations of Canada, its ancient ceremonies and wampum records.

Using original and reconstituted artifacts.

Dr. Wiseman will discuss the ancient greetings, ceremonies and symbols, the ways that the Great Council at Kahnawake met and functioned, and the ways that business was enacted.

He will also discuss the ritual regalia and equipage used in the ceremonies.

After Dr. Wiseman’s talk, there will be time for questions and answers, including discussion of rebuilding the Seven Nations as the core of a modern association of First Nations on both sides of the Canadian/American border.

March 08, 2002

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Page 01-05

By Leon Thompson _ Messenger Staff Writer

Abenaki play the race card: Tribe, supporters turning up heat for federal petition

Abenaki expert Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, left, makes a point during a press conference in Swanton on Thursday.

With him are, left to right, Abenaki Chief April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow, Abenaki Repatriation Coordinator Donna (nee: Carvalho) 1m. Charlebois - 2m. Moody … and Donna’s husband John Scott Moody, ethno-historian.

Frederick M. Wiseman and others also blasted Governor Howard Dean and Attorney General William Griffin for causing “unfounded fears” across Vermont that the Abenaki will erect casinos and make land claims.

“The irony is that you don’t need to have federal or state recognition to make a land claim,” Frederick M. Wiseman noted.

March 08, 2002

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Pages 1B-3B

By Matt Sutkoski – Free Press Staff Writer

Abenaki renew call for recognition

Vermont’s Abenaki are seeking recognition from both the federal and state government. Recognition would open the doors for a variety of benefits, including scholarships to Vermont schools, health care programs and development programs, said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum and a member of the Tribal Council.

March 12, 2002

Joint Meeting of the Abenaki Tribal Council and A.S.H.A.I. Board of Directors

There was discussion about Vermont State Recognition from 4:15 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be scholars presenting to the Vermont Senators and Vermont Legislators about the Abenaki and the group’s existence in Vermont and the evidence they have.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman and April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow will meet with the Mohawks to discuss the Seven Nations and Alliances.

Boy Scout Update: April St. Francis received information from Judy (nee: Fortin) Dow about a book of Nation Do’s and Don’ts that the Boy Scouts must follow regarding Indians. Frederick M. Wiseman will bring them a copy, because he was trying to get them to do the ‘Indian Camps’. Judy (nee: Fortin) Dow wanted to stop them from doing such events, dressing up as ‘Indians’. 

March 26, 2002

Special Tribal Council Meeting of the St. Francis – Sokoki Group

Present: April St. Francis, Carol Delorme, Fred M. Wiseman, Harlan LaFrance, Homer St. Francis Jr., and Burton DeCarr

Absent: Harold St. Francis

Guests: Donna [Carvalho] Moody, John Scott Moody, and Jeffrey Sise

Frederick Matthew Wiseman made a motion to allow John Scott Moody to do research for the Abenaki Nation for Federal Recognition seconded by Burton DeCarr after some discussion, and all agreed.

May 22, 2002

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01- 05

By Messenger Staff

Abenaki Expand Museum to Put Focus on Struggle

SWANTON VILLAGE – As part of their ongoing mission to keep future generations turned into their culture, the Abenaki will unveil a 1,600 foot addition to their tribal museum here during a celebration Friday afternoon.

Special guests will join Abenaki Chief April Rushlow and Swanton officials for a 1:00 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the expanded museum – a renovated, historic bus terminal located on Grand Avenue.

“The museum’s new heritage wing is much more than a mere celebration of a long distant past,” said Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, of Swanton, Vermont, Museum Director. “Its historical truth that stands against those few, who because of selected ignorance and political insecurity, continue their attempt to undermine Abenaki cultural integrity.”

Many exhibits thematically focus on the relations between the Abenaki and their neighbors in the United States, Great Britain and New France. Also explored is the Vermont Eugenics Survey that targeted the Abenaki and other minority groups for extinction in the 1930’s, as well as the Abenaki renaissance of the late 20th century.

Other exhibits highlight the Abenakis burial ground crisis and their struggle to obtain State and Federal Recognition.

Among the historic artifacts housed in the addition are an Abenaki canoe, 19^th century pow-wow clothing and graphics.

Also featured are peace medals, a mid-19th century chief’s root club, a woman’s elder staff and a unique fragment of an early 20th century Niagara-style chief’s collar.

The Abenaki announced their intentions to enlarge the museum in the summer of 1999.

Work was made possible with the help of a $25,000.00 allotment from the Vermont Legislature and volunteer time from Johnson State College students, who helped refurbish the building and install exhibits.

Dignitaries expected to attend Friday are:

Senator Julius Cannes, R-Caledonia, who helped secure state funds

Ronald Kilburn of the Swanton Downtown Revitalization Task Force

Earl Fournier, of the Monument Road Working Committee

Barbara Murphy, Johnson State College President

October 31, 2002

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

“THE ABENAKI AND THE WINOOSKI”

Talk at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum, Champlain Mill, in Winooski, Vermont.

The talk will be given by Frederick Matthew Wiseman, professor of humanities at Johnson State College and director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum. 855-9477 or 985-2431.

January 14, 2003

Joint Meeting of the Abenaki Tribal Council and Abenaki Self- Helps Association, Inc.’d Board of Directors

Talked about Vermont Attorney General’s Report sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

Frederick Matthew Wiseman is going to go after the Attorney General’s paperwork with Academia and the AG, he complained, used his book “The Voice of the Dawn: An Autohistory of the Abenaki” published in January 01, 2001, was used out-of-context.

Used in this Report by William Sorrell and Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, is the Vermont Eugenics files on the St. Francis family. Dr. Gordon M. Day attacked April St. Francis in his report. Indian leadership? Tribal government? And the use of confidential Vermont Eugenics paperwork, against the Swanton-based “Abenaki” group. The Attorney General says there are NO Abenaki. No fishing guides, trapping, hunting.

April St. Francis – Merrill will contact lawyer about this, as it is against the law.

If the group had money, they would file a lawsuit against them (AG’s Office).

August 12, 2003

Joint Meeting of the Abenaki Tribal Council and Abenaki Self – Help Association, Inc.’d Board of Directors

Frederick M. Wiseman discussed emails that he had received and had been sent out to people, about him.

Donna Roberts Moody and John Scott Moody were attacking Fred Wiseman’s credibility. Fred had a meeting set up to review his book but it had been canceled because of these emails.

The problem remains that John and Donna Moody were continuing to put Fred’s work down and have been trying to get rid of him. Frederick Wiseman stated that he was ready to resign, if April St. Francis – Merrill kept Donna and John Moody as NAGPRA Repatriation representatives.

April St. Francis discussed the fact that Donna [nee: Carvalho] Charlebois – Moody called the Tribal Office in Swanton, Vermont, yelling and said that she was getting done, was upset with her husband John Scott Moody and that she was stressed out.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman made a motion to remove Donna and John Moody as NAGRPA Repatriation representatives, which was seconded by Carol Delorme and the Tribal Council took a vote and all were in favor.

A motion was typed, signed and dated, and sent to Donna and John Scott Moody. They were requested to return all records, artifacts, human remains, and contact data to April St. Francis – Merrill. 

August 27, 2003

The Seven Days Newspaper, Pages 22A, 24A,25A, 26A, 27A

[See September 03, 2003 Seven Days Newspaper Article by William H. Sorrell]

By Kevin Picard

Birth of a Nation: The latest skirmish in the battle for Abenaki tribal status?

Frederick Matthew Wiseman didn't have to. He never even knew he was Abenaki.

"As a child, I remember my grandmother talking about our relatives to the north as 'that tribe,'" Fred M. Wiseman recalls. "I don't think my dad ever knew. She never told anyone of our ancestry."

But when Frederick M. Wiseman's father died in 1985 and a number of his Abenaki relatives came to the funeral, Frederick M. Wiseman learned the truth about his background. "It was really weird because as a kid I was fascinated by Indians. I was in Boy Scouts and did Indian lore and eventually became an archeologist," he says. "It must have been somewhere in my genes trying to bubble out." Now a professor at Johnson State College, Frederick Matthew Wiseman teaches classes on Native American history and culture and has written a book on the Abenakis called Voice of the Dawn.

Sitting in the Victorian house Frederick M. Wiseman’s grandfather built in Swanton, Vermont, it's easy to see why some people might doubt his Indian roots. Like other Abenakis whose ancestors married Europeans, Frederick M. Wiseman bears little resemblance to the stereotypes of Indians that pervade popular culture. He has fair, thinning hair, blue eyes and light skin, and he is married to a Caucasian woman.

But Frederick M. Wiseman is a member of the Abenaki Tribal Council and one of its most vocal proponents of state and federal recognition. He says there are many reasons why Vermont should acknowledge the Abenaki Nation, and it's as simple as the Legislature adopting a non-binding resolution. "State recognition doesn't give us any land, any casinos, nothing," Frederick M. Wiseman points out. "What it does do is provide a springboard for grant-writing. And it gives the Abenakis the status of a minority. Without state or federal recognition, Indians are not a minority and don't fall under any civil rights laws."

Bill Griffin doesn't deny that the Vermont Eugenics Survey took place in Vermont. 

"From about 1800 to 1974 there were no anthropologists or researchers who identified an Abenaki tribe in Vermont,"

"The idea that this Vermont Eugenics Survey zeroed in on Abenaki Indians has no basis in the record."

September 10, 2003

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 2-3

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge 60th year

NATIONAL REFUGE SYSTEM CENTENIAL CELEBRATION

A WORLD APART

Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge raises profile in 60th year

The Abenaki

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, of Swanton, walked along the refuge riverbank as a child with Monkey Drew, an Abenaki Indian and “river rat” who told Fred Wiseman stories about outrunning federal authorities in his boat.

“The Abenaki always considered the refuge their fishing grounds, and the feds didn’t want them to fish there out of season,” says Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Abenaki historian. “They’ve had a continual desire to maintain sovereignty in that area.”

September 25, 2003

[Written in French by Christopher Alan Roy of the Abenaki Research Project]

Doc. #1.

Dear Odanak Band Councilors,

Here is the letter received last week from Mr. Frederick Wiseman.  As we already discussed, he didn't quite understand what I wrote to him. HE wants us to consider him as a "native", but as of today they never showed us any of his genealogy. Same goes for his colleagues whom we discussed the "Mississquois" and other groups that identify themselves as our relatives (or as related).

I would be happy to discuss this further on our next meeting on Monday.

Thank you from your Chief,

Odanak Chief Gilles O'Bomsawin

September 29, 2003

From: Gilles O’Bomsawin

To: Frederick Matthew Wiseman, PhD.

Dear Professeur Wiseman,

Please find attached resolutions of the Odanak Band Council. Please feel free to send any genealogical material you have gathered to the above address so that we might establish whether or not you have any connections to our Abenaki ancestors.

We remain

Yours truly,

Gilles O’Bomsawin, Chief

Odanak Band Council.

September 29, 2003

Resolution De Bande d'Odanak/ Odanak Band Resolution #Chronologique GOB-046003-04.

Dated September 29, 2003. Province de: Quebec.

Decide, par les presentes:

"While we recognize that the Band Councils of Odanak and Wolinak issued resolutions in 1976 and 1977 recognizing the St. Francis/ Sokoki Band of Abenakis as a group of Abenakis living in the United States, we also recognize that these resolutions were not based on any genealogical or historical evidence linking these "St. Francis/Sokoki" to our Abenaki and Sokoki ancestors.

