CONSTITUTION of the PEOPLE of the
GREATER ABENAKI NATION of
N'DAKINA
PREAMBLE
We, the Aln8bak - the Abenaki Indigenous First Nations People of N'dakina, Native American Indian People of the united Pennacook and Abenaki People of the greater Abenaki Nation, in order to preserve our historic form of government and enrich our culture, our Aln8bad8wa language, N'dakina, our homelands, and to achieve and maintain a desirable measure of prosperity and the blessings of freedom, acknowledging, with humility and gratitude, the goodness of Kchi N'waskwa the Great Mystery of all the unknown and boundless universe in permitting us to do so, and imploring aid and guidance in its accomplishment, do proclaim and establish this Constitution for the government of the greater
Abenaki Nation for the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki People. Article I. Abenaki National Sovereignty -Our Language, Our People, Our Homelands
Section 1. The Aln8bak People have existed from prehistoric times to the present. The homelands or N'dakina of the greater Abenaki Nation of the Pennacook and Abenaki People are located in the United States and Canada. N'dakina is an inseparable part of the lands and waters which are now occupied by the federal governments of the United States and Canada. The Constitutions of the Pastonki (United States) and Kanada (Canada) are now being imposed on our People in our occupied homelands. The governing bodies of the greater Abenaki Nation are responsible for ensuing the maintenance of international, national, state, and or provincial government to government relationships and preserving the sovereignty of the greater Abenaki Nation as defined in this constitution on the behalf of the People of the greater Abenaki Nation. The greater Abenaki Nation does not waive any sovereign rights to these occupying governments.
Section 2. The greater Abenaki Nation includes all Aln8bak, Abenaki, and Pennacook Bands and groups that spoke the Aln8bad8wa or the Abenaki or Pennacook dialect of the Algonquin language and are not specifically aligned at this time with those groups now identified as "Eastern Abenaki" of the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, or Penobscot (Pana8bskaiiak) Nations. A detailed listing of the Abenaki and Pennacook Bands and groups are located in the Appendix - Historical Information.
Section 3. N'dakina, our homeland, includes all lands and waters that our ancestors of the above named groups lived, fished, hunted, trapped, planted, farmed, and harvested nature's bounty. In colonial times N'dakina covered all of New France and the colonial Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This area is now known as the province of Quebec, Canada, and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts in the United States.
Section 4. The following describes the boundaries of N'dakina by way of the rivers, lakes, landmarks, and the meeting points with the other First Nations People that border N'dakina. The primary descriptions of N'dakina are identified in the Aln8bad8wa (Abenaki) language. A detailed description of N'dakina is located in the Appendix - Historical Information.
At a starting point from - The northwest where the Chateauguay River and the St. Lawrence River meet near Montreal, is the point where the lands of the Abenaki (N'dakina), Algonkin, and Mohawk nations (Magwak) meet.
Going easterly along the St. Lawrence River, past the Richelieu River, the Yamaska River, Sorel, Nicolet, the Nicolet River, Three Rivers, the St. Francis River, the Becancour River, the Chaudiere River, the Etchemin River, Quebec city, to the Isle de Orleans at the point that the Abenaki and the land of the Hurons meet near Lorette and beyons up to village of Yamachiche.
Going inland to the Big Black River to the point that it joins the St. John River at the Notre Dame Mountains the point where the Abenaki meet the Malecite - Maliseet. Across the St. John River and along the the lands of the Malecite - Maliseet.
Going southward through the watersheds of the Allagash River, the Musquacook Lakes, the Chemquasabamticook Lake, the Churchhill Lake, the Chamberlain Lakes, the Caucomgomoc Lake, the Baker River, the Baker Lake, the Seboomook Lake, the Chesuncook Lake, the Moosehead Lake, and to the Kennebec River and through Kennebago Lake. The Kenebec River being the point where the Abenaki meet the land of the Penobscot.
Going down the Kenebec River, past the ancient Abenaki village Norridgewock and continuing to the Atlantic Ocean.
Going southerly along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, past the Androsooggin River, past the Presumpscot River, past Saco River, past the Moose River, past the Piscataqua River, to the outlet of the Merrimack River) at the Atlantic Ocean.
Westward along the Merrimack River past the village of Wamesit to the Concord River, a one day's walk from the eastern shores of the Merrimack River and Concord River to the lands of the Massachuset Nation to the headwaters of the Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet, and Nashua Rivers to the area known as the Narragansett corridor along the Blackstone River and lands of the Nipmuc (Nipmuck) Nation.
Westward to Mt. Wachuset at the Warre River the meeting place of the Nipmuc and Abenaki. Westward to Millers River, west to the Pocumtuck River and crossing the Connecticut River.
Continuing, westward crossing the Connecticut River to the Deerfield River and the lands of the Mahican Nation.
Continuing, northward to Otter river - Otter Creek) and the lands beyond Lake George up to the west of Lake Champlain to the Adirondack lands and mountains between the N'dakina (Abenaki) and Magwak (Mohawk) nations.
Continuing, northward up through Lake Champlain and all of its shores going north and west through the water sheds of the Chateuaguay and Richelieu Rivers back to the St. Lawrence River and the starting point of this description.
This describes the Abenaki homelands, N'dakina bordered by the Magwak (Mohawk) to the west, the Ksitegwiiak (the land of the Hurons) and Osoganek (Algonquin Place) to the north, the Moskwas (Malecite-Maliseet), Mikm8z (Micmac), (Passaamakwadi) Passamaquoddy, and Pan8bskaik (Penobscot) to the east, the Massacusett and Nipmuc to the south, and the Mahiganek (Mahican) to the west. This describes the N'dakina that the Abenaki People claim to be their sovereign homelands.
Section 5. The Abenaki Nation has entered into agreements with the Iglism8nki (England - British Empire), Plachm8nki (France), and Bastonki (the colonial Commonwealth of Massachusetts). See the Appendix - Historical Information.
Article II. Decision Making
Section 1. All acts of the Abenaki Citizens shall be conducted and decisions made through traditional "Longhouse" consensus decision making. Consensus decision making is as follows:
Consensus:
General agreement;
Judgment arrived at by most of those concerned;
Group solidarity in sentiment and belief.
Goal:
To make a decision that is in the best interests of all the People. Consensus
does not mean that all agree, but that all understand the decisions.
Approach:
In entering the Consensual Decision-Making Process, whatever ideas are put into the process, the needs and attitudes of each are considered to complement the decision.
Also, individuals have a duty to be directly involved, and to bring their ideas into the discussion within their group.
