Intervale response to Vermont Indian Commission
From: Glenn McRae
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:50 AM
To: VCNAA@state.vt.usThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Subject: Next Commission meeting and Report on the Intervale
I note on your upcoming agenda that one item is a "Report on the Intervale" to be provided by Judy Dow.
I am not aware of any requests by the Commission to the Intervale Center in the last year for information or reports or consultation.
Nor has Judy Dow been in direct touch with the Intervale Center since last September when we did a short walking tour of the land together.
I would certainly be open to providing information to the Commission on any issues or concerns that fall within your purview.
Since coming to the Intervale in August 2008 I have been working to insure that new systems are in place that better enable us to meet our stewardship mission of farming, cultural and natural resources.
On protecting archaeological resources we have worked closely with Scott Dillon (DHP) and John Crock (UVM) who can also report independently on activity and work here. Over the winter we hosted an Intervale education session with our partners in the City, at Gardener's Supply and the CSWD compost operation on the history of the Intervale and the value of honoring and protecting the resources that exist here.
This spring we were approached by a consortium of groups including the Friends of Burlington Gardens, USDA NRCS and the St. Francis/Sokoki Band from Missisquoi to host a traditional Abenaki garden in the Intervale. We provided space and volunteers for this effort. A major event was hosted as part of the Taste of Champlain Food Festival, Sunday, July 12th. There was a wild edibles tour by Nova Kim and Les Hook, ongoing activities including tours, pizza making, cooking with stones in traditional clay pots with Charles Paquin, storytelling and braid making by Rachel Whitebear. Produce harvested from the garden is regularly being delivered to the band offices in Missisquoi for distribution to the community. This has been a good partnership and we are looking forward to exploring continuing educational and cultural joint activities and events.
We were pleased that our regular summer event series Thursdays at the Intervale was opened once again by the Abenaki Circle of Courage Youth Dancers.
I take very seriously how important the Intervale is as a place to native peoples in Vermont and beyond. We take our stewardship responsibilities seriously and always welcome counsel and suggestions as we continue to bring back our part of the Intervale to produce food for local residents, and provide a nurturing and welcoming space for all visitors.
If the Commission would like a specific report from the Intervale and has questions that I can help with I would be more than happy to accommodate those requests and help advance your work.
Please let me know if there is any way I can assist you.
Best,
Glenn McRae
