Vermont

Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi receives tobacco education funding

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi receives tobacco education funding

SWANTON, Vt. (WCAX) – New efforts by Vermont’s Abenaki Nation aim to tackle tobacco addiction.

The Department of Health just awarded nearly $800,000 in grants to curb tobacco use.

An Indigenous group in Swanton is using their funds to teach their youngest members cultural uses of the plant.

“Tobacco is sacred to our people,” said Chief Brenda Gagne of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi.

The smell of tobacco wafts through Chief Brenda Gagne’s earliest memories. Like generations of Abenaki, her tribe uses the leaves for peace offerings, as medicine, and as gifts.

“It wasn’t meant to be smoked, like European tradition does. It was more of ceremonial purposes and traditions,” said Gagne.

But over the years, Gagne has watched tribal members fall into tobacco addiction with the rest of the world. It’s touched members of all ages.

“I hear the younger kids are doing it sooner and younger also,” she said.

Tobacco addiction is a statewide issue. According to the Department of Health, almost a quarter of adults use tobacco products, and vaping rates doubled since 2016.

Gagne is eager to be part of the solution. She and her daughter run tobacco education programs for Swanton youth through the education organization Abenaki Circle of Courage.

“The amazing part is kids if you get them before the third grade, they have memories like a sponge. They just absorb it like there’s no tomorrow,” she said.

Gagne leads a summer program, while her daughter uses art therapy to teach middle and high schoolers about addiction and other issues.

“It’s a universal language. So kids will be able to explore things without even realizing at first, the things that we’re discussing, how important they are because it’s through a creative process,” said Felicia Cota of Circle of Courage.

Gagne says the programming helps kids connect with Abenaki heritage while understanding the dangers of smoking.

Some have even convinced their parents to quit.

“It actually worked into adults also, it’s not just for the youth. So I think bringing that to life a little bit more is going to be crucial,” said Gagne.

A new grant from the Vermont Department of Health will strengthen their work.

Abenaki Circle of Courage just received $60,500 per year over the next two years to keep the education going.

“When I got the grant I was actually beside myself because I didn’t think there was a chance that Indigenous groups would get monies, you know, to be able to do what we do on a normal basis,” said Gagne.

It’s the largest grant they’ve ever received from the state.

Gagne views the support as a step in the right direction, given Vermont’s history of eugenics and displacement of Indigenous people.

“Getting funding from the state of Vermont means they’re still with us and they’re still backing us which is really important for us,” said Gagne.

Other grant recipients are using funds for everything from tobacco prevention to treatment services for pregnant smokers.

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Related Topics:abenaki circle of courage Featured news swanton tobacco education vermont WCAX

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Vermont

Girls Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week winner powered by Delta Dental

Published

2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Girls Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week winner powered by Delta Dental

The votes have been tallied and the girls winner of the Vermont Varsity Insider Athlete of the Week powered by Delta Dental is … Callie Spaulding of Windsor basketball.

Spaulding collected 51.55% of the 43,310 total votes cast in the girls contest. The junior was nominated after helping Windsor advance to the Division III semifinals for the 10th consecutive year with double-digit outings in a pair of playoff contests. Spaulding chipped in 10 points and three assists during the playdowns and was one of four Yellow Jackets to score double digits (11 points) in their quarterfinal victory over Enosburg.

The online voting at burlingtonfreepress.com began Monday, March 2, and closed at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

Check burlingtonfreepress.com for the next ballot, which will be published on Monday, March 9.

Delta Dental Girls Athlete of the Week winners in 2025-26 school year

Winter season

Feb. 23-March 1: Callie Spaulding, Windsor basketball

Feb. 16-22: Lydia Ruggles, St. Johnsbury gymnastics

Feb. 9-15: Mae Oakley, Burr and Burton, Alpine skiing

Feb. 2-8: Chloe Moodie, Peoples basketball

Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Marlie Bushey, Milton basketball

Jan. 19-25: Brinley Gandin, Rutland basketball

Jan. 12-18: Grace Bourn, Rivendell basketball

Jan. 5-11: Patricia Stabach, Stowe indoor track and field

Dec. 29-Jan. 4: Hannah Drury, U-32 hockey

Dec. 22-28: Brooke Osgood, Oxbow basketball

Dec. 15-21: Kayla Cisse, South Burlington basketball

Dec. 12-14: Harlow Hier, Colchester basketball

Fall season

Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Eme Silverman, Poultney soccer

Oct. 20-26: Veronica Moore, Bellows Falls field hockey

Oct. 13-19: Ava Francis, Vergennes soccer

Oct. 6-12: Savannah Monahan, Milton soccer

Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Rachel Scherer, North Country soccer

Sept. 22-28: Trista Favreau-Ward, Missisquoi field hockey

Sept. 15-21: Reese Gregory, Essex volleyball

Sept. 8-14: Isabelle Gouin, Hazen soccer

Aug. 29-Sept. 7: Avery Hansen, Lake Region soccer

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

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Vermont

Friends, family rally behind Vermont veteran charged with domestic terrorism

Published

14 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Friends, family rally behind Vermont veteran charged with domestic terrorism

NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) – Friends and family of a Vermont veteran charged with domestic terrorism rallied in Newport Thursday, saying the charges stem from a mental health crisis and are unwarranted.

Vermont State Police say Joseph “J.J.” Millett, 38, of Newport, called a veterans crisis line in February, making suicidal statements and threatening a mass-casualty event.

Court records say Millett had guns and wrote what investigators call a manifesto. He turned himself in, and state police say they disarmed him at the barracks. He pleaded not guilty and was never formally arrested or placed in jail. He is currently in a treatment facility.

Supporters say the threats were the result of new medication and a mental health crisis. “But all the way to domestic terrorism for a man that fought overseas — he wasn’t a terrorist. He’s been fighting terrorists half his life,” said Chad Abbott, a friend who served with Millett overseas.

Abbott said he believes the charges could have unintended consequences for veterans seeking help. “These hotlines that they put out for us is to kind of get us the help we need. And now, none of us are going to want to call that,” he said.

Millett’s sister, Courtney Morin, said her brother served in the Vermont Guard for nearly 10 years and has struggled with mental health since returning home. “He suffers from depression, anxiety — he has PTSD. So, he’s actually been seeking help for his mental health for probably as long as he’s been home,” Morin said.

Orleans County State’s Attorney Farzana Leyva said the charge is warranted and that Millett was not calling for help when he contacted the crisis line. “He called the crisis helpline to make the threats. I think we have to be very clear about that. Those were threats. He did not call the crisis helpline for help. He called anonymously,” Leyva said.

She said the evidence — including repeated threats — Millett’s access to guns, and a manifesto justifies the charge and protects the public. “My priority is public safety, which is the highest priority that I have right now,” Leyva said.

Morin said she believes her brother was trying to get help. “I think he was seeking help. I mean, it’s all a trail of him seeking help, being on different meds. You know, we’re not in his head. We don’t know what he’s dealing with. And especially if you’re dealing with it alone,” Morin said.

Millett continues to receive treatment and is due back in court later this month.

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Vermont

Vermont high school playoff scores, results, stats for Thursday, March 5

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Vermont high school playoff scores, results, stats for Thursday, March 5

The 2025-2026 Vermont high school winter season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from basketball, hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, Nordic/Alpine skiing and other winter sports.

TO REPORT SCORES

Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.

▶ Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

▶ Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.