We also recognize that the number of organizations claiming to being Abenaki in the United States and in Canada has increased greatly since that time, again without genealogical and historical evidence presented to this Council.

Therefore, we resolve that the Couseil de Band d'Odanak does not recognize at this time any organizations claiming to be Abenaki First Nations in the United States or Canada, with the exceptions of our brothers and sisters at Wolinak and Penobscot. We, of course, also recognize our fellow Wobanaki First Nation- the Passamaquoddy, Malecite and Mi'kmaq.

We further resolve that organizations claiming to be Abenaki and particularly their leadship, are invited to send their genealogical and historical documentation to the Conseil de Bande d'Odanak, so that we might review the information to assess whether or not there is any truth to their genealogical claims.

Let it be resolved, that Chief Gilles O'Bosawin sent letters to the Conseil de Bande di Wolinak, to the Penobscot nation and to the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-aki, encouraging them to pass similar resolutions."

Quorum (3) Chef Gilles O'Bomsawin; Clement Sadaques, Conseiller; Michel Hannis, Conseiller; Eddy O'Bomsawin, Conseiller; and Denis Gill, Conseiller.

October 06, 2003

Joint Meeting of the Abenaki Tribal Council & Abenaki Self – Help Association, Inc.’d Board of Directors

Chief April St. Francis Merrill showed the Tribal Council the letter that Odanak Chief Gilles O’Bomsawin had sent to the State of Vermont.

April St. Francis – Merrill said that she would call him the following day, to find out why he had sent this particular letter to the State of Vermont.

Judy (nee: Fortin) Dow (Coordinator) would like someone from Swanton, Vermont to attend the St. Michael’s College Conference.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman is going to a Museum meeting in Hartford.

November 06, 2003

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

“POWWOW POLITICS” discussion

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday

Johnson State College

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Abenaki, discusses the political situation in northern New England, highlighting how Native American Nations deal with institutionalized prejudice to protect its heritage.

635-1416.

January 30, 2004
Indian Country Today [online]
By Jim Adams
Campaign 2004: Vermont’s Dark Secret
MONTPELIER, Vt. – Howard Dean’s Vermont is hiding a nasty secret.
For more than 30 years, it was a stronghold of the now discredited Vermont Eugenics Survey Movement and State Institutions performed hundreds of sterilizations.
Abenaki Indian families say they were disproportionately targeted.
Official records show a cumulative total of 259 sterilizations under Vermont law from 1933 to 1968, when the eugenics statute was in effect. Some scholars believe the real total could be double that, since the records probably only cover sterilization operations in Vermont State Institutions.
They say that up to one-third of the victims might have been Abenaki, the indigenous people of northern Vermont and New Hampshire and adjacent areas of Quebec and Maine.
“Every family has stories of people who were sterilized,” said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, a professor at Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont, and a historian and advocate of the Abenaki people.
This program might be considered a historical curiosity, an artifact of an appallingly widespread movement of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Some 31 states adopted eugenics and sterilization statutes before the rise of Nazi ideology and the Jewish Holocaust made evident to even the meanest capacity their inherent evil.
But it re-emerged as a significant issue in Vermont because of the stubborn opposition of state officials, including Vermont Governor Howard Dean, to the Abenaki quest for federal recognition.
The St. Francis/Sokoki Band of the Abenaki Nation of Vermont filed Federal Recognition Petition No. 68 with the BIA in April of 1980. It is now close to the top of the list for “active consideration.”
As Vermont Governor, Howard Dean, now candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination, rejected appeals for Vermont to issue an official apology for the sterilizations, spurning the example of states like Virginia and North Carolina, which have not only apologized but offered compensation to the victims. According to Nancy Gallagher, the scholar who uncovered the history of the Vermont Eugenics Program, “Vermont Governor Howard Dean was caught in a power struggle with the Abenakis over recognition.” [Kevin Dann was the person who discovered the V.E.S. Records in mid-1986]
“He was against it,” Nancy Gallagher said. “He worked with the Vermont State Attorney General William Sorrell, who actively tried to repress the petition.”
Abenaki leaders, said Nancy Gallagher, cite the Eugenics Program within Vermont as a reason for gaps in tribal self-identification. “They had to hide their identity because of the fear of sterilization.”
Even worse, said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Attorney General Sorrell has “mined” the Vermont Eugenics Survey Records for evidence to use against the Abenakis’ recognition petition. In December 2002, Bill Sorrell and his Special Assistant Attorney General Eve Jacobs-Carnahan issued a 250-page response to the St. Francis/Sokoki Band Federal Recognition Petition. As part of their argument, they cited extensive entries from the Vermont Eugenics Survey, observing that “Not a single one identifies an Indian as an Abenaki.”
The Attorney General’s report has been dismissed with varying expressions of contempt by professional scholars and historians. “It’s not history,” said Nancy Gallagher. “It’s a legal brief. I don’t understand how lawyers think.”
But the most vehement criticisms center on what scholars consider “an extreme breach of ethics in handling the Eugenics Survey records.”
Eugenics record historians at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York State have adopted guidelines forbidding identification of individuals and even their locales in scholarly works.
Yet William Sorrell and Eva Jacobs-Carnahan include personal names and physical descriptions, such as the following quotation from the Survey: “[blank] Peter Phillips Sr. born ca. 1833 was part Indian, part French, and part Negro. On his death certificate in Peacham, Caledonia County, Vermont he is recorded as colored. He was very decidedly Negroid in appearance.”
Furthermore, the Attorney General’s office has made this report widely available. It went through a second printing in January 2003 and is now posted in its entirety on the Attorney General’s official Web site.
Chief Assistant Attorney General William Griffin, who supervised preparation of the report, defended the use of the names. “We did not release any identification’s that were not in the public record,” he told Indian Country Today. He also denied a connection between the Eugenics Survey and the recognition issue.
“It had nothing to do with Native Americans,” he said of the Vermont Eugenics Survey. “We went back and looked at it,” he said. “It seemed to be targeting French-Canadians, if any particular group.”
(Nancy Gallagher observed that very little research had been done about the fate of Indian peoples in the Eugenics Program within Vermont. She said, however, that a primary target seemed to be mixed-race families, including tri-racial populations of black, white and Indian descent.)
William Griffin also defended the content of the report. “What surprised me was the lack of a substantive response,” he said of its critics. “There is some sniping around the edges, like the question that is being raised today.”
Although William Sorrell is independently elected, he has long been a friend and political ally of Vermont Governor Howard Dean. (His mother, a Democratic Party activist, is often said to be the person who recruited Howard Dean to run for the Vermont State Legislature.) He figures prominently in a separate but possibly related, controversy, Howard Dean’s refusal to release official papers from his 10 years as governor. The Attorney General’s office vetted the Memorandum of Understanding that withholds Howard Dean’s papers from public view for ten years and is now defending the agreement in Vermont’s Washington County Superior Court against a lawsuit from the Washington, D.C. group Judicial Watch. Howard Dean’s discussions about sealing the 146 boxes and 450,000 pages of correspondence and official business, said Judicial Watch, focused on their impact on his presidential campaign.
Some of the more damaging material, to judge from letters which have already leaked and been turned against Howard Dean, very likely involves his decisions on Indian issues, including the call for an apology on the Eugenics Survey.
Howard Dean’s papers are now in the hands of the State Archivist, who is also in charge of the Eugenics Survey documents.
Some critics of the state’s use of the Vermont Eugenics papers also express concern that those documents are less accessible and in more disarray than they were 10 years ago.
“The file on sterilization has gone missing,” said Nancy Gallagher."

[IF it was a SURVEY, which the V.E.S. was, they weren’t doing the sterilizations! If the Vermont State Institutions were performing the hundreds of sterilizations, then those patient sterilization records were NEVER a part of the V.E.S. in the first place, contrary to the assertion by Vermonter’s who self-identify as “Abenakis” and their scholarly allies! Those sterilization records are protected and concealed by federal HIPPA laws.]

February 10, 2004

Joint Meeting of the Abenaki Tribal Council and A.S.H.A.I. Board of Directors

Present (for Tribal Council): Chief April St. Francis – Rushlow, Frederick M. Wiseman, Harlan LaFrance, Carol Delorme, Burton DeCarr, and Homer St. Francis Jr.

(Absent): Harold St. Francis

Present (for A.S.H.A.I.): Anna Louko, Marjorie Greenia, Lawrence LaFrance, Raymond “Jim” Young, Chief April Rushlow

(Absent): Rene St. Francis and Daniel Demar

Guests: Debra Bergeron (DOL Director), Francis King (Mohawk Nation), Charlotte King (Mohawk Nation) and Martin Lebarge (?) (Mohawk Nation)

Martin (Lebarge) and Francis King live at Ganienkeh, a Mohawk community located on about 600 acres (2.4 km2) near Altona, New York in the far northeast corner of Upper New York State.

Charlotte Francis is the daughter of Peter and Susan (nee: Arquette) Lazore of Akwesasne, lives in Akwesasne.

Francis King talked to the Tribal Council about Land Claims, Hunting and Fishing Rights, and Status.

They are willing to help support the Swanton-based “Abenakis” in their recognition efforts.

Charlotte (nee: Lazore) King talked about coming together as a Confederacy and join Confederations, to bring the Tribes together in peace, order and good government.

Protocol Fed Thomas Matus League of Indian Nations (LINNA) is a non-profit organization that represents all Nations of North America.

February 13, 2004

Indian County: Today Media Network.com

By Frederick Matthew Wiseman

Wiseman: Trickster politics, A Response to LaDonna Harris' letter

On Dec. 17, 2003 (Vol. 23 Iss. 27) Indian Country Today published a highly-partisan letter to deflect possible criticism of Howard Dean's record, including his dealings with Indians. In the letter, LaDonna Harris, chair of Dean's Native American Advisors Council, staked her reputation on the record of the former Vermont governor. Yet on Nov. 21, 2003, Harris, at her Americans for Indian Opportunity organization, received documentation from the Abenaki Tribal Museum concerning Dean's little known human rights record, so she is not ignorant of Native concerns. Thus far, the Abenaki Community has not received a response from Harris or the Dean Campaign. Discussion of Dean's record is not a "Republican ploy" as Harris asserts; it is suppressed history. As an ethno-historian, Abenaki official and Indian rights activist, I have witnessed firsthand the politics of ethnic destruction perpetrated by Dean and his allies.

Dean's "reaching out" to Vermont's indigenous community, as asserted on November 20, 2004 actually consisted of trickster politics: of empty words, photo-ops and betrayal. His early superficial support for Abenaki culture, such as attending a 1993 Powwow, and signing a pro-Abenaki proclamation (authored by the Governor's Commission on Native American Affairs), was quickly undermined by his acting to suppress their rights and identity. The campaign's "spin" was to have Dean take credit for the work of the politically independent Commission on Native American Affairs, comprised of Abenaki Nation leaders and governor's appointees. In my 12-year tenure on the Commission, Dean officially met with us only once, a short press conference announcing a Native American curriculum guide. His celebrated support for an Abenaki museum was to hand a hard-won legislative appropriation check from the Vermont Legislature to the museum.

