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“We’re a place-based people,” explains Abenaki-Nulhegan
Chief Don Stevens, standing in the base lodge of the recently
renamed Saskadena Six Ski Area in South Pomfret. “We are
part of the place, and the place is within us.”
Last December members of the Saskadena Six community
gathered for a blessing by Chief Stevens to welcome the start
of the winter season under the area’s new moniker. The name
Saskadena— “standing mountain” in the Abenaki language—
was the final result in an ongoing collaboration between the
ski area and members of the Abenaki-Nulhegan Tribe.
After considering a change for several years, the S6 team, in consultation with marketing agency Origin, decided to move forward and pay homage to the initial stewards of the land, the Abenaki people.
“It’s really great to have this relationship and partnership with the ski resort—and the staff who said ‘we want to honor the original people who walked this land, can you help us?’ and I said of course.” Said Chief Stevens, standing in front of the display case of Abenaki cultural pieces in the ski area’s base lodge. “It’s a way to uplift our people, make us more visible, and also to give the ski resort a new name.”
The display case—another product of the partnership— showcases art and historical pieces from the four Abenaki tribes residing in the state; the Nulhegan Abenaki, Elnu, Ko'asek, and Missisquoi.
Chief Stevens explained to the attendees the cultural and historical significance of each item held for the Abenaki. While some pieces had been made recently, others bore the signs of a lifetime of use and repair.
“You can tell, like the Vermonters who came later, that our people fix and use things for as long as they can.” Says Chief Stevens, gesturing to a pair of well-used, handmade snowshoes. ”And when they can’t anymore, they use it for something else.”
Chief Stevens highlighted “how conscious we [the Abenaki] are about the things we use—and continued to use—for as long as we can,” gesturing to a pair of well-used traditional snowshoes.“Isn’t that what the world needs right now with climate change? To use everything we have for as long as we can so we can preserve the planet?”
Chief Don Stevens and Director of Recreational Experiences Christina
Mattson discuss the partnership that ultimately created the display.
The renaming and blessing are the first in what both groups see as the beginning of an ongoing relationship to strengthen both communities through communication and collaboration.
“I think it’s important to mention that our mission here at the ski area is very much aligned with the values Chief Stevens talks about,” said Christina Mattson, former Director of Recreational Experiences for the Woodstock Inn, which owns and manages Saskadena Six. “We’re focused on sustainability, community and taking care of al people. It's made this a very natural partnership because we share the same vision."
