Burlington’s plan to replace Greylock monument sparks intertribal identity dispute

Officials in Burlington, Vermont, plan to replace a deteriorated sculpture of Abenaki Chief Greylock with a new artwork commissioned by the state‑recognized Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, according to VTDigger. The original statue was removed last week due to safety concerns.

However, the Missisquoi group’s role in the replacement has drawn criticism from state Rep. Troy Headrick, who urged officials to consult leaders from the Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations in Quebec. Those Abenaki communities argue that Vermont’s state‑recognized tribes, including Missisquoi, lack historical continuity and should not speak for all Abenaki representation. Burlington’s mayoral office said the delay in formally accepting the new statue was unrelated to tribal identity concerns and reaffirmed its partnership with the Missisquoi group under a 2022 city council resolution.