Howard Dean's assertion that he created a class on Native Americans (? )

All he did was the press conference, mentioned above, announcing a Native American guide conceived by the Commission (which fought to obtain the funding), authored by Abenakis and teachers, and printed by the University of Vermont. Howard Dean's only independent pro-Indian initiative after 1995 was to attend the funeral of his nemesis, Abenaki Chief Homer Walter St. Francis Sr.

Since at least 1995, Howard Dean has revealed an abiding dread of Indian sovereignty, viewing our constitutional rights as economic and political threats to states rights. Although the nearest Indian reservations were two to five hours away from Vermont, he implausibly asserted to Congressman Istook in 1997, "Although Vermont does not have any Indian land; we lose tax revenues from sales made from Indian lands near our borders." One might have thought New Hampshire, without a sales tax and with a long border with Vermont, was a greater problem. In 1999, Dean's spokeswoman said: "The governor fears state recognition would help the Abenaki gain federal recognition, and then in turn push for a casino and a reservation of their own. If they got national recognition we'd have a host of other issues to deal with." Dean led Vermont's assault with anti-Abenaki oratory, culminating in his most passionate press conference on January 17, 2002. Contrary to existing federal statute, Howard Dean claimed "Not only would it (a pending state acknowledgement resolution) allow them to open gambling casinos without any input from the state, essentially, it would also paralyze anybody from getting a mortgage or selling their house for the foreseeable future."

Such inciting of prejudice against an ethnic group due to fear of the political and economic consequences of their gaining constitutional and human rights was an obvious prerequisite to human rights violation. Thus a fresh anti-Abenaki strategy was developed. Dean's fellow Democrat, close friend and confidant, Attorney General William Sorrell, was entrusted with crafting a final solution to the Abenaki problem. The Governor's Office outlined the scheme in 1995: "The position of the state is that in the late 1700s the Abenaki ceased functioning as a tribe, and although they have regrouped, it still doesn't meet the legal test." When the Governor's Commission learned of this anti-Abenaki campaign, it officially complained to Dean's Office, which reassured Chairman Benay that this "unethical activity would stop." Thus the Dean Administration had the power to stop this activity, but chose not to.

The next step was to disengage the State of Vermont from the Abenakis. As revealed by his Commissioner on Housing and Community Affairs to a combined Abenaki and Town committee in 2001, Howard Dean's administration prohibited use of the word "Abenaki" by state employees or in state documents, for fear that it may give credence to the Abenakis' long-standing petition for federal recognition.

Weeks before Dean left office, the state released its public assault against the Abenakis' very identity. A Web site, lengthy written report, and lobbying campaign with the Vermont legislature promoted the falsehood that the Abenaki community was a genetic, cultural and political fraud perpetrated to get "special" privileges not available to other Vermonters.

This ethnically-defamatory campaign misquoted current scholarship, published outright lies, used confidential eugenics medical records, and republished copyrighted material among many other unethical tactics. When a furious Governor's Commission was poised to publicly refute this propaganda, Dean's Office issued its only direct command to the Commission during Dean's long tenure - to terminate any such plans. But the scholarly community responded in 2003.

William Haviland, former Chair of Anthropology at the University of Vermont said of the propaganda campaign, "It's a real hatchet job." James Petersen, current UVM chair, was so furious he said, "I myself would be happy to face Sorrell and Jacobs-Carnahan (the researcher who wrote the original report and Web site) in a court of law some day." This politically-motivated rewriting of Native American ethnic identity must be exposed for what it is and its perpetrators identified.

Howard Dean's mentors are banking on ignorance and the supposed lack of compassion that the larger "Western" Indian political interests have for the more heavily colonized peoples of the Northeast. But no matter what his advisors allege, Howard Dean sees Indian sovereignty as a threat to states' rights, for his administration was willing to destroy Indian credibility to "protect" Vermont.

Abenakis had high hopes for Dean in the early 1990s, but were betrayed. Similarly, some national Indian leaders are hopeful now. Perhaps, as Indian County Today asserts, Dean can learn and grow, but our trickster has never apologized for his administration's betrayal of the Abenakis, even after his supposed "conversion" to support Native sovereignty. And Vermont's politically motivated campaign of ethnic nullification continues to this day. The history of Abenaki ethnocide must not be suppressed for political expediency, because Dean seems the least like President Bush. Other candidates have cleaner hands than our former Governor.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Ph.D., director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum and Cultural Center, was elected to the Abenaki Tribal Council and Governor's Commission on Native American Affairs by the Abenaki community. Wiseman teaches Native Studies at Johnson State College in Vermont. He is most well known as the author of many scholarly publications, including "The Voice of the Dawn, an auto history of the Abenaki Nation" as well as his ardent defense of Native sovereignty against attacks by the State of Vermont. He is currently writing a trilogy for University Press of New England called "The Wabanaki World."

February 16, 2005         

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Page 01-05

By Lee J. Kahrs – Messenger Staff Writer

Abenaki recognition inches closer: State Senate Panel takes testimony; feds review petition

The hearing, held by the Vermont Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs, was hastily called.

Long-time Vermont Senator Julius Canns, R- Caledonia, [elected in 1992], who wrote and sponsored the resolution.

A total of 19 Vermont Senators have co-sponsored the bi-partisan resolution, JRS 9, including Franklin County Democratic Vermont Senators Don Collins and Sara Kittell.

Vermont Senator Julius Canns, R-Caledonia, has sponsored similar Abenaki Recognition bills / resolutions in the past, only to have them stall in committee. Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean did not support the Abenaki cause for Vermont State Recognition.

The Vermont State Attorney General’s Office issued a statement [244 page report by William H. Sorrell, AG, and Eve Jacobs – Carnahan] in December 2002 as a party to the tribe’s federal recognition application.  The statement continually cited a “lack of documentary evidence” as a reason for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to deny the Abenaki petition for federal recognition.

Melody Lynn (nee: Walker) [She married to Walker Tenney Brook in October 18, 2009], age 22 years, of Highgate, Franklin County, Vermont, gave tearful testimony about her Abenaki lineage and the support she has received from the tribe.

“They have all been there for me,” she said. “I probably would not have been able to go to college.”

Melody Lynn Walker is a History Major at the University of Vermont. She said, as an honors student, she has received some federal loans and scholarship to pay for her education, but that the tribe has given her $7,500.00 dollars to supplement her tuition and buy books.

Many of the Abenaki who testified Tuesday can trace their lineage back to the Swanton/ Missisquoi area. Just as many said that they were discouraged as children from discussing their Native American heritage.

“My grandmother did not admit she was native until she was on her deathbed.”

Carol Jessie Irons, whose Abenaki grandfather was from the Swanton, Franklin Count, Vermont area, said many Abenaki anglicized their names “to hide in plain sight.”

She said they [Abenakis] did not indicate their race on any paperwork for fear of racist reprisals from whites. There was a long-standing fear among the Abenaki men during the early to mid-twentieth century that if they were discovered to be Indian, the U.S. Government would come in and sterilize them. [Eugenics Survey of Vermont]

Although the 2000 U.S. Federal Population Census indicates 1,700 self-identified Abenaki in Vermont, the tribe contends that number is more like 2,600.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, of Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont, is the Abenaki tribal historian. He is also on the Vermont Governor’s Committee on Native American Affairs and is a Professor of Humanities at Johnson State College.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, on Tuesday, presented for the first time, a trailer for a film “Against the Darkness” on the Abenaki that he financed and produced.

“The purpose of the film is to provide documentation of every generation to show continuity,” Frederick Matthew Wiseman said.

Thirteen year old Bonita Langle, of Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont, narrates the film.

“I must now be a modern warrior, carrying historical and genealogical data,” Bonita Langle said. “I must carry historical accounts that refute the State of Vermont’s Ethnic Cleansing of our history and our identity. We are not going anywhere.”

This last line was met by applause from the audience at the hearing.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman’s film “Against the Darkness” will be shown in its entirety on Thursday, February 17, 2005, at 4:00 p.m., in the Johnson State College library.

After the Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs hearing, the committee’s Chairman, Vincent Illuzzi said he expects the committee to approve the resolution by next week. It will then go to the floor of the Vermont Legislative Senate. Because it is a resolution and not a bill, Vincent Illuzzi said it does not require the Vermont Governor’s signature.

The Vermont Senator, Vincent Illuzzi, said that contrary to testimony he has heard in other Senate hearings, he was moved by what he heard from Abenaki Vermonters.

“This was from the heart,” Vincent Illuzzi said. “They were speaking about their families. They really are in a cultural depression.”

When asked what benefits the resolution would give the Abenaki, Vincent Illuzzi said State Recognition support should be underestimated.

Melody Lynn (nee: Walker) Brook is an educator, activist and artist.  She received her Master's Degree in History from the University of Vermont in May 2011.

Melody Lynn (nee: Walker) Brook is an Adjunct Professor at Johnson State College where she teaches "Native American Worldview and Spirituality"; “Native American History and Culture”; and “Abenakis and Their Neighbors". 

She gives lectures about Abenaki history, women’s’ issues and is authorized to present on the “Against the Darkness” System, created by Frederick Matthew Wiseman.

February 17, 2005

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

By Sam Hemingway

Julius Canns dying wish for Abenaki

If only Senator Julius Canns, R-Caledonia, could have been here to see it all.

“He would have loved this,” said Senator Vincent Illuzzi, R-Essex/Orleans, the committee chairman who had moved the hearing to Julius Canns’ home turf in St. Johnsbury, Vermont hoping he could be a part of the proceedings.

Vincent Illuzzi had the sad duty of announcing that Julius Canns’ fight with terminal cancer had taken a turn for the worse; he was back in the hospital with perhaps only days left to live. He is 81 years of age.

Since his arrival in Montpelier in 1993, Julius Canns has been the kind of senator everyone likes to be around – an unusual attribute for a politician. A self-made businessman with a ready smile, Julius Canns was a selectman and tax collector in St. Johnsbury before going to the Senate. He has not been a prodigious lawmaker but a passionate one.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Julius Canns persuaded his colleagues to start reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time in the chamber’s 215-year history.

After 13 years, Julius Canns finally got Vermont to join the other 49 states in passing a resolution condemning desecration of the flag.

Julius Canns, part Cherokee, has fought for Abenaki recognition with the same fervor.

Four times he’s introduced a resolution on behalf of the Abenaki, each time tweaking the wording to address contentions by the Attorney General’s Office that formal recognition of the Abenaki as an American Indian tribe would lead to land claims and casinos.

“It’s just a harmless resolution,” Julius Canns said of his efforts in 2002. “It would not mean formal recognition of the Abenaki by the state of Vermont.”

February 21, 2005

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

ABENAKI: The Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee will hold a hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on a resolution that would grant official state recognition to the Abenaki.

Committee Chairman Vincent Illuzzi, R-Essex/Orleans, said the committee will hear from the Attorney General’s Office, the chairman [Jeff Benay] of the Governor’s Commission on Native American Affairs and Johnson State College Professor Frederick Matthew Wiseman on the legal ramifications of state recognition of the Missisquoi Band of Abenaki.

February 22, 2005

The Boston Globe Newspaper

By Associated Press

Julius Canns, Vermont state senator, 82 Obituary

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. -- Senator Julius Daly Canns died Sunday at his St. Johnsbury, Vermont home at 1 Cherokee Drive. It was his 82d birthday.

