Gov’s. Council on Native American Affairs
Last year the Abenaki of Vermont received their much sought after state recognition, essentially recognizing that they have been an integral part of Vermont for hundreds of years. The recognition was celebrated by many people of Abenaki ancestry.
Following the recognition, the “Governor’s Council on Native American Affairs” was formed to replace the “Advisory Commission on Native Affairs”. The new council was formed to address issues relating to today’s Native Americans. Tim dela Bruere of Newport is the lone member of the seven member council from Orleans County. An energetic young man who is proud of his Abenaki and French ancestry, dela Bruere brings a mixture of ancestral pride and academics to the council. The 2000 graduate of North Country Union High School in Newport graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2004 with a major in History and two minors - one in Native American Studies and the other in U.S. ethnic and cultural studies.
Tim was kind enough to invite several of his area legislators to a meeting of the commission in Montpelier on Thursday. I was impressed with the commission, but I was particularly impressed with de labrure’s logic and willingness to respectful speak his mind.
“I am excited and eager to start helping the North East Kingdom,” Tim said following the meeting. “I feel it is a great honor to bring much deserved attention and help to our small part of the State. One goal I have is achieved through educating our citizens about our area’s historical significance. This naturally will in turn help our area grow in a healthy way. In today’s world, history is often forgotten or over looked. It is sad we live in a world that tends to reduce our values at the cost of multiplying our possessions. Through my commission work I hope Newport can some how work its way back to the grandeur of its golden years. I certainly see through historical awareness that goal will not be so far in the distant as one may first think.”
The other members of the council are chairman Mark Mitchell of St. Johnsbury, Judy Dow of Essex Junction, Charlene McManis of Worchester, Hilary Casinas of Williston, Jeanne Brink of Barre, and Don Stevens of Enosburgh. Tim commended the other members of the commission, crediting them all with working toward recognizing the past, present, and future of the Abenaki and other native people.
“The Commission was formed to aid Native people in Vermont in areas of education,” Tim explained. “We are working to help people receive scholarships, grants as well as help our local school districts receive grant money to help foster cultural awareness in schools.” In addition, the council will work toward the repatriation of Abenaki remains to Native soils.
Tim, who is the son of Raymond and Tina (Bernier) dela Bruere of Newport, explained that another hope is that the state’s official recognition of the Abenaki will lead to Abenaki artisans being able to sell their wares as “Native-made”. The commission’s meeting on Friday was with Vermont’s attorney’s general office in attempt to iron out the details in that will lead to this right becoming reality.
People with questions about Native American issues relating to Vermont, or about the Governor’s Council on Native American Affairs, can contact Tim at (802) 334-5478 or by email at tdela67@stlawu.edu.