The final decision may be fully satisfactory to some, satisfactory to others, relatively satisfactory to most, and possibly un-satisfactory to someone. This is a slow and careful process requiring the full understanding by each individual, not a decision made by a "leader," but it will be a decision that reflects elements from each group.
Roles:
Within any collective group of People, whether it is a Family, Clan, Group, Band, Tribe, Nation, or Confederation, equitable representation must be given to all groups. Spokes people are usually chosen from the smallest groups within the greater group. This may be the male or female head of a family, clan speaker, matriarch, elder, band chief, or whatever leader or spokesperson is chosen to speak for each group.
An impartial "Facilitator" (Speaker, Arbiter, Elder) should be chosen from the greater group gathered. This person is selected because of their ability and respect as an elder or leader. Their role is to provide control and order to assure that collective rational thought and behavior are followed to come to an agreement.
Process:
The smaller groups within the larger group of people will deliberate on an issue or matter. The leader of each smaller group reports their decision to the "Facilitator" If the smaller groups disagree, or there is an error or irregular proceeding the "Facilitator" will ask that they deliberate again. This process may need to be repeated until the "Facilitator" believes that all understand and the issue is agreed upon.
Three Truths:
When an issue is discussed, the groups consider the good and bad parts of the issue. The following "Three Truths" must be met for consensus:
1. Peace - Does it preserve the peace that is already established?
2. Righteousness - Is it morally correct?
3. Power - Does it preserve the present and future integrity of the group?
a. Present - What does it do for the present generation?
b. Future - How does it affect the future seven generations from now?
The decisions made today must benefit all the people from the present to the seven generations into the future.
Deliberations:
Persons are asked throughout the process if they fully understand. If not, the process stops until this is accomplished. One cannot simply be stubborn and refuse to understand as they will be questioned. Each must follow the Truths of Peace, Righteousness and Power at all times.
Every person has a responsibility to expand and exercise their minds. The forces of life have given the human being the potential to use the mind to create a better life through Peace, Righteousness and Power.
Decision-Making Process
> All opinions have to be considered;
> All must be completely reasonable;
> All should come with an open mind;
> All must fully understand the other's viewpoint;
> Each participant cannot repeat a position once it has been fully explained and understood;
> A person who does not agree with the views stated must fully explain their dissenting views;
> No one can impose their will nor make a decision for another;
> All must understand the viewpoint and agree of their own free will;
> If there is no consensus, the consensus is to retain the existing position on the issue.
Article III. Bill of Rights
Section 1. The judicial process of the greater Abenaki Nation shall be open to every Citizen and Member of the Abenaki People. Speedy and certain remedy shall be afforded under the terms of this Constitution for every wrong and injury to person, property, or reputation, as long as the remedy does not conflict with international laws. The Grand Council of each Abenaki Band or group shall prescribe the procedures, ordinances, regulation, and pertinent laws.
Article IV. Citizenship - General Council
Section 1. All People of the greater Abenaki Nation must be Citizens or "blood relations" as proven by genealogical and or family historical evidence. All Citizens (blood relations), as a collective body, shall be called the General Council of their respective Band or group and the greater Abenaki Nation. Spouses of Citizens with Native American Indian blood and the Children from a Citizen are given Citizen status. Non-blood Spouses and adopted children of Citizens are limited to Member status. All Non-blood Members and adopted child Members shall not be included in any General Council. Adult adoptions are not authorized or recognized for Citizen or Member status.
Section 2. There shall be established a Citizen and Member Register, to be kept by the Grand Council (of each Abenaki Band or group) or Registrar, for the inclusion of any person for Citizenship or Membership purposes in their respective Band or group and the greater Abenaki Nation, who presents the necessary evidence of eligibility for registration. Each Abenaki Band or subgroup shall establish a Registration Committee. It shall be the duty of the Registration Committee to consider the qualifications and to determine the eligibility of those applying to have their names entered in their Band or group and the Abenaki National Register. The Registration Committee shall consist of one (1) Grand Council member, one (1) Council of Elders member, one (1) General Council member, a Registrar, one (1) or more Genealogist, and one (1) or more Historian. All members of the Registration Committee shall be appointed by the Kchi Sag8mo, and confirmed by the Grand Council of each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation.
A. There shall be a number assigned to every name which is approved and entered into the Abenaki National Register. This number shall be preceded by a letter or other notation to signify "blood" Citizens, "non-blood" Member relations or adopted Child Members. The suggested notation is the letter "C" for blood Citizens or the letter "M" for Members.
B. The decisions of the Registration Committee shall be subject to review by the Abenaki Band or group Grand Council.
Section 3. Registration as used in this article refers to the process of enrolling as a Citizen or Member of the Abenaki Nation and is not the same as the registration for voting purposes.
Article V. Distribution of Powers
Section 1. The powers of the government of the greater Abenaki Nation and
its individual Bands and groups of their General Council shall be divided into
three (3) seperate
governing bodies: Legislative (Kchi Bodazew8gan - Grand Council), Executive (Sagem8w8gan) and Judicial (Grand Council of Elders); and except as provided in this Constitution, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial departments of government shall be separate and distinct and neither shall exercise the powers properly belonging to either of the others. Each Band or other political group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall establish and maintain a government as described above and as specified in this Constitution.
Article VI. Legislative - Kchi Bodazew8gan (Grand Council)
Section 1. The legislature shall consist of a legislative body to be called the Kchi Bodazew8gan (Grand Council) of the People. The installation of members to the Grand Council pursuant to this Constitution shall occur within three (3) full moons from the date of its ratification on a day to be announced by the Kchi Sag8mo. This installation time may not be applicable if a Kchi Bodazew8gan is already in existence.
Section 2. The Grand Council shall establish its rules for its credentials, decorum, and procedure.
Section 3. The Grand Council shall consist of between five (5) to thirteen (13) members, who are Citizens by blood of the Band or group of greater Abenaki Nation, and shall be selected at large by their Grand Council of Elders.
Grand Council members shall hold office for life; or until disabled, or unable to fulfill the duties of the Grand Council, or removed by the Grand Council of Elders action and a successor is duly installed. A Grand Council members shall be nominated by the Grand Council of Elders based on the individual's ability and knowledge of the Aln8bad8wa language, the Aln8bak culture, traditions, and ceremonies necessary to fulfill the duties of the Grand Council.
Section 4. There shall be at least one (1) regular session of the Grand Council held with the General Council each year which shall convene during the Spring or Summer or at such other date as the Grand Council shall determine. No business shall be conducted by the Grand Council unless at least a majority of the Grand Council members are in attendance, and that number shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. There shall be at least six (6) regular sessions of the Grand Council during the calendar year at such dates as the Grand Council shall determine. No business shall be conducted by the Grand Council unless a majority of the Grand Council members are in attendance, and that number shall constitute a quorum.
