FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Nulhegan Band of Abenakis are happy to announce their second annual Lake Memphremagog Heritage Powwow in Newport near the gazebo at Gardner Park. Nulhegan Tribal Council will donate the proceeds to the AHA! Cultural & Outreach Center which is preparing to open this summer in Derby. The AHA Center will offer services and advocacy to low income residents of Orleans County as well as cultural programs for area students and schools.

This Powwow offers enjoyment for all ages including a rare opportunity to shop the vendors for crafts, jewelry, clothing, baskets, and American Indian made or themed items of all kinds. While some vendors are local, many come from as far away as Arizona and Florida with products that can't be found locally. It's also a great time to enjoy a blooming onion, some fried dough, or a meal from the food vendors.

All will enjoy Abenaki music and dance from various groups such as the White Dove Peace Drum group which is made up of local Nulhegan Abenaki members as well as the Megosawin Drum group from northwestern Vermont and others. This year, Elnu Abenakis from southern Vermont will re-enact an historic Abenaki campsite on the Clyde shore for visitors to observe. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to hear Abenaki storytelling and participate in the “Candy Dance”, which is an activity that is fun for the kids that teaches sharing and safety and of course... free candy.

Nulhegan Abenakis and AHA Center volunteers are preparing to distribute tens of thousands of pounds of food to needy residents of the Northeast Kingdom. The Tribe's new partnership with The Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security and AARP Vermont is aimed at getting affordable health coverage to Abenakis and others who may be apprehensive about dealing with state agencies.

Also on the agenda of the Center is employment & training advocacy, basic needs assistance, and a host of cultural and educational programs. Proceeds from this Powwow will hopefully pay a month or two of rent at the Center. General operating funds are hard to come by in these beginning stages of service. The Powwow is a family-friendly, drug/alcohol free event for the public. Some events will start in the morning with entertainment beginning at noon until 5:00 Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, however donations are appreciated.