Chief Brenda Gagne of the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Missisquoi Abenaki, listens as the Abenaki Circle of Courage, comprised of Franklin County middle and high school students, beat a drum while singing in a circle during a Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
As Vermont’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission — the panel tasked with studying the historic impacts of racism, discrimination and eugenics on state laws — enters a new phase of its work, it’s facing criticism from Abenaki leaders over who is being included in that work.
Last week, the commission held an event on the steps of the Statehouse in Montpelier to mark the release of its strategic plan. It was the panel’s first major public event. The document outlines the scope of the commission members’ work and lays out a timeline, culminating in a final report expected sometime in mid-2027.
The event opened with a drum circle featuring youth from the Abenaki Circle of Courage, an afterschool program associated with the Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi, one of four groups that has been recognized as Native American by the state of Vermont, though not by the federal government. Brenda Gagne, chief of the Missisquoi group and the leader of the Circle of Courage program, also spoke.
“We’re happy to be here today,” Gagne said, but “not happy of why it brings us here, and what’s happened in the history of Vermont to our people and people of color.”
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The launch also featured about a dozen other speakers, many of whom represented other communities that the commission expects to be part of its work and who said they were excited the commission could soon start gathering testimony from the public.
“We exist in pursuit of community-centered justice and holistic healing that prioritize impacted Act 128 communities,” the report’s mission statement reads, referring to the demographic groups outlined in the 2022 state law that stood up the commission.
Those include people “who identify as Native American or Indigenous,” people with “physical, psychiatric or mental conditions or disabilities,” those who are Black or “other individuals of color,” people with “French Canadian, French-Indian or other mixed ethnic or racial heritage,” or any other communities that the commissioners see fit to include, the law states.
Beverly Little Thunder of Huntington speaks during a Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
But the panel’s focus on people who “identify” as Indigenous has drawn criticism from Abenaki leaders who have federal-level recognition in Canada and have continuous historic ties to territory that today includes Vermont and other parts of New England. Specifically, they said that directive has already led the commission to tie at least part of its work to groups that they assert cannot claim legitimate Indigenous ancestry.
In Vermont’s case, the leaders said, those are the four groups that the state recognized as Native American in 2011 and 2012: the Elnu Abenaki, Nulhegan Abenaki, Koasek Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation and the Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi.
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“Vermont’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC) practices neither truth nor reconciliation when it works with these pretend Indians,” said leaders of Odanak and W8linak First Nations, which today are based in Quebec, in a public statement issued ahead of last week’s Statehouse event. By supporting the commission’s work, they said, “Vermonters with the best intentions are supporting theft and cultural appropriation, and furthering colonization.”
‘Tethered to myths’
Rick O’Bomsawin, the chief of Odanak First Nation, has repeatedly called for Vermont officials to allow him, and other Abenaki leaders based in Quebec, to have a greater role in the truth and reconciliation process. In an interview Wednesday, O’Bomsawin said that the commission has almost entirely continued to ignore those calls.
“We have not been invited to the table. We haven’t had a voice in this,” O’Bomsawin said. “It’s not right.”
Commissioner Mia Schultz of the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission speaks in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
The First Nation has maintained for years that many members of Vermont’s four state-recognized tribes are not Indigenous and, instead, are appropriating Abenaki identity in ways that harm Odanak and W8linak’s band members. Research from scholars on Indigenous communities in New England and Canada — as well as reports from the Vermont and U.S. governments — have concluded that there is little evidence to support the existence of Abenaki tribes in Vermont with ties to historic Abenaki groups.
At the same time, Odanak and W8linak leaders, a Vermont Attorney General’s Office report and additional, newly-published scholarly research have concluded there is no evidence that Abenaki people were targeted for sterilization as part of Vermont’s state-sanctioned eugenics program in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The program did target poor and disabled people, many of them women, according to the recent research, published in The UVM History Review.
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That’s contrary to claims by leaders of Vermont’s four state-recognized groups, who say that many of their members’ families hid their Indigenous identities during the 20th century in an effort to protect themselves from being targeted by that program.
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byShaun Robinson
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It’s also contrary to the official apology state lawmakers issued three years ago that preceded the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The apology stated that the eugenics movement — which resulted in about 250 people being sterilized in Vermont — also targeted people whose descendants “now identify as Abenaki.”
That contradiction means that the commission’s work is fundamentally flawed, according to David Massell, a Canadian Studies professor at the University of Vermont who has helped organize multiple panels at UVM in recent years on the topic of Indigenous identity.
“In Vermont, in other words, we have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission founded and funded by a Legislature that has been reliant on, and tethered to, myths, rather than evidence-based history,” Massell wrote in an email.
Massell said he also takes issue with the list of demographic groups that the commission plans to work with, following lawmakers’ direction.
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The Abenaki Circle of Courage, comprised of Franklin County middle and high school students, beat a drum while singing in a circle during a Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
“It seems it is to be good enough for the Commission, as it was for the Legislature, that persons ‘identify’ as Indigenous. They need not be Indigenous People themselves,” Massell said. “No wonder that the actual Abenaki People, of Odanak and Wolinak First Nations, are incensed at this process and their exclusion from it.”