Section 6. Special meetings of the Grand Council may be called:
A. By the Kchi Sag8mo,
B. By the Sagmis when that individual has the full powers of the Kchi Sag8mo as elsewhere defined,
C. Upon written request of the majority of the members of the Grand Council, or
D. Upon the written request of fifty (50) citizens or at least ten percent (10%), which ever is the greater number, of the enrolled and eligible Citizens of the General Council, blood relations, of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation.
The purposes of said meeting shall be stated in a notice published ten (10) days or more prior to the meeting, and the Grand Council may not consider any other subject not mentioned. No special meetings may convene until thirty (30) days have elapsed after the adjournment of a prior session or meeting, unless called pursuant to (A) and (B) above.
Section 7. All meetings of the Grand Council and of its committees shall be open to the public except:
A. When the discussion shall concern employment, retention or discharge of personnel;
B. When the question or the moral turpitude of any citizen or member is discussed; or
C. When the decorum of the audience shall prejudice orderly administration of business. In the event that consideration of a subject shall take place in Executive Session, the decision and actions shall take place in an open
meeting.
Section 8. The Grand Council of each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall have the power to establish ordinances, regulations, and laws which it shall deem necessary and proper for the good of the People, which shall not be contrary to the provisions of this Constitution. Laws or enactments which are required by international statutes to be approved shall be transmitted immediately upon enactment as provided by Section 11 of this Article.
The style of all bills shall be: "Be It Enacted By The (Band or group Name) of the greater Abenaki Nation and People". The style of all resolutions shall be "Be It Resolved By The (Band or group Name) of the greater Abenaki Nation and People".
Section 9. No laws, ordinances, or regulations passed by the Grand Council shall have retroactive effect or operation.
Section 10. The Grand Council shall have the power of removal and said removal must be conducted in accordance with Article XI of this Constitution.
Section 11. Members of the Grand Council and all Executive Officers shall be bound by oath, provided in Article XIII, to support the Constitution of the Abenaki Nation, do everything within the individual's power to promote the culture, heritage and traditions of the Abenaki Nation and to perform the duties of their respective offices with fidelity.
Section 12. Every enactment which has been approved by a majority of the members in attendance at the Grand Council shall, before it becomes effective, be presented to the Kchi Sag8mo. If approved, the Kchi Sag8mo shall sign it; if not, return it with written objections to the Grand Council, which shall enter the objections in the Journal or other record of the Grand Council and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, a majority of the entire Grand Council agrees to pass the enactment, it shall become fully effective and operational notwithstanding the objections of veto of the Kchi Sag8mo. In all such cases, the decision of the Grand Council shall be determined by consensus, and the names of the members present and involved in the consensus decision shall be entered on the Grand Council's Journal. If any enactment is not returned by the Kchi Sag8mo within five (5) days (Sundays and holidays excepted) after it has been presented to the Kchi Sag8mo, the same shall be law, ordinance, or regulation in like manner as if the Kchi Sag8mo had signed it, unless the Grand Council shall, by its adjournment, prevent its return, in which case, it shall become a law without the approval of the Kchi Sag8mo. No enactment shall become law after the final adjournment of the Grand Council, unless approved by the Kchi Sag8mo within fifteen (15) days after such adjournment.
Section 13. The legislature of each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation may also consist of additional regional legislative bodies to be called Regional Council(s). These Council(s) shall be subject to the authority of the Grand Council of the individual Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation. Each regional Council shall be structured and operate in the same manner as the Grand Council provided in this Constitution. Each regional Council shall elect a Sag8mis to speak and act on the behalf of the Kchi Sag8mo and Grand Council.
These regional Councils shall consist of between five (5) to (7) seven members, who are Citizens by blood of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, and shall be elected at large from a specific region that has (50) or more Citizens that petitions the Grand Council to establish a regional Council on their behalf. The term of office of each regional Council member serving on the Regional Council shall hold office for life; or until disabled, or unable to fulfill the duties of the regional Council, or removed by Grand Council of Elders action and a successor is duly installed. A regional Council member shall be nominated by the regional Council of Elders based on the individual's ability and knowledge of the Aln8bad8wa language, the Aln8bak culture, traditions, and ceremonies necessary to fulfill the duties of the regional Council.
The authority of the regional Councils is limited to the specific location of that Council. These regional Councils will make all appropriate requests and reports to the Grand Council and Grand Council of Elders.
Article VII. Executive - Sagem8w8gan
Section 1. The executive power of each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall be vested in a Kchi Sag8mo or principal chief and speaker for the Grand Council, who shall be called the "Kchi Sag8mo of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki People of the greater Abenaki Nation." The Kchi Sag8mo shall hold office for life; unless disabled, unable to fulfill the duties of Sag8mo, or is removed by the actions of the combined Grand Council and Grand Council of Elders. A Kchi Sag8mo shall be nominated by the Grand Council based on the individual's ability and knowledge of the Aln8bad8wa language, the Aln8bak culture, traditions, and ceremonies necessary to fulfill the duties of the Kchi Sag8mo. The selection and installation shall be preformed by the consensus of the full membership of the combined Grand Council and Grand Council of Elders. The time period to install a new Kchi Sag8mo shall be within one moon of the date on which the previous Kchi Sag8mo was no longer in this position or unable to fulfill the duties of this position.
Section 2. The Kchi Sag8mo shall be a blood Citizen of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation in accordance with Article IV. The Kchi Sag8mo must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and must have knowledge and experience to provide the leadership necessary to fulfill the duties of the position. The individual must have a comprehensive and working knowledge of the Aln8bad8wa language, Abenaki ceremonies, prayers, history and traditions to fulfill the duties of the position.
Section 3. The nomination, selection, and installation of a Sag8mis shall be preformed by the consensus of the full membership of the Grand Council. The Sag8mis or secondary speaker or chief of the Grand Council. Regional Council shall also nominate, select, and install a Sag8mis by the consensus of the full membership of the Regional Council. The Sag8mis of the Grand Council and any Regional Council shall possess the same qualifications as the Kchi Sag8mo.
Section 4. In case of the absence of the Kchi Sag8mo from office due to death, resignation, removal or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall pass to the Sag8mis, that presides on the Grand Council with the Kchi Sag8mo. In case of disability, such powers shall continue during the term of such disability. Vacancies in the office of the Sag8mis shall be filled by the Grand Council within one (1) moon cycle of time.
