"Vermont's Abenaki community won official state recognition Wednesday when Gov. Jim Douglas signed legislation honoring the tribe's heritage and opening the door to economic and educational assistance.

About 1,500 Vermonters consider themselves Abenaki, but all Vermonters share the day.

This celebratory comment marks a departure from past concerns about the Abenaki's quest for federal recognition, which was denied. [Gov. James] Douglas and other state officials understandably feared that federal status would open the door to Abenaki land claim and casino gambling in the state.

The state recognition, however, does not pose those risks, Instead, it honors Abenaki heritage, and is designed to help tribe members secure Native American scholarships and marketing assistance of their products."

Get the Story:
Vermont Abenaki win state recognition (The Burlington Free Press 5/4)

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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