We look at what affect state recognition of the Abenaki tribes might have on federal recognition, revisit the Maurice Sendak collection at Dartmouth and get a preview of the VPT series, "The Governors."

At a ceremony outside the Statehouse Monday, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a bill recognizing the Missisquoi band from the Swanton area and the Koasek band from the Newbury area.

After years of fighting to be recognized, some members of the Abenaki Indian community have been officially  acknowledged in Vermont. Governor Peter Shumlin signed bills on Friday that grants state recognition to the Elnu Abenaki and the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki nation.

The state was at odds with the EPA and Rutland aldermen losing confidence in their police chief were among the top stories this week.

The Vermont Senate has unanimously approved legislation that's designed to expand state recognition to various Bands of the Abenaki Indian tribe. Supporters of the bill say it will allow the Bands to take full advantage of a variety of federal programs.

We broadcast live from ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington.  Guests include David Hackett Fischer, author of Champlain's Dream, and Mary Watzin, a lake researcher at UVM.  And, we learn more about the indigenous celebration underway.

All this week we've been hearing about Vermont women and the contributions they've made to the history and the culture of our region. Today, we meet a young woman who's working to keep that culture alive and thriving. Melody Walker is an artisan, historian, and member of the El-nu Abenaki tribe.

We're reflecting on the events of the past year through our series "Sounds of 2008.'' In January, we heard from some members of Vermont's Western Abenaki culture who don't want to lose their language.  

Abenaki scholar Fred Wiseman talks with VPR's Jane Lindholm joins us to discuss his new film, "1609: The Other Side of History" about the European discovery of the lake from a Native perspective.

Abenaki scholar Fred Wiseman discusses the role Native Americans played in Lake Champlain's discovery. Also, Burlington Free Press reporter Candy Page on hydro power, and we travel to Westminster for a town postcard.

Three bands of Vermont Abenaki Indians say they're insulted by a proposal to address problems with a 2006 law that recognized Abenakis as a minority population, but not as a tribe.

Vermont Abenakis are offering a compromise to state lawmakers on the thorny issue of official recognition.

Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.

A Senate committee will consider fixing a 2006 bill that recognized the Abenaki in Vermont but failed to allow them to label their crafts as Indian made, as intended.