November 2025
October 2025
Evidence that sets the record straight
Official photo, from left to right: Deny O’Bomsawin, Elder from Odanak; Sigwanis L. Lachapelle, Youth from Odanak; Jacques T. Watso, Elected Councillor of the Abenaki Council of Odanak; and Darryl Leroux, Researcher and Professor at the University of Ottawa.
The Abenaki Council of Odanak and the Abenaki Council of W8linak today announce the publication of a comprehensive genealogical report concerning several individuals who present themselves as “chiefs,” representatives, and/or members of alleged Abenaki groups in Vermont and New Hampshire. This research, conducted over an extensive period and based on the examination of thousands of archival documents, leads to a clear and unequivocal conclusion: none of these individuals are Abenaki.
Unequivocal Evidence
The report is based on the analysis of Canadian and American archival sources spanning four centuries, from the 1600s to the 2000s. The findings demonstrate that the individuals studied have about 99% European origins. Individuals were also found to have one or two Indigenous ancestors born before 1650 – none of whom were Abenaki – as well as African ancestry in one case. These Indigenous ancestors lived in the 17th century and today have millions of descendants across North America. Their presence in a family tree does not constitute proof of Indigenous identity and certainly does not make one Abenaki.
To ensure transparency and accessibility, the research team chose a narrative report format, allowing each ancestor to be placed in their historical context and demonstrating repeated European ancestry.
“This report confirms what the Abenaki of Odanak and W8linak have been saying for years: these groups are not Indigenous. It is time for governments, institutions, and the public to recognize this reality and stop legitimizing identity and cultural appropriation that directly harms our people,” stated Jacques T. Watso, Elected Councillor of the Abenaki Council of Odanak.
Among the public figures studied are Brenda Gagne (née Perreta), the so-called Chief of the Missisquoi Abenaki Nation; Joseph Bruchac, a well-known writer and member of the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation and his sister Marge Bruchac, professor emerita at the University of Pennsylvania; Shirley Hook, so-called Chief of the Koasek Traditional Band; and Paul 2 Wilson Pouliot, so-called Chief of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki. None of these individuals have Abenaki ancestry.
Genealogical Ancestry Results of the Eight Individuals Studied:
- Brenda Gagne (née Perreta): 99.9% European
- Joseph and Marge Bruchac: 99.9% European
- Paul Pouliot: 100% European
- Sherry Gould: 99.8% European
- Shirley Hook: 99.9% European
- Paul Bunnell: 99.9% European
- Donald Stevens: 96.9% European
Why This Matters
The consequences of the identity fraud undertaken by these individuals and the groups in Vermont and New Hampshire are significant. Recognition and support granted to these groups reinforce colonial dynamics by diverting resources, opportunities, and rights that should go to legitimate Abenaki communities. This situation directly undermines Abenaki sovereignty, particularly the fundamental right to determine who belongs to the Nation. It also distorts Abenaki history and lifeways in ways that make it challenging for the Abenaki to communicate a true and proper understanding of their identity.
The Abenaki Councils of Odanak and W8linak call on government, academic, and cultural institutions to acknowledge these findings. The evidence is now established and leaves no room for doubt: continuing to recognize and collaborate with these self-proclaimed groups amounts to supporting identity and cultural fraud at the expense of the true Abenaki people.
To access the full genealogical report: https://abenakiheritage.org/genealogies/
The W8banaki Nation calls for a moratorium on the development of cranberry farms
The W8banaki Nation is calling on the Government of Québec to impose an immediate moratorium on cranberry farm development projects on the Ndakina. The Nation denounces the inadequacy of the current ministerial authorization system, which leads to the destruction of vital natural environments and threatens the exercise of its ancestral and treaty rights.
Since 2021, the Ndakina Office of W8banaki has been consulted on at least 25 projects involving the creation or expansion of cranberry farms, representing the destruction of more than 805 hectares of wetlands with no compensation. Furthermore, the water consumption of these operations – most of which are located within the Bécancour River watershed – exceeds the river’s capacity near the Abenaki community of Wôlinak.
These projects, combined with the effects of climate change, large-scale land privatization, and water contamination, are severely weakening ecosystems and the Nation’s ability to fulfill its stewardship responsibilities over its ancestral territory.
A call for sustainable and collaborative solutions
The W8banaki Nation denounces the inadequate regulatory framework of the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs. (MELCCFP). The current authorization system allows cranberry farms to expand by destroying wetlands without considering the cumulative effects on water, wildlife, and territory, nor requiring compensation for the damage – an approach that promotes the loss of the Ndakina rather than its protection.
The W8banaki Nation reaffirms its commitment to working in collaboration with the government, producers, and local stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that support environmentally responsible development and respect for Indigenous rights.
In this context, the Nation is calling for:
- An immediate moratorium on ministerial authorizations related to cranberry farm projects.
- The launch of a generic BAPE (Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement) mandate on this type of development.
- Funding for Nation-led studies to better document environmental impacts.
- The re-evaluation of ministerial authorizations issued or pending since 2025.
The W8banaki Nation wishes to acknowledge the contribution of cranberry producers to regional development. However, it believes that producers must operate within a fair and sustainable regulatory framework that protects both the environment and the rights of First Nations.
Quotes
“Our responsibility to the Ndakina is not limited to the present; it extends to future generations. Every wetland, every river, every ecosystem we protect today ensures that our children and grandchildren can continue to exercise their ancestral rights and live in harmony in their territory.” – Chief Richard O’Bomsawin, the Abenaki Council of Odanak
“It is time for the government to revise its regulatory framework in an inclusive and transparent manner. Our ecosystems and our culture depend on responsible decisions.” – Chief Michel R. Bernard, the Abenaki Council of Wôlinak
September 2025
The Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative needs you!
Are you a young Wabanaki passionate about sovereignty, education, and wanting to contribute to change both at the state level and within local communities?
The Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative offers you a unique opportunity to dive into Maine’s legislative process starting in January 2026. You will be able to:
- Closely follow priority bills related to Wabanaki sovereignty
- Receive mentorship from Wabanaki policy experts
- Collaborate with other youth to raise awareness and educate about issues that matter to the Nation
Open to youth ages 16 to 22, no experience necessary
Commitment: 20 to 40 hours total between January and May 2026 (paid)
Application deadline: October 15, 2025
For more information or to apply, contact kaya@meeassociation.org
Les Abénakis dénoncent une « appropriation identitaire » à Sherbrooke (In French only)
Le Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak se désole de l’organisation d’un événement à Sherbrooke pour commémorer « les séquelles des pensionnats autochtones » par une organisation qu’il juge illégitime et qualifie ce geste « d’appropriation identitaire ».
Ne laissons pas des groupes autoproclamés s’approprier une identité et des traumatisme qui ne leur appartiennent pas.
Lisez le reportage complet pour comprendre pourquoi cette situation soulève l’indignation et pourquoi il est important d’appuyer les voix légitimes de notre Nation.
August 2025
Our 2025-2026 Political Priorities
During a strategic retreat, elected Council members and members of the management team came together to define the key political directions for the Odanak First Nation.
Guided by a collaborative design thinking approach, they developed a shared roadmap to steer political action over the coming years.
NOTICE TO ODANAK MEMBERS
In the interest of transparency and community participation, the report of comments regarding the use of the Specific Claims settlement compensation is now available for consultation.
Members who wish to obtain a copy may contact the reception of the Abenaki Council of Odanak at: reception@caodanak1.asban.dev
