After the original group of self-proclaimed Vermont Abenaki failed to gain federal recognition, Vermont lawmakers created a state recognition process of their own. One theory in particular informed the state’s consideration: that Abenaki peoples hid in Vermont to avoid persecution, including statewide eugenics policies. In this episode, we look at recent evidence, as well as older reports, that cast doubt on this narrative.

This is Chapter Two of “Recognized,” a special series from Brave Little State. Chapters One and Three are available right now in this podcast feed. Find a transcript of the series here.

And to learn more about our approach to this story, you can read our editor's note, here.

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“Recognized” was reported by Elodie Reed. Sabine Poux is our producer. The senior producer and managing editor is Josh Crane. Additional editing from our executive producer, Angela Evancie, as well as Tristan Ahtone, Brittany Patterson, Myra Flynn and Julia Furukawa. Julia also contributed reporting to this episode. Extra support from Mark Davis and Sophie Stephens. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

There are lots of other people who contributed to this series along the way — too many to name everyone here. You can find a full list on our website..

As always, our show is better when you’re a part of it:

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

P.S. A previous version of this story described Gordon Day as a historian. We have updated the audio to describe him as an anthropologist.

Also, this story has been updated to note that only the Vermont Senate instituted a state residency requirement for testimony on state recognition legislation in 2011 and 2012. The Vermont House does not appear to have made a similar requirement.