Mr. Julius Daly Canns's colleagues and friends remembered the Republican from Caledonia County as a man of deep conviction, strong voice, and unbending resolve. They also recalled his sense of humor and the pleasure of conversations with him.

The Vermont State Senate will change now that Mr. Julius Daley Canns -- whose ancestors were white, black, and American Indian [Cherokee] and who was the chamber's only veteran of World War II -- is gone, said Phil Scott, Republican of Washington.

Among Mr. Julius Canns's passions was state recognition of the Abenaki people.

February 25, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Lee J. Kahrs – Messenger Staff Writer

Attorney General’s Office Rejects Abenaki Bid: State’s lawyer sees problems in status change

Bill Griffin based his testimony on a December 2002 statement [244 page report by William H. Sorrell, AG, and Eve Jacobs – Carnahan] issued by his office, which concluded that is not enough evidence to support the tribe’s federal BIA petition for recognition.

“We concluded that the petition was very badly flawed,” Bill Griffin said, “that they did not make their case, that there were mistakes.”

Bill Griffin argued that Vermont State Recognition would lead to federal recognition, as one of the federal guidelines is “relationships with State Governments based on identification of the group as Indian.”

“I respectfully disagree with the facts stated in the resolution,” Bill Griffin said. “I disagree that recognition would have no consequences.”

Bill Griffin said one consequence would be that federal laws would be “tribalized,” and the State of Vermont could not enforce laws regarding zoning, fishing, and game, gambling, and taxes because the tribe would become a quasi-sovereign nation.

“My advice to you, as your lawyer, is that this legislation would be used as evidence in a case that does not have merit,” Bill Griffin said.

Supporters of recognition charge the Vermont Attorney General’s Office with human rights violations over what they call a “smear campaign,” that perpetuates “revisionist history.”

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, of Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont, is the Abenaki tribal historian. He is also on the Governor’s Committee on Native American Affairs and is Chairman and Professor of Anthropology at Johnson State College.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman showed a film entitled Against the Darkness that he financed and produced in order to prove seven generations of evidence that the Abenaki exist.

“It’s obvious from Bill Griffin’s testimony that he considers the Abenaki to be cultural frauds,” Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman said.

February 27, 2005

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Pages 1A-8A

By Nancy Remsen – Free Press Staff Writer

Lawmakers reconsider Abenaki recognition

... despite the insistent efforts of the late Senator Julius Canns, R-Caledonia, whose own mixed-race background made him sympathetic to the Abenaki cause... 

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, an Abenaki, author, and professor at Johnson State College.

“If you are black, you can say you are black. If you are Indian, you have to prove it,” Fred M. Wiseman said. “As long as we aren’t recognized, we are nothing.”

The state also questions the Indian lineage of the families listed as belonging to the St. Francis/Sokoki band in northwestern Vermont.

“One of the most well-known claimants was Homer Walter St. Francis Sr.,” William Griffin said. The late Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. was April Merrill’s father. William Griffin argued that after consulting birth, military and other records, “We aren’t finding evidence of Abenaki heritage.”

William Griffin told lawmakers that he and his staff didn’t set out to discredit the group claiming to be Abenaki. The Attorney General’s Office investigated the case because the federal recognition would have such huge consequences, in establishing a sovereign nation within the state’s borders, he said. “We have an obligation and look at the law and ensure a right result.”

The Abenaki, in turn, accuse the Attorney General’s Office of biased research that overlooks evidence and fails to consider that many Indians hid their identities to protect themselves.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman in a paper entitled “Fahrenheit 1790: Erasing Ethnic History in the Green Mountain State,” writes, “From the final products of this ‘investigation,’ we deduce that the state’s strategy was to systematically discredit the Abenaki community’s culture, political leadership and structure, and its genetic uniqueness.”

March 16, 2005

Julius Canns: A true Vermonter, with a twist

He was a tireless supporter of the Abenaki Nation, an issue which rarely appears on the radar screen of our elected officials. (In perhaps the final irony of Julius Canns’ impressive career, the chief of the Abenakis [April A. (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow – Merrill] was invited by the Julius Canns’ family to speak at his funeral but was overlooked and never got the chance.)

March 24, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Lee J. Kahrs – Messenger Staff Writer

Attorney General Deletes ‘Abenaki’ from contract: Child services pact pushed into debate about tribe’s status

A Native American rights official says the Abenaki people have suffered yet another slight from the Vermont State Attorney General’s Office as part of a deliberate effort to derail the tribe’s bid for Vermont State Recognition.

In even stronger terms, Abenaki Tribal Historian, Frederick Matthew Wiseman said he is investigating whether the action taken by a lawyer for the State of Vermont [William “Bill” Griffin] constitutes a human rights violation.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, who is Abenaki and Chairman on the Johnson State College Humanities Department, said today that he was in the midst of researching the ramifications of Bill Griffin’s actions before a meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council later today.

“This is pretty amazing,” Fred M. Wiseman said. “I’m looking into this as a human rights violation.”

The Abenaki have claimed that the Eugenics Movement resulted in the State of Vermont plucking Abenaki children from their families and placing them in Boarding Schools and Orphanages.

Bill Griffin said his research refutes that claim, that according to the original UVM Eugenics documents, there is NO EVIDENCE that the Abenaki were targeted in the Eugenics Survey of Vermont Movement.

March 25, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Abenaki weighing in on Attorney General’s Actions

Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman, tribal historian, said Bill Griffin’s decision might be a form of “ethnic erasure” and a possible human rights violation.

Citing research he conducted, Fred M. Wiseman, described ethnic erasure as “a process by which constitute ethnic groups perceived by the State as a threat to the status-quo are systematically written out of the broader ‘homeland’ dominated by the political group doing the deletion.”

April 17, 2005

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Page 11C

By Frederick Matthew Wiseman – Swanton, Vermont

Abenaki deserve Vermont recognition

Inciting fear

The April 06, 2005 editorial, an argument against the Abenakis’ desire for state recognition, was compounded by lies and fear-mongering. The Abenakis are represented therein as a threat to the state’s “family friendly image.” Abenakis, if given the chance, will bring all kinds of woes to Vermont, from “low-end ages,” to “bitter land disputes,” and “neighbor-versus-neighbor” strife. The editorial maintained that recognition would not even be in the best interest of the Abenakis.

The editors ignored the entire purpose of the proposed recognition bill, which is to assist in economic development through support of Abenaki students and artisans, choosing instead to incite Vermonters’ fear, through unexamined reiterating of the Vermont Attorney General’s politically-motivated anti-Abenaki assertions.

The core of the editorial’s argument is that the “true” American Abenakis left for Canada many years ago, and Vermont should not bestow recognition on a people, who under this explicit logic, are genetic, cultural, and political frauds. How can ethnic frauds be “important friends and neighbors” to other Vermonters? Perhaps if Vermont can somehow destroy Abenaki ethnic credibility, it can protect itself from the “land-grubbing casino Indian,” the only pejorative ethnic stereotype permitted today.

Contrary to the editor’s assertions, the Vermont Abenakis never became extinct; archaeologists and ethno-historians have proved this. State recognition has never led to federal recognition. Casinos cannot be built without state legislative and statutory approval and oversight. Casinos cannot do any form of gaming prohibited by state law. Land claims lead to monetary settlements, not land taking. These truths are easily discovered by anyone with a rudimentary awareness of Vermont ethno-history and U.S. Indian law.

Vermont prides itself as being in the forefront of human rights. However, a state (and its media) that re-writes an ethnic minority out of its own history, in order to protect the socio-political status-quo, is decidedly behind-the-times. I hope that Vermonters will be enlightened enough to reject ethnic fear-mongering and support state recognition.

FREDERICK M. WISEMAN

Swanton, Vermont

April 18, 2005

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Pages 1B-3B

By Terri Hallenbeck – Free Press Staff Writer

Abenaki State Recognition bill on track in Senate:

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, chairman of the Humanities Department at Johnson State College and director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum, said he will make a pitch for the state recognition legislation before Judiciary. The bill [VT state recognition of the Abenakis] would go a long way to help Abenaki youths obtain college educations by making them eligible for scholarships, he said.

April 27, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Page 01

Abenaki meeting in Swanton set for Thursday

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs will hold a meeting Thursday to discuss growing concerns related to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and Vermont State Recognition of the group in Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont.

According to a Press Release issued on Tuesday, “The Commission will discuss form an educative and cultural perspective the assertions that the modern Vermont “Abenaki” community is not based on genealogical, cultural and political descendancy from the original 18th century native community of Mississquoi.”

Also to be discussed are concerns that the Vermont State Recognition necessarily leads to federal recognition, casinos and land claims. The gathering will begin with a screening of a new educational film [“Against the Darkness” presentation by Frederick Matthew Wiseman] discussing 19th and 20th century Abenaki survival.

The meeting will take place in the basement of the old Swanton Elementary School, on Church Street, in Swanton, Vermont, at 1:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Chief April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow – Merrill at 868-2559 or Frederick Matthew Wiseman at 868-3808.

April 28, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Lee J. Kahrs – Messenger Staff Writer

Judiciary Panel Hears From Abenaki Backers: Land-Claim, Casino Fears Dominate Committee Hearing

The Vermont State Attorney General’s Office through Chief Assistant Attorney General Bill Griffin, has strongly opposed Vermont State Recognition of the Abenaki, citing fear of land claims and casinos.

Bill Griffin has based his testimony against Bill S. 117 on a December 2002 statement [244 page report by William H. Sorrell, AG, and Eve Jacobs – Carnahan] issued by his office, which concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the St. Francis – Sokoki band’s federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Petition for Recognition.

Bill Griffin has cited a “lack of documentary evidence” that the Abenaki have existed in Vermont continuously since the 1700’s.

Several witnesses, including College Professors [James E. Petersen and Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman] and Archaeologists [James B. Petersen and David Skinas] have disputed the claim of the State’s Attorney General’s Office. 

Jim Peterson, Professor and Chairman of the University of Vermont Anthropology Department, testified on Wednesday and rejected Bill Griffin’s argument.

“There is copious evidence of native people from one end of the state to the other,” James B. Petersen told the committee.

The Professor, Jim Petersen, has used strong language in his criticism of Bill Griffin and the Attorney General’s Office, calling its stance “extremist.”

He gave his opinion of the December 2002 statement [244 page report by William H. Sorrell, AG, and Eve Jacobs – Carnahan] issued by the Attorney General’s Office against Abenaki recognition:

“When I saw the December 2002 [244 page report by William H. Sorrell, AG, and Eve Jacobs – Carnahan] document, I found it to be an amateurish piece of work,” Jim Petersen said, “I found it to be a misguided effort.” SEE BELOW *****

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Ph.D., of Swanton, Abenaki tribal historian and of Abenaki descent, is Chairman and Professor of Anthropology at Johnson State College (JSC).

Fred M. Wiseman has testified at previous hearings and did so again on Wednesday.

While Assistant Attorney General William “Bill” Griffin has cited land claims of the Penobscot tribe in the State of Maine as reason to deny recognition, Frederick M. Wiseman disputed that argument. Dr. Wiseman said that the State of Maine was a Trustee of Native lands and illegally transferred the titles of state lands held in trust, which gave the tribe legal justification for a land claim.