An ‘open door’
The newly-released strategic plan also underscores the commission’s task, as described by lawmakers two years ago, to suggest ways the government could redress the impacts of the eugenics movement. The state’s participation in eugenics was codified in 1931 with a law called an “Act for Human Betterment by Voluntary Sterilization.”
“Reparative measures are not just about acknowledging the harm. They are about fixing what is broken,” said Mia Schultz, one of the panel’s commissioners, at last week’s event. “We need to dismantle the barriers that prevent people of color, individuals with disabilities and others, from accessing the opportunities that they deserve.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s other commissioner, Melody Mackin, is a member of the Elnu group, which has its headquarters in Brattleboro. In their statement, Odanak and W8linak leaders describe a “pretender” sitting on the commission.
Commissioner Melody Mackin of the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission speaks in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
Asked about the First Nation’s comments, Mackin wrote in an email that her job “is to listen to the truths” of anyone who is part of the communities that lawmakers identified in their establishing legislation. She said that she spoke with one of Odanak First Nation’s leaders earlier this year and invited members of Odanak’s community to share their perspectives with the Vermont panel, including “how state of Vermont policies have impacted them.”
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“The door is always open,” Mackin said. Both she and Schultz were among the several dozen people who gathered at the Statehouse last Friday for the event marking the strategic plan’s release.
The plan describes Vermont as a historic homeland for Abenaki people, without elaborating. One speaker at last week’s event, though, made reference to the contentious recent debate over Abenaki identity in the state: Beverly Little Thunder, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe from North Dakota.
Little Thunder now lives in Vermont, and served on the state’s Commission on Native American Affairs before resigning her seat last year and accusing its members in a later interview of being “a whole room full of white men pretending to be Native.”
Beverly Little Thunder of Huntington speaks during a Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
At last week’s event, Little Thunder questioned why there was not anyone present from Odanak and W8linak First Nations — and suggested that the commission’s work was not as inclusive as it professed to be.
“Those citizens there should be here,” she told the crowd. “We’re talking about reconciliation. They should be here talking about the harm that has been done to their communities.”
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The commission’s plan divides its work into four phases, two of which have largely been completed and included hiring commissioners and support staff as well as conducting background research. The third phase includes taking public testimony on ways that people have been harmed by discriminatory state policies — potentially, the plan states, in the form of “verbal statements, videos, and written and artistic expression.”
Mackin said she expects to start collecting testimony around the start of 2025.
The commission expects that process to take about another year, after which it will enter the final phase, which is creating a report on its work. The report is expected to include, among other conclusions, “recommendations of new laws or revisions to current laws and policies” for state lawmakers to consider,” the strategic plan states.
BENNINGTON — Holiday commemorations extended to the Vermont Veterans’ Home cemetery on Saturday, where community members gathered to honor the service men and women interred there through Wreaths Across America. Among those participating were members of Bennington’s own Civil Air Patrol.
The wreath-laying included an official ceremony, as well as laying wreaths at veteran graves and saying the veterans’ names out loud.
“So many Vermonters have sacrificed to serve in our Armed Forces. Sponsoring a wreath is a sign of gratitude to our veterans – both those who are living and to those who have departed,” said Susan Sweetser, the founder of the Vermont Veteran Moms group for Wreath Across America. “The first year after my daughter, Sgt. Virginia L. Sweetser, passed away and was buried at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph, I participated in the Wreaths Across America event in Randolph. I was so discouraged to see that only 250 wreaths had been sponsored for the over 4,000 graves at VVMC. I vowed that I would work to change that. We have come a long way and I am praying that this will be the year that we see all the participating veteran graves covered.”
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Wreaths Across America provides wreaths for Veteran graves all over the U.S., including the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.
Home » America Travel News » New Mexico Joins West Virginia, North Dakota, Vermont, and More as a Must-Visit Destination for International Travelers
Published on
December 15, 2025
New Mexico is rapidly becoming a top destination for international travelers, joining unique U.S. states like West Virginia, North Dakota, and Vermont. With its breathtaking natural beauty, including iconic sites like White Sands National Park, and a rich cultural heritage that stretches back centuries, the state offers an experience unlike any other. From scenic byways and adventure-filled landscapes to a vibrant blend of Indigenous and Spanish colonial influences, New Mexico is quickly drawing global attention. As tourism numbers soar, it’s clear that New Mexico is no longer a hidden gem—it’s a must-see destination for those seeking something extraordinary.
While iconic road trips like California’s Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66 often take the spotlight, New Mexico quietly rises as a must-visit destination for savvy travelers. The Land of Enchantment, long overlooked, offers everything a road tripper could want—stunning scenic routes, deep cultural history, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. New Mexico delivers a travel experience that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
Tourism Boom in New Mexico: Record-Breaking Numbers
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In 2024, New Mexico set new records by welcoming 42.6 million visitors—the highest number in the state’s history. This represents a milestone in both overall visitation and economic impact, as the state reached a new high of $8.8 billion in direct visitor expenditures. This marks the third consecutive year of growth, showing that New Mexico’s tourism industry is thriving. However, despite the impressive numbers, the state remains underappreciated compared to its more famous counterparts. While many tourists flock to other destinations, New Mexico continues to fly under the radar, its riches still largely untapped by the masses.
