Kwai, Nidobak

I would encourage all of us who are Abenaki to really study our culture, language, songs, crafts, etc. and to be certain we know as much about them as we can. Understand the symbols which is a visual language so that when making regalia,(or crafts) we actually know what we are putting on our rattles, beadwork, etc.

There is a group of "Abenaki" who continue to conduct what they say are "Longhouse" ceremonies, but we are not Longhouse People. Only the
Iroquois bear that name. We had longhouses, but we are not longhouse people because the way we lived is different and the longhouses served us differently then the Iroquois.

This same group has published photos of one person's medicine bag which was filled and worn. This is not done. Nor should pictures of a drummer offering blessings to the drum be published on their web site, but they are there for all to see. And the person doing the prayer is their "chief"!

Such things are not respectful of our spiritual rites and we must be careful of how we approach things in order to protect and preserve that part of us. Very early on a man told me not to allow anyone to touch my medicine bag because they might put their own spiritual energy on it. Since a bag is specially prepared for the wearer, it
made much sense to me and I have never worn one on the outside of my
clothing since.

Especially disappointing is that the group has an Elder who should know these things, but seems to look the other way, making no attempt to correct them. It is up to the various Abenaki Elders to take notice and guide the members of any group in the right direction.  Unfortunately, this is not being done for this particular group.

The best we can do is to each take notice of what is appropriate and what is not. When something does not appear right in a ceremony, it may seem rude, but one may have to excuse themselves and walk away.  To be part of it only lends approval and in the spiritual world, it can lead to hard lessons.

The best thing we can do for our culture is to learn as much as we can and to use common sense. Teach our children and instill in them the same lessons and the came caution. Share the joy of who we are, not what others think we should be. Be true to our ancestors and not to "new" ideas that distract us from the real lessons.

Morningstar

--- On Fri, 5/9/08, Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@charter.net> wrote:

From: Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@charter.net>
Subject: [Olidahozi] Newsletter 5 of 5
To: "Olidahozi" <Olidahozi@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Friday, May 9, 2008, 4:31 PM

One of the 5 pages that were posted without permission by the owners of this newsletter. I am not taking the time and spaceto post all of them.

From: James AKerman <jamesakermanrn@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Olidahozi]
To: Olidahozi@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 9, 2008, 2:49 PM

 

 

