UVM´s Allen House was the site today for people of many different cultures and opinions.......... Today marked the grand opening of UVM´s Center for Cultural Pluralism. The center provides a place for people to learn and celebrate about different cultures and backrounds.
Govenor Dean attended the ceremony along with others---including members of the tribe of Abenaki who wanted to know why they are still NOT recognized by Dean or the State of Vermont.
"Well, you know recognition is great. The only problem is that because the federal law I can´t support it because it would entitle them to open a casino and as you know I am very much against casino gambling. I think that´s very destructive".(Governor Dean)
"The regular amount of people are not interested in a casino particularly those of us that have spiritual directions do not believe that casinos are the way to go we are interested in perpetrating or perpetuating our culture." (Mali Keating)
The Abenaki people want the Governor to acknowledge their existence here in Vermont and in Vermont´s History - so they too can be celebrated through learning.
-end-