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Alnobak News
COWASUCK BAND - ABENAKI PEOPLE
COWASS North America, Inc. - P.O. Box 554, Franklin, MA 02038 - (508) 528-7629
April - May - June 1995 - Volume 95 / Issue 2 - Page - 1
Sogalikas - Kikas - Nakkahigas___________
Cowasuck Band
Spring Gathering - Beaver Pond
The Spring Gathering was held at Chilson Beach
on Beaver Pond in Franklin, Massachusetts on
June 3-4. In spite of die rain that was received
each morning the sun came out just in time for
the opening of the day's activities. Native artisans
covering a diverse array of subjects and
representing every state in New England were
there showing and selling their artwork.
Over the weekend 200+ Native People and
approximately 4000 spectators participated in the
gatiiering. The event was also financially
successful, the majority of the contributions
received will go to the Franklin Youth Services
project to complete the construction of the youth
center.
The host drum. Iron River Singers, was backed up
by two other drum groups, the Society of Brothers
from Connecticut and the Red Hawk Drum. The
Red Hawk drum, which is the Cowasuck Band
Council drum, was used to create a "pick-up"
group which included Cowasuck men, Rob
Apataker and several of his women singer
friends, and other guest singers from the Micmac,
Lakota, and Navajo Nations. As a result the Red
Hawk Drum provided a wide variety of Northern
and Southern style music as well as specific
Abenaki songs. The three drums provided
enough foot stomping music to make even the
best moccasins "smoke" to the beat of the drums.
A special honoring song and dance were done in
memory of Raymond Pease, our West Coast
Council Sub-chief, who recently passed on in
May. We asked that all our ancestors who have
passed on to join us in the honoring.
Several demonstrations were performed during
the weekend. Basket making and “hands on”
lessons were done by Many Winds.
Blackpowder, candle making, shot making, and
contact period living demonstrations were
provided by William Smits and his wife. A
wigwam was also built to demonstrate eastern
Native American living arrangements. The
wigwam was used for shelter and a place to sleep
for some of our guests.
Stoiy telling was done each morning for the
children by Willow. As a special cultural
presentation was performed by Aztec dancer
Breeze who did the "Condor" dance to the Andes
music of Peruvian Nicholas.
Several Abenaki from the Missisquoi Band were
invited as brothers and sisters to join us in die
festivities. On Saturday nig^it the Cowasuck
Band held a communal feast for all those that
were at the POW WOW. Fire Woman gave a
prayer of thanks before the feast and Paul Pouliot
sang a gathering and honor song for the food that
Following the feast a Cowasuck Band Council
meeting was held - all that were present were
invited to hear about the Band's activities.
Speaker Paul Pouliot presided over the meeting.
A consensus was made to cancel the July
gathering and to go forward with the September
event The cancellation was due to site problems
and the concern about hot weather. The feeling
was that events scheduled for spring and fall are
best. Other issues and topics discussed included
the recognition process, membership
requirements, fimd raising, and several ongoing
and proposed grant projects.
I
Ainobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Page - 2
Statements were given by our elders. Fire Woman
and Grandfather Maple. Our Speaker invited
others to speak and a member of the Missisquoi
Band spoke and gave his best wishes from the
Missisquoi people. Our elders were pleased and
expressed our desire to live and work in peace
and good will with all other Abenaki and other
Native Peoples.
Following the Council meeting all die women
were invited to the Cowasuck Women's Circle
which lasted long into die evening. The women
reported that the Circle was a very uplifting
experience for them.
The POW WOW activities were concluded by the
singing of the American Indian Movement
national anthem. The Red Hawk Drum invited
all the singers of the other drums to join in die
grand closing. Over ei^teen singers were at the
drum including all the dancers and other singers
that joined in. The resulting song was performed
in unity and strength that typified the spirit and
good will that filled the weekend event.
1995 Gatherings & Events
The following Abenaki gatherings and events are
scheduled for 1995. We are requesting your
support, attendance, and assistance to make diese
upcoming events pl^surable and successful to us
all.
Odanak is northwest of Drummonville, Quebec
and is next to Pierreville on Route 132. The
travel time is about 2 hours from the Vermont /
Canada border.
Camping s{»ce is available but facilities are
limited. Rick CBomsawin is the gathering host,
he can be telephoned at (514) 568-0869 or
FAXedat(514) 568-6558.
** Summer Gathering - Canceled **
The Summer Gathering which was scheduled for
July 29-30 has been canceled by Council
consensus.
Manville Settler's Day **
A gathering and celebration will be held on
September 23-24 at the Manville Road & Gun
Club in Manville (Lincoln), Rhode Island. Our
Band has participated in this event for the last
two years. The club has requested that we
expand our involvement into a POW WOW so
diat the Native American influence on the
colonial period is better represented. The host
drum is the Iron River Singers and the Ogawanio
Society Drum from Odanak has promised to
come as well.
A Council meeting and Women's Circle will also
be held as time permits.
** Fall Gadiering **
The Odanak Gathering is going forward as
scheduled for the first weekend in July. Plan on
traveling, if you can, on Thursday, June 29,
because activities will be ongoing sduting on
Friday. Remember, the Canadians celebrate July
1st and not July 4th so most activities will end on
Sunday, July 2nd.
The Fall Gathering (Council & Women’s Circle)
will be held on October 14-15 at the Pouliofs
home the Red Hawk Lodge in Franklin,
Massachusetts. Arrival on Friday night is
encouraged, so that the activities can start on
Saturday morning This gathering is a social and
spiritual event. Craft demonstrations, open
discussions, cooking and nature lectures will be
prunaiy activities. Camping space is limited so
please notify us if you plan on attending. The
will be no public and trading will be limited
among ourselves.
Alnobak News 95-2 - ^April-Magjnne_/_SogaUk^;;^kag;-Nal^higag 1995-Page^
Newsletter Comments &
Family News
We encourage all of our tribal family to write to
us - comments, letters, opinions, stories, poems,
or words of wisdom - send them in. This is yovir
family news network!
We want to print all family related news - births,
sickness, deaths, graduations, promotions, new
jobs, new homes - vriiatever is important to you
we will put it in the news so that we can all share
in our family relations.
Homer St Francis, of Swanton, was dismissed of
Jan. 6,1988 third-offense charge of driving while
intoxicated, and a disorderly conduct charge
stemming from an assault on a police officer in
Bericshire, May 11,1991. The one remaining
charge was levied during the tribe's fish-in protest
last fall.
The state's attorn^ said Tuesday that die criminal
charges were dropped on "the basic jxinciple that
a person is so ill that it doesn't make sense to go
forward." St Francis is seriously ill with cancer.
None of the charges against St Francis were part
of the 18 charges ranging from DWI to assault
upheld by the Vermont Supreme Court last
month, the state's attorney said.
Summarized from the County Courier. AjmiI 20,
1995, reporter - Marilyn Hackett.
Important Notice: If you are moving or otherwise
changing your address, it is imperative for several
reasons that you contact us with your new address
and telephone numb^. First, it costs us about $1
to print each newsletter and the original mailing
and return postage is $.60^ for each piece of mail
returned. Second, since we do not charge
subscription fees this wasted expense comes out
of funds that we could use for other programs.
Third, as we proceed into die recognition process
you may be "lost” or at the least listed as "address
unknown;" a situation that could result in being
dropped from the tribal rolls. It is not our duty
nor that of the U.S. Postal Service to keep track
of you - this is your responsibility to your tribal
family.
Vermont News ** Charges Dropped **
All charges except for one were dropped against
the chief of the Missisquoi Abenakis in
consideration of the chiefs health according to
Franklin County State's Attorney Howard
VanBenthuysen.
** Abenaki Get Grant to Study Bottling Plant **
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native
American Affiiirs landed a grant last week to
study whether a bottling plant for Native
American herbal teas and sjxing water in the
Swanton area would be financially feasible.
Acting Tribal Chief April St. Francis announced
Monday.
This isn't the first time the bottling plant idea has
been proposed, according to Dee Brigthstar, a
Tribal Council member \^bo said it has been
rejected in the past.
Chief Homer St. Francis thinks it is a good idea,
“fve read about water wars," he explained.
"Water is going to be more precious than oil."
Summarized from the County Courier. AjhiI 27,
1995, reporter - Marilyn Ifeckett
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas
** Abenaki Heritage Celebration Weekend
Summarized from the Countv Courier. April 20,
1995, reporter - Marilyn Hackett
On May 6 & 7 the third annual Abenaki Heritage
Celebration weekend was held in Hig^gate
Vermont. In spite of the cold weather, a large
number of Abenaki (Missisquoi and Cowasuck)
and other Native people attended the event.
** Bones Moved Will Now Find Peace At Last **
♦* Vermont Prison Hosts A Wedding **
The remains of 80 ancestors and their cherished
possessions were brought back by canoes to die
Swanton area last fall. At that time the tribe had
no firm commitment that they would be restored
to their original grave sites in High^te. That
assurance came last week as the Vermont
Legislature agreed to fimd the purchase of the
site. “The state will now take possession of and
move die house off the site and the pool and
septic system will be dug up,” said April St
Francis.
