Before New Hampshire became a territory, it was settled by the Abenaki people. The tribe was in Quebec and northern New England well before the Europeans arrived. Fast forward to the 21st century and here in New Hampshire there is a tribe in Claremont now actively working to preserve their history.
The Ko'asek Traditional Band from the Abenaki Nation is in the midst of building a small village, museum and nature trail in the town of Claremont. Paul Bunnell, the Elder Chief, stated this cultural center will be used to educate those who come to visit the future center. As of right now, they are currently in the application process seeking to become a federally recognized tribe in New Hampshire. When that happens, they will be able to receive state funding in order to build it.
In Warner there is a museum located on Abenaki homeland called the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, sitting on twelve and a half acres on Kearsarge Mountain Road. Artifacts are on display along with information dating back from the prehistoric to present day Native Americans from all over North America. The museum, which celebrates and honors Native life, keeps its exhibits fresh by frequent changes and additions. They also offer lectures, special events and workshops. Additionally, the Medicine Woods Trail is the perfect opportunity to learn about our natural environment. Take a tour and discover how plants were used by the Natives for dye, food, medicine, shelter and tools. The museum is open from May through October with weekend hours only during November for Native American Heritage History month.
The word “powwow” comes from the Narragansett word “powwaw” which means “spiritual leader.” It is a ceremony which includes dancing, feasting and singing. In Manchester, the New Hampshire Intertribal Native American Council is bringing this Native history back to life, providing opportunities for different tribes in NH to connect. Powwows reach back through many generations with their rich history of culture and tradition. These ceremonies help to maintain this Native American culture and traditions by enabling it to be passed down. The history of Native Americans is woven into their clothing, dances and music.
Recent powwows in NH this past summer were held in Alstead, North Conway and Sanbornton. In Nov., NH celebrates Native American Heritage History Month.
Amoskeag Falls (namaskik) – Western Abenaki for “at the fish land”
Contoocook River (nikn tekw ok) – Abenaki for “to or from the head or first branch of the river”
Grand Monadnock (minoria denak) – Abenaki for “the bare or smooth mountain”
Kearsarge (g’wizawajo) – Western Abenaki for “rough mountain”
Mount Pisgah (pisga) – Abenaki for “dark”
Nashua (niswa) – Abenaki for “two”
Piscataqua River (pesgatak was) – Abenaki for “the mountain looks dark”
Sunapee Lake (seninebi) – Abenaki for “rock or mountain water”
Suncook River (seni kok) – Abenaki for “to the rocks”
Lake Winnipesaukee (wiwninbesaki) – Abenaki for “the lake between or around land or islands”
Souhegan River (zawhigen) – Western Abenaki for “a coming out place”