Koasek Abenaki Tribe facts for kids

The Koasek Abenaki Tribe is a group of people in Vermont who are recognized by the state. They say they are descendants of the Abenaki people, a Native American group.

It is important to know that they are not recognized by the United States federal government. Vermont does not have any federally recognized Native American tribes.

This group should not be confused with others, like the Ko'asek (Co'wasuck) Traditional Band of the Sovereign Abenaki Nation in New Hampshire. Many different groups use the term Cowasuck.

What Does "Koasek" Mean?

The word Koasek comes from the Abenaki language. It means "young pine tree." Another version of the word, Cowasuck, was used for a small stream in Massachusetts. This stream was a tributary to the Sudbury River.

State Recognition for Tribes

The Koasek Abenaki Tribe was officially recognized by the state of Vermont in 2012. Being "state-recognized" means a tribe has a special relationship with the state government. This is different from being "federally recognized."

Besides the Koasek Abenaki Tribe, Vermont also recognizes three other tribes. These are the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, the Elnu Abenaki Tribe, and the Mississquoi Abenaki Tribe.

About the Koasek Abenaki Tribe

The Koasek Abenaki Tribe is one of the four state-recognized tribes in Vermont. In 2016, they had about 60 members.

Activities and Events

The Koasek Abenaki Tribe takes part in the Abenaki Heritage Weekend. This event is held at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont. It is a time to celebrate and share Abenaki culture and history.

Property Tax Exemption

In 2022, a new law called Vermont H.556 was passed. This law helps state-recognized Native American tribes in Vermont. It means that property owned by these tribes is exempt from property taxes. This law was approved on April 20, 2022.

Notable Members

• Billy Kidd, a famous former alpine ski racer.