Koasek of Koas August 2023 Gathering Report
The pressure cooker is warming up along with canning lids, hot water and clean mason jars. Known as the heirloom Vermont cranberry bean, Chief Shirly says it’s like the ones Grandma used to grow Jeremy nods yes as his hands are busy “shucking the shells” free. Doug Bent is using these beans as we group shuck and experience another canning lesson here at the canning-shed of the Koasek of Koas Tribal Gardens in Braintree, Vermont. We start sitting around the table and when cleaned put the beans (cold) into a warm mason jar, fill up with hot water and seal. Once the jars are put in the canner and brought up to pressure we head over to the lunch shed.
Watch the full story here:
The sacred Corn is growing well and we see small ears. Writer and old friend Tim came by and interviewed with Chief Shirly and his story can be read here:
Moccasin Tracks was recording the reading of Chief Shirley’s new book, “Little Deer and The Sacred Corn” and you can listen to the recording and radio intro here read by Rick Hunt, co-host of Moccasin Tracks.
FROM VERMONT COMMISSION ON NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS MEETING 09/13/23
1. Vermont Health Equity Advisory Council (HEAC) is ongoing. By consensus Deb Reger will be the VCNAA rep as well as the representative for the Koasek of Koas as the law states there are 29 seats on this council with each state recognized tribe having a seat as well as VCNAA having one seat. Act 33 passed in 2021 and Xsusana Davis is the contact.
2. Seventh Generation Curriculum Grant Committee report from Jeff Benay included a suggestion he has been advocating which is for schools to stay open and teach Abenaki Curriculum during Indigenous Peoples Day 2023. He told us about the programs in Franklin County and other schools that are supporting the Abenaki curriculum and will be having programs this year. Many schools are having presentations by Tribal representatives and there are residency programs being organized. Jeff is also meeting with the Agency of Education (AOE) to discuss the Abenaki Curriculum Project with other members of the committee attending . There is also an Equity in Education report that has been issued with public meetings happening. It will still be up to local school boards to put these programs in place or keep in place as many of these positions in place with post pandemic grants from federal funding.
