History of the Abenaki

Those who have lived on the landscape are just as important as those who are living on the landscape, human and animal alike. There is a connection that is grounded in place between beings that creates a sense of shared identity and respect. Vermont, and specifically the Waterworks property in Bristol, is part of the ancestral lands of the Abenaki. The Abenaki are the indigenous peoples of the northeast United States as well as parts of southeast Canada that lived in harmony on the landscape until the early 1500’s and the arrival of Europeans.

The purpose of this mini lesson is to pay tribute to the legacy of the Abenaki, to gain an appreciation for their relationship to the land, and to mirror their gratitude through self reflection. David will provide a brief history of the Abenaki at the Anticline on the Waterworks property. This is to provide the students with background information on the landscape and the truths it has witnessed before they too leave an impact on it. The work day will conclude with the reading of a passage from The Voice of Dawn: An Autohistory of the Abenaki Nation by Frederick Matthew Wiseman after which the students will have time to reflect and journal about their thoughts and feelings.

Koluscap was the Abenaki spirit guide that taught the tribe their ways of civilization and protected them from danger.

How might we work to restore what has been destroyed?

In what ways does the history of the Abenaki relate to the perpetuation of intolerance towards diversity?

How do we begin to break down systemic barriers?

Assessment: Individual reflection and free write on thoughts and feelings of "The Departure of Koluscap"; join in group discussion about self reflection.