Top 8 Resources for Native American Heritage Education in Vermont

Vermont offers a rich array of resources for Native American heritage education, with a particular focus on the Abenaki people and broader Indigenous history. Here are the top eight resources, each supported by reputable local or statewide sources:

1. Abenaki Arts & Education Center

A hub for authentic Abenaki cultural education, this center provides workshops, educational programming, and community events, empowering educators and students to learn directly from Abenaki voices. It also offers comprehensive teacher resources and collaborates on public programs and museum exhibitions.

2. Abenaki Trails Project Resource Booklet

Developed in partnership with the Abenaki Trails Project, this booklet compiles a variety of accessible resources for learning about Native American heritage in Vermont, making it a valuable starting point for educators and the public.

3. Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs

This state commission is tasked with recognizing and supporting Vermont’s Native American communities, protecting their heritage, and providing authoritative information for educational initiatives. It also plays a central role in developing and reviewing curriculum materials about the state’s Indigenous peoples.

4. Vermont-NEA Resources for Teaching About Indigenous Peoples

The Vermont-NEA offers a comprehensive suite of classroom-ready resources, digital tools, and lesson plans, including guidance on respectful teaching practices and links to national projects like IllumiNative and the Zinn Education Project.

5. Vermont Archaeology Heritage Center

Located in Barre, this center serves as the main repository for Vermont’s archaeological artifacts and archives. It offers exhibits, workshops, and lectures focused on 13,000 years of Native history, and is open to the public for educational exploration.

6. Chimney Point State Historic Site

This historic site in Addison features exhibits and field trip programs centered on Vermont’s Native American, French, British, and early American histories, making it ideal for immersive, place-based learning experiences.

7. Vermont Adult Learning Indigenous Heritage Resources

This organization highlights key educational opportunities and organizations, including the Abenaki Arts & Education Center and the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, to help learners explore Vermont’s Indigenous history and culture.

8. Vermont Technical College Native American Heritage Month Portal

This online resource aggregates stories, documentaries, and educational guides relevant to Vermont’s Indigenous communities, including the origin story of Lake Champlain by Abenaki Chief Don Stevens and other significant local narratives.

These resources collectively provide a robust foundation for educators, students, and community members seeking to engage deeply with Vermont’s Native American heritage.

Sources: