~WELCOME~ 

 New members of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs

Message from the Chair

I'd like to say Congratulations to Dave, Betty, and Andy on your recent appointment to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs.  Also, to Shirly and Charlene... I'm glad you're still with us.  In the last year, we made history in a big way by tackling an issue very dear to the hearts of Vermont's Abenaki people.  We moved fast and we refused to accept anything less than just.  We learned a few lessons and taught some as well.  After decades of racism, sterilizations, eugenics, etc... a determined and assertive Indian Affairs Commission is the least we can offer to the indigenous communities in Vermont.  In the next year, it is my hope that we will continue the momentum, expanding into state policy, cultural revitalization, and the protection of that culture and way of life.

Appointed Commission Members

Luke Willard, Chairman

Melody Walker Brook, Vice Chairman

Charlene McManis, Secretary

Betty Johnson

Takara Matthews

Shirly Hook

David Van Deusen

Andrew Beaupre

Fred W. Wiseman