Section 5. The Grand Council may, in the case of removal, death, resignation or disability of both the Kchi Sag8mo and the Sag8mis, provide by a law what officer or other Sag8mis shall act as Kchi Sag8mo until the disability is removed or a successor is installed.
Section 6. The Kchi Sag8mo and Sag8mis shall, at stated times, receive for their service a compensation not inconsistent with Article X.
Section 7. Before the Kchi Sag8mo and Sag8mis assume office, they shall take the oath or affirmation as provided for in Article XIII.
Section 8. The Kchi Sag8mo may on extraordinary occasions convene the Grand Council at the seat of government pursuant to Article V, Section 5, and such notice and other laws as may be prescribed by the Grand Council. The purpose of said meetings must be stated and the Grand Council may consider only such matters as are specified in the call of the extraordinary meetings. Before the extraordinary meetings may be legally sufficient to conduct business, a majority of the Grand Council must be present.
Section 9. At every session of the Grand Council, the Kchi Sag8mo shall make a report about the condition of Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation; and shall recommend such matters to the Grand Council as shall be judged expedient.
Section 10. The Kchi Sag8mo shall cause the laws of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation to be faithfully executed, and will conduct in person and in such a manner as by law, all communications and business of the Abenaki Nation. The Kchi Sag8mo may cause to be formed and operated, trusts, the beneficiary of which will be the Abenaki People and these trusts will be granted such powers as provided by law for public trusts. Authorization for these trusts, however, must be approved by a majority vote of the Grand Council.
Section 11. The Sag8mis of the Grand Council and Regional Councils shall, by virtue of the office, aid, and advise the Kchi Sag8mo in the administration of the government and shall be secondary Speakers of the Grand Council but shall vote only for the purpose of bringing about a consensus.
Section 12. Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed as preventing the Kchi Sag8mo from appointing such administrative assistants as are deemed proper.
">Article VIaa. Judicial - Grand Council of Elders Noji Dagwagwtigajik (Those Who Settles Things - Judges)
Section 1. There is hereby created a Grand Council of Elders, of each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, which shall perform the duties necessary for a Judicial Tribal Court. The
Grand Council of Elders shall be composed of at least three (3) Elders over fifty-five (55) years of age and all of whom shall be blood Citizens of the greater Abenaki Nation, appointed by the Kchi Sag8mo and approved by the Grand Council.
Section 2. Grand Council of Elders members shall hold office for life; unless disabled, unable to fulfill the duties of the Grand Council of Elders, is or removed by the combined actions of Grand Council and Kchi Sag8mo and a successor is duly installed. A Grand Council of Elders members shall be nominated by the Grand Council based on the individual's ability and knowledge of the Aln8bad8wa language, the Aln8bak culture, traditions, and ceremonies necessary to fulfill the duties of the Grand Council of Elders.
Section 3. The purpose of this Judicial Tribal Court will be to hear and resolve any disagreements arising under any provisions of this Constitution or any enactment of the Grand Council. The Grand Council shall provide for a procedure which shall insure that any litigant receives due process of law together with prompt and speedy relief. The decision of the Judicial Tribal Court shall be final insofar as the judicial process of the greater Abenaki Nation is concerned.
Section 4. The greater Abenaki Nation may create a national
High Grand Council of Elders called the Kchi Noji Dagwagwtigajik. The High Grand Council of Elders shall be composed of at least three (3) Elders over fifty-five (55) years of age and all of who shall be blood Citizens of the greater Abenaki Nation, appointed by their respective Band or group Kchi Sag8mo and approved by their Grand Council. The purpose of the Kchi Noji
Dagwagwtigajik shall be to hear and resolve any national disagreements arising under any provisions of this Constitution or any enactment of the greater Abenaki Nation. Section 5.
Each Regional Council shall establish a Council of Elders as specified in this Article and perform the limited regional Judicial duties as requested by the
Grand Council of Elders. Members of the
Regional Council of Elders may be requested to perform duties on the Grand Council of Elders as necessary as requested by the Grand Council. The positions, requirements, and specified conduct of the Regional Council of Elders shall be the same as the Grand Council of Elders.
Article VIII. Government Positions
Section 1. Each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall at their own action install government positions composed of persons who shall be blood Citizens the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation:
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Attorney General Counsel
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare
Secretary of Culture and Language
Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Development
Secretary of Communications
Secretary of Interior (N'dakina)
Section 2. These persons shall be appointed by the Kchi Sag8mo and approved by the Grand Council. The Grand Council, on recommendation of the Kchi Sag8mo only, may create additional cabinet positions and departments. The Kchi Sag8mo shall prescribe the duties and responsibilities of government positions. Each government position shall be
authorized to appoint such staff and other assistants, as they deem necessary. The Grand Council may, with the recommendation of the Kchi Sag8mo, abolish any established government position or function or revise the title or responsibilities of any foregoing department or function.
Article IX. Installation of Government Positions
Section 1. The Grand Council shall enact an appropriate law not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution that will govern the conduct of all nominations, selection, and installation of government offices and positions, provided that the initial installation of the Grand Council and Sag8mis shall be conducted pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Kchi Sag8mo and the provisions set forth in Articles V and VI of this Constitution. The Kchi Sag8mo or Grand Council may adopt rules requiring a consensus for any government office and position.
Section 2. Any Citizen by blood of the greater Abenaki Nation at least sixteen (16) years of age may be a candidate for the Grand Council. No person who has been convicted of or has pled guilty to a major crime or offense against the Abenaki Nation or People, shall be eligible to hold any office or appointment of honor, profit or trust within the Abenaki Nation unless such person has received a pardon from the Grand Council of Elders. Section 3. All nominations, selections, and installations of government positions and offices shall be determined consensus.
Article X. Fiscal - Treasury
Section 1. The fiscal year shall commence on the first day of January in each year, unless otherwise provided by law.
Section 2. The Grand Council shall provide by law for annual expenditure of funds, and the source from which funds are to be derived to defray the estimated expenses of the Executive, Grand Council, regional Council(s), Grand Council of Elders, Cabinet, Positions, and Departments of Government of the individual Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation for each fiscal year. The budget shall not exceed estimated revenues. Section 3. At least thirty (30) days prior to the convening of each regular session of the Grand Council, the Treasurer shall make and present to the Grand Council an itemized estimate of revenue to be received by the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, together with a statement of the sources from which revenues are to be received, under the laws, grants, judgments, interests, and any other sources in effect at the time such estimate is made for the next ensuing fiscal year. The Treasurer shall prepare annual financial statements reflecting the results of operations of all activities of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation and shall prepare a consolidated balance sheet in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year.