“Bill Griffin’s information is misrepresented for political purposes in order to instill fear in Vermont officials and voters,” Frederick Matthew Wiseman stated.

*****

March 08, 1995

The University of Maine at Farmington

Department of Social Sciences and Business

Anthropology, Archaeology, Business, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology

Archaeology Research Center, 17 Quebec Street, Farmington, Maine 04938-1507

By James B. Petersen, UMF Archaeology Research Center Director

To: John Scott Moody, RFD, in Sharon, Vermont 05065

Cc:  Michael Delaney and M. Heckenberger

Dear John:

I have been meaning to write to you for a while now, having gotten a copy of the Boucher site feature list from Michael Heckenberger around the beginning of the New Year. In that regard, this is an authoritative list within the limits of available information; in other words, while we may be able to clarify it more it [sic] in the future through puzzling over the available (but woefully complete) records, this list is about as accurate an inventory as we will ever have. Notably, you will see that a number of feature numbers have been dropped due to duplication numbers, a non-cultural (non-burial) origin, etc. As I told you on the phone when we spoke before Christmas, I will be happy to help you clarify any of this, or other Boucher site matters, if necessary.

Secondly, I have just written a letter to Chief Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. to inform him and other members of the Abenaki community about our tentative plans to conduct a UVM Department of Anthropology archaeology field school at the Winooski site this coming summer. I have copied you on this letter, along with various other people.

Finally, as I mentioned to you on the phone a few months ago [ca. January 1995], I am curious if you or anyone else can help me learn more about a long-standing (but unproven) “family story” that some of my French Canadian ancestors were part Native American in heritage. In particular, my paternal grandmother, Emma Mayhew (Maheu), was all French Canadian, although born in Vermont, and two or three of her grandparents may have been part Native American according to our very incomplete information, possibly even Abenaki given that they were all from southern Quebec.

Specifically, my grandmother’s maternal grandfather, Louis Ouimette (or Wimett as they later spelled it), was born about 1850-1852 in “Saint Mary,” Quebec, and he died about 1889 in Addison County, Vermont, from TB; I think Louis’ father was Moses Ouimette and possibly Louis was born in Saint Marie, Marieville, or something like that in Quebec.

Another of my grandmother’s ancestors, her paternal grandmother, Denise Marceille, was born in Quebec and is rumored to have been part Native American too, but we know less about her origin, birth date, etc. Finally, my grandmother’s paternal grandfather, Sifroi Maheu (later Mayhew in Vermont), was born ca. 1840-1845 in St. Simon, Quebec, in relatively close proximity to Odanak, but it is less clear about any Native ancestry among his relatives.

Anything you can tell me about the possible Abenaki (or other Native American) heritage of any of these people would be much appreciated. Like other Vermonters, my family has been long intrigued by these rumors, but has not really had a way to check them out.

Best wishes to you in your current endeavors!

Sincerely,

James B. Petersen, Director

UMF Archaeology Research Center

Enclosures

Cc: M. Delaney

      M. Heckenberger

Of course, the late James E. Petersen DID NOT mention that this genealogical connection of his to the Ouimette's tied to Frederick Matthew Wiseman's paternal Ouimette line, WAS PERHAPS the very cause of his (Petersen's) BIAS against the Dec. 2002 Report.

April 29, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Messenger Staff

Commission Unlikely to back Wiseman film

SWANTON VILLAGE – The Governor’s Commission on Native American Affairs will likely not take an official position on a film produced by a member of the commission and the Abenaki Tribal Council.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, of Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont, Abenaki tribal historian, screened his 36-minute film “Against the Darkness” for the Commission on Native American Affairs during a meeting in Swanton Village on Thursday.

The video traces Abenaki ancestry and descent through members of the tribe and scholarly points of view, but it is also laced with political overtones about the Abenaki community’s struggle to gain Vermont State and Federal Recognition under former Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s Administration.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman produced the video, which is still in its first stages of development. His wife [Anna Marie (nee: Roy) York - Wiseman, Aaron Todd York’s mother] directed the film. His step-son [Aaron Todd York] helped develop the project.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman owns the movie and hopes to turn it into a DVD that would become an educational tool, perhaps with a complementary CD-ROM. He is seeking funds to continue the project and help distribute it. He hopes to earn an audience with Vermont Public Television (VPT).

Frederick Matthew Wiseman said he could obtain grants more easily if a group such as the Governor’s Commission on Native American Affairs endorsed the film.

“You are the portal,” he said.

But some Commission on Native American Affairs members, though they admired the film, hinted it would be inappropriate to take any position on the film “Against the Darkness,” because it is “meant to be a persuasive piece,” as described by Steve Gold, commission member.

The commission, according to its charge outlined in an Executive Order by then-Vermont-Governor Madeleine May Kunin, cannot take a political stance on issues, according to Jeff Benay, Chairman of the said Commission on Native American Affairs. Some commission members suggested that Frederick Matthew Wiseman seek the stamp of approval he desires from the Abenaki Tribal Council.

“There are other portals out there,” Steve Gold told Frederick Matthew Wiseman.

The commission did not vote on the film, members said they admired the work put into it.

“It’s fantastic,” said Steven Bourgeois, commission member. “Anytime you can document history like that, you’re doing a service.”

May 06, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Lisa Rathke – Associated Press Writer

Senate Panel Continues Hearing on Abenaki Bill

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – A Senate committee tried Wednesday to carve out what affect Vermont State Recognition of the Abenaki Indians would mean for the tribe and for Vermont.

In a second day of testimony, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard from representatives of the Abenaki, scholars and state officials about a bill [S. 117] that would set up a process under which the Abenaki could be officially recognized by the State of Vermont.

“I don’t appreciate my ancestry being analyzed and dissected and told I’m not a Native American,” said Frederick Matthew Wiseman.

May 12, 2005

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Pages 1A-5A

Abenaki recognition gains support: Bill advances further than previous efforts

MONTPELIER – The bid for Abenaki recognition won support from a second legislative body Wednesday, as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-0 for the bill.

The full Senate is expected to vote on the bill Friday.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, tribal historian for the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenaki in Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont, hailed Wednesday’s vote as the furthest that Abenaki recognition legislation has ever gone.

“I’ve been working with Julius Canns on this for years and I’m very glad it’s come this far,” he said, referring to the late Senator Julius Canns, R-Caledonia, who repeatedly introduced Abenaki recognition resolutions.

May 14, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Lisa Rathke – Associated Press Writer

Vermont Senate Approves Abenaki Measure: Recognition Wins Preliminary OK

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, who has presented evidence to lawmakers about the existence of the Abenaki, praised the committees for independently reviewing the issues.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman said the late Vermont Senator Julius Canns, R-Caledonia, first talked to him about Vermont State Recognition in 1996 or 1997.

Vermont Senator Julius Canns died in February [2005].

“It’s a shame that Julius Canns had to pass before this had to happen, Fred M. Wiseman said.

June 01, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Page 04

By Richard Cowperthwait

Has their time come?

With a Native American presence in the region for some 10,000 years, it most certainly is an area rich in history. And the last three decades have been a particularly noteworthy time for the Abenaki. The first two chapters in “The Vermont Encyclopedia” are on the Abenaki and Abenaki Heritage Days both written by Frederick Matthew Wiseman. He is tribal historian for the St. Francis/ Sokoki Band of Abenaki and a Johnson State College professor who was elated by the recent Vermont Senate passage of the Abenaki recognition bill.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, who also has been a driving force behind the Abenaki Tribal Museum in Swanton, referred in the Abenaki chapter to this “period of Native American ethnic renewal in the 1970’s …

June 11-12, 2005

The Le DeVoir Lebre de Penser Newspaper, Page 13

By Denis Lord of the Le DeVoir Lebre de Penser Newspaper

Abenaki - A nation across borders

The Abenaki Museum is the oldest museum institution in Quebec, Canada. Their Native ancestral territory is now divided by the border; the Abenaki of Canada and those of the United States have relatively weak ties, and at best those ties are informal politically-speaking.

A troubling past at Swanton, Vermont 15 minutes from the Quebec border, the Abenaki Tribal Museum is the only museum devoted to American Abenaki. "This is not a professional or sophisticated museum,” said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, its curator and Creator. This is a museum for the community, which works with many volunteers. This museum is composed of the private collection of the native doctor Fred Wiseman PhD in Archaeology. After teaching at MIT in Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Wiseman, who now teaches at Johnson State College, moved to Vermont, where the Swanton-based Abenaki community had expressed its desire to have a “museum”. "I invested all the money I earned doing consultations and conferences to acquire artifacts from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and southern Quebec. I was also donated,” said Fred M. Wiseman. While in most of the “museum’s rooms, contents such an owl feather fan, or ceremony caps, and masks – are genuine; some of them, such as clothing, are replicas, the originals have been entrusted to the Museum of Civilization and the McCord Museum in Montreal, for reasons of safety and conservation. A portion of the artifacts on display at the Abenaki Tribal Museum are rather unusual in such a place. 

Based on the “theme of fire” … in addition to working with Canadian and Vermont museums mentioned above, Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman during this summer is the guest curator of the Abenaki Museum at Odanak on the shores of the Saint-François River. Mr. Frederick Mathew Wiseman has loaned the museum several pieces from his collection, tomahawks, traditional clothing and wampum - set pieces with beads that were used to sign treaties and trade. All will be explained in the framework of the "theme of fire", adopted for the 2005 summer season by all museum institutions (museums, interpretation centers, galleries, etc.) Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec.

"We are talking,” says Nicole Obomsawin, Director of the Abenaki Museum, not so much the historic fire, traditions and symbolism associated with it, but the fire, as a gathering place. In Odanak the Great Fire revives the alliance between the Nations of the St. Lawrence, the Great Lakes and the Maritimes. We can admire chief medals, ornaments and weapons not only from the Abenaki but the Mohawk, Mic-Macs, etc." 

June 24, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Native panelist resigns in protest: Frederick Matthew Wiseman claims Vermont Governor Jim Douglas giving cold shoulder to talks, Abenaki future

Jeff Benay reluctantly accepted Frederick Matthew Wiseman‘s resignation on one condition: That Frederick Matthew Wiseman converse with Abenaki Chief April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow - Merrill and reconsider before he officially steps aside. Frederick Matthew Wiseman agreed to that stipulation.

Speaking with the St. Albans Messenger Newspaper yesterday, however, April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow - Merrill said, “I don’t blame Fred. I understand where he’s coming from. The Abenaki feel the same way he does. Why do we even have a commission, if the state says we don’t exist?”

In his two-page letter dated June 23, 2005, Frederick Matthew Wiseman – an Abenaki tribal historian and Johnson State College professor – said he and other scholars agreed they should meet with Vermont Governor Jim Douglas after the governor said in a radio interview earlier this year that he wanted to learn more about the nature and efforts of state recognition.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman said he and other professors have made at least three attempts to meet with the Vermont governor but received lukewarm or, at times, no response.

“Howard Dean and Assistant Attorney General William Griffin, the architects of Vermont’s official anti-Abenaki position would, for their own purposes, keep open lines of communication with Vermont’s scholars such as myself,” Fred M. Wiseman wrote. “Apparently Vermont Governor Jim Douglas will not.”

Neal Lunderville, a spokesman for Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, said yesterday that the governor wants to work on issues important to all Native Americans.