History was made in Franklin County Jail when
Peruvian Indian inmate, Juan Morales married
Dee Bright Star, Missisquoi Abenaki Tribal
Council member. This was die first marriage
performed in the 102 year history of the jail.
Morales was arrested in November and charged
with illegal entry into the United States. He
remains in jail while fighting deportation charges.
Summarized from the May 18, 1995 Boston
Globe "New England Briefs."
“It's not a victory," Chief Homer St. FraiKis said
of the conclusion of the sometimes contentious,
decade-old struggle to return their forbearers to
their final resting places. "Ifs a healing process knovring the ancestors are in their home site so
they can journey on to the afterlife in peace and
happiness."
The state's failure to rebury the remains has been
a major sore point for the Abenaki in various
negotiations for years. “The graves were
discovered in 1972 Mhen the owner of the
Highgate property put in a swimming pool,”
April St. Francis said. Bones, jewelry and pottery
were turned over to University of Vermont
archaeologists for study and then stored in
Montpelier.
In an attempt to ensure that a similar situation
does not occur again, the Legislature has included
two provisions in the deal. One makes it illegal
to intentionally disturb the grave of a Native
American. The other pro\ides tlmt any remains
in Vermont unintentionally disturbed - such as
unmarked graves uncovered during construction may be reinterred at the Highgate site.
Say That in Abenaki / Ida ni
Alnobaiwi
♦♦ Time of Day **
Kisokw
Kisgadiwi
Tebokw
Niboiwi
Sposowiwi
WTogwiwi
Paskua
Paskuak
Nowitebakad
Nowitebakak
Sokhipozit kisos
Nakilh^t kisos
WlSgwa
Saba
The day, a day.
In day time.
The night.
In the night
In the morning.
In the evening.
Noon, it is nooa
At noon.
Midnight, it is midnight.
At midnight.
Sunrise, at sunrise.
Sunset, at sunset
Yesterday.
Tomorrow.
AlnobakNews95-2-April-May-June / SogalikashKijgsjfajdMhi^sl99Sj^Page^
West Coast Winds
** Family Events **
The Cowasuck Band West Coast Council held a
major "yard-sale" in May. Family, friends, and
neighbors donated loads of items and an ideal site
was provided by one of our tribal sisters. The
two day event resulted in over $600 of sales and
enough additional items to have another sale in
the near future.
The Council's goal was to raise enoi^ money to
get a drum. The money is more than enou^ to
purchase the drum and beaters that they were
seeking.
Several of our Band members are learning drum
and singing skills with the Miwok and ElDorado
Indian Coxmcil. They will now be planning on
developing their own drum. Hopefully, our
Native brothers and sisters on die West Coast will
be hearing Abenaki songs soon.
** Raymond Pease - Passes On **
Raymond C. Pease, elder and Sub-Chief for the
Cowasuck Band West Coast Council, passed on
suddenly on May 24th. Ray, who was 57 years
old, was very active in the Native American
affairs of the regioiL His dedication to the Band
and the ElDorado Indian Council will be missed
by all that knew him. He leaves behind numerous
family members. His family can be contacted at
4700 Old French Town Ro^ Shingle Springs,
CA 95682.
*♦ West Coast Council Words **
When I think about Abenaki culture today,
especially in the U.S., I think about change.
When I was growing iqi, during the 60's and 70's I
attended many POW WOWs, throughout New
England. I knew I was Indian, and that others
were either non-Indian or "Hobbyists." Back
when I was growing up we did not worry about
the tribe as much, it was as ifjust being
Northeastern Indian was enough. Today, I think
because of the Maine land claim and federal
recognition of many groups, we have become
extraordinarily concerned about identification.
Sometimes, I get very nostalgic for my youth,
because I remember gatherings of people where
politics was not a major factor in our community.
Being related or from a family was important.
Also part of the contemporary politics seems to
be discussion who is "really an Indirni?" The
most disturbing to me is that in some recent POW
WOWs in the Northeast, I have heru-d it said that
some of our elders are not "real Indians."
Reasons given for this are things like "He is really
an Italian who changed his name." "No real
Indian would use the term Pnncess," etc. I think
it is important to point out that I was raised to
know that being Indian is respecting our elrkrs,
not trying to discredit them. Maybe in the future
the term "princess" will not be used by our
people. But if this change occurs, it may be
because many of us want to look more
respectable in the eyes of our western tribal
neighbors such as the Lakota or Ponka. However,
it is important to know that until recently the term
"princess" was respected in some of our Indian
communities in the East This term stems not
from a desire to copy western Indians, but
because our cultural history is different from that
of the West. I may be wrong, but what I
remember hearing is that the term was used to
designate the female descendant of a chief or
"king." Designations such as "king" were given
to many of our leaders prior to the Revolutionary
War to give our leaders equivalent status to
European kings. Western tribes were not
occupied by European forces until after die
Revolutionary War, therefore they were never
given this terminology. Do we need to put down
or think less well of our elders simply because
they have continued to use a terminology that
tiiey heard when they were children? Again, I
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Paggj^
would like to say that maybe being Indian has
more to do with respect than it does with trying to
"look good." I hope that wdiile our elders are with
us, we may find more time to ask them questions
and listen to their answers because they hold our
culture, not people who grew up far away. I am
looking forwtud to seeing you all this Summer as
I and my new wife plan to be traveling to
Odanak, Quebec during July. Hopefiilly we will
have a chance to touch base with people in New
England. I really miss seeing my elders and
others I grew up with in the New England POW
WOW circuit.
Our thoughts here on the West Coast are witih you
all. Please send your prayers out to us.
Especially, remember Sub-chief Raymond Pease.
I feel very honored to have been able to help with
his fimeral in California May 26th and sing there,
as well as I was able, the Chiefs Honor song. His
&mily and friends miss him greatly.
Paul Tambuiro
Cowasuck Band Council Actions
Federal Recognition
Our Band recognition process has been slowly
going forward. The East Coast Tribal Council
has been reviewing mwnbership issues and "base
line" family groups. Consideration is being given
to determine if specific policy changes are
required to create two levels of membership. The
policy centers on die principle that citizenship is
either by blood relation rights, by marriage, or by
formal tribal adoption.
Note: This policy issue has impacted our
membership review and approval js'ocess
significantly. For those that have applied for
membership into the Cowasuck Band, but may
have not bwn approved or have not received a
reply from us - tlhs is the reason and we
apologize if you were impacted by this.
The Tribal rolls are being studied to identify
base-line family groups and inter-marriage
relationships. This is an important step and may
be a requirement to separate our Band families
from those of the Missisquoi or other identifiable
Abenaki groups.
The present consensus is that inter-mam^s
have made the segregation of the individual
Abenaki Bands, clans, and family groupings veiy
difficult to document and possibly not desirable.
Our Band Council may be required to make some
unpleasant decisions to remove whole family
groups from the rolls because of the actions of the
most outspoken leader or elder of dieir group.
For example, the whole Knight or Lussier
families may have to be removed from the rolls
due to the lack of other leadership from those
groups to speak on their behalf. In the future we
will be contacting family group elders to
determine their family status within the greater
Abenaki family circle.
On the matter of recognition, we sfrongly
recommend that all family elders and leaders
gather family stories, oral traditions, pictures,
records, and any documents that provide
information on your ancestiy. These types of
information are as critical to our recogmtion
process as are genealogical and ethnological
documents.
Women’s Circle
The Women's Circle met in May at an ancient
Blue Heron rookery (nesting site). The meeting
was held at this location in respect to the birds
and due to the fact that they had returned to the
site to nest.
To the Abenaki, the Blue Heron is a sacred bird
because it appears to stand and pray to the
Creator. An honoring song was done for them
during the meeting. The drumming and singing
did not scare them at all. They seemed to enjoy
having us join tiiem.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / S^jika»^ikasjfaldMhiffli8j[9^^JPag^^
A Women's Circle was held at the June POW
WOW. All women were invited to participate.
Women's medicine and spiritually to deal with
tribal problems and issues were the key matters
addressed.
Native Words
April 7,1995 - To Chief Paul, the Council, and to
Our People.
In the news letter you asked, what is it we need or
expect of being a recognized Band, and which is
the right path for us to follow (para-idirasing it)
and I would like to say (speaking for myself only)
-T.IVEFREEORDIE.''
When the Great Spirit gave our People this place,
a long time ago, in a time before time, made the
hills, and trees, the blue sky, flowers and fields.
For all that lives gave clear water, full with life
and beauty. Then filled this place with many
spirits, ai^ made the people one with the forests.
Through the ages tested our faith, made us strong
and beautiful. A People with pride, as human
beings, with a spirit, an absolute freedom of will.