Chief Paul Pouliot has spoken. Does grandfather and Gail Demers know as of yet that they are in the middle of a law suit? Or are they still in denial. Where can you find this newsletter information. It is no longer on website I have been told. --- On Fri, 5/9/08, Jeanne Kent <rkent3661@charter. net> wrote: From: Jeanne Kent <rkent3661@charter. net> Subject: [Olidahozi] My latest Blog To: Olidahozi@yahoogrou ps.com Date: Friday, May 9, 2008, 11:14 AM From my blog at www.morningstarstudio9.com ENEMY - Apcikozid Kwai, Nidobak Sorry to bring back the issue of politics again, but it seems that some people do not fully realize that the bill to recognize the Abenaki in Vermont has been shelved until the next session of the Legislature. They continue to beat a negative drum, flailing against a list of people that leaves one wondering if they have any friends among their world of enemies. under direction of Paul In the latest issue of Aln8bak News produced by the Cowasuck Band of Pennacook Abenaki Pouliot, there are negative references to the Canadian Abenaki, Chief April Merrill, Fred Wiseman, Nancy Millette, Chief Brian Chevernet, the Elnu group and Roger Longtoe Sheehan, the Senate Committee on economic Development, Housing and General Affairs led by Senator Vincent Illuzzi, spirual leader and pipe carrier Burton DeCarr (who he paints as a defective individual) , Retired Chief Howard F. Knight, and his council: Lucie Caron, Karen Mica, John Davis, Virginia Toetosen; Jim Haskins, the state of Vermont and even an unnamed "woman who lives in CT". Accusations and name calling are the central theme of the issue, but that is nothing new as in reviewing past issues, the thread has been long standing.Word usage often exaggerates and inflames a situation which is otherwise mundane. Terms such as: self declared, exclusive, exclusionary, to silence us, discriminating against us, sleazy groups, trouble makers, handwriting analysis (by whom?), documents, email messages (as proof), working for the US and Canadian federal governments as an agent and agitator, disrupt by creating dissent, advocated and encouraged violence, use of terms such as AIM, Mafia, et. al, encouraged people to do killings and other illegal acts to disrupt groups, make mockery, seized, underlying agendas, international gambling, land claims, flagrant violator, people are ignorant or oblivious, Abenaki Nation...may collapse, struggle, dubious, lying and back biting, stick a knife in your back, dominance and control, troubling hardships, claiming supremacy, tactics of intimidation, fraud, destructive warrior behavior, member apathy, negative activities.. .spread like terrorism, nationally organized militant warrior group waging warfare , purposes of dominance and supremacy , hidden agenda, and the list of key words of negativism is endless. Words used to anger or agitate people, make people fearful of others and to separate them. It is little wonder that this man has lost member after member over the years and that his leadership (except for Grandfather Maple) is a revolving door of people being elected and then resigning. One passage is particularly exemplary of his desire to create fear in the community, but it may backfire. His reference to a "woman in CT" could well refer to a number of Abenaki women living in CT, including his own sub chief and tradition protector, Lynn Menard-Mathieson, who is a CT resident and a woman. By not naming the individual, he has placed Ms.Menard-Mathieson and other Abenaki women in CT in danger because (as he pointed out) such accusations are taken seriously in Indian Country. He has, by his own creation, provided an unsafe environment for others. This could cause serious reprecussions for him when all is said and done. The following is the quote from the Aln8bak News for Jan, Feb, Mar, 2008: "All of this is bad enough, but it has been reported from Canadian sources, documents, and email messages that a woman in CT has been working for the U.S. and Canadian federal governments as an agent and agitator inside several groups of the Abenaki community. The purpose of which is to gather information and disrupt Abenaki groups by creating dissent. Check the many Abenaki internet "chat-rooms" . Several postings have advocated and encouraged violence against any Abenaki or Abenaki group that speaks out about the events that are occurring in our community. She has been directly linked to at least two such acts of violence. This is not unreasonable to believe considering the well documented activities of the FBI wherein they infiltrated groups. (AIM, Mafia, et. al) and then encouraged inside people to do killings and other illegal acts to disrupt the group." These are serious accusations and appear to be an act of desperation on the part of a person who knows they have lost control. The fact that he has incorporated (501 (C) 3 (non-profit organization) his "Band in CT, VT, NY, Calif, Wash., MA, RI, Maine and NH shows that he has little or no understanding of what it means to be federally or state recognized. Any NA tribe or band must be on its homeland and can be recognized only in one state (according to state and Federal law). Beyond that, some are recognized only in one  geographical area of a state. They have to have been there since the early 1900s, had continuous governmental influence over its members and had its own continuous governing body. Beyond that, they must prove that they are from similar family roots of the originating NA population. This group has moved from state to state getting 501(C)3 non profit status which is flaunted as if it means recognition of some kind when, in fact, it has nothing to do with state or federal recognition. Its members have changed rapidly and include members of NA heritages other than Abenaki. There are no records to prove an ongoing and continuous organization in any given area. Therefore, recognition of this "band" is highly questionable which is why other Abenaki groups do not recognize him. While accusing others of being subversive and supporting violent acts, the very accusations and publications by this group have been in this vain. As owner of a NA message board, I was orwarded "documents" by one of their members who was using an assumed persona. Since I was a teacher, I am familiar with peoples writing syntax and realized who it was. Therefore, I researched the documents and pointed out the discrepancies in them (cut and paste, no signatures, etc.) and refused to post them. So I am all too familiar with "doctored" papers used as "evidence" by these people. Sadly, if the negative energy put forth by this group were turned toward more positive endeavors, they could do many great things, but after years of watching such things, it appears it is only getting worse, not better. This is the kind of thing that casts all of the Abenaki in the shadow of doubt and leads to others not believing in our authenticity. Sadly, by not being a recognized group, we can not stop this nonsense. I see occasional news items where "phony chiefs" and "unrecognized bands" are fined and some jailed, but this group has gone on for years without any type of legal action. It makes one wonder why? Hopefully, people will see this publication and the actions of this individual for what they are and walk away. One day there will be some form of consequence for the slander and negative spread by the group and many people within the group will be hurt for having been part of it. The lucky ones are the ones who walked away. Thank goodness, I am one of them. Morningstar