A Scenic Byway System That Rivals the Best
New Mexico boasts a unique feature that sets it apart from other states: its Scenic Byway System. The state is home to 26 designated scenic byways, eight of which are national scenic byways, offering road-trippers a diverse range of experiences. With more than 2,900 miles of scenic routes, travelers can drive from sun-scorched badlands to lush pine forests in a matter of hours. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, biking, skiing, or simply soaking in the stunning views, New Mexico’s byways offer unparalleled access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
What’s even more impressive is that the state’s scenic byways are meticulously curated to showcase the full range of New Mexico’s natural beauty. Each route offers a completely different experience—one moment you’re gazing at desert vistas, the next you’re winding through snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to explore the state at length, the byways ensure that every turn holds something new to discover.
Cultural Depth That Reaches Back Centuries
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What truly sets New Mexico apart is its rich cultural heritage, which stretches far beyond what you’ll find in most tourist destinations. The El Camino Real National Scenic Byway, for example, is the country’s oldest and most traveled highway, stretching more than 600 miles through the state. It’s a historical route that once connected European colonists to New Spain, predating the arrival of the pilgrims by over two decades.
New Mexico’s cultural landscape is deeply intertwined with centuries-old Indigenous traditions and the influence of Spanish colonialism. The state is home to vibrant art scenes in cities like Santa Fe and Taos, as well as centuries-old pueblos where Native American communities continue to live and practice traditions passed down through generations. Unlike other tourist hotspots that often feature recreated villages, New Mexico’s culture is alive and authentic, offering visitors a true connection to the past.
International Visitors Are Ahead of the Curve
In 2024, New Mexico saw a remarkable 10.4 percent increase in international visitors, following a 34 percent jump the previous year. In total, 750,000 international travelers visited the state, contributing significantly to the local economy. What’s telling is that while international tourists are quickly discovering the allure of New Mexico, many Americans remain hesitant to explore the state’s untapped potential.
The economic impact of tourism is felt across every sector of New Mexico’s economy. In 2024, visitors spent $2.8 billion on lodging, $2.1 billion at dining establishments, $1.4 billion on retail purchases, and another $1.1 billion on recreational activities. These numbers illustrate that visitors are not merely passing through—they’re staying, eating, shopping, and fully immersing themselves in everything New Mexico has to offer.
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Natural Wonders Without the Crowds
New Mexico’s natural beauty is equally impressive. While landmarks like Yellowstone National Park are overcrowded with tourists, New Mexico offers some of the most stunning natural wonders in the U.S. without the crowds. White Sands National Park, for example, features expansive dunes of pure white gypsum sand, creating a surreal landscape that feels otherworldly. Visitors can walk on the sand, go sledding down the dunes, or simply admire the view in solitude.
Beyond White Sands, New Mexico is home to Carlsbad Caverns, Bandelier National Monument, and the Gila Wilderness—each of which provides a perfect balance of breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful solitude. New Mexico’s extensive network of national parks, state parks, national trails, and World Heritage Sites ensures that nature lovers have no shortage of places to explore.
With 15 national parks, 35 state parks, and numerous historic landmarks, New Mexico remains a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and camping to stargazing and wildlife watching, the state’s public lands offer a diverse range of activities, all set against the backdrop of jaw-dropping landscapes.
Why New Mexico Is the Road Trip Destination You Didn’t Know You Needed
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Despite the state’s stunning offerings and tourism records, New Mexico remains largely unexplored by the majority of American travelers. But for those who do make the journey, the rewards are many. Whether it’s the scenic byways, the rich cultural history, or the peaceful natural landscapes, New Mexico is a road trip destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
New Mexico is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for international travelers, joining states like West Virginia, North Dakota, and Vermont with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and record-breaking tourism growth. With its unique blend of natural beauty and history, it’s drawing global attention as a top travel destination.
So next time you’re planning your dream road trip, consider heading to the Land of Enchantment. With its unbeatable combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, New Mexico offers a road trip experience unlike any other—one that will take you through centuries of history, miles of awe-inspiring scenery, and unforgettable adventures. It’s a state that deserves to be on your radar—and one you’ll surely return to once you’ve experienced its magic.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
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Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule. Here’s a look at Dec. 13, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 13 drawing
01-28-31-57-58, Powerball: 16, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life VT numbers from Dec. 13 drawing
12-18-19-24-35, Lucky Ball: 17
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Check Lucky For Life VT payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 13 drawing
Day: 6-7-7
Evening: 3-8-3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 13 drawing
Day: 9-7-2-4
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Evening: 3-6-1-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from Dec. 13 drawing
01-20-21-24-32, Megaball: 04
Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
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Barre, VT
05641
When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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Commissioner Mia Schultz of the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission speaks in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
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Commissioner Melody Mackin of the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission speaks in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger 100vw, 1200px”><figcaption class=)
Beverly Little Thunder of Huntington speaks during a Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Montpelier on Friday, October 11. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