When Viking ships first touched our shores, with
carved serpents perched upon the bow, Norsemen
with sword and shields, they found our People
alreatfy living here. Then when flie Dutch and
French began to explore, and when the Pilgrims
later came, our People welcomed them, and
shared vriiat tiie Great Spirit has given us. But we
were forced to take sides, some went this \ray
some that. So we foi^t in the disastrous wars
between the French and British. We fought again
with our French and American allies against the
British, in the American Revolution. We suffered
at Fort Ticonderoga, at the battles of Lexington,
Concord, Bunker Hill, Albany, Montreal, (Judxx;
and on the lakes and water ways so vital, over
vriiich great amounts of supplies, food, weapons,
shelters, and of our People were given up to the
American Revolution. Our People were the
direct link between our French allies and to our
American allies by supplying them from the
north. So we are not a conquered People but
allies from the start The American Revolution
vs^ won but the war was not over. Soon the
Continental Congress would ignore us, and our
rights as allies, and new people would settle in on
our lands, left unguarded by our weakening in the
Revolution, and by illness. In between the
American Revolution and the war between the
Blue and Gray, was a very dark time, when
Congress could not see People as People.
Some were given rights, considered as people.
Some people were as property, and some (whom
Congress didn't even count) as animals. (If we
were still "classified" as animals we would have
to be on an endangered list, and have a right to a
habitat and to propagation!)
Shouldn't we have the same rights that we had
when we joined with our allies the Americans
and French?
Shouldn't we have a home for the People
someplace cool, green, and aUve. A place to
meet, to be together, to share, and cany on our
culture. Or to retreat into wilderness, hunt, fish,
or be alone. A place to visit ourselves to pur past.
To live as true human beings should, without
constraints upon our liberty! To pray freely,
come and go as we wish, to defend ourselves, and
to marry whomever we wish, as free people may.
Perhaps many of us would live there, many may
not, either way we would have a place, where we
could, preserve it as it was, with our People intact
in communion with the forest and Great Spirit.
It would be intolerable to live in a world were
there are no-more free human beings, and this to
me is the meaning of "LIVE FREE OR DIE."
Thank you for OUT tinre and consideration.
Mark R Nault, Kounhquodt Wobe Mukquoshm
P.S. I hope all is well, and plan to see you all at
the spring ^thering. Peace - Mark.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 -
Medicine Bag - Dandelion
Dandelion - leontodon taraxacum, commonly
called blow ball, wild endive, lion's tooth, or
cankerwort, is a member of the sunflower family
"Compositae."
water, steep for 1/2 hour or more, cool and drink
three or four times a day.
Next time you look down at your lawn and see
that yellow flowered weed you may want to
change your opinion about the medicine
blessing that Mother Earth gave us in the
This plant is extremely adaptable and easy to
grow, it was once native to Greece but is now
commonly found world wide and in active growth
year round. In this region it grows from April to
November.
Dandelions appear as a rosette of shiny gjeen
tooth-edged leaves. The tubular flower stem is
approximately 6 inches in height and has a single
yellow flower. The flower matures into a white
fluff ball that allows the seeds to be carried by the
wind. When cut, the root and stem will yield a
milky white sap.
The fibrst "spring" leaves that develop can be used
in salads or cooked as "greens." The leaves
contain very high levels of Vitamin A, as well as
Vitamins B, C, and G. The root is die medicine
part - it shoidd be collected wiien the plant is in
flo\^«r and dried for storage.
The Dandelion is mild, wholesome, and safe - it
possesses several medicine influences as a
diuretic, tonic, stomachic, aperient, expectorant,
and deobstruent. It is used for dropsical and
urinary complaints as well as for atonic
dyspepsia, rheumatism, and female organ
disorders.
The Dandelion creates a natural organic nutritive
salt that purifies the blood and destroys acids. It
has great opening, cleansing, and blood
purification qualities and is very effective for
disorders of the liver, gall bladder, spleen, and
other diseases that impact die biliary or^ns such
as jaundice. It is also a good agent for skin
diseases, scurvy, scrofula, and eczema.
It can be easily prepared from fresh or dried
plants as a tincture or tea. For infusions as a tea,
fill a cup with green leaves or 1 teaspoon of
dried, powdered, or cut fresh root, add boiling
2 Quarts
Freshly picked Dandelion
Blossoms
1 1/2 Cups
FineCommeal
1 Tablespoon Water
2
Eggs
1/4 Cup
Oil (Nut oils preferred, such as
Walnut)
Pick blossoms when flowers are in full bloom,
just before using. Wash and dry. Add water to
eggs and beat well to make a dip mixture. Heat
oil in cast iron skillet until hot. Dip, one blossom
at a time, into egg and then into the commeal to
coat the flower. Put blossom into hot oil, saut6,
turning often until golden. Drain excess oil by
placing cooked blossoms on brown paper. Serve
hot or cold as a snack or vegetable side dish.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-Jane / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Page - 9
**
Reviews - Books / Tapes / Videos
Creation's Journey. Native American Identity and
Belief
National Museum of the American Indian
Smithsonian Institution, 1994
Tom Hill & Richard Hill, Editors
ISBN 1-56098-453-8
250+ Pages, $35.
This is anotiier large museum picture format
book. It contains a large number of exhibits,
objects, historical pictures, clothing, and art that
has been seldom been seen by anyone other than
museum staff. There are many items of from the
northeast tribes, including several examples of
Micmac clothing and baskets.
COWASS North America
** Tribal Book store**
The Tribal Book Store continues to have an
extensive sui^ly of Abenaki subject related
history and language books. For information
contact COWASS North America, Inc., P.O. Box
554, Franklin, MA 02038 or (508) 528-7629.
The following books are available for sale
through the trilxil store:
nrhft Wahanaki's of Maine & the Maritimes by
the American Friends Service Committee = $28.
Western Abenaki by C. Collovwiy = $18.
Alnohaodwa. Abenaki Lmiguage Book & Tape by
J. Brink & G. Day = $13.
Aunt Sarah by Trutfy Paricer (signed) = $40.
Metallac & Prince of Darkness (2 book set) by
Alice Noyes = $28.
Abenaki & English Dialogues by Joseph Laurent
(reprint of 1884 grammar book) = $20.
College Assistance Program **
Starting in September 1995 the Cowasuck Band,
through Cowass Nortb America, will be granting
college assistance to qualifying Band members.
A fund is being established by personal donations
and matching funds will be provided from tribal
fund raising activities such as our public
gatherings The goal of the program is to provide
funding for books and materials to college
students of our Band in return for providing tribal
community service or support. The actual
amount of the individual grant will depend on the
number of qualified applicants and amount of
funds available each year.
Applications will be reviewed by the east and
west coast Tribal Councils during the month of
August Applicants are required to submit their
name, address, telephone number. Band number,
documentation of enrollment at a college, and die
courses being taken. To qualify the applicant
must submit a statement or letter of their needs
for assistance and what services or support that
they will be willing to provide in return to our
tribal conununity. This is not meant to pressure
anyone to do work but to build Tribal community
spirit and cooperation.
For example, Cowass North America and its
sister orpnization the Franklin Food Pantry
provide community su^Jort in the Franklin area.
Volunteers and workers are always needed for the
Adopt-A-Hi^way program, food drives. Pantry
help, children's Christmas
program, and POW
WOW activities. The west coast Council could
use assistance with their fund raisers or helping
Doris Nickles with the children's {xogram that
she is running. Ifyou need details on these
activities or other ideas contact us.
To make this a continuing and successful
program, donations from our Tribal family and
other Native supporters will be gratefully
accepted.
Alnobak News 95-2-April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Naktaihigas 1995 - Page-10
Land Fund **
A land base in our ancestral territory is a
critically important and ftmdamental matter in
regard to our existence as a Band and tribal
organizatiorL At present our Band consists of two
coastal councils with family clans concentrated
around each location and numerous families
spread out between the two primary su'eas.
Historically, the Abenaki lived all over the New
England and eastern Canadian provirujes so the
location of the Tribal Council and business
headquarters in Franklin, Massachusetts is not
significant issue of concern. Nevertheless, we
still lack a common land base that we can call our
the center of our ancestral home-lands.
Our current proposal is to purchase or otherwise
g3in the controlling interest over a land site in the
New England area, preferably New Hampshire or
Massachusetts. This site would be used for
cultural and spiritual events; and for educational,
environmental, recreational, and repatriation
programs. A tribal goal was established over a
year ago to address this issue, but little action has
taken place due to die lack of resources.
In consideration of our ongoing recognition
process we must put a more definitive plan in
motion to identify our land needs, requirements,
use, location, and resources. Our initial thoughts
were to establish a land "reserve" as opposed to a
"reservation.” A site that is undevelop^ natural,
or conservation land is the primary objective.
The ideal location should be heavily wooded
(Pines) with a pond, stream, or other natural
water supply on site.
Based on these primary objectives we will
develop various plans and options to secure the
land through grant, stewardship, or purchase.
Aity course of action that we pursue will prcdiably
cost thousands of dollars for the purchase,
improvement, insurance, and maintenance of the
jffoperty. To get moving on this matter we have
established a Land Fund. As we did with the
College Assistance Program, we will be seeking
donations, grants, and matching funds.
Any donations (including land that could be used
for land swap agreements) from will be gratefully
accepted There are many ways to get to our
objectives and for you to help. For example,
small parcels of available land fix>m several sites
could be consolidated irrto land exchanges from
which the proceeds could to used to swap or
purchase one primary site. Tax-taken property is
one source of small parcels. Conversation lands
may be available that require maintenance and
stewardship. Forested land that needs re-planting
may be an also be an alternative suitable for our
future generations. If you put a little effort into it
you will be amazed what you can do - so let's go
for it!