--- On Fri, 5/9/08, Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@charter.net> wrote:

From: Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@charter.net>
Subject: [Olidahozi] Aln8bak News-Arts and Crafts Law
To: "Olidahozi" <Olidahozi@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Friday, May 9, 2008, 6:01 PM

From my Blog at www.morningstarstud io9.com

A LAW - Lagidamwôganal

Kwai Nidobak,

How quickly people forget.  I know I suffer from old age and often forget things and have to go back and double check things sometimes, but once it is down in print, it is difficult to deny that we said something.  Case in point:

"Aln8bak News, Jan. Feb, Mar, 2008, page 5

INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS ACT 101-644

By means of letter dated March 28, 208 from Ken Van Wey, U.S. Department of the Interior, we were notified that it was illegal to sell our art or crafts as Indian made.  Since we have no nationally known artisans or craftspeople, someone of these trouble makers filed a non-specific complaint against our Band.  We requested the BIA to identify which one of our Band citizens violated the law, as of yet no one has been named.  So this is just another act of destructive bad behavior from within this group of troublemakers.

To comply with this law we previously resolved this matter when we re-issued our Artisan Certificates to our artisans with the designation that the arts and crafts are made by 'Descendants of Native American Abenaki Indians.'"

Apparently the writer forgot that he was present at the March hearing in Vermont and at that hearing, he stated that not only did he issue certificates to HIS artisans, but that he would continue to issue them as Abenaki Artists. The hearing was video taped so in case his memory continues to fail, he can check back rather than accusing others of causing him grief when it was he, himself, who challenged  the government. Also, in the above statement it is obvious that he is not aware that this applies to ALL artists and craftsman, not just nationally known ones.  And the fact that their certificates had to be changed clearly indicates that they were not in compliance at the time they were originally issued or until this letter pointed their error out to them.  Amazing how one does not read or listen to their own words.

Another matter of incorrect information is the issue of the Missisquoi Office being "SEIZED".  Such drama.  No, with the passing of the  bookkeeper for the Missisquoi, there were some unpaid bills that needed to be brought up to date.  But a simple call placed to the office found that everything was functioning normally.  It is interesting how simple life incidents become dramatic episodes in some people's lives.  Life is exciting enough without enlarging upon it.

It is interesting to note that when pressed for information and failing to get it, would not print the documents forwarded to my website, I received emails such as the following from members of this group:

Post deleted

From: Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@charter.net>
Subject: [Olidahozi] He Who Appears Dangerous
To: "Olidahozi" <Olidahozi@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Monday, May 12, 2008, 1:13 PM

HE WHO APPEARS DANGEROUS - Nsônôgwezid

Kwai, Nidobak

I received a letter from two different people now stating that the chief of the Pennacook-Cowasuck Band of Abenaki may be a danger to others because he carries weapons.  I have never seen this, but the two people making the written statements have known the "chief" for a long time so I give some credence to their statements. If they are true and accurate, there is a general public safety concern that may need to be addressed as they sponsor powwows for the public which are family events.

A recent letter from Retired Chief Howard Knight included some information along those lines.  I have moderated the letter to some degree to omit language not related to the subject matter.  I have Mr. Knight's permission to do so. In his letter of May 10th, 2008, he states: "Ms. Kent, you have my permission to refer to, and use any of my remarks in any of your blogs as you see fit to use from this letter to you to make your points when next you write."

Here are some of the comments:

"...To top off the many lies, accusations and devious mechanations he has been committing for so long, he now states that a woman in CT is a US and Canadian Government informant?  She would have to be one or the other, not both.  I truly have to wonder as to from where .....did that come from.  .........."

"This is really a sick accusation that he has made about an innocent lady in Ct.  If he has proof of such a lady being a government plant, why doesn't he state her name and let us all know or is he a ....to say because it as another .....lie like all the others that he has been telling for so long?"

"....I then have a couple of questions more that need to be asked. ....Then one must ask why is it, and how can it be, that he is allowed to have handguns and a semi-automatic rifle wherein that in the past (The Franklin Pierce College one afternoon) he and his group and members of a hostile Canadian Abenaki group had a standoff that came real close to an open shoot out between the two groups."

