Lawmakers in Vermont and New Hampshire are considering two Indian bills. In Vermont, the Senate passed S.222, which clarifies that the Abenaki Nation and its four bands are tribes for purposes of the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Sponsors said the bill was needed because a 2006 law that recognized the Abenaki Nation wasn't clear enough. The bill also expands the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs to give each Abenaki band representation. It creates a process by which other tribal groups can gain state recognition. In New Hampshire, the House passed HB1610, which creates the Commission of Native American Affairs to represents Native Americans in the state. Get the Story:
Senate Approves Abenaki Recognition (Vermont Public Radio 3/18)
Bill to create state commission for Native Americans advances (The Laconia Citizen 3/18) Related Stories:
Editorial: Recognize Abenaki arts and crafts (10/4)
Editorial: State recognition honors Abenakis (5/4)
Abenaki Nation nears recognition in Vermont (04/06)
Abenaki Nation seeks aid for recognition effort (11/15)
Abenaki Nation to fight recognition ruling (11/11)
Cason rejects recognition for Abenaki Nation (11/10)
Big workload looms for BIA on federal recognition (07/26)
Abenaki Nation recognition bill advances in Vermont (05/12)
Abenaki Nation presses case for state recognition (05/05)
Bill to recognize Abenaki Nation advances in Vermont (04/15)
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Abenakis press Vermont for state recognition (02/16)
Bill in Vermont seeks to recognize Abenaki Nation (02/14)
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