Section 4. The Grand Council shall require that the records be maintained of all funds, monies, accounts and indebtedness and all other accounts bearing upon the fiscal interests of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation by the use of a uniform system of accounting which records and financial statements shall be audited by a Certified Public Accountant or as otherwise may be prescribed by the Grand Council prior to the submission of said accounts to the Grand Council.
Section 5. The Treasurer shall be authorized to accept all grants, donations of money, interest of funds of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, judgments and any and all other sources of monies available to the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, for uses and purposes and upon the conditions and limitations for which the same are granted or donated; and the faith of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation is hereby pledged to preserve such grants and donations as a sacred trust, and to keep the same for the use and purposes for which they were granted or donated.
Section 6. The Grand Council shall have the authority to invest funds or money of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation and the preference to be given to the security for such investments, the manner of selecting the securities, prescribing the rules, regulations, restrictions and conditions upon which the funds shall be loaned or invested,
provided that no investment shall be in mortgages other than first mortgages only, and do all things necessary for the safety of the funds and permanence of the investments.
Section 7. The credit of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall not be given, pledged, or loaned to any individual, firm, company, corporation, or association without the approval of the Grand Council. The Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall not make any donations by gift, or otherwise, to any individual, firm, company, corporation, or association without the approval of the Grand Council.
Section 8. All laws authorizing the expenditures of money by and on behalf of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall specify the purpose for which the money is to be used, and the money so designated shall be used for no other purpose. Annual expenditures shall not exceed the available funds.
Section 9. General laws shall be enacted by the Grand Council providing for the deposit of funds of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, and the depository thereof, and such funds shall be under the control of the Treasurer, under such terms and conditions as shall be designated by said Grand Council and under such laws which shall provide for the protection of said funds.
Section 10. No official, member or officer of the
Grand Council, regional Council, Grand Council of Elders [THESE WORDS...THESE "COUNCILS"... THESE "POSITIONS"... WHO DOES THIS REMIND ONE OF?
ANSWER: The "Cowasuck" B.S. created and perpetuated by HOWARD F. KNIGHT, JR a.k.a. "Chief Rushing Water"/ "Grandfather Circle" who then created and perpetuated that same B.S. to RALPH SWETT "Chief Spirit Water"/"Chief Lone Cloud" & DAVID A. HILL a.k.a. "Sly Wolf" who then passed that Coosuk/Koasek B.S. to NANCY COTE-ROLLS & LUKE A. WILLARD a.k.a. "Falling Owl"], Position or Department Member, employee of any official, or subdivisions thereof, or any person employed in any capacity by the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall receive from any individual, partnership, corporation, or entity doing business with the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation directly or indirectly, any interest, profit, benefits or gratuity, other than wages, salary, per diem, or expenses, specifically provided by law.
Section 11. All officers, selected or appointed, who are authorized by this Constitution or any subsequent legislation to a position of trust over any land, property, accounts or monies, shall execute an official surety bond in the amount as may be required by the Grand Council, and such surety bonds shall be used for the benefit of and be paid for by the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation for whose protection or surety the same shall be required and in no event shall said surety bond be other than by a Licensed Insurance Company.
Article XI. Removal From Office
Section 1. The Kchi Sag8mo and the Sag8mis shall be subject to removal from office for willful neglect of duty, corruption in office, habitual drunkenness, in competency or any conviction involving moral turpitude committed while in office.
Section 2. All other elective officers shall be subject to removal from office in such manner and for such causes as may be provided by laws passed by the Grand Council.
Section 3. The Grand Council shall pass such laws as are necessary for carrying into effect the provisions of this Article, insuring that due process is afforded the accused.
Article XII. Employee Rights
Section 1. No employee, who having served in a position at least one (1) year, shall be removed from the employment of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation except for cause. The employee shall be afforded a hearing by the Grand Council of Elders under such rules and procedures as may be prescribed by the Grand Council.
Section 2. Annotations - Persons deemed officers of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation, or an employee of the Housing Authority of the Abenaki Nation is not an employee of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation.
Article XIII. Oath
Section 1. All officers selected or appointed shall, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation:
I do solemnly swear or affirm, that I will faithfully execute the duties of______________of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki People of the greater Abenaki Nation, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitutions of the greater Abenaki Nation. I swear or affirm further, that I will do everything within my power
to promote the culture, heritage and traditions of the greater Abenaki Nation."
Section 2. The foregoing oath shall be administered by any person from the Grand Council of Elders authorized by the Grand Council to administer oaths. The oath shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary.
Article XIV. Bands, Groups, Clans, and Organizations
Section 1. Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to prohibit the right of any Abenaki Nation Citizen or Member to belong to a recognized Band, group, clan, or organization of the greater Abenaki Nation.
Article XV. Initiative, Referendum and Amendment
Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article V, the People of the greater Abenaki Nation reserve to themselves, through their individual Band or group, the power to propose laws and amendments to this Constitution and to enact or reject the same at General Council meetings specifically called for this purpose, independent of the Grand Council, and also reserve power at their own option to approve or reject any act of the Grand Council.
Section 2. Any amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by the Grand Council, and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members of the Grand Council, such proposed amendment or amendments shall, with the consensus thereon, be entered into the Journal or other records and referred by the Secretary to the people for their approval or rejection, at the next regular General Council meeting, except when the Grand Council, by consensus, shall order a special General Council meeting for that purpose. If a majority of all the registered Citizens shall have consensus in favor of any amendment thereto, it shall thereby become a part of this Constitution.
Section 3. The first power reserved by People any Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation is the initiative and ten percent (10%) of the registered Citizens over sixteen (16) years of age of shall have the right to propose any legislative measures by petition and fifteen percent (15%) of the registered Citizens over sixteen (16) years of age shall have the right to propose amendments to the Constitution by petition, and every such petition shall include the full text of the measure so proposed. The second power is the referendum, and it may be ordered (except as to laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety), either by petition signed by five (5%) percent of the registered Citizens over sixteen (16) years of age or by the Grand Council as other enactments are effectuated. The ratio and percent of registered Citizens hereinbefore stated shall be based upon the consensus at the last General Council meeting.
Section 4. Referendum petitions shall be filed with the Secretary not more than ninety (90) days after the final adjournment of the session or meeting of the Grand Council which passed the bill on which the referendum is demanded. The power of the Kchi Sag8mo shall not extend to measures decided by consensus by the People. All meetings on measures referred to the People of the Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation shall be had at the next regular General Council meeting except when the Grand Council or the Kchi Sag8mo shall order a special meeting for the express purpose of making such reference. Any measure referred to the People by the initiative shall take effect and be in force when it shall have been approved by consensus.
