BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous communities. The four Tribes and bands of Vermont – the Elnu Abenaki Tribe; the Nulhegan band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation; the Koasek Abenaki of the Koas; and the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi – offer us all the chance to gain a deeper understanding of their extraordinary history, traditions, and culture.

“For centuries, Indigenous peoples around the world have been subjected to discrimination, threats, attacks, and killings as they peacefully defend their rights, their lands, and their livelihoods. As the climate crisis worsens, Indigenous communities face existential threats from deforestation, large scale agriculture, and the extraction of minerals, hydrocarbons, and other resources in their territories.

“Today and every day, we must recognize that our debt to Indigenous communities across the country goes beyond what we can ever repay. The U.S. and other governments have a responsibility to improve our work to defend the rights, respect the cultures and traditions, and address the needs of Indigenous people.”

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