After more than 30 years of waiting, the Abenaki Nation inched closer to state recognition in Vermont after the House approved a bill to recognize the tribe.

The bill faces final action in the Senate today, where it is expected to win approval. Gov. Jim Douglas (R) is expected to sign the measure into law.

The tribe is also seeking federal recognition but received a negative proposed finding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs last November. The tribe hopes to reverse the ruling.

Get the Story:
Abenaki recognition to be official today (The Burlingon Free Press 4/6)
House extends recognition to Abenaki tribes (AP 4/6)

Relevant Documents:
Summary of Acknowledgment Cases | R. Lee Fleming Declaration

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Abenaki Nation - http://www.abenakination.org

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Abenaki Nation seeks aid for recognition effort (11/15)
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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)
State removes 'Abenaki' from tribe's contract (03/31)
Abenakis press Vermont for state recognition (02/16)
Bill in Vermont seeks to recognize Abenaki Nation (02/14)
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