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Oddly Dysfunctional - Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 04 March 2009 |
Oddly Dysfunctional - Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
By Mark Mitchell
March 4, 2009
In times of budget restraints this might be a good time to review the purpose, function and value of this Commission.
Created in 2006 – S117, the Commission fought a 2 year battle with the state over its refusal to pass legislation recognizing Vermont’s indigenous Abenaki people.
The Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs has established powers which are illusory; that is, how can the Commission maintain said established powers unless the State concomitantly recognizes Native peoples residing within its borders? The legislature continues to lack a social consciousness to address S117 and provide resolution to their created problem.
It appears now that the current Commission, (VCNAA), seems to be lacking continuity and is simply unorganized.
Members with their hidden/personal agendas, some feeling a sense of entitlement, some obstructionists, combined with continued in-house fighting, prevent them from moving forward in any significant way.
It's downright silly and unintelligent to think the current direction of this Commission can solve current issues facing the Abenaki people of Vermont. |
