(by Zoe Dawson and Kimmie Whiteman)
November marks the annual celebration of Native American Heritage Month. At New Hampshire Audubon we deeply respect the cultural and ecological contributions, past and present, of the original tribes of the Abenaki land (which now comprises parts of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and southeastern Canada), along with the diverse networks of Native tribes across Turtle Island (North America). We are honored to continue to care for the wildlife and natural environment of this beautiful land, and strive to better understand the Indigenous history embedded within our sanctuaries. As you visit places like Massabesic (“to the great pond”) Lake and Ponemah (“land of the hereafter”) Bog, we encourage you to reflect on the historical and continuing deep cultural connections to the land by the Native Americans whose languages still name these special places.
Want to learn more? New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE), who we proudly collaborate with as organizational members, have compiled some great information and ways to engage this month: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