** Donations & Contributions **
Cowass North America is a federally recognized
non-profit charitable social services 501c(3)
organization that was incorporated in the state of
Massachusetts for the Cowasuck Band.
Contributions made may be used as charitable
donations as applicable and approved by Internal
Revenue Service regulations. Documentation for
tax purposed will be provided to contributors if
requested. For information, donations, or
applications please contact COWASS North
America, Inc., P.O. Box 554, Franklin, MA
02038-2951, (508) 528-7629.
It is important to note that some corporations and
employers will provide matching fimds to
charitable donations of employees and
individuals. Contact your personnel department
where you woik to find out if they will match
your contribution, this is a quick and easy way to
double our funding efforts.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-Jime / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Page - 11
Thank you to all of our recent contributors. We
still have a “wish list” of items that we could use
if you have a source for any of the following;
Food and other su|)plies for the Food Pantry.
Office supplies and copy paper.
A FEMA grant was awarded to the Pantry, the
funds were used to purchase additional food from
the Rhode Island Food Bank. The Pantry was
also requested to assist the Massachusetts Surplus
Food (USDA) Program witii the distribution of
some excess food.
Portable electric generator (for events).
Outdoor soimd system / P.A. system (for events).
**
Adopt-A-Highway Project
Covrass North America has adopted a section of
the 1-495 inter-state highway in Franklin,
Massachusetts. The section has been identified
by signs showing that "THE ABENAKI PEOPLE"
have adopted it.
To adopt the highway, an agreement was made to
clean the outer grass strips of a two mile section
six times a year between April to November.
** Excel Telecommunications; Make Money for
Our Band and You with an EXCELlent
Opportunity!
Our grant writer has been researching various
economic proposals and grants to provide jobs
and a continuing revenue source for our Band.
One such business proposal is from Excel
Telecommunications. EXCEL is a competitor in
the long distance telecommunications industry
such as MCI, Sprint, and AT&T.
Anyone that lives in the Franklin area that wants
to participate in this ongoing monthly program
should contact us for clean-up dates. We would
like to set up two crews of 4-6 people each to
work on each side of the hi^way. We have
gloves, trash b^, trash pick-up sticks, and safety
vests, so all we need is you to walk with us.
We are excited about fiiis new opportumty that
should benefit all Native Americans who
participate. EXCEL's opportunity was introduced
by Dawn Duncan, a Native American grant writer
who has raised over $5 million dollars for
organizations in Massachusetts.
In respect to Mother Earth we started our first
clean-up effort to coincide with "Earth Day"
celebrations that were held world wide on April
22. Groups such as ours that participated in Earth
Day clean-up jHojects were given special
recognition for supporting the "Adopt-A-Highway
Excel offers savings on long distance service and
income for people who work in the business part
or full-time. The company was incorporated in
1988, and already brings in over $155 million per
year (it grew by 400% last year). Truly, the
income potential for people involved with the
company is astounding!
program.
♦♦ Franklin Food Pantry
The Food Pantry has been officially incorporated
in Massachusetts as the Franklin Food Pantry,
Incorporated. Linda Pouliot is the president,
Mary Lou Barrette, treasurer, and Paul Pouliot,
clerk. Recognition from the Internal Revenue
Service as a non-profit 501c(3) organization is in
progress.
We are creating an EXCEL organization for three
purposes; 1) To generate funds for our band, 2)
To provide an income opportunity for all Native
Americans interested in participating, and 3) To
help us all save money on our long distance
telephone calls.
When you become an EXCEL representative, you
will make money for yourself and for the band
due to the design of the compensation plan. Your
income will depend on the time you are willing to
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995
spend. There are some training and
organizational set-iq) fees, depending on the level
of involvement desired, but these are quickly
recovered once you stert bringing customers and
representatives on line with EXCEL.
Take this test. If you score more than 5+ points,
you may be at high risk for diabetes, and you
should see your doctor to find out if you have it
If the statement is not true for you put in a zero
for that question. To add your score, total the
values for each YES question that corresponds to
Our goal is to sign up 25+ people as management
representatives, 250+ family members, and as
many other people as possible. There is no limit
to how many people that we can involve in this.
The more we get, the more every one will benefit
firom this.
you.
Representatives will work part-time during hours
they choose. The income that you make for
yourself and the Band depends on your ability to
bring customers on line with the EXCEL
network. The selling point of EXCEL is that you
rstn save up to 50% (as compared to the ofiier
major telephone companies) on long distance
telephone calls.
All training will be provided by EXCEL at
meeting locations in your area. For more details
contact our headquarters at P.O. Box 554,
Franklin, MA 02038 or (508) 528-7629.
1. I have been experiencing one or more of the
following symptoms on a regular basis;
SCORE
YES=3
Excessive thirst
YES=3
Frequent urination.
YES=3
Extreme fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss. YES=3
Occasional blurry vision YES=3
I am over 30 years old.
YES=1
My weight is 20 percent above
YES=2
\^4iat it should be.
4. I am a woman \^o has had a baby
weighing more than nine pounds
at birth.
YES=1
5. I am of Native American decent
YES=1
6. I jun also of Hispanic or
African American decent. YES=1
Native Self-Help
Are You At Risk For Diabetes? Know the Score!
7. I have a larent with diabetes.
YES=1
Could you already have diabetes and not know it?
Millions of people have undiagtmsed cases of
diabetes. It's a serious, lifelong disease that
exhibits few symptonK in its early stages.
8. I have a brother or sister with
diabetes.
YES=2
If you are of Native American descent, of if
diabetes exists in your family, you are more
susceptible to it b^ause it is a genetic condition.
Even if you do not have diabetes, know the
symptoms. Ifyou experience any of them in the
fiiture, see your doctor. Diabetes can lead to
kidney disease, blindness, heart disease, stroke,
and circulation disorders.
If you are over 30 years old and overwei^t, your
chance of getting diabetes is still more likely.
Your Total
For more information, contact your local
American Diabetes Association.
Speaker Speaks
I ask you all to remember and jway for our brother
and Sub-chief Ray Pease yAio suddenly passed on
in May. We have so few good leaders among our
People that his passing will leave us with a ^eat
loss. I pray for the strength of his family, friends,
and our West Coast Council - that they will cany
on in his spirit.
I thank all those that came, worke4 danced, and
sang during our Spring gathering. Some of you
worked many hard, hot, sleep-less, and weary
hours to make the event successful -1 thank you
deeply.
As your speaker, my word and work for you and
the success and survive of our People is my
absolute and uncompromized purpose. Asa
result, I seldom have but a few moments to talk to
anyone in great length during the gathering. I
apologize to you all for not being able to spend
more time with you. My sense of duty is to the
well being and ^X)d will of all the Abenaki
People and our invited guests.
I saw many new faces of our People at the
gathering - but I am concerned that an equal
number of old feces were not there. For those of
our Abenaki People that did not make the
gathering I pray that they are in good health and
that they may be ^le to make our next gathering.
Far too many of our people do not seem to be
able get out and gather with their Abenaki
relations, this is too bad because it is at these
gathpring<; when we renew our friendships and
preserve our Abenaki culture.
Last year at this time scnne of our People were all
ready for unity and pe«5e but many of our leaders
wanted to follow the war path for their own
conquest. Names were being called, rumors were
flying tbrniigh the air in all directions. Secret
meetings were held and evil whispers prevailed.
Chiefs, matriarchs, high councils, and other lofty
titles were being made and broken so often that
there was no order. Many people did not
understand - they were lost in the confusion - tom
between their friends and family. Worst of all,
good people were being destroyed because they
stood against this insane behavior.
As it was last year, the POW WOW season has
started with smoke in the air, the trouble makers
are again trying to do their evil bidding - to
challenge our ways and to divide Our People.
I have told you many times there is only one path
- the traditional path of our ancestors - and that
troth remains. It troubles me that some of our
tribal family remain lost on their path and pursuit
of false ideals.
We must go on, be firm in what we believe, be
patient, be slow to make hasty decisions, and
slower yet to anger. Time, no matter how slow it
seems to move, will always provide the
oi^rtunity to reflect, to feiiik with your heart
and mind, and to choose the right path in your
life's journey.
I pray for all our relations that have passed on
since last year, I pray that the Creator take and
guide them to our ancestors that have passed on
before. To fee living, I give great thanks to all of
my relations and firiends that stand and work wife
me to preserve who we are and v^t we stand
for.
I pray for all those fee are ill - in body and spirit that they, again be well and walk fee traditional
path of our aru^stors -1 ask that you too pray for
them for they are all our relations.
To All Our Relations -1 have spoken, my name is
Paul, I am speaker for fee Cowasuck People.