Section 5. Petitions and orders for the initiative and for the referendum shall be filed with the Secretary and addressed to the Kchi Sag8mo of the Abenaki Nation, who shall submit the same to the People. The Grand Council shall make suitable provisions for carrying into effect the provisions of this Article.
Section 6. The referendum may be demanded by the People against one or more items, sections or parts of any enactment of the Grand Council in the same manner in which such power may be exercised against a complete enactment. The filing of a referendum petition against one or more items, sections or parts of an enactment shall not delay the remainder of such act from becoming operative.
Section 7. If two or more amendments are proposed they shall be submitted in such manner that the General Council may agree or disagree for them separately.
Section 8. No proposal for the amendment of this Constitution which is submitted to the General Council shall embrace more than one general subject and the General Council shall decide separately for or against each proposal submitted; provided, however, that in the submission of proposals for the amendment of this Constitution by articles, which embrace a general subject, each proposed article shall be deemed a single proposal or proposition.
Section 9. No convention shall be called by the Grand Council or regional Councils to propose a new Constitution, unless the law providing for such convention shall first be approved by the People on a referendum at a regular or special meeting. Any amendments, alterations, revisions or new Constitution, proposed by such convention, shall be submitted to the Grand Council at a general or special meeting and be approved by a majority of the Grand Council making a decision thereon before the same shall become effective. The question of such proposed convention shall be submitted to the Citizens of the greater Abenaki Nation at least once in every twenty (20) years.
Section 10. No amendment or new Constitution shall become effective without the approval of the Grand Council.
Article XVI. Supersedes Previous Constitutions
Section 1. The provisions of this Constitution overrule and supersede the provisions of any previous Constitution of any individual Band or group within the greater Abenaki Nation that may be in existence.
Article XVII. Seat of Government
Section 1. The Seat of Government of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki People of the greater Abenaki Nation and Grand Council shall be at (TBD).
Article XVIII. Adoption
Section 1. This Constitution shall become effective when approved by Grand Councils and regional Councils and when ratified by the qualified General Council of the greater Abenaki Nation at a annual meeting conducted pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Kchi Sag8mo. It shall be engrossed on parchment and signed by the Kchi Sag8mo and the Sag8mis of the Grand Council and regional Councils of each Band or group of the greater Abenaki Nation. It shall be filed in the office of the Nulhegan Band of the CoosukAbenaki People of the greater Abenaki Nation and sacredly preserved as fundamental law of the People of the greater Abenaki Nation. APPROVED FOR REFERENDUM BY THE GRAND COUNCIL of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki People of the greater Abenaki Nation on
DATE: August 15, 2004.
APPENDIX - Historical Documents
Aln8bak (Our People)
The greater Abenaki Nation includes all Abenaki and Pennacook Bands and groups, including but not limited to the following Aln8bak groups now known or previously known as:
Abenaki (Abnaki, Abenaqui, "eastern" Abenaki, "central" Abenaki, "western" Abenaki),
Aberginians,
Accominta (shore line),
Adirondack (Wawobadenik - white mountains),
Agawam (fish curing place),
Almouchiquios,
Amaseconti (Amesokanti, Anmissoukanti - abundance of small fish),
Amoskeag (one takes small fish),
Ammatoscoggin,
Androscoggin (Amariscoggin, Amerascoggin, Ameriscoggin - rock shelter place),
Anasagunticook,
Arosaguntacook (Arosaguntacook, Arrosaguntacook),
Aucocisco,
Bashaba,
Canibas,
Cochecco,
Cowasuck (Cahass, Cohassiac, Coos, Coosuc, Koes, Eastern Woodland People, Northeastern Woodland People - at the white pines),
Etchemin,
Green Mountain Band,
Kennebec (Caniba, Sagadahoc, Kanibesinnoak, Nurhantsuak,Kinibeki), Kik8ntegok (river of fields - Chaudiere River),
Loup (Wolves),
Massapuag,
Merrimac, (Merrimacks - at the bottom of the "sand" hill),
Missisquoi (Mezipskwik Missiassik, Missisiak, Mazipskoik, Misiskuoi, Missiassik, Missique, Missisco - place of flint),
Morattigan (Monchiggan),
Musketaquid,
Nashoba, (Nashua, Nashaway - the land between),
Natacook (Naticook),
Naumkeag (Naumkeg, Naimkeak, Naamkeek, Namaoskeag, Namaske), Nechegansett,
Norridgewock (Newichawawock, Newichawannock, Newichawanoc, Norridgewock, Naridgewalk, Neridgewok, Noronjawoke - people of the still water between rapids),
Nulheganook
Odanak (our village - St. Francis Jesuit mission),
Ondiakes (Ondiakee),
Onegigwizibok (otter river - Otter Creek),
Ouarastegouiak,
Oppenangoes,
Ossippe (Ossippee - lake made by river widening),
Otonic,
Ouragie,
Owaragees,
Patsuiket,
Pawtucket,
Pequawket (Pigwacket, Pegouakki, Peguaki, Pequawket - at the hole in the ground),
Pemigewasset,
Pejypscot,
Pechiepsacut,
Pemigewasset,
Pennacook (Penakuk, Panukkog, Peenecooks, Penagooge, Penakook, Penecooke, Penicoock, Penicook, Penikook, Pennacokes, Pennacooke, Pennagog, Pennecooke, Pennekokes, Pennekook, Pennokook, Penny Cook, Penny-Cooke, Pennykoke, Pinnekooks, Pnoacocks, Ponacoks, Sagadahoc), Rocameca (on the land upstream),
Saco (south place),
Soheg,
Sokoki (Assokwekik, Ondeake, Onaiake, Onejagese, Ossipee, Sakukia, Sokokiois, Sokoquios, Sokoquis, Sokokquis, Sokoni, Sokwaki, Soquachjck, Zooquagese - people at the outlet / people who separated),
Spirit Bear Band
[Emerson Bidwell Garfield's creation],
St. Francis (St. Francis du Lac),
St. Joesph de Colraine,
Souhegan (Souheyan, Nacook, Natacook, Natticook),
Squamscot (Squam, Squamsauke, Wonnesquam),
Sunapee,
Suncook (Senikok - at the rocks),
Wachuset (at the small / middle sized mountain),
Wamesit (fishing place),
Washucke,
Wataunick,
Wawenock, (Wawenoc, Wewenoc, Ouanwiak, Sheepscot, Wawenock,
Wawnock) (people of the bay country),
Weshacum,
Winnecowet,
Winnicunnet,
Winnipisauki (Winnepiscogee, Winnipesaukee, Winnepiseogee, Maunbisek, Muanbissek - the land around lake),
Winnisemet,
Winoski (Winoskik - onion place people),
Wioninebesek,
Wolinak (village at the bay - two villages - Becancour, Quebec and coastal Maine).