"...People for a long time now, have been, and still are at risk of life and limb when he gets really angry and ugly......"

"I honestly and also personally believe that he is a clear and present danger to those persons that he named in his just published newsletter of slander and lible.  ......I would personally advise everyone to watch out and steer clear of him for their own safety."

"....many people still wonder as to who did the attack upon his former wife and put her in the hospital after their legal separation.  ......tell us the truth, were you involved in the assault against her as so many believe you were?"

"...Like so many others, I just have to wonder just how deep your involvement in the attack against her was."

In another letter I received, I was told Mr. Pouliot carries a pistol and a knife on his person.  I have personally have no knowledge of this, but upon a visit to  his home  I did see more then one firearm.  And at a powwow in New Hampshire, my husband and I were horrified when he and another member of the group discharged black powder weapons during public hours without providing a safety zone.  Furthermore, the powwow was on the end of an airfield where ultralights were flying low to see the festivities and no safety zone for air traffic was indicated, either.  While a guest in his previous home during a council meeting, I had to request that a semi-automatic weapon be put away as two visiting children were becoming curious about the unattended weapon which was left on the dining room table with no safety lock or case.

The Abenaki People are a caring people and we were once a peaceful People. We care deeply about family.  But such behavior casts a serious doubt over all of us.  General statements without substance makes people look at one another with suspicion and that is what divides people.  It is no secret that the state and federal governments would rather not see any more Native Tribes recognized and are at this time  withdrawing recognition of some tribes who have been in existence for decades. Such incidences as this only help give cause to the government to not recognize the Abenaki.  It certainly does not paint a good picture for us. Many of us wonder when something will be done, but as long as it serves the benefit of the government, it is unlikely that anything will be done.

If we were a recognized Tribe, there would be legal ramifications, but without that recognition, such groups are currently operating in a neatherland of simply being a non-profit group with a hobby.  No harm?  There is harm.  The taking of money that should go to legitimate NA groups, the casting of doubt about authenticity upon other groups of similar name, even the out right disregard for public safety does not seem to bring an end to these activities.

All we can do is keep hoping that someone will take notice and do what should be done.

Morningstar

Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008, 12:28 PM (UTC -4)

This entry was sent to me as it was posted on Olidahozi, a Yahoo group.  Since it is a "fact", in black and white, it's true that this was posted on the site, I repost it here for the benefit of those unable to sign up or remain members on that particular site or for those who just want to know what the gripe is all about.

If you have the genealogies or other pertinent documentation to support any of your claims, please forward them to me for posting on the site under "Supporting Documentation".  

--- On Mon, 5/12/08, James AKerman <jamesakermanrn@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: James AKerman <jamesakermanrn@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Olidahozi] Re:
To: Olidahozi@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 12, 2008, 7:43 PM