ODANAK GATHERING
JUNE 29 - JULY 2,1995
ODANAK, PQ, CANADA
HOST DRUM - OGAWANIO SOCIETY
MANVILLE GATHERING
SEPTEMBER 23-24,1995
MANVILLE (LINCOLN), RI
HOST DRUM - IRON RIVER SINGERS
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Alnobak News
COWASUCK BAND - ABENAKI PEOPLE
COWASS North America, Inc. - P.O. Box 554, Franklin, MA 02038 - (508) 528-7629
April - May - June 1995 - Volume 95 / Issue 2 - Page - 1
Sogalikas - Kikas - Nakkahigas___________
Cowasuck Band
Spring Gathering - Beaver Pond
The Spring Gathering was held at Chilson Beach
on Beaver Pond in Franklin, Massachusetts on
June 3-4. In spite of die rain that was received
each morning the sun came out just in time for
the opening of the day's activities. Native artisans
covering a diverse array of subjects and
representing every state in New England were
there showing and selling their artwork.
Over the weekend 200+ Native People and
approximately 4000 spectators participated in the
gatiiering. The event was also financially
successful, the majority of the contributions
received will go to the Franklin Youth Services
project to complete the construction of the youth
center.
The host drum. Iron River Singers, was backed up
by two other drum groups, the Society of Brothers
from Connecticut and the Red Hawk Drum. The
Red Hawk drum, which is the Cowasuck Band
Council drum, was used to create a "pick-up"
group which included Cowasuck men, Rob
Apataker and several of his women singer
friends, and other guest singers from the Micmac,
Lakota, and Navajo Nations. As a result the Red
Hawk Drum provided a wide variety of Northern
and Southern style music as well as specific
Abenaki songs. The three drums provided
enough foot stomping music to make even the
best moccasins "smoke" to the beat of the drums.
A special honoring song and dance were done in
memory of Raymond Pease, our West Coast
Council Sub-chief, who recently passed on in
May. We asked that all our ancestors who have
passed on to join us in the honoring.
Several demonstrations were performed during
the weekend. Basket making and “hands on”
lessons were done by Many Winds.
Blackpowder, candle making, shot making, and
contact period living demonstrations were
provided by William Smits and his wife. A
wigwam was also built to demonstrate eastern
Native American living arrangements. The
wigwam was used for shelter and a place to sleep
for some of our guests.
Stoiy telling was done each morning for the
children by Willow. As a special cultural
presentation was performed by Aztec dancer
Breeze who did the "Condor" dance to the Andes
music of Peruvian Nicholas.
Several Abenaki from the Missisquoi Band were
invited as brothers and sisters to join us in die
festivities. On Saturday nig^it the Cowasuck
Band held a communal feast for all those that
were at the POW WOW. Fire Woman gave a
prayer of thanks before the feast and Paul Pouliot
sang a gathering and honor song for the food that
Following the feast a Cowasuck Band Council
meeting was held - all that were present were
invited to hear about the Band's activities.
Speaker Paul Pouliot presided over the meeting.
A consensus was made to cancel the July
gathering and to go forward with the September
event The cancellation was due to site problems
and the concern about hot weather. The feeling
was that events scheduled for spring and fall are
best. Other issues and topics discussed included
the recognition process, membership
requirements, fimd raising, and several ongoing
and proposed grant projects.
I
Ainobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Page - 2
Statements were given by our elders. Fire Woman
and Grandfather Maple. Our Speaker invited
others to speak and a member of the Missisquoi
Band spoke and gave his best wishes from the
Missisquoi people. Our elders were pleased and
expressed our desire to live and work in peace
and good will with all other Abenaki and other
Native Peoples.
Following the Council meeting all die women
were invited to the Cowasuck Women's Circle
which lasted long into die evening. The women
reported that the Circle was a very uplifting
experience for them.
The POW WOW activities were concluded by the
singing of the American Indian Movement
national anthem. The Red Hawk Drum invited
all the singers of the other drums to join in die
grand closing. Over ei^teen singers were at the
drum including all the dancers and other singers
that joined in. The resulting song was performed
in unity and strength that typified the spirit and
good will that filled the weekend event.
1995 Gatherings & Events
The following Abenaki gatherings and events are
scheduled for 1995. We are requesting your
support, attendance, and assistance to make diese
upcoming events pl^surable and successful to us
all.
Odanak is northwest of Drummonville, Quebec
and is next to Pierreville on Route 132. The
travel time is about 2 hours from the Vermont /
Canada border.
Camping s{»ce is available but facilities are
limited. Rick CBomsawin is the gathering host,
he can be telephoned at (514) 568-0869 or
FAXedat(514) 568-6558.
** Summer Gathering - Canceled **
The Summer Gathering which was scheduled for
July 29-30 has been canceled by Council
consensus.
Manville Settler's Day **
A gathering and celebration will be held on
September 23-24 at the Manville Road & Gun
Club in Manville (Lincoln), Rhode Island. Our
Band has participated in this event for the last
two years. The club has requested that we
expand our involvement into a POW WOW so
diat the Native American influence on the
colonial period is better represented. The host
drum is the Iron River Singers and the Ogawanio
Society Drum from Odanak has promised to
come as well.
A Council meeting and Women's Circle will also
be held as time permits.
** Fall Gadiering **
The Odanak Gathering is going forward as
scheduled for the first weekend in July. Plan on
traveling, if you can, on Thursday, June 29,
because activities will be ongoing sduting on
Friday. Remember, the Canadians celebrate July
1st and not July 4th so most activities will end on
Sunday, July 2nd.
The Fall Gathering (Council & Women’s Circle)
will be held on October 14-15 at the Pouliofs
home the Red Hawk Lodge in Franklin,
Massachusetts. Arrival on Friday night is
encouraged, so that the activities can start on
Saturday morning This gathering is a social and
spiritual event. Craft demonstrations, open
discussions, cooking and nature lectures will be
prunaiy activities. Camping space is limited so
please notify us if you plan on attending. The
will be no public and trading will be limited
among ourselves.
Alnobak News 95-2 - ^April-Magjnne_/_SogaUk^;;^kag;-Nal^higag 1995-Page^
Newsletter Comments &
Family News
We encourage all of our tribal family to write to
us - comments, letters, opinions, stories, poems,
or words of wisdom - send them in. This is yovir
family news network!
We want to print all family related news - births,
sickness, deaths, graduations, promotions, new
jobs, new homes - vriiatever is important to you
we will put it in the news so that we can all share
in our family relations.
Homer St Francis, of Swanton, was dismissed of
Jan. 6,1988 third-offense charge of driving while
intoxicated, and a disorderly conduct charge
stemming from an assault on a police officer in
Bericshire, May 11,1991. The one remaining
charge was levied during the tribe's fish-in protest
last fall.
The state's attorn^ said Tuesday that die criminal
charges were dropped on "the basic jxinciple that
a person is so ill that it doesn't make sense to go
forward." St Francis is seriously ill with cancer.
None of the charges against St Francis were part
of the 18 charges ranging from DWI to assault
upheld by the Vermont Supreme Court last
month, the state's attorney said.
Summarized from the County Courier. AjmiI 20,
1995, reporter - Marilyn Hackett.
Important Notice: If you are moving or otherwise
changing your address, it is imperative for several
reasons that you contact us with your new address
and telephone numb^. First, it costs us about $1
to print each newsletter and the original mailing
and return postage is $.60^ for each piece of mail
returned. Second, since we do not charge
subscription fees this wasted expense comes out
of funds that we could use for other programs.
Third, as we proceed into die recognition process
you may be "lost” or at the least listed as "address
unknown;" a situation that could result in being
dropped from the tribal rolls. It is not our duty
nor that of the U.S. Postal Service to keep track
of you - this is your responsibility to your tribal
family.
Vermont News ** Charges Dropped **
All charges except for one were dropped against
the chief of the Missisquoi Abenakis in
consideration of the chiefs health according to
Franklin County State's Attorney Howard
VanBenthuysen.
** Abenaki Get Grant to Study Bottling Plant **
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native
American Affiiirs landed a grant last week to
study whether a bottling plant for Native
American herbal teas and sjxing water in the
Swanton area would be financially feasible.
Acting Tribal Chief April St. Francis announced
Monday.
This isn't the first time the bottling plant idea has
been proposed, according to Dee Brigthstar, a
Tribal Council member \^bo said it has been
rejected in the past.
Chief Homer St. Francis thinks it is a good idea,
“fve read about water wars," he explained.
"Water is going to be more precious than oil."
Summarized from the County Courier. AjhiI 27,
1995, reporter - Marilyn Ifeckett
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas
** Abenaki Heritage Celebration Weekend
Summarized from the Countv Courier. April 20,
1995, reporter - Marilyn Hackett
On May 6 & 7 the third annual Abenaki Heritage
Celebration weekend was held in Hig^gate
Vermont. In spite of the cold weather, a large
number of Abenaki (Missisquoi and Cowasuck)
and other Native people attended the event.
** Bones Moved Will Now Find Peace At Last **
♦* Vermont Prison Hosts A Wedding **
The remains of 80 ancestors and their cherished
possessions were brought back by canoes to die
Swanton area last fall. At that time the tribe had
no firm commitment that they would be restored
to their original grave sites in High^te. That
assurance came last week as the Vermont
Legislature agreed to fimd the purchase of the
site. “The state will now take possession of and
move die house off the site and the pool and
septic system will be dug up,” said April St
Francis.