“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Wiseman has decided to leave the commission,” Neal Lunderville said. “The governor takes the commission very seriously. This office is in regular communication with the commission and Chairman Jeff Benay.”

Fred M. Wiseman told commissioners his resignation is about the academic community’s struggle to earn an audience with Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, not the Abenakis’ ongoing struggle to obtain Vermont State Recognition.

“I’ve never been on an Advisory Commission where the governor wouldn’t listen to me as a scholar,” Fred M. Wiseman said. “These are not trivial voices who’ve tried to set the record straight.”

In his letter of resignation, Frederick M. Wiseman charged Vermont Governor Jim Douglas with abandoning the neutrality toward State Recognition that he showed when he met with the commission at his Montpelier, Vermont office in April 2004. At that time – the first time a sitting governor met with the commission – Governor Jim Douglas said he would not side with the Abenaki nor with the Attorney General’s Office until the Federal Recognition process ended.

April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow – Merrill said the Abenaki Petition for Federal Recognition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs was to take a year from the time it was activated in February 2005.

April Merrill, Frederick M. Wiseman and other Abenaki leaders are worried some of Vermont Governor Jim Douglas’ comments in recent interviews show he has leaned toward the mindset of Assistant Attorney General William Griffin, who opposes Vermont State Recognition out of fears it could lead to Federal Recognition and, subsequently, land claims and casinos.

Vermont Governor Jim Douglas and his legal counsel also asked Vermont State Senators to set aside the bill [S. 117] as they heard testimony on it this past Legislative session. The legislation awaits House action, amidst strong rumors of a veto from Vermont Governor Jim Douglas.

The Vermont Governor’s staff and members of his Administration have insisted he is still neutral on the matter, but April Merrill isn’t so confident. She said her relationship with Jim Douglas and his Administration has soured since she shook hands with him in Montpelier, Vermont not more than a year ago.

The land claims and casinos fears are bogus, she explained, because existing federal laws prevent both form happening in Vermont.

“How many times do we have to explain that so people understand? April Merrill asked. “Let’s get to more important issues. I have human bones (burial ground in Alburg, Vermont) that have been unearthed for nearly five years, and some of our kids can’t go to college because they can’t obtain Native American scholarships. But all I hear about are land claims and casinos.”

Frederick M. Wiseman was one of three commissioners who were appointed by the Abenaki Tribal Council, which means that group is responsible for filling his vacancy, according to commission chairman Jeff Benay.
“We felt your contribution was above and beyond,” Jeff Benay told Fred M. Wiseman. “This is difficult. This is difficult for me and the commission.”

“I’m not going away,” Wiseman said. “I’m just working in other capacities.”

August 15, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Lee J. Kahrs – Messenger Staff Writer – with AP reports

Professor slain; Abenaki lose friend, advocate: Peterson among those working to secure state tribal recognition

Fred M. Wiseman, of Swanton, is the Abenaki tribal historian. He is chair and professor of Anthropology at Johnson State College. He has known the late James Peterson for about 15 years, personally and professionally.

“Jim was a great scholar, very meticulous, a brilliant mind, and a good friend,” Frederick M. Wiseman said in a telephone interview this morning.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman said James Peterson was responsible for assembling a panel of fellow archaeologists interested in Abenaki history at the Vermont Statehouse in 2002. That meeting supported the most recent bid for recognition with the help of organized, scholarly research.

“He got us talking to each other for the first time,” Fred M. Wiseman said. “It was very important, a kind of catalyst.”

The state Attorney General’s Office has been strongly opposed to recognition of the Abenaki, citing fear of land claims and casinos, a view shared by Vermont Governor Jim Douglas.

James Peterson strongly disagreed with Chief Assistant Attorney General William “Bill” Griffin’s assertion that there was a lack of evidence that the Abenaki have existed in Vermont continuously since the 1700’s.

“There is copious evidence of native people from one end of the state of Vermont to the other,” Jim Peterson testified at a March 16, 2005 Senate Committee Hearing. “I have been driven to testify again after hearing the inaccurate and misleading testimony offered by Bill Griffin.”

William “Bill” Griffin based his testimony on a 2002 statement issued by his office, which concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the tribe’s federal petition for federal recognition.

Jim Peterson vehemently disagreed in his testimony, calling Bill Griffin’s position extremist.

“Virtually no one in the academic community supports the extremism of the Assistant Attorney General’s position against the Abenaki,” Jim Peterson said. “I offer my strong support of the legislative action proposed in recognizing the Vermont Abenaki based on my professional background.”

SEE Petersen, James B., and Joshua R. Toney ~ 2000 Three Native American Ceramic Vessels from Western Vermont: The Colchester and Bolton Jars Revisited. Journal of Vermont Archaeology 3:1–16 regarding Frederick Matthew Wiseman

ALSO SEE and REVIEW:

March 08, 1995 Letter-of-Inquiry by James B. Petersen, UMF Archaeology Research Center Director

To: John Scott Moody, RFD, in Sharon, Vermont 05065

Cc:  Michael Delaney and M. Heckenberger

In his Senate testimony last spring, Jim Peterson said his doctorate in anthropology “was awarded more than 20 years ago on the basis of an archaeological study of prehistoric Native people in Vermont.”

Frederick M. Wiseman said James Peterson was completely committed to the quest for Abenaki recognition.

“Through our attempts at recognition, he’s been right there with us,” Wiseman said. “He was very interested in getting the word out about Abenaki history.”

August 17, 2005

The Chicago Tribune (IL) Newspaper

James Petersen: Archeologist dies in robbery after years of risky work

He also pushed for state recognition of the Abenaki tribe in Vermont, arguing that artifacts proved the Abenakis' constant presence in the region. The state is in a continuing dispute with the Abenaki over formal recognition.

 August 22, 2005

The (Maine) Lewiston Sun Journal, Pages B1-B3

Hundreds mourn former UMF anthropologist: Family, friends say slain professor led by example

Mourners praised Jim Petersen for his anthropological contributions:

Acting as a champion of Vermont’s Abenaki tribe

Fred Wiseman, Chairman of Humanities at Johnson State College, praised Jim Petersen for his work to help the Abenaki tribe gain official State Recognition. James Petersen, Wiseman said, moved beyond intellectual impartiality and learned that history has sides, a discovery that allowed him to move from working on American Indians to working with them and finally for them.

“This work will endure,” said Frederick Matthew Wiseman, who also is a tribal historian for the St. Francis/Sokoki band of Abenaki in Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont.

August 23, 2005

Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Pages 1A-11A

By Adam Silverman – Free Press Staff Writer

‘Here, in us, to stay’ … Hundreds pay tribute to slain UVM professor

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, chairman of Humanities at Johnson State College, praised James Petersen for his work to help the Abenaki tribe gain official state recognition. Petersen, Fred M. Wiseman said, moved beyond intellectual impartiality and learned that “history has sides,” a discovery that allowed him to move from working “on” American Indians to working with them and finally for them.

“This work will endure,” said Frederick M. Wiseman, who also is a tribal historian for the St. Francis/ Sokoki band of Abenaki in Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont.

September 23, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Contact with Governor James Douglas gives Abenaki new hope: Wiseman remains on commission

SWANTON VILLAGE – A meeting between Native American Affairs Commission Chairman Jeff Benay and Vermont Governor James Douglas has prevented a longtime panel member from jumping ship.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, who announced his resignation from the Native American Commission on Native American Affairs in June of this year, told commission members and Abenaki Chief April St. Francis – Merrill on Thursday that the one hour session between Jeff Benay and Governor Jim Douglas influenced his decision and gave him hope for future progress.

“That meeting had a lot to do with it,” Frederick M. Wiseman said.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, a Johnson State College professor and Abenaki tribal historian, originally intended to resign because of the Academic Community’s struggle to earn an audience with Vermont Governor James Douglas, NOT the Abenakis’ ongoing struggle to obtain Vermont State Recognition.

In recent months, Frederick Matthew Wiseman, April St. Francis – Merrill and other Abenaki representatives have charged the Vermont Governor Jim Douglas with abandoning the neutrality he showed toward Vermont State Recognition when he met with the commission at his Montpelier office in April 2004.

At that time – the first time a sitting Vermont governor met the commission – Vermont Governor Jim Douglas said he would not side with the Abenaki or the Attorney General’s Office until the Federal Recognition process ends, which may not be until next year.

On Wednesday, the Vermont Governor James Douglas, a Republican, emphasized to Jeff Benay, that he and his Administration work exclusively through the Attorney General’s Office, led by Democrat William “Bill” Sorrell.

Assistant Attorney General William “Bill” Griffin has said publicly that the Missisquoi Band of Abenaki does not exist. He fears Vermont State Recognition would lead to Federal Recognition and, subsequently, to land claims and casinos.

April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow – Merrill, Frederick Matthew Wiseman, and other Abenaki leaders have worried that some of Vermont Governor James Douglas’ comments in recent interviews show he leaned toward Assistant Attorney General Bill Griffin’s mindset.

According to Jeff Benay’s account of his sit-down with Governor Jim Douglas – which the Governor’s Legal Counsel, Suzanne Young, also attended – the Vermont Governor acknowledged that members of the commission and Abenaki Tribal Council are of Abenaki ancestry.

Jim Douglas also made Suzanne Young Jeff Benay’s contact in his Administration and said the State of Vermont would assist and support the Abenaki Self – Help Association, Inc.’d, because the Abenaki are one of the poorest populations in the state.

Tight and slashed budgets have hurt the Abenaki Self – Help Association (ASHAI), which has gone from nearly 15 employees to just a handful of employees, Jeff Benay said.

He was “pleasantly surprised” after he left the Vermont Governor’s Office.

“Honestly, there was a sense that there was much to learn,” Jeff Benay said. “I think we’ve got somebody who really wants to learn. I looked into Vermont Governor Douglas’ eyes and saw someone who was genuinely interested in what we need to do.”

Attempts to reach Jason Gibbs, the Governor’s Press Secretary, were unsuccessful as of press time today.

Jeff Benay said the Commission on Native American Affairs would “take a step backwards” by losing Frederick Matthew Wiseman.

“The loss of Fred on this commission would be very difficult for us to deal with,” Jeff Benay said. “There is still work to be done, and Fred is a large part of it.”

Jeff Benay also thanked April St. Francis – Rushlow – Merrill yesterday for staying on the commission, even though she, too, seriously considered walking away from the commission. Her position was that if the State of Vermont doesn’t feel the Abenaki exist, a commission is unnecessary.

“I respect the fact that you stuck it out as long as you have,” said Jeff Benay.

September 23, 2005

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Leon Thompson – Messenger Staff Writer

Commission OK’s film “Against the Darkness” created by Frederick Matthew Wiseman, after ‘politics’ are removed

SWANTON VILLAGE – The Governor’s Commission on Native American Affairs has changed its stance on an educational film about the tribe produced by Frederick Matthew Wiseman, tribal historian.

The commission got a second, revised look at Frederick M. Wiseman’s movie, “Against the Darkness,” during a meeting Thursday in Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont.

At a previous session, the commission told Fred M. Wiseman it could not endorse his film, because it was too political. The executive order that formed the commission prohibits it from engaging in explicitly political activity.

“Against the Darkness” originally contained critical [negative] references to the Howard Dean Governor’s Administration’s stance on the Abenaki. During a revision, however, Frederick Matthew Wiseman removed the overtly political material from his film.

