Elnu Abenaki Tribe facts for kids
| Formation | 2020 (Elnu Abenaki Incorporated) |
|---|---|
| Founded at | Brattleboro, Vermont |
| Type | state-recognized tribe, nonprofit organizations |
| Legal status | arts, culture, and humanities nonprofit; charity |
| Purpose | A23: Cultural, Ethnic Awareness |
| Headquarters | Jamaica, Vermont |
| Location | |
|
Membership (2016)
|
60 |
|
Official language
|
English |
The Elnu Abenaki Tribe is a group of people in Vermont. They say they are descendants of the Abenaki people. The state of Vermont officially recognizes them as a tribe. However, the United States government does not recognize them as a tribe. Vermont does not have any tribes recognized by the U.S. government.
The Elnu Abenaki Tribe is the smallest of Vermont's four state-recognized tribes. In 2016, they had 60 members.
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Tribal Leadership
Roger Longtoe Sheehan has been the chief of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe since at least 2016. A chief is the leader of a tribe.
State Recognition
The state of Vermont officially recognized the Elnu Abenaki Tribe in 2011. This means Vermont sees them as a real Native American tribe.
There are three other state-recognized tribes in Vermont. They are the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, the Koasek Abenaki Tribe, and the Mississquoi Abenaki Tribe.
Nonprofit Group
In 2020, the Elnu Abenaki Tribe started a separate group called Elnu Abenaki Incorporated. This group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A nonprofit organization uses its money to help people or a cause, not to make a profit.
This nonprofit group is based in Brattleboro, Vermont. Rich Holshuh is their registered agent.
Abenaki Heritage
The Elnu Abenaki Tribe says they are connected to the historical Abenaki people. The Abenaki people are a Native American group from the Northeastern Woodlands.
According to the State of Vermont in 2002, many Abenaki people moved north to Quebec around the late 1700s.
Community Activities
The Elnu Abenaki Tribe takes part in special events. One important event is the Abenaki Heritage Weekend. This weekend is held at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont. It celebrates Abenaki culture and history.
Property Tax Exemption
In 2022, a new law was passed in Vermont. This law, called Vermont H.556, helps state-recognized Native American tribes. It means that property owned by these tribes does not have to pay property taxes. This law was passed on April 20, 2022.
