Abenaki

While the Eastern Abenakis of Maine and the Western Abenaki of Canada are recognized by the state, provincial and national governments, the Abenaki populations residing in New Hampshire and Vermont face a continued struggle for recognition from their respective states and the federal government.

This article features some of the most recent work of Rhonda Besaw, a beadwork artist of Abenaki descent, from Whitefield, New Hampshire.

First is that his books, first appearing in print around 1830, were written entirely in the Abenaki language.

That name of his, one of the many names he was known by--including Peter Masta, Pial Pol, and Pierre Paul Osunkherhine--means either "The Birds are Flying" or "He Who Comes by Flying" in the Abenaki language he so loved.

It is the second CD by the Dawnland Singers, a Native American performance group that was formed in 1993, when they were featured at the Abenaki Cultural Heritage Days in Vermont.

Presentations by the Dawnland Singers typically include new and traditional northeastern Native music mixed with Abenaki storytelling.

Abenakis artists such as Odanak chef Lysanne O'Bomsawin, Huron-Wendats artists from Wendake near Quebec City and Innu artists from Mashteuiatsh were among those who shared their crafts and stories within tipis circling the commoners' park.

A gentle flow of people mingled on the grounds throughout the events, some purchasing souvenir T-shirts and pins from the event organizers, Land InSights, or sampling Abenakis cuisine.