History was made in Franklin County Jail when
Peruvian Indian inmate, Juan Morales married
Dee Bright Star, Missisquoi Abenaki Tribal
Council member. This was die first marriage
performed in the 102 year history of the jail.
Morales was arrested in November and charged
with illegal entry into the United States. He
remains in jail while fighting deportation charges.
Summarized from the May 18, 1995 Boston
Globe "New England Briefs."
“It's not a victory," Chief Homer St. FraiKis said
of the conclusion of the sometimes contentious,
decade-old struggle to return their forbearers to
their final resting places. "Ifs a healing process knovring the ancestors are in their home site so
they can journey on to the afterlife in peace and
happiness."
The state's failure to rebury the remains has been
a major sore point for the Abenaki in various
negotiations for years. “The graves were
discovered in 1972 Mhen the owner of the
Highgate property put in a swimming pool,”
April St. Francis said. Bones, jewelry and pottery
were turned over to University of Vermont
archaeologists for study and then stored in
Montpelier.
In an attempt to ensure that a similar situation
does not occur again, the Legislature has included
two provisions in the deal. One makes it illegal
to intentionally disturb the grave of a Native
American. The other pro\ides tlmt any remains
in Vermont unintentionally disturbed - such as
unmarked graves uncovered during construction may be reinterred at the Highgate site.
Say That in Abenaki / Ida ni
Alnobaiwi
♦♦ Time of Day **
Kisokw
Kisgadiwi
Tebokw
Niboiwi
Sposowiwi
WTogwiwi
Paskua
Paskuak
Nowitebakad
Nowitebakak
Sokhipozit kisos
Nakilh^t kisos
WlSgwa
Saba
The day, a day.
In day time.
The night.
In the night
In the morning.
In the evening.
Noon, it is nooa
At noon.
Midnight, it is midnight.
At midnight.
Sunrise, at sunrise.
Sunset, at sunset
Yesterday.
Tomorrow.
AlnobakNews95-2-April-May-June / SogalikashKijgsjfajdMhi^sl99Sj^Page^
West Coast Winds
** Family Events **
The Cowasuck Band West Coast Council held a
major "yard-sale" in May. Family, friends, and
neighbors donated loads of items and an ideal site
was provided by one of our tribal sisters. The
two day event resulted in over $600 of sales and
enough additional items to have another sale in
the near future.
The Council's goal was to raise enoi^ money to
get a drum. The money is more than enou^ to
purchase the drum and beaters that they were
seeking.
Several of our Band members are learning drum
and singing skills with the Miwok and ElDorado
Indian Coxmcil. They will now be planning on
developing their own drum. Hopefully, our
Native brothers and sisters on die West Coast will
be hearing Abenaki songs soon.
** Raymond Pease - Passes On **
Raymond C. Pease, elder and Sub-Chief for the
Cowasuck Band West Coast Council, passed on
suddenly on May 24th. Ray, who was 57 years
old, was very active in the Native American
affairs of the regioiL His dedication to the Band
and the ElDorado Indian Council will be missed
by all that knew him. He leaves behind numerous
family members. His family can be contacted at
4700 Old French Town Ro^ Shingle Springs,
CA 95682.
*♦ West Coast Council Words **
When I think about Abenaki culture today,
especially in the U.S., I think about change.
When I was growing iqi, during the 60's and 70's I
attended many POW WOWs, throughout New
England. I knew I was Indian, and that others
were either non-Indian or "Hobbyists." Back
when I was growing up we did not worry about
the tribe as much, it was as ifjust being
Northeastern Indian was enough. Today, I think
because of the Maine land claim and federal
recognition of many groups, we have become
extraordinarily concerned about identification.
Sometimes, I get very nostalgic for my youth,
because I remember gatherings of people where
politics was not a major factor in our community.
Being related or from a family was important.
Also part of the contemporary politics seems to
be discussion who is "really an Indirni?" The
most disturbing to me is that in some recent POW
WOWs in the Northeast, I have heru-d it said that
some of our elders are not "real Indians."
Reasons given for this are things like "He is really
an Italian who changed his name." "No real
Indian would use the term Pnncess," etc. I think
it is important to point out that I was raised to
know that being Indian is respecting our elrkrs,
not trying to discredit them. Maybe in the future
the term "princess" will not be used by our
people. But if this change occurs, it may be
because many of us want to look more
respectable in the eyes of our western tribal
neighbors such as the Lakota or Ponka. However,
it is important to know that until recently the term
"princess" was respected in some of our Indian
communities in the East This term stems not
from a desire to copy western Indians, but
because our cultural history is different from that
of the West. I may be wrong, but what I
remember hearing is that the term was used to
designate the female descendant of a chief or
"king." Designations such as "king" were given
to many of our leaders prior to the Revolutionary
War to give our leaders equivalent status to
European kings. Western tribes were not
occupied by European forces until after die
Revolutionary War, therefore they were never
given this terminology. Do we need to put down
or think less well of our elders simply because
they have continued to use a terminology that
tiiey heard when they were children? Again, I
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Paggj^
would like to say that maybe being Indian has
more to do with respect than it does with trying to
"look good." I hope that wdiile our elders are with
us, we may find more time to ask them questions
and listen to their answers because they hold our
culture, not people who grew up far away. I am
looking forwtud to seeing you all this Summer as
I and my new wife plan to be traveling to
Odanak, Quebec during July. Hopefiilly we will
have a chance to touch base with people in New
England. I really miss seeing my elders and
others I grew up with in the New England POW
WOW circuit.
Our thoughts here on the West Coast are witih you
all. Please send your prayers out to us.
Especially, remember Sub-chief Raymond Pease.
I feel very honored to have been able to help with
his fimeral in California May 26th and sing there,
as well as I was able, the Chiefs Honor song. His
&mily and friends miss him greatly.
Paul Tambuiro
Cowasuck Band Council Actions
Federal Recognition
Our Band recognition process has been slowly
going forward. The East Coast Tribal Council
has been reviewing mwnbership issues and "base
line" family groups. Consideration is being given
to determine if specific policy changes are
required to create two levels of membership. The
policy centers on die principle that citizenship is
either by blood relation rights, by marriage, or by
formal tribal adoption.
Note: This policy issue has impacted our
membership review and approval js'ocess
significantly. For those that have applied for
membership into the Cowasuck Band, but may
have not bwn approved or have not received a
reply from us - tlhs is the reason and we
apologize if you were impacted by this.
The Tribal rolls are being studied to identify
base-line family groups and inter-marriage
relationships. This is an important step and may
be a requirement to separate our Band families
from those of the Missisquoi or other identifiable
Abenaki groups.
The present consensus is that inter-mam^s
have made the segregation of the individual
Abenaki Bands, clans, and family groupings veiy
difficult to document and possibly not desirable.
Our Band Council may be required to make some
unpleasant decisions to remove whole family
groups from the rolls because of the actions of the
most outspoken leader or elder of dieir group.
For example, the whole Knight or Lussier
families may have to be removed from the rolls
due to the lack of other leadership from those
groups to speak on their behalf. In the future we
will be contacting family group elders to
determine their family status within the greater
Abenaki family circle.
On the matter of recognition, we sfrongly
recommend that all family elders and leaders
gather family stories, oral traditions, pictures,
records, and any documents that provide
information on your ancestiy. These types of
information are as critical to our recogmtion
process as are genealogical and ethnological
documents.
Women’s Circle
The Women's Circle met in May at an ancient
Blue Heron rookery (nesting site). The meeting
was held at this location in respect to the birds
and due to the fact that they had returned to the
site to nest.
To the Abenaki, the Blue Heron is a sacred bird
because it appears to stand and pray to the
Creator. An honoring song was done for them
during the meeting. The drumming and singing
did not scare them at all. They seemed to enjoy
having us join tiiem.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / S^jika»^ikasjfaldMhiffli8j[9^^JPag^^
A Women's Circle was held at the June POW
WOW. All women were invited to participate.
Women's medicine and spiritually to deal with
tribal problems and issues were the key matters
addressed.
Native Words
April 7,1995 - To Chief Paul, the Council, and to
Our People.
In the news letter you asked, what is it we need or
expect of being a recognized Band, and which is
the right path for us to follow (para-idirasing it)
and I would like to say (speaking for myself only)
-T.IVEFREEORDIE.''
When the Great Spirit gave our People this place,
a long time ago, in a time before time, made the
hills, and trees, the blue sky, flowers and fields.
For all that lives gave clear water, full with life
and beauty. Then filled this place with many
spirits, ai^ made the people one with the forests.
Through the ages tested our faith, made us strong
and beautiful. A People with pride, as human
beings, with a spirit, an absolute freedom of will.
