February 2021
Kwai everyone!
Welcome to the 8th issue of the Ko’asek Tribal Tidbits! Today’s exciting segments are a bio on Chief Paul and I have written an article with sources within our tribe to learn about who we are. We have some wonderful members who have created some great ways of learning about our Abenaki ancestors and traditions.
Congratulations to Chief Paul and Terri Cleveland Helms, our newly appointed Elders.
This month, let us look toward the sun and give thanks for what it does for us. It gives us life, it brings positive energy. I start my day by expressing gratitude for the sun that is coming up to greet us giving us a new day to live. A’ho. – GiGi
Quote, thoughts and news:
Today’s quote for February is from “365 Days of Walking the Red Road” by Terri Jean (Thank you Chief Paul):
“The earth is the mother of all people, and all the people should have equal rights upon it.”- Chief Joseph, Nez Perce, 1840-1904.
10 February 1763France ceded the North American territory to England in the Treaty of Paris, ending the French and Indian War
Did you know?
The book my daughter Juliana is reading, “History’s Mysteries Legends and Lore”, has a story on the Lake Champlain monster. “The areas early inhabitants, the Algonquins and the Abenaki peoples believed a huge horned serpent live in a lake and warned explorers not to disturb it.”
Dr. Ruth Moore, Tribal Therapist: “Embrace our Inner Native is simply our mind telling us what our heart already knows”
Our new Facebook Tribal page news Candy Connor has created our tribal Facebook group. It is private and one must be a member to join. If you are not in the group yet, please send Chief Paul a message and an invitation will be sent.
We have also started a DNA project for tribal members only on the page. This is a fantastic way to connect with each other and our genealogies. All Gedmatch kits are private and are not shared outside the Tribal page. Please contact Candy Conner, Steven Wright or myself to help you get set up. There are also informative posts on the page and many others who are knowledgeable to help.
Today’s bio features Chief Paul! Thank you Chief Paul for sharing about your life!
Born in Amesbury, Mass., and now living in Alstead, NH, Paul has over 44 years experienced in genealogy research. Educated; B.Y. U., Provo, Utah, (Genealogy requirements for Associate’s Degree).
Accomplishments are; awarded Accreditation and Fellowship at American College of Genealogists, Illinois 1985-95 (now closed); certified and registered descendant with The United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada; and Hereditary Order of Descendants of The Loyalist and Patriots of The American Rev., Wash. DC.; held past and present memberships and positions in 60+ genealogical literary societies around the world; including life memberships and chairman positions, past President of the Violette Family Asso., and member of the Mass. Gene. Council; Life member of the Falmouth Genealogical Society; one of the first volunteers to the BYU blood donor program (1980’s) for genealogical DNA study in the early Essex County, Mass First settlers 1600’s; Member of Ancestry.com Amerindian DNA Group; Supporting member of MCNAA (Mass Center For Native American Awareness); and past supporter to the Confederation of Nova Scotia Metis, Sou’ West Nova Metis; a registered citizen, Tribal Genealogist and was Ko’asek Abenaki Sub-Chief and now present Tribal Chief, (2011-2027) and Editor of the Dawnland Voice Newsletter of the Koasek (Cowasuck) Band of Abenaki Nation (2004-Present).
Discovering you, your ancestors, and heritage by GiGi Brakeville
I did not know I was Native American until my first DNA test. No family members had ever mentioned it. Many of us are discovering we have our ancestors Native American dna through tests. And, there are some who are blessed to be raised in the knowledge and tradition.
How do those of us new to our heritage embrace it? There are many wonderful ways to learn and grow in our heritage:
Reading books about our culture – Sub Chief – Elder Sandra De Forge has an excellent reading list.
Attending Drumming class by Daniel Duhaime and Chief Paul.
Joining our new Facebook page created by Candy Conner, a place to ask questions, learn and share. Please email Chief Paul to be added.
Cultural Welcome. Embracing the Native Within = Dr. Ruth Moore – ME, Tribal Restorative Therapist. Ruth is helping those, new to their native heritage, understand our native culture in a fun way. Please contact Ruth for more details.
Our tribal website offers a lot of information. www.koasekabenakination.com Created and designed by Dr. Theresa Styles, PhD, MDA, IHR.
Metis/Indigenous Book Club Facebook page by Michael Byers. An excellent listing o f books to read.
Ko’asek Tribal Tidbits created by GiGi Brakeville. Featuring Abenaki history, member bios, tribal recipes and more. These are some resources our tribe has to offer people who want to learn more about their Abenaki heritage. Let’s learn and grow as a tribe!
He has also recognized and established open friendship agreements with several other tribes in the U. S. and Canada. He is administrator, archivist and membership director of the Koasek Tribe. Also, Editor of the Loyalist Quarterly Newsletter 2004-present. He is also a member of the American Legion, Post 57 of Alstead, NH.
Would you like to be featured in an issue? Have an idea? A skill to share? Please send an email to me. I’d love to hear from you!
GiGi
Bemosa Spiwi – Walks with the earth
Have you seen our new website? http://www.koasekabenakination.com
Our next Meeting is Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 1pm (Eastern Time). Come share your thoughts and ideas!!
For comments and submissions, please email GIGI at snoopy8u@yahoo.com
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