October 1999
People of the Dawn
The Abenaki, the First People of Vermont, have a rich and varied culture, with roots deep in this land. The People of the Dawn bring their Abenaki Indian culture to schoolrooms and the stage through music, storytelling, language, dance, and traditional dress. The performers' pride in their heritage helps dispel some of the stereotypical images present in books, movies, and television, and inspires cultural awareness in other Native people. The impact of these performances on Vermont children and adults can extend far beyond book studies of Abenaki history. We offer personal contact with a range of tradition bearers from our homeland - Ndakinna.
In 1993 Governor Howard Dean of Vermont signed a proclamation designating the first week in May as Abenaki Cultural Heritage Week. During the first Abenaki Cultural Heritage Week, a small group of Abenaki artists and performers travelled to five counties in Vermont sharing their heritage with over 4,000 schoolchildren and educators. This first tour grew to include storytellers, singers, musicians, and dancers. The People of the Dawn have performed every year since, during the first week of May, for local arts councils, schools, theaters, and community centers, with a special show at the Flynn Theatre in Burlington, Vermont.
Joseph Bruchac
Joe is a nationally known author, storyteller, editor and publisher. Joe has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He is the co-founder of Greenfield Review Press and one of the founders of Native Circle of the Americas.
Marge Bruchac
As a scholar, singer, storyteller, historical interpreter, and artist, Marge performs for schools and museums across New England. Joe's sister is a Native American consultant for Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, an advisor to the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School, a member of The Dawnland Singers, and originator of a historical presentation called Hiding in Plain Sight. Marge Bruchac
Jim Bruchac
Jim is Director of the Ndakinna Wilderness Project, teaching indigenous survival skills, and Assistant Director of the Native American Authors Distribution Project. He has performed for schools, organizations, and Native American groups around the U.S. Jim,Joe's older son, is also a published writer, a student of legends and aboriginal cultures of Mali and Mexico, a storyteller and a member of The Dawnland Singers.
Jesse Bruchac
Jesse, Joe's younger son, is Assistant Director of the Ndakinna Wilderness project. Jesse's singing, songwriting, and guitar are highlighted on The Dawnland Singers' CD "Alnobak." He taught Abenaki language at Mississquoi Valley Union High School, instructs with The Tracking Project, and performs music and storytelling across the country.
The Dawnland Singers
Joe, Jim, Jesse, and Marge, also perform as a duo, trio, or group, offering a range of traditional and contemporary Abenaki songs and stories.
The W'Abenaki Dancers
This nineteen member dance troupe was formed in 1992, learning traditional Abenaki dances from a master teacher from the Odanak Reservation in Quebec, Canada. These are all social dances, with meaning and symbolism that is interpreted for our audiences. The dancers have performed at the Champlain Valley Festival, the University of Vermont, the Barre Opera House, Flynn Theatre, and schools and pow-wows across Vermont and New Hampshire.
Performances
Shows or workshops may last from one to two hours and may consist of one or several performers. A "Study and Curriculum Guide" with bibliography is made available to schools prior to a scheduled performance. It covers the following topics: Western Abenaki History, Abenaki Language, Native American Games, and Using Abenaki Stories in the Classroom.
Materials Available
- Study and Curriculum Guide
- Dawnland - Storytelling tape by Wolfsong
- Abenaki Cultural Heritage Celebration - Live at the Flynn Theater
- Alnobak - tape by Dawnland Singers
- Dozens of books & recordings - Joe Bruchac
How to Contact the Group
Please contact Jeanne for information on program fees, bookings, and product pricing
Jeanne A. Brink - Coordinator
130 Tremont Street
Barre, VT 05641-3126
email: azoniz@aol.com
Artisans Menu
