Koasek of Turtle Island

Goals and Projects

Our Mission

The Koasek of Turtle Island, Inc is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of our Native culture in our traditional ways regarding our ancient territory.  Through partnership and cooperation with other Native people we strive to unite the Wabanaki Confederacy in peace and harmony.

Who We Are

We are proudly the Sovereign Koasek W8banaki Band, one of several indigenous native American tribes of the sovereign Abenaki/Wabanaki Confederacy, whose ancient homelands span N'dakinna territory from what is now southern VT & NH into Maine, Quebec, and the Canadian Maritimes.

Who We Serve

We welcome ALL to our facilities, events and celebrations.  Our purpose is to educate Tribal members and the Public in our ancient ways and customs while incorporating these tools into our contemporary Native life today.

Our Vision

We envision returning our ancient lands into community-oriented facilities OPEN TO ALL.  In 2018 and 2023, two families gifted five separate parcels of land totaling approximately 26-acres in and around Claremont, NH to Koasek of Turtle Island, Inc.  We are in preliminary planning stages to rehabilitate each of the five parcels now owned by the non-profit into nature preserves and educational facilities to inform ALL in the ways of our cultural respect for the earth and reverence of all living things.

Koasek Community Center, Elm Street, Claremont

The 11-acre site at 252 Elm Street Claremont is envisioned as our anchor site open to all, housing a Koasek community and education center revealing the history of the Abenaki/Wabanaki people and hosting educational and cultural events such as our annual Pow Wows, Equinox and Solstice celebrations. 

Accessible Heritage Walkway (with Fire Circle and prototype campsite) Elm Street, Claremont

The Elm Street site will also feature a nature center and trails (some of which will be accessible to accommodate mobility challenges).  The walkway kiosks and signage will enable self or docent guided tours featuring indigenous flora and fauna as well as revealing the culture and contributions of the Koasek to New Hampshire.

Indigenous Nature Trails, Twistback Road, Claremont

This heavily wooded 10-acre site will be maintained as a nature preserve with trails for public use and education.  Trailside labels will identify indigenous plant life and describe traditional Abenaki uses of the vegetation. 

Abenaki Three-Sisters Garden, River Bend Road, Claremont

Two contiguous parcels of farmland totaling just over 5-acres will be the site of the Abenaki Three-Sisters Garden to be tended by local school groups and used for educational programs.  Harvests will go to the students, their schools and nearby food pantries.

Memorial Garden (Abenaki Burial Grounds and ancient campsite), Saxtons River, VT

A one-quarter acre site in Vermont near the confluence of the Connecticut and Saxtons Rivers will commemorate an archeologically confirmed Abenaki sacred burial ground and ancient camp, as well as the renowned carved head petroglyphs at nearby Bellows Falls. 

How You Can Help

You can help us fulfill our vision: Donate a tax-deductible gift; Volunteer to assist one of our site preparation work-crews; or Participate in one of our celebratory events.  We appreciate your support and welcome your interest.