Hi there we have said this for many years now. The internet is where most of the money comes from. Right Paul.(since they read this blog) Did you ever get the opportunity to read my certified letter I sent out many moons ago? This letter took much courage and time to write based on all true and verifiable information. I sent it out to approx 100 people including atty General, BIA, Etc but nothing came of it except maybe people knowing the truth. take care --- On Mon, 5/12/08, Chris J. <christinejoslyn@ sbcglobal. net> wrote: From: Chris J. <christinejoslyn@ sbcglobal. net> Subject: [Olidahozi] Re: Abenaki Culture vs. Haudennosanne To: Olidahozi@yahoogrou ps.com Date: Monday, May 12, 2008, 7:22 PM Jeanne, The website is not cowasuck.com but cowasuck.org if anyone wants to check it out. I had not been able to look them up until I googled it. I think it would serve real people well to stop any and all "hucksters".  They promote what is not traditional practice for their own gain.  They seem to prey on those less fortunate and knowledgeable of their own culture. In the meantime federal funds set up to serve real people may get used for other purposes. `:-> --- In Olidahozi@yahoogrou ps.com, Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@. ..> wrote: I have no proof in either of the genealogies I have in my possession, but they are old and I do not know if he has found further information which I do not know about. But you are correct as far as the information I have. I have requested additional information and if anyone has it, please forward it. Morningstar On May 12, 2008, at 1:30 PM, daniel osgood sr wrote:   ANOTHER POINT JEANNE, IS THAT PAUL ISN'T EVEN ABENAKI, LET ALONE COWASUCK OR PENACOOK....   Jeanne Lincoln-Kent <rkent3661@. ..> wrote:   from www.morningstarstud io9.com   MAKE SOMEONE UNDERSTAND -Wawtamikha   Kwai, Nidobak Someone suggested that in sharing information regarding the Pennacook- Cowasuck Band, that I am "making myself look bad." Interesting. For  those who are less versed in what it means to be "Indian", I will share my reasons.   In visiting their website (Cowasuck.com) recently, I noticed that there were several photos of spiritual events taking place. Now, understandably, there are times when photos are taken by people and we miss asking them not to, but when they are included in a photo gallery on the web site of a Band who is stating they know their "traditions" ,  one has to question it. Our religious practices are, for the most part, private. And there are many ceremonies and items which should not be photographed. Period. Blessing a drum, photographing a medicine bag which has been filled and photographing a sweat lodge,  just aren't proper to the Abenaki culture nor (to my personal  knowledge is it appropriate to any other NA tribe).   I also noted that there is now a statement to the effect that they are teaching "Iroquian and Algonquin cultures." This is a strange mix.  And one has to ask why a group that insists it is Abenaki would include the teachings of a group which neither share our language nor our traditions. At one point in history, the Haudennosannee (People of the Longhouse)(Iroquois means rattle snake and is considered an  insult) were dire enemies of the Algonquian speaking community including the Abenaki (People of the Dawn).   Iroquoian, on the other hand, is a language group which includes Erie, Susquehannok, and the Neutrals, Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga and Seneca.  Huron-Wendat were also part of the language group.   The Algonquian language group was much larger and included the:  Abenaki, Delaware, Mahican, Malecite, Massachuset, MicMac, Montauk,  Narraganset, Pennacook, Pequot and Wampanoag. Central Algonquian speaking nations included, Chippewa, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Menominee  (forest region), Sauk, Fox, Kickapoo, Illinois, Shawnee, Piankashaw and Prairie Potawatomi. Now I realize that Paul's Pouliot's group call themselves the Pennacook-Cowasuck Band of Abenaki, but that would have to be a contradiction in terms. How would they talk to each other when they are from two different language groups? How would they have a functioning government when they differed so much? A terrific overview comparison of the two communities can be found onhttp://www. cabrillo. edu/~crsmith/ noamer_newoodlan ds.html . It provides an excellent explanation of how the two cultures differed.   Case in point: While the Haudennosanne were a highly structured village of longhouses from which people went out to hunt and tend > fields returning at night to the long houses for protection, the Algonquian People lived in loose groups of families. The Haudennosanne were strictly regimented by the matrilineal lines into  clans. We were not. We had loose groups which sometimes took animal totems as reference, and were later identified as clans, but we were  less of a city and more of a scattering of small villages or families built on site to tend fields, hunt or fish. The only time we returned  to longhouses might have been in winter when it was easier to share facilities to keep warm and share food. It would have been safer then to live scattered alone and be at the mercy of our enemies. But in  good weather, we were everywhere. It was the reason we were such fair game for stronger, more organized groups such as the Haudennosanne.   When a group claims heritage and goes out into the public teaching it, seeking federal or state recognition, but teach mis-information about our culture and history, it hurts those who are genuine. This is something even the novice NA buff must understand. Just because someone can make a dream catcher does not make them Ojibway. Just because they can speak a few words in Sioux (learned form a CD) does  not mean they are from that tribe.   What is worse is when there are 501(c)3s in about six states connected  to the issue of being Native American. How many of these are getting grants for cultural purposes? How many are receiving money for operating expenses and paying "administration costs" to the chief,  treasurer and/or clerk? Are any of the "offices" claimed really in the name of the tribe or are they in the name of individuals and/or private residences? Tribal offices and properties are open to all the people of that tribe whereas properties in private names become selectively available and can hardly serve the people in the way such  offices were intended. Living in Indian Country is not easy and when there are those who make mockery of it by imitating it for profit, it becomes a serious issue to those who really care about their people. So if having such a commitment to the Abenaki People makes me "look bad", I guess that will have to be, because I will stand for what is right among our  People in an effort to protect the integrity of what our Ancestors stood for.   Morningstar Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008, 11:43 AM