The mission of the Abenaki Alliance is to foster a collective voice for the Abenaki communities of our homelands while building a strong, sustainable, and united presence that shares our Native heritage, culture, and values with those around us.
The home of the Western Abenaki - known as N’dakinna - includes lands in what we now call Vermont, as well as New Hampshire, western Maine, southern Quebec, and northern Massachusetts. These places have been homelands for the Abenaki with their ancestors, descendants, and allies for over 12,000 years, living here in a sustainable relationship since time immemorial.
The Abenaki Alliance represents the four Vermont State-recognized Western Abenaki tribes who, with associated businesses and non-profit organizations, continue to affirm cultural traditions and values.
Despite facing hundreds of years of marginalization and witnessing the established presence of many others, Native heritage, culture, and experiences continue to profoundly influence many aspects of our shared histories. We are thriving and look forward to providing a brighter future for the next generations.
Western Abenaki Tribes
The Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi is a community of extended families who have inhabited the Missisquoi River and Lake Champlain (Pitawbagw) Valley for thousands of years. The tribe has maintained this land, relationships with each other, and relationships with the many other living beings in this area through generations dating back to the time before English and French settlers arrived. It is the mission of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi to sustain a strong, healthy, and united community.
Acknowledged through State Recognition on May 7, 2012.
Elnu is a small Abenaki tribe, or band, based in Southern Vermont. The Elnu tribe devotes time to historical and living history aspects of Wabanaki culture, maintaining cultural heritage and values in modern society and ensuring that traditions carry on to Elnu children.
Acknowledged through State Recognition on April 22, 2011.
Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation
The Koasek Abenaki is an autonomous band of more than 200 families who are the native inhabitants of northeast and central Vermont and central and northwest New Hampshire, having inhabited the land for over 300 years. Headquartered in Newbury, Vermont, the Koasek Abenaki have spent over 30 years documenting history in Haverhill and Newbury.
Acknowledged through State Recognition on May 2, 2012.
Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation
Nestled among the lakes, rivers, and forests of N’dakinna’s northern range and headquartered in Barton, Vermont, The Nulhegan Abenaki tribe is one of the largest Abenaki tribes still in existence today. As place-based people who move seasonally, the Nulhegan Abenaki live and travel throughout the Western Abenaki territories just as their ancestors did, including Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and parts of Canada. The mission of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation is to build community and ensure sustainability by protecting Abenaki culture and heritage while sharing it with others.
Acknowledged through State Recognition on April 22, 2011.