On September 30th, the Log Lunch community gathered to hear from Rich Holschuh, a public liaison for the Elnu Abenaki tribe and founder of the Atowi Project, a community initiative aimed at affirming Indigenous relationships to the Land. Beginning by introducing himself in the Abenaki language, Rich spoke about his relationship to the land and how that relationship is mediated through the words he speaks. The Abenaki language, he explained, is in recovery, and he is one of several citizens working to redevelop the particular epistemology that is intrinsic to the Native language.
Rich urged the audience to rethink our relationships with the natural world; instead of introducing himself as being from Wantestegok or Brattleboro, Vermont, he said, “I am Brattleboro, I am Wastestegok. I belong to the land, the land does not belong to me.” His deep, intentional connection to the land informs his work with the Elnu Band; though his heritage lies with the Mi’kmaq people of Nova Scotia, he has always lived among the Abenaki people and works closely with them. He urged the audience to consider the Indigenous origins of Williamstown, the homelands of the Mohican people, and spoke about the importance of the confluence of the Green and Hoosic Rivers. His home also sits by a confluence — of the Wantastegok and Connecticut — and he describes these locations as crucial to Indigneous understandings of energy and placemaking.
Though Rich grew up Protestant, he has reconnected to his Indigenous heritage throughout his adult life, and views this reconnection as absolutely essential; “without it,” he said, “this bus is going over a cliff.” He spoke to how through reconnecting with Indigenous culture and language, we will be able to communicate with the land in ways that English does not allow, allowing us to understand its needs and our responsibility.
While listening to Rich’s thoughtful comments, the community enjoyed a delicious meal of lentil salad, crusty bread, garlic confit, and parmesan-crusted butternut squash, with a dessert of maple pecan shortbread. The squash, chard and garlic were sourced from Peace Valley farm.
Log Lunch is a CES program hosted every Friday at noon. During Log Lunch, a vegetarian meal prepared by Williams students is served, followed by a talk on an environmental topic. Speakers are drawn from both the student body and faculty of Williams, as well as from local, national, and international organizations. Learn more here.
BY SARAH JANE O’CONNOR ‘22.5
Megamenu Social