The above list is a historical representation of the known Abenaki and Pennacook groups, it does not exclude or include any group or groups that may be historically mis-identified or now identified with another "Eastern Abenaki" group.
N'dakina (Our Homelands)
The following is a detailed description of N'dakina, our homeland. It includes all lands and waters that our ancestors of the above named groups lived, fished, hunted, trapped, planted, farmed, and harvested nature's bounty. In colonial times N'dakina covered all of New France and the colonial Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This area is now known as the province of Quebec, Canada, and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts in the United States.
The following describes the boundaries of N'dakina by way of the rivers, lakes, landmarks, and the meeting points with the other First Nations People that border N'dakina. The primary descriptions of N'dakina are identified in the Aln8bad8wa (Abenaki) language. At a starting point from - Nsawiwi pebonkik to ali-nkihl8t (northwest from) where the Chateauguay River and the Ktsitegok (great river) - Moliantegw (St. Lawrence River) meet near Molian (Montreal). The Os8ganek (Algonquin place) is the point where the lands of the Abenaki (N'dakina), Algonkin, and Mohawk nations (Magwak) meet.
Waji nahil8t (going easterly) along the Ktsiegok (great river) Moliantegw (St. Lawrence River), past the Bitawbagwizibok (Richelieu River), past the Wigw8madenik (Yamaska River) and the village of both the Abenaki and Mohawk lived, past Masessolina (Sorel), past Pithiiganek (Nicolet) and the Pithiganitegw (Nicolet River), past Mad8balodnik and the village of Mad8balodniak (Three Rivers).
Continuing, Ali-nkihlot (easterly) past the Alsog8ntegok (St. Francis River) and Welinaktegw or W8linaktegw (the river which has long turns - which causes delay by its windings) (Becancour River) upon which Abenaki villages of Odanak and W8linack (Wolinak) are still occupied by the Abenaki People.
Continuing, Ali-nkihlot (easterly) along the Ktsiegok (great river) Moliantegw (great river) (St. Lawrence River) to the Kik8ntegok (river of fields) (Chaudiere River) upon which the Abenaki villages of St. Joseph de Collraine and Kwanah8moik (long point in the river bend) (Durham) and other Abenaki villages along the Koattegok or Koattegw (pine river) (Coaticook River), Namaskonkik (fish field) (Megantic Lake) were settled.
Continuing, Ali-nkihlot (easterly) beyond the Etchemin River (sand berries) and up to
Kebek (Quebec) and the Isle de Orleans at the point that the Abenaki and Ksitegwiiak (the land of the Hurons) meet near the village of Pamadenainak (Lorette), up to village of O'bamasisek (Yamachiche).
Going inland to the Big Black River to the point that it joins the St. John River at the Notre Dame Mountains the point where the Abenaki meet the Moskwas (muskrat - Malecite -Maliseet - broken talker). Across the St. John River and along the the lands of the Malecite (Maliseet, Wulastegniak, Aroostook, St. John's - good river people) and further east to the land of the Passamaquody (Machias, Opanango, Pesmokant, Quoddy, Scotucks, Unchechauge, Unquechauge, St. Croix - plenty of pollock / pollock spearing place). Sowanakik, (going southward) through the watersheds of the Allagash River, the Musquacook Lakes, the Chemquasabamticook Lake, the Churchhill Lake, the Chamberlain Lakes, the Caucomgomoc Lake, the Baker River, the Baker Lake, the Seboomook Lake, the Chesuncook Lake, the Moz8debinebesek (Moosehead Lake), and to the Kenebec (Kennebec River) and through Kwen8bagok (long lake - Kennebago Lake).
The Kenebec (deep river - Kennebec River) being the point where the Abenaki meet the Pan8bskaik (land of the Penobscot) Pana8bskaiiak (Penobscot Pentagoet, Panaomeska -plenty stones / rocky place / ledge place).
Going down the Kenebec (Kennebec River), past the ancient Abenaki village of Mol8joak (deep flow river) (Norridgewock) and continuing to the Sobagwa (great ocean - Atlantic Ocean).
The Abenaki villages on the Laesikantgw (rock shelter river - Androscoggin River) are the villages of Amescana and Narakamik.
Sowanakik (going southerly) along the coast of the Sobagwa (Atlantic Ocean), past W8linak (village on the bay - village of Wwenock), past Kaska, past Pejepskw (bad rock - Pejepscot), past the Laesikantegw (Androsooggin River), past the Presumpscot River, past Sokwakik (Saco) and the Zawakwtegok (Saco River), past Kinib8ka (rough ground) (Kennebunk), past the M'mosem (my moose river - Mousam River), past Ogwa8mkwik (at the accumulated sand -Ogunquit), past the village of Piscataqua on (great deer river) Pesgatakwa (dark river - Piscataqua River), to the outlet of the Mol8demak (deep river -Merrimack River) at the Sobagwa (Atlantic Ocean).
The Mol8demak leads to the Pemijewasek (Pemigewasset River) and to the lake of Wiwinebesaki (lake around lake - Lake Winnepisaukee), the Abenaki villages of this area are Wiwinebesakik land around lake place - Winnepisaukee Village), Akwadocta, Asepihtegw (river alongside - Ossippee), and Apikwehkik). The Abenaki villages on the Mol8demak are the villages of (Wamesit (fishing place), Nanaskik (place of fish -Manchester), Penokok (down hill - Concord), and Senikok (at the rocks - Suncook), Wiwinijoanek (water flows around it - Dover).
The other area lakes and waters are: Massabeskik (large lake - Massabesikick Pond), N8wijoanek (long rapids - Salmon Fall River), Seninebik (rocky lake - Lake Sunapee), and W8bagok (clear lake - Lake Umbagog).
Ali-ali-nkihl8t (westward) along the Mol8demak (Merrimack River) past the village of Wamesit to the Pagontegok (Concord River), a one day's walk from the eastern shores of the Mol8demak (Merrimack) and Concord Rivers lands of the Pawtucket (Agawam, Naumkeag, Saugus, Winnisinet) to the lands of the Msajosek (the great hill) (Massachuset Nation), Neponsit (Massachusett) and Shawmut (Massachusett), to the headwaters of the Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet, and Nashua Rivers lands of the Nsawiwi (between the rivers) (Nashua) (Nashaway, Washoc, and Nashoba) to the area known as the Narragansett corridor along the Blackstone River and lands of the Nipmuc (Nipmuck) Nation.