“Everything we do has a political overtone, but that was very political,” Jeff Benay, commission chairman, said of Fred M. Wiseman’s original film. Yesterday, however, Jeff Benay and other commission members said they could back the toned-down version.

“This is really very different than what we saw before,” Jeff Benay said.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, potentially with the commission’s help, hopes to distribute “Against the Darkness” to schools, libraries, colleges and museums throughout the State of Vermont, both in VHS and DVD format.

February 05, 2006 [See December 01, 2005]

702 Gilead Brook Road in Randolph, Vermont at 1:00 PM

The first Abenaki Unity Meeting since 1995 is held it Randolph, VT.

Those in attendance were:

Charles Delaney - Mazipskwik band

Peter Newell - NH Intertribal Native American Council

Howard F. Knight, Jr. - Cowasuck Traditional Council of the Abenaki

Kimberly Merriam - Secretary of Cowasuck Traditional Council

Roger Longtoe Sheehan - El Nu Abenaki Tribe

Nancy Cote & Dawn Macie - Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki

Yannick Mercier - Mena'sen Band Cowasuck Abenaki of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

(He was absent due to car problems on the way)

Melody Walker - Seven Fires Leader

Fred Wiseman - Historian of the St. Francis-Sokoki band

Jeff Benay - Chairman of VT Governors Commission of Native American Affairs

Burton Decar - Spiritual Leader - St. Francis/Sokoki band

Brian Chenevert - Cowasuck Traditional Council - Record Keeper

Nancy Lyons - Cowasuck Traditional Council - Meeting Organizer

February 24, 2006

The Times Argus Newspaper (Rutland)

By Anne Galloway Times Argus Staff

First Nation art from a Native American point of view

None of the stereotypes hold in the Helen Day Art Center's exhibition of Native American art from the First Nation peoples of the Northeast. And that's because our pop culture understanding of the native arts is based on a pan-Indian lineup of totem poles, patterned rugs, eagle-feather headdresses, buffalo skin loin cloths and fringed pants, and heavily beaded clothing from tribes that lived throughout North America.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, a professor at Johnson State College, worked with students to fashion two traditional headdresses, one composed of a deer pelt, the other of eagle down, both with beaded velvet headbands.

March 24^, 2006

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

7:00 p.m.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, PhD. has a screening of his “Against the Darkness: Abenaki Material Culture, Forensics and Sovereignty” at the Helen Day Art Center on School Street in Stowe, Vermont

$5.00

April 04, 2006

Abenaki Unity Meeting

(Left to right) David Stewart Smith (Pennacook); Frederick Matthew Wiseman (Missisquoi Nation); Debbie Bezio (Clan of the Hawk Band), Howard Franklin Knight Jr. (Cowascuk); Dawn Macie (Nulhegan Band); Helen Sawyer, Jackie Martin (Yvon Mercier's wife-to-be); Nancy Cote ( Nulhegan Band); Yvon Mercier (Sherbrook Band); Nettie Demar, Nancy Lyons (Cowasuck Band), Jim Sawyer; Mabel Victoria Billie (nee: Burton) Largy ( Nulhegan Band); Peter Newell (NH Intertribal); Roger Longtoe Sheehan (El Nu Tribe); Mike Plant (El-Nu Tribe). 

April 06, 2006

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

By Terri Hallenbeck – Free Press Staff Writer

Abenaki Recognition to be Official Today

“I’m ecstatic,” Frederick Matthew Wiseman, tribal historian for the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenaki in Swanton, said after the vote. 

Frederick Matthew Wiseman set up a video camera on the Legislative House floor Wednesday to capture the historic moment, just as he did last year in the Legislative Senate. This time he came with a tripod, a longer boom microphone and a second camera. His wife, Anna Roy, was in the balcony taping from that vantage point.

Fred M. Wiseman was watching closely to see what Janet Ancel would do. He remembered vividly her statement in 1995: “The position of the state is that in the late 1700’s the Abenaki ceased functioning as a tribe and although they have regrouped, it still doesn’t meet the legal test.”

The statement, proving the state’s intention to fight the Abenaki, was a low point, Fred M. Wiseman said. That made her remarks Wednesday in favor of recognition especially important, he said.

April 06, 2006

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Pages 01-05

By Ross Sneyd – Associated Press – with Messenger reports

House Vote Puts Abenaki a Step Closer

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) – Descendants of some of Vermont’s original settlers moved closer Wednesday to winning official Vermont State Recognition from Vermont State Government.

The House Legislature voted to extend formal recognition on the various Abenaki Indian tribes that exist in Vermont, a status that members of the Abenaki have sought for many years.

A final vote on the bill S.117 is scheduled for Thursday in the Legislative House and differences in its bill would have to be reconciled with a bill that passed in the Legislative Senate.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, Abenaki tribal historian, was in Montpelier, Vermont yesterday and planned to be there for the bill S.117’s final passage today. Fred M. Wiseman said he was “heartened” by the state recognition and expected hundreds of Abenaki from all over the country would attend the ceremony when Vermont Governor Jim Douglas signs the bill into law.

“It’s been a lot of work over these years,” Fred M. Wiseman, of Swanton, Vermont, said. “It’s all getting behind us now. It’s a sense of relief, to say the least.”

April 06, 2006

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Page 4A

By Terri Hallenbeck – Free Press Staff Writer

Deadline loons for federal appeal

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, tribal historian for the St. Francis/ Sokoki Band of Abenaki in Swanton, said Wednesday that he is working feverishly on his part of the response to show artifacts from every decade between 1790 and 2000.

He said the group’s efforts are constrained by a lack of money. 

April 2006

From: Carollee Reynolds

To: Luke Willard
Thanks Luke and everyone. I had a talk with Burton Decarr and a talk with Fred Wiseman and met Harold and Nancy Lloyd, as well as my friend who belongs to the other group and I guess it was too much brain stimulation-- as well as frustration.
I used to have a Missisquoi Card and then they asked for more documentation and their genealogist Chris Roy told me that my three Lampman lines, Partlow’s (same line as Aprils' mother and Brent Reader) were in Vermont too long to be native.

What an idiot.

So later I did some more research and came up with my Partlow ancestor who was a documented Indian in civil war records of the town of Alburgh.

April 15, 2006

PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release

Contact: Nancy Lyons

Telephone: 802-234 [redacted]

Abenaki Councils in Unity move Forward

Historically the Abenaki Nation territory consisted of Vermont, New Hampshire, Southern Quebec, Western Maine, Eastern New York and North Western Massachusetts. Within this territory are many bands historically and many are alive and well today. In the last few months many of these councils have been meeting in Unity to plan for the future and help pave way for the generations to come.

Councils and Bands have been focusing on programs to help preserve and make available to the youth and to the next generations issues that have always been on the minds of many. Jeff Benay, Vermont Commissioner of Native American Affairs, Fred Wiseman historian, David Stewart Smith, Penacook and historian, Peter Newell, Inter-tribal Council, Roger Longtoe, El-Nu Tribe, Howard Knight, Cowasuck, Yvon and Yannick Mercier of Sherbrooke, PQ are all pooling together the ancient history of their area and research to share and document for the future. All the bands above with the Nulhegan Band and several other groups are working to help Unify the bond between their band members as one Nation working for the better of all. Elders who are part of the Councils in Unity bring a spiritual awareness all focusing on the importance of brotherhood, responsibility, peace and ancient protocol.

Fred Wiseman with the help of Jeff Benay and the Seven Fires has recently produced a DVD Out of the Darkness which is a work in progress. With a projected finish date of 2009, it is Wiseman’s ambition to work with all the historians, re-enactor's, families and leaders in Unity to complete this documentary film, which will give a good overall perception of the entire Abenaki Nation.

May 03, 2006

Sachem Speaks – Our Future

Kwai kwai Nidobak (Hello Friends),

The Cowasuck Traditional Band Council would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to the many people who have made this day of recognition possible. Kchi Oliwni (Great Thanks) to VT Governor James Douglas for signing this bill today,  (Great Thanks) to VT Governor James Douglas for signing this bill today,  (Great Thanks) to VT Governor James Douglas for signing this bill today,  (Great Thanks) to VT Governor James Douglas for signing this bill today,  (Great Thanks) to VT Governor 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 Senator Julius Canns 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 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 Walter St. Francis Sr., Chief Joe Pero and Darryl Larocque who worked tirelessly on the front lines to put the Abenaki front and center. Here today, as a show of our appreciation for the years of hard work, we would like to honor Chief Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. by presenting his wife Patsy (nee: Partlow) St. Francis and daughter, April (nee: St. Francis) Merrill with a gift of an Eagle feather. It is our hope that efforts of Homer Walter St. Francis Sr. and the St. Francis/Sokoki band are not forgotten as they paved the way for us to be here today and the Cowasuck Traditional Band Council and the entire Abenaki Nation owe them a great deal of respect and thanks. 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 onto 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

Co-Chief Sachem Nancy (nee: Millette) Cruger - Lyons

Cowasuck Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation

May 04, 2006

The St. Albans Messenger Newspaper, Page 01-05

By Lisa Rathke – Associated Press Writer

Governor Signs Bill Recognizing Abenaki

Frederick Matthew Wiseman and April (nee: St. Francis) Merrill, as he addresses the gathering.

May 05, 2006

Indian News Country Today Newspaper

By Editors Report

Abenaki of Vermont: Out of the shadows

The Abenaki of Vermont are the latest Native people to emerge from the shadows. Their long-sought state recognition made official amid great celebration May 03, 2006 in a bill S.117 signing on the Vermont Legislative Statehouse steps, does not change their history or the fact that they have always known who they were. But it signals a dramatic – almost overnight – end of the official hostility that made their struggle for survival so harrowing.

A large number of Abenaki families felt they were a target and hid their identity. The memory of this horror was refreshed when state Attorney General William Sorrell dipped into the records of the Eugenics Survey to bolster his brief against federal recognition for the Abenaki. In a violation of academic ethics, he published family names along with uncomplimentary descriptions by the eugenics census-takers. ...

Along with some 32 other states, Vermont joined the Social Darwinist eugenics movement in the 1920’s, passing a Eugenics Survey program in 1925 and following up in 1931 with a law for sterilization of feeble-minded or unruly members of undesirable minorities. Mixed Indian/French Canadian families were a special target. By this time, Vermont was already suppressing the memory of its first inhabitants, referring to their ancestors as “gypsies”, “pirates” or “river rats”.

Anti-recognition politicians of the present hid behind this terminology to deny that the eugenics program singled out Indians, but the Abenaki know better.

According to the Abenaki historian Frederick Matthew Wiseman, nearly every Abenaki family of the Missisquoi region has stories of a relative who suffered involuntary sterilization. Cross-burning by the Ku Klux Klan added to the fear, causing many Abenaki to ‘pass’ into other segments of society. But it is important to note that the Eugenics Survey was not a product of redneck ignorance. It was an offshoot of the progressive movement of the time, trying to improve society by scientifically guided state action.

That reactionary bastion, the Roman Catholic Church, deserves honor for mounting the strongest resistance to this liberal horror, which was finally exposed for what it was by the rise of the Nazis in Germany.