When Viking ships first touched our shores, with
carved serpents perched upon the bow, Norsemen
with sword and shields, they found our People
alreatfy living here. Then when flie Dutch and
French began to explore, and when the Pilgrims
later came, our People welcomed them, and
shared vriiat tiie Great Spirit has given us. But we
were forced to take sides, some went this \ray
some that. So we foi^t in the disastrous wars
between the French and British. We fought again
with our French and American allies against the
British, in the American Revolution. We suffered
at Fort Ticonderoga, at the battles of Lexington,
Concord, Bunker Hill, Albany, Montreal, (Judxx;
and on the lakes and water ways so vital, over
vriiich great amounts of supplies, food, weapons,
shelters, and of our People were given up to the
American Revolution. Our People were the
direct link between our French allies and to our
American allies by supplying them from the
north. So we are not a conquered People but
allies from the start The American Revolution
vs^ won but the war was not over. Soon the
Continental Congress would ignore us, and our
rights as allies, and new people would settle in on
our lands, left unguarded by our weakening in the
Revolution, and by illness. In between the
American Revolution and the war between the
Blue and Gray, was a very dark time, when
Congress could not see People as People.
Some were given rights, considered as people.
Some people were as property, and some (whom
Congress didn't even count) as animals. (If we
were still "classified" as animals we would have
to be on an endangered list, and have a right to a
habitat and to propagation!)
Shouldn't we have the same rights that we had
when we joined with our allies the Americans
and French?
Shouldn't we have a home for the People
someplace cool, green, and aUve. A place to
meet, to be together, to share, and cany on our
culture. Or to retreat into wilderness, hunt, fish,
or be alone. A place to visit ourselves to pur past.
To live as true human beings should, without
constraints upon our liberty! To pray freely,
come and go as we wish, to defend ourselves, and
to marry whomever we wish, as free people may.
Perhaps many of us would live there, many may
not, either way we would have a place, where we
could, preserve it as it was, with our People intact
in communion with the forest and Great Spirit.
It would be intolerable to live in a world were
there are no-more free human beings, and this to
me is the meaning of "LIVE FREE OR DIE."
Thank you for OUT tinre and consideration.
Mark R Nault, Kounhquodt Wobe Mukquoshm
P.S. I hope all is well, and plan to see you all at
the spring ^thering. Peace - Mark.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 -
Medicine Bag - Dandelion
Dandelion - leontodon taraxacum, commonly
called blow ball, wild endive, lion's tooth, or
cankerwort, is a member of the sunflower family
"Compositae."
water, steep for 1/2 hour or more, cool and drink
three or four times a day.
Next time you look down at your lawn and see
that yellow flowered weed you may want to
change your opinion about the medicine
blessing that Mother Earth gave us in the
This plant is extremely adaptable and easy to
grow, it was once native to Greece but is now
commonly found world wide and in active growth
year round. In this region it grows from April to
November.
Dandelions appear as a rosette of shiny gjeen
tooth-edged leaves. The tubular flower stem is
approximately 6 inches in height and has a single
yellow flower. The flower matures into a white
fluff ball that allows the seeds to be carried by the
wind. When cut, the root and stem will yield a
milky white sap.
The fibrst "spring" leaves that develop can be used
in salads or cooked as "greens." The leaves
contain very high levels of Vitamin A, as well as
Vitamins B, C, and G. The root is die medicine
part - it shoidd be collected wiien the plant is in
flo\^«r and dried for storage.
The Dandelion is mild, wholesome, and safe - it
possesses several medicine influences as a
diuretic, tonic, stomachic, aperient, expectorant,
and deobstruent. It is used for dropsical and
urinary complaints as well as for atonic
dyspepsia, rheumatism, and female organ
disorders.
The Dandelion creates a natural organic nutritive
salt that purifies the blood and destroys acids. It
has great opening, cleansing, and blood
purification qualities and is very effective for
disorders of the liver, gall bladder, spleen, and
other diseases that impact die biliary or^ns such
as jaundice. It is also a good agent for skin
diseases, scurvy, scrofula, and eczema.
It can be easily prepared from fresh or dried
plants as a tincture or tea. For infusions as a tea,
fill a cup with green leaves or 1 teaspoon of
dried, powdered, or cut fresh root, add boiling
2 Quarts
Freshly picked Dandelion
Blossoms
1 1/2 Cups
FineCommeal
1 Tablespoon Water
2
Eggs
1/4 Cup
Oil (Nut oils preferred, such as
Walnut)
Pick blossoms when flowers are in full bloom,
just before using. Wash and dry. Add water to
eggs and beat well to make a dip mixture. Heat
oil in cast iron skillet until hot. Dip, one blossom
at a time, into egg and then into the commeal to
coat the flower. Put blossom into hot oil, saut6,
turning often until golden. Drain excess oil by
placing cooked blossoms on brown paper. Serve
hot or cold as a snack or vegetable side dish.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-Jane / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Page - 9
**
Reviews - Books / Tapes / Videos
Creation's Journey. Native American Identity and
Belief
National Museum of the American Indian
Smithsonian Institution, 1994
Tom Hill & Richard Hill, Editors
ISBN 1-56098-453-8
250+ Pages, $35.
This is anotiier large museum picture format
book. It contains a large number of exhibits,
objects, historical pictures, clothing, and art that
has been seldom been seen by anyone other than
museum staff. There are many items of from the
northeast tribes, including several examples of
Micmac clothing and baskets.
COWASS North America
** Tribal Book store**
The Tribal Book Store continues to have an
extensive sui^ly of Abenaki subject related
history and language books. For information
contact COWASS North America, Inc., P.O. Box
554, Franklin, MA 02038 or (508) 528-7629.
The following books are available for sale
through the trilxil store:
nrhft Wahanaki's of Maine & the Maritimes by
the American Friends Service Committee = $28.
Western Abenaki by C. Collovwiy = $18.
Alnohaodwa. Abenaki Lmiguage Book & Tape by
J. Brink & G. Day = $13.
Aunt Sarah by Trutfy Paricer (signed) = $40.
Metallac & Prince of Darkness (2 book set) by
Alice Noyes = $28.
Abenaki & English Dialogues by Joseph Laurent
(reprint of 1884 grammar book) = $20.
College Assistance Program **
Starting in September 1995 the Cowasuck Band,
through Cowass Nortb America, will be granting
college assistance to qualifying Band members.
A fund is being established by personal donations
and matching funds will be provided from tribal
fund raising activities such as our public
gatherings The goal of the program is to provide
funding for books and materials to college
students of our Band in return for providing tribal
community service or support. The actual
amount of the individual grant will depend on the
number of qualified applicants and amount of
funds available each year.
Applications will be reviewed by the east and
west coast Tribal Councils during the month of
August Applicants are required to submit their
name, address, telephone number. Band number,
documentation of enrollment at a college, and die
courses being taken. To qualify the applicant
must submit a statement or letter of their needs
for assistance and what services or support that
they will be willing to provide in return to our
tribal conununity. This is not meant to pressure
anyone to do work but to build Tribal community
spirit and cooperation.
For example, Cowass North America and its
sister orpnization the Franklin Food Pantry
provide community su^Jort in the Franklin area.
Volunteers and workers are always needed for the
Adopt-A-Hi^way program, food drives. Pantry
help, children's Christmas
program, and POW
WOW activities. The west coast Council could
use assistance with their fund raisers or helping
Doris Nickles with the children's {xogram that
she is running. Ifyou need details on these
activities or other ideas contact us.
To make this a continuing and successful
program, donations from our Tribal family and
other Native supporters will be gratefully
accepted.
Alnobak News 95-2-April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Naktaihigas 1995 - Page-10
Land Fund **
A land base in our ancestral territory is a
critically important and ftmdamental matter in
regard to our existence as a Band and tribal
organizatiorL At present our Band consists of two
coastal councils with family clans concentrated
around each location and numerous families
spread out between the two primary su'eas.
Historically, the Abenaki lived all over the New
England and eastern Canadian provirujes so the
location of the Tribal Council and business
headquarters in Franklin, Massachusetts is not
significant issue of concern. Nevertheless, we
still lack a common land base that we can call our
the center of our ancestral home-lands.
Our current proposal is to purchase or otherwise
g3in the controlling interest over a land site in the
New England area, preferably New Hampshire or
Massachusetts. This site would be used for
cultural and spiritual events; and for educational,
environmental, recreational, and repatriation
programs. A tribal goal was established over a
year ago to address this issue, but little action has
taken place due to die lack of resources.
In consideration of our ongoing recognition
process we must put a more definitive plan in
motion to identify our land needs, requirements,
use, location, and resources. Our initial thoughts
were to establish a land "reserve" as opposed to a
"reservation.” A site that is undevelop^ natural,
or conservation land is the primary objective.
The ideal location should be heavily wooded
(Pines) with a pond, stream, or other natural
water supply on site.
Based on these primary objectives we will
develop various plans and options to secure the
land through grant, stewardship, or purchase.
Aity course of action that we pursue will prcdiably
cost thousands of dollars for the purchase,
improvement, insurance, and maintenance of the
jffoperty. To get moving on this matter we have
established a Land Fund. As we did with the
College Assistance Program, we will be seeking
donations, grants, and matching funds.
Any donations (including land that could be used
for land swap agreements) from will be gratefully
accepted There are many ways to get to our
objectives and for you to help. For example,
small parcels of available land fix>m several sites
could be consolidated irrto land exchanges from
which the proceeds could to used to swap or
purchase one primary site. Tax-taken property is
one source of small parcels. Conversation lands
may be available that require maintenance and
stewardship. Forested land that needs re-planting
may be an also be an alternative suitable for our
future generations. If you put a little effort into it
you will be amazed what you can do - so let's go
for it!
