NEWPORT, Vt. (AP) – A group organized to set up a process for state recognition of Indian tribes in Vermont is going to ask the Legislature to recognize two Abenaki tribes.

The Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs voted last week to recommend that the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, based in Brownington, be recognized. The panel is also recommending recognition for the Elnu Abenaki tribe, in Newbury.

Commission Chairman Luke Willard told the Caledonian-Record that he will present the recommendations to the House General and Military Affairs Committee for legislative action.

The Abenaki say recognition will allow them to sell their crafts as Native American and seek federal funding for education and other benefits.

–––

Information from: The Caledonian-Record,
http://www.caledonianrecord.com