We apologize for recounting this ugly history at a time of Abenaki celebration, but it shows just how much this nation has had to overcome to reach this moment. Indeed, we would suggest as one of the first tasks for the Abenaki bands and their supporters do is that they petition the state government for a formal apology for the Eugenics Survey, on the model of North Carolina. Such a project would show that state recognition is not just a political sop; it is bulwark against oppression for all Indian country.

May 08, 2006

The Akwesasne Phoenix Newspaper, Front Page; P-C1 andC2

By Frank Vando and Kim Hathaway

Vermont Abenaki: Heritage Home

Longtime historian of the Abenaki People in Vermont, Dr. Frederick Matthew Wiseman looks over the proceedings (far left), as Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs in Vermont, Jeff Benay introduces the moment right after the signing of the Bill that recognizes the Abenaki as Native Americans in his state. Far right, Chief April St. Francis Merrill of the Swanton Missisquoi St. Francis Band of Abenaki.

Capital steps MONTPELIER, Vt. – As Governor Jim Douglas, crew, reporters, State and Abenaki historians, together with an assembling group of more than 150 people, Abenaki people, gathered at the footsteps of the Capital in Montpelier, Vermont, the anticipation was palpable from all in attendance.

As Governor Douglas, finally approached the table where he would sign the historical bill into law, April St. Francis Merrill, chief of the Abenaki Nation Missisquoi Sokoki band, together with many of the principals involved in a long struggle, also approached the moment.

Children and adults packed at the steps of the capital, together with a small army of radio, TV, and Native American press, surrounding the moment of the signing. A sigh of relief was audible. Then, applause, screams, drumming, people hugging each other, ad a brief but well-appreciated series of statements, geared to the historical moment, by April St. Francis Merrill, Abenaki historian Frederick Ph.D. Matthew Wiseman, and Jeffrey Benay, chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs.

Diane Snelling, R-Chittenden, said, “We now have respect for the Abenaki and their heritage in the law books of the state of Vermont.” She was the lead sponsor of the bill S.117 three decades after her father, then-Governor, Richard Snelling had rescinded the executive order signed by his predecessor, Vermont Governor Thomas Salmon. 

She remained a power house behind the bill S.117 to honor and fulfilling her father’s death bed wishes for state recognition of the Abenaki people.

Senator Vincent Illuzzi, R-Essex/Orleans, one of the bill’s sponsors, said although he is disappointed that the Abenaki have had trouble winning federal recognition, he said Tuesday’s bill signing was “a significant step forward that recognizes the past.”

Dr. Fred M. Wiseman, Ph.D., Director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum, commented, “Yes, I am very happy today. This is what so many have worked for a very long time.” He continued that state recognition provides acknowledgement of Abenaki heritage and enhances the educational opportunities to apply for scholarships for those seeking post-secondary educational pursuits and for the historical Abenaki bands to sell their crafts as authentic Indian crafts.

Jeff Benay, April (nee: St. Francis) Rushlow – Merrill and Frederick Matthew Wiseman

Kermit Spaulding and Frederick Matthew Wiseman

May 11, 2006

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper

Legislative Impact

Winners - Abenaki

Vermont’s Abenaki community won official state recognition with Vermont Legislative honoring the tribe’s heritage and opening the door to economic and educational assistance. About 1,500 Vermonters consider themselves Abenaki, whose quest for federal recognition was denied in the fall of 2005.

September 15, 2006

The Burlington Free Press Newspaper, Page 4A

My Lake

Frederick Matthew Wiseman, 58 years of age, of Swanton, Franklin County, Vermont, is a member of the St. Francis/Sokoki band of Abenaki, director of the Abenaki Tribal Museum and chairman of the Humanities Department at Johnson State College.

[SEE and review March 31, 1991 wherein Fred Wiseman states that it was “his maternal grandmother was an Abenaki” who married a white man and “passed completely into white culture”… this maternal grandmother was Anna Marie (nee: Hines) who married to Matthew William Platt ca. 1915 in Baltimore, Maryland]                                                                                                                                     

Missisquoi means place of flint, and the old name of the bay was Mazipskwibi, “flinty water.”

“My father’s mother [Josephine Kay (nee: Erno) who married to Frederick William Wiseman] was Abenaki and I spent all of my summers with my grandparents and parents in Swanton, Highgate Springs and St. Albans.

I’ve always been out on the lake – I think I was taken out in a bassinet when my mom and dad would go fishing. One of my first memories is curling up in the opening under the bow of my father’s cedar-strip boat. It was like a little nest and had a very distinctive smell of the spar varnish.

I spent a lot of time with Monkey Drew, an Abenaki and one of the “river rats” on the Missisquoi. He would always tell me, “This is what the French and the Indians used to do.”

He taught me the way you could listen to the waves lapping on the shore, and it would tell you what the weather was going to be.

We caught everything. My favorite were walleye, as good as perch, but without all the bones. The best bass fishing was always out on the lake. Everyone knew exactly where to go. There was a chain of rocks on the bottom of the bay, some old glacial feature. The “river rats” would put buoys at each end, so you could troll back and forth along the reef. I think my dad was the last person to do that.

When I was a kid, I was in love with the lake and the river.”

September 28, 2006

Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs

Meeting Minutes

The Commission on Native American Affairs held a public meeting on September 28, 2006 @ 1:00pm at the Title VII Indian Education Offices at 49 Church Street, Swanton.

Present were:

Mark Mitchell, Chairman

Judy Dow

Donald Stevens

Tim De La Bruere

Charlene McManis

Absent were: Jeanne Brink, and Howard Lyons.

Also present were:

Jeff Benay

Fred Wiseman

Anna Roy Wiseman

John Moody

Roger McManis

Lester Lampman

Jedd Ketler, County Courrier Newspaper

Heidi Britch-Valenta, Board Secretary

2) AGAINST THE DARKNESS

Fred Wiseman, (Abenaki Tribal Museum) was present to demonstrate and explain his digital teaching system, “Against the Darkness”. After presenting the 35 minute video he briefly explained the potential for use by educators. 

October 2006 -

Last year my husband, new baby daughter and I [Lisa Arredondo-Veress] attended the Powwow last October [2005]. As a member of the Penobscot Nation I felt at home, joining the dancing with my baby in my arms, surrounded by people from other nations.

For those of you interested in learning more about the Penobscots and their affiliation:

"The Penobscot tribe, together with the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Abenaki [only of Odanak and Wôlinak] Indians, were members of the old Wabanaki Confederacy. These allies from the eastern seaboard region spoke related languages, and "Abenaki" and "Wabanaki" have the same Algonquian root, meaning "people from the east." The Penobscot are not affiliated with the Abenakis today, and distance themselves from the Abenaki of New England. There are 3000 Penobscot Indians now, and most of whom live in the state of Maine.

November 30, 2006

Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs

Meeting Minutes 

 Present were:

Mark Mitchell, Chairman

Don Stevens

Charlene McManis

Judy Dow

Jeanne Brink

Tim De Le Bruere

Hilary Casillas

Also present were: 

John Moody

Jeff Benay, Former Chair of Governor’s Commission on Native American Affairs

Ellen Maxon, Human Rights Commission

John Churchill, Abenaki Tribal Council,

Nancy Gallagher

Fred Wiseman

Jedd Kettler, County Courier

Heidi Britch, Valenta-Board Secretary

3. UPDATE ON QUADRICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Frederick Matthew Wiseman was present to update the Commission on the progress in the Lake Champlain Centennial Celebration scheduled for 2009. Frederick Matthew Wiseman has long been associated with this effort and has been entwined in several committees. Frederick Matthew Wiseman let the Commission know that as the celebration gains momentum is will behoove the Commission to become more involved in the committees to ensure accurate representation of the Abenaki experience.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman described the plans for a canoe-cade on Lake Champlain similar to one which occurred in 1909. Canoe occupants will be in costume and the Maritimes Museum will contribute a canoe circa 1969 as well as a replica of Champlain’s shallop. The canoe-cade is expected to be open to the general public but it is hoped that the birch bark canoe will lead the pageant.

Other ideas for the commemoration were for a Powwow, guided hike, reenactment of attacks, and a Tent of Many Elders. Frederick Matthew Wiseman pointed out that the Committees have little money at this point and Federal Funding is limited. While the 1909 celebration of Lewis and Clark’s exploration was centered in Burlington, Vermont; the 2009 event will be more dispersed with events scheduled for far more communities. Frederick Matthew Wiseman also noted that the previous event was very Native American centered and that it would be prudent to collaborate with other Nations to establish a cadre of Native American advisors to proceed with the planning.

Donald Warren Stevens, Jr. stressed the need to use all marketing sources to publicize the event including rest areas, magazines, and newsletters.  Frederick Matthew Wiseman agreed and mentioned the series of signage anticipated to be reevaluated for this purpose.

Frederick Matthew Wiseman then presented the Commission with this first proposed Logo for the event. He pointed out that the focus would be on The Region, the People, and the Lake and less so on Samuel D. Champlain. The Commission recognized the depiction of “Marge” Bruchac in the poster. Frederick Matthew Wiseman stated the goal of the image was to avoid using the traditional representation of the buckskin Indian and to portray a more modern image of a Native American. Jeff Benay shared his disappointment that art donated by local Native American artist Felicia Gagne was not selected for this draft. Frederick Matthew Wiseman acknowledges that this was still a work in progress. The Commission expressed curiosity on the topic.

The crux of the discussion was that indeed more presence was necessary on the various committees. Wiseman informed them of the next full Quad meeting which was scheduled for January and several Commission members committed to joining the team. Charlene McManis expressed interest in becoming a part of the Commemoration team. Judy Dow offered to join the team which would be focusing on Education, and Jeanne Brink stated her desire to aid in the indigenous celebration preparations.  

Frederick Matthew Wiseman noted that there would still be a gap in the team which would be handling the decision surrounding infrastructure. There are plans in the works for an Interpretive Center. John Scott Moody spoke of his past involvement in this discussion and that he had stressed a need for Native American artifacts to be stored below ground level to honor the spiritual beliefs system. Mark W. Mitchell offered to establish contact and request a position on the committee. John Scott Moody noted the name of Duncan Wilky, archaeologist for the Agency of Transportation (AOT).

Frederick Matthew Wiseman then moved on to share his disappointment and frustration at the application and acceptance of a grant by Vermont Public Television (VPT) and the Division for Historic Preservation - Museum and Library Division, for which the topic would be Champlain and the Native American interaction. Wiseman pointed out that he was made aware of the project due to a request for his expertise in the creation of the video. Wiseman pointed out that this was very presumptuous of the Applicants without the input or notification of the Commission on Native American Affairs. It was also noted that Jeanne Brink is on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for VPT and was not notified of this project.  Don Stevens pondered if the Division of Historic Preservation was charged with aiding and supporting the Commission, then they should be able to get a copy of the grant. Jeanne Brink committed to bringing up the issue at the next meeting of the CAC and to note the unease of the Commission at being usurped. Fred M. Wiseman agreed to send the information to Mark Mitchell who would prepare a missive and copy all members. Those members wishing to have input in the final draft must respond to Mark W. Mitchell by the 10th of December. The letter will outline that all future Native American coverage of the celebration should be channeled through the Commission. 

Frederick Matthew Wiseman closed by saying that the video he had prepared for the celebration will be previewed at the “Big Moon” event at the Mary Babcock Elementary School in Swanton from 5-9 PM on December 08, 2006.

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