** Donations & Contributions **
Cowass North America is a federally recognized
non-profit charitable social services 501c(3)
organization that was incorporated in the state of
Massachusetts for the Cowasuck Band.
Contributions made may be used as charitable
donations as applicable and approved by Internal
Revenue Service regulations. Documentation for
tax purposed will be provided to contributors if
requested. For information, donations, or
applications please contact COWASS North
America, Inc., P.O. Box 554, Franklin, MA
02038-2951, (508) 528-7629.
It is important to note that some corporations and
employers will provide matching fimds to
charitable donations of employees and
individuals. Contact your personnel department
where you woik to find out if they will match
your contribution, this is a quick and easy way to
double our funding efforts.
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-Jime / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995 - Page - 11
Thank you to all of our recent contributors. We
still have a “wish list” of items that we could use
if you have a source for any of the following;
Food and other su|)plies for the Food Pantry.
Office supplies and copy paper.
A FEMA grant was awarded to the Pantry, the
funds were used to purchase additional food from
the Rhode Island Food Bank. The Pantry was
also requested to assist the Massachusetts Surplus
Food (USDA) Program witii the distribution of
some excess food.
Portable electric generator (for events).
Outdoor soimd system / P.A. system (for events).
**
Adopt-A-Highway Project
Covrass North America has adopted a section of
the 1-495 inter-state highway in Franklin,
Massachusetts. The section has been identified
by signs showing that "THE ABENAKI PEOPLE"
have adopted it.
To adopt the highway, an agreement was made to
clean the outer grass strips of a two mile section
six times a year between April to November.
** Excel Telecommunications; Make Money for
Our Band and You with an EXCELlent
Opportunity!
Our grant writer has been researching various
economic proposals and grants to provide jobs
and a continuing revenue source for our Band.
One such business proposal is from Excel
Telecommunications. EXCEL is a competitor in
the long distance telecommunications industry
such as MCI, Sprint, and AT&T.
Anyone that lives in the Franklin area that wants
to participate in this ongoing monthly program
should contact us for clean-up dates. We would
like to set up two crews of 4-6 people each to
work on each side of the hi^way. We have
gloves, trash b^, trash pick-up sticks, and safety
vests, so all we need is you to walk with us.
We are excited about fiiis new opportumty that
should benefit all Native Americans who
participate. EXCEL's opportunity was introduced
by Dawn Duncan, a Native American grant writer
who has raised over $5 million dollars for
organizations in Massachusetts.
In respect to Mother Earth we started our first
clean-up effort to coincide with "Earth Day"
celebrations that were held world wide on April
22. Groups such as ours that participated in Earth
Day clean-up jHojects were given special
recognition for supporting the "Adopt-A-Highway
Excel offers savings on long distance service and
income for people who work in the business part
or full-time. The company was incorporated in
1988, and already brings in over $155 million per
year (it grew by 400% last year). Truly, the
income potential for people involved with the
company is astounding!
program.
♦♦ Franklin Food Pantry
The Food Pantry has been officially incorporated
in Massachusetts as the Franklin Food Pantry,
Incorporated. Linda Pouliot is the president,
Mary Lou Barrette, treasurer, and Paul Pouliot,
clerk. Recognition from the Internal Revenue
Service as a non-profit 501c(3) organization is in
progress.
We are creating an EXCEL organization for three
purposes; 1) To generate funds for our band, 2)
To provide an income opportunity for all Native
Americans interested in participating, and 3) To
help us all save money on our long distance
telephone calls.
When you become an EXCEL representative, you
will make money for yourself and for the band
due to the design of the compensation plan. Your
income will depend on the time you are willing to
Alnobak News 95-2 - April-May-June / Sogalikas-Kikas-Nakkahigas 1995
spend. There are some training and
organizational set-iq) fees, depending on the level
of involvement desired, but these are quickly
recovered once you stert bringing customers and
representatives on line with EXCEL.
Take this test. If you score more than 5+ points,
you may be at high risk for diabetes, and you
should see your doctor to find out if you have it
If the statement is not true for you put in a zero
for that question. To add your score, total the
values for each YES question that corresponds to
Our goal is to sign up 25+ people as management
representatives, 250+ family members, and as
many other people as possible. There is no limit
to how many people that we can involve in this.
The more we get, the more every one will benefit
firom this.
you.
Representatives will work part-time during hours
they choose. The income that you make for
yourself and the Band depends on your ability to
bring customers on line with the EXCEL
network. The selling point of EXCEL is that you
rstn save up to 50% (as compared to the ofiier
major telephone companies) on long distance
telephone calls.
All training will be provided by EXCEL at
meeting locations in your area. For more details
contact our headquarters at P.O. Box 554,
Franklin, MA 02038 or (508) 528-7629.
1. I have been experiencing one or more of the
following symptoms on a regular basis;
SCORE
YES=3
Excessive thirst
YES=3
Frequent urination.
YES=3
Extreme fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss. YES=3
Occasional blurry vision YES=3
I am over 30 years old.
YES=1
My weight is 20 percent above
YES=2
\^4iat it should be.
4. I am a woman \^o has had a baby
weighing more than nine pounds
at birth.
YES=1
5. I am of Native American decent
YES=1
6. I jun also of Hispanic or
African American decent. YES=1
Native Self-Help
Are You At Risk For Diabetes? Know the Score!
7. I have a larent with diabetes.
YES=1
Could you already have diabetes and not know it?
Millions of people have undiagtmsed cases of
diabetes. It's a serious, lifelong disease that
exhibits few symptonK in its early stages.
8. I have a brother or sister with
diabetes.
YES=2
If you are of Native American descent, of if
diabetes exists in your family, you are more
susceptible to it b^ause it is a genetic condition.
Even if you do not have diabetes, know the
symptoms. Ifyou experience any of them in the
fiiture, see your doctor. Diabetes can lead to
kidney disease, blindness, heart disease, stroke,
and circulation disorders.
If you are over 30 years old and overwei^t, your
chance of getting diabetes is still more likely.
Your Total
For more information, contact your local
American Diabetes Association.
Speaker Speaks
I ask you all to remember and jway for our brother
and Sub-chief Ray Pease yAio suddenly passed on
in May. We have so few good leaders among our
People that his passing will leave us with a ^eat
loss. I pray for the strength of his family, friends,
and our West Coast Council - that they will cany
on in his spirit.
I thank all those that came, worke4 danced, and
sang during our Spring gathering. Some of you
worked many hard, hot, sleep-less, and weary
hours to make the event successful -1 thank you
deeply.
As your speaker, my word and work for you and
the success and survive of our People is my
absolute and uncompromized purpose. Asa
result, I seldom have but a few moments to talk to
anyone in great length during the gathering. I
apologize to you all for not being able to spend
more time with you. My sense of duty is to the
well being and ^X)d will of all the Abenaki
People and our invited guests.
I saw many new faces of our People at the
gathering - but I am concerned that an equal
number of old feces were not there. For those of
our Abenaki People that did not make the
gathering I pray that they are in good health and
that they may be ^le to make our next gathering.
Far too many of our people do not seem to be
able get out and gather with their Abenaki
relations, this is too bad because it is at these
gathpring<; when we renew our friendships and
preserve our Abenaki culture.
Last year at this time scnne of our People were all
ready for unity and pe«5e but many of our leaders
wanted to follow the war path for their own
conquest. Names were being called, rumors were
flying tbrniigh the air in all directions. Secret
meetings were held and evil whispers prevailed.
Chiefs, matriarchs, high councils, and other lofty
titles were being made and broken so often that
there was no order. Many people did not
understand - they were lost in the confusion - tom
between their friends and family. Worst of all,
good people were being destroyed because they
stood against this insane behavior.
As it was last year, the POW WOW season has
started with smoke in the air, the trouble makers
are again trying to do their evil bidding - to
challenge our ways and to divide Our People.
I have told you many times there is only one path
- the traditional path of our ancestors - and that
troth remains. It troubles me that some of our
tribal family remain lost on their path and pursuit
of false ideals.
We must go on, be firm in what we believe, be
patient, be slow to make hasty decisions, and
slower yet to anger. Time, no matter how slow it
seems to move, will always provide the
oi^rtunity to reflect, to feiiik with your heart
and mind, and to choose the right path in your
life's journey.
I pray for all our relations that have passed on
since last year, I pray that the Creator take and
guide them to our ancestors that have passed on
before. To fee living, I give great thanks to all of
my relations and firiends that stand and work wife
me to preserve who we are and v^t we stand
for.
I pray for all those fee are ill - in body and spirit that they, again be well and walk fee traditional
path of our aru^stors -1 ask that you too pray for
them for they are all our relations.
To All Our Relations -1 have spoken, my name is
Paul, I am speaker for fee Cowasuck People.
ODANAK GATHERING
JUNE 29 - JULY 2,1995
ODANAK, PQ, CANADA
HOST DRUM - OGAWANIO SOCIETY
MANVILLE GATHERING
SEPTEMBER 23-24,1995
MANVILLE (LINCOLN), RI
HOST DRUM - IRON RIVER SINGERS
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