Open Letter to the Mayor Re: Replacing the Chief Gray Lock Statue in Battery Park

Dear Director Kraft, Mayor Mulvaney‑Stanak, and Chief of Staff Jacobsen,

I write regarding Burlington City Arts’ recent announcement to commission an Indigenous artist for the sculpture replacing Chief Gray Lock. This is an important and long-overdue opportunity to honor Indigenous presence in our region. However, I urge your offices to ensure this effort aligns with both historical accuracy and international human rights standards, specifically the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Under Article 19 of UNDRIP, governments are required to obtain the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of Indigenous peoples through their own representative institutions before adopting policies or actions that affect them. Likewise, Article 36 affirms the right of Indigenous peoples divided by national borders to maintain and develop contacts, relations, and cooperation, including on matters of cultural and historical significance.

In light of this, it is deeply concerning that the Abenaki communities at Odanak and Wôlinak, whose documented ancestral ties to this region are well established, have not been consulted in this decision-making process. This follows a broader pattern of exclusion, including the recently announced “Indigenous curriculum” intended for Vermont schools, which was developed without their participation. That curriculum promotes a version of Indigenous identity centered on groups repeatedly denied legal recognition by both the federal government and Vermont’s own State’s Attorney (prior to the state recognition process of 2011-2012 which remains in question).

Public art and education are powerful tools. If developed without the involvement of legitimate Indigenous nations, they risk reinforcing false narratives and erasing those with authentic historical and cultural ties to this land.

Burlington has the chance to lead by example. I respectfully request that Burlington City Arts and the Mayor’s Office initiate formal consultation with Odanak and Wôlinak leadership. This would bring your efforts into closer alignment with UNDRIP and model a process rooted in integrity, accountability, and justice.

I am more than willing to assist in this effort. I can facilitate introductions to Odanak leaders as well as Vermont-based scholars and community members who have worked in close partnership with them.

Thank you for considering this request. I would welcome the opportunity to speak further about how Burlington can ensure its public commitments to equity and inclusion extend to Indigenous communities with actual, documented histories on this land.

Respectfully,
Troy Headrick
State Representative, Chittenden-15