Ali-ali-nkihl8t (westward) to Wachuset (mountain of small / middle height - Mt. Wachuset) at the Warre River the meeting place of the Nipmuc and Abenaki.
Ali-ali-nkihl8t (westward) to Millers River, west to the Pokw8mtegok (very narrow river) (Pocumtuck River) and the land of the Pocumtuc.
Ali-nkihl8t (westward) crossing the Kwinitegok (long river - Connecticut River). The
Abenaki villages along the Kwinitegok are the villages of Sokwakik (southern place - Squakeag), Ktispontegok (great falls - Bellows Falls, Vermont), Goasek (place of pines -Newbury, Vermont).
The rivers that feed the Kwinitegok are the 8manosek (fishing place -Ammonoosuc River), the Pasomkasik - Pemijoaswek (swift current - Pemigewasset River), and the Goategok (pine river - Coaticook River) (upper Connecticut valley).
The other lakes, rivers, and waters of N'dakina are the Menahanbagok, (island pond -Island Lake), Mamhiawbagok (wide water - Lake Mephramagog), Wasabastegok, Sobagwa (ocean - Sebago Lake), Nebiz8nnibizik (little medicine water - Alburg Springs), Mikazawitegok (black river - Black River), Bonsawinno (fire keeper - Lake Bomoseen), Pibesgantegok (roily river - Dead Creek), Nebiz8nnibik (medicine water - Highgate Springs), Massawippi (clear water - Holland Pond), Kwenosakek (pike place - mouth of Lamoille River), Kwenaskategok (long point river - La Platte River), Tamakwa (beaver - Maquam Bay), Masipskiwibi (flint water - Missisquoi Bay), Klahigantegok (wooden trap river - Nulhegan River), Pas8mkasik (clear sandy river - Passumpsic River), Kwenozasek (at the pike place - Pike River), and Wasabastegok (clear stream - White River). Continuing, Ali-nkihl8t (westward) crossing the Kwinitegok to the Deerfield River and the lands of the Mahiganek (at the Mahigans) Mahican Nation.
Continuing, Pebonkik (northward) to Onegigwizibok (otter river - Otter Creek). The lands of the Green Mountains and Onegigwizibok (Otter Creek) and the lands beyond Lake George up to the western lands (Wawobzdenik, Senapskaizibok, and the lands of Ganienkeh) to the west of Bitawbagok (lake between - Lake Champlain) are the Wawobadenik (white mountains - Adirondack lands and mountains) between the N'dakina (Abenaki) and Magwak (Mohawk) nations.
The Abenaki villages on Bitawbagok are the villages of Winoskik (onion place - Winooski), Mskitegwa (quiet water - Milton, Vermont), and Mazipskaik (flint place - Swanton, Vermont), and on the river Onegigwizibok is the village of Natami pontegok (first falls -Vergennes, Vermont).
The rivers that feed the Bitawbagok are the Wazowategok (crooked river - Missisquoi River), the Wintegok (marrow river - Lamoille River), the Winoskitegok (onion river -Winooski River), the Seniganitegok (stone works river - Lewis Creek), and the Onegigwizibok (otter river - Otter Creek).
Continuing, Pebonkik (northward) up through the Bitawbagok (Lake Champlain) and all of its shores going north and west through the water sheds of the Chateuaguay and Bitawbagwizibok (Richelieu) Rivers back to the Ktsitegwiiak (St. Lawrence River). The major mountains of N'dakina are: Gawasiwajo (windfall mountain - Mt. Kearsage), G8dagwjo (hidden mountain - Mt. Washington), Menonadenak (bare, silver mountain - Mt. Monadnock), Wawobadenik (White Mountains or Adirondack Mountains), Pemapskadena (rocky mountain - Mt. Ascutney), Mozeodebe wadso (moose head mountain - Mt. Mansfield), Mateguasaden (rabbit mountain - Mt. Philo), Pisgag (dark - Mt. Pisga) and Wachuset (mountain of small / middle height - Mt. Wachuset), Dowabodiwadjo (saddle mountain - Camel's Hump), Mozal8mo (calls like a moose - Mt. Moosalamoo), and Mozalhlakik (cow moose land - Mt. Mooselauke).
This describes the Abenaki homelands, N'dakina bordered by the Magwak (Mohawk) to the west, the Ksitegwiiak (the land of the Hurons) and Osoganek (Algonquin Place) to the north, the Moskwas (Malecite-Maliseet), Mikm8z (Micmac), (Passaamakwadi) Passamaquoddy, and Pan8bskaik (Penobscot) to the east, the Massacusett and Nipmuc to the south, and the Mahiganek (Mahican) to the west. This describes the N'dakina that the Abenaki People claim to be their sovereign homelands.
Nulhegan Band ... of the Coosuk-Abenaki People
P.O. Box 944 ~ Derby Line, VT ~ 05830-0944
Nulheganband@yahoo.com
Amendment to the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki Peoples Version of the Greator Abenaki Nation Constitution
The Grand Council (the people) shall be entitled to three (3) moon cycles to locate or replace the kchi Sag8ma (chief) who meets the qualifications stated in Article VII, or votes again to extend the length of time until the Grand Council (the people) have found a Kchi Sag8mo (chief).
Signature:
Luke A. Willard
Luke Willard
Kchi Sag8mis (War Chief)
Signature:
Nancy-Lee Cote
Nancy-Lee Cote
Secretary -Registra
FIled on August____2004
Nulhegan Band Coosuk-Abenaki
September 11, 2004
Amendment to Nulhegan Band Constitution Article IV Section 1
"Applicants that provide adequate dcoumentation of Non-Abenaki American Indian ancestry are entitled to Membership within the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki People. These members shall be known as Intertribal for status purposes. Intertribal members have voting privileges, however, they may not be elected as an officer or any Grand, Judicial, or Registration Council. The Kchi Sag8mo may appoint one Intertribal member (55 years of age or more) to represent all Intertribal members at the Judicial Council. This action must be confirmed by the Grand Council of the Nulhegan Band. Non-Abenaki Spouses of a Full-Status Abenaki Citizen of the Nulhegan Band are entitled to Citizenship with voting privileges, however, they may not be elected as an officer or to any Grand, Judicial, or Registration Council."
Signed: Luke A. Willard
Luke A. Willard, War Chief
Signed: Nancy Lee Cote
Nancy Cote-Rolls, Secretary
