Peter A. Thomas: An Alternative Perspective on the Vermont Abenaki

Published by VTDigger on May 16, 2025

“Like all of the Vermont Abenaki tribes, Odanak worked to revitalize their history and Native culture. Each tribe has their own history — their own story — and each has the right to pursue its own future. 

I am deeply saddened by all the vitriolic clamor that has been going on in the press. Regardless of Odanak’s current agenda, when Missisquoi petitioned for state recognition in 2012, the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Narraganset, Wampanoag (Aquinnah), Mohegan and Haudenosaunee all sent letters of support. The refrain that I’ve heard from tribes across the U.S. — “We know who we are!” — should not be ignored. 

I thought that we as Vermonters were long past the days when our fourth-grade Vermont history books informed us that “Indians never lived in Vermont.” Do we want to be troubled again with such a stamp of ignorance and regressive policies? I, for one, vote no!”

Read the full commentary from Dr. Peter Thomas in VTDigger here.

This commentary is by Peter A. Thomas. He is a retired UVM research associate professor. The text is adapted from his presentation to an information program for Vermont legislators about the state-recognized Abenaki communities on April 4, 2025.