We acknowledge that the lands in Vermont on which we gather for our programs are the traditional, ancestral, and unceded homeland of the Abenaki, Mohican, Pennacook and the Pocomtuc tribes. These indigenous peoples have been living and working on this land from time immemorial — we honor their community, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We recognize that colonialism and the oppression of Native peoples is an ongoing process, and we commit to building awareness of our present participation. This acknowledgement demonstrates the intention to do what we can to help dismantle the legacy of settler colonialism here in Vermont, and to support the sovereignty of the First Nations. We honor Vermont’s Indigenous people and their living culture, give thanks for those who have come before us, and promise to walk with care and gratitude upon this land.

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To materially address the goals set forth by this land acknowledgement, Terrahana regularly supports the programming of Ndakinna Education Center, and donates monthly to Abenaki Helping Abenaki, Inc., in support of their Seventh Harvest Relief Project. The best way we are able to give back right now is to use a portion of the funds generated from the programs we offer on ancestral Abenaki land to support the indigenous people to whom it belongs.

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Within our programs, we work towards healing through honest education. We take time to talk with young people about Abenaki culture and history, and hold this at the center as often as we can while engaging with and learning from the land. We take opportunities to offer an honest representation of United States history at large, and engage the youth in conversation around this topic. We brainstorm ideas together of how we can support Indigenous sovereignty in our daily lives.

 

While these efforts are humble at the moment, we are committed to growing our involvement in supporting Abenaki culture and land sovereignty into the future.