A Senate committee in Vermont unanimously approved a bill to recognize the Abenaki Nation and set up a Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs.

The Abenakis have been seeking state and federal recognition for years. Their petition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs is being opposed by state politicians.

The new commission would have the power to determine the criteria for state recognition and would have the power to recognize tribes.

Get the Story:
Senate panel OKs Abenaki recognition (The Barre Montpelier Times Argus 4/15)

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

Related Stories:
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)
Tribe's endorsement of Clark a criticism of Dean (01/13)
Abenaki chief wants NCAI to know Dean's record (11/20)