Scholarship

The Chief Leonard “Blackie” Lampman Scholarship

The Chief Leonard “Blackie” Lampman Scholarship was established in 1987 in honor of a man who held the position of Chief of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi for seven years, spanning from 1980 to 1987. Below, is a letter from his granddaughter, Crystal Lampman, where she reflects on the family values her grandfather instilled and explains their decision to honor him through this scholarship.

A letter from Crystal Lampman:

"Whenever I am asked about my late grandfather, Chief Leonard “Blackie” Lampman, the first thing that comes to mind is his passion for caring for the people of the Abenaki.

From a very young age, it was instilled in me and my many cousins that family was of the utmost importance. The definition of family was vast: mother, father, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins—and this last was probably the most vast. There was no division of the first, second or third. Family is family.

My grandfather also believed that in order for generation after generation to care for their community and ultimately family, that education was key. He believed that all from the very youngest of our community to those who are wise elders should have an opportunity to learn. It was this belief that caused my grandfather to champion one of the very first public kindergartens in the state of Vermont and advocate for Abenaki youth to reach for the stars in gaining post-secondary education.

When my grandfather passed in 1987, my family looked for a way to continue to support the beliefs that he held onto strongly. From this, the Chief Leonard “Blackie” Lampman Scholarship was born.

It has brought our family great joy over the years to see the Abenaki youth that have taken this small token and used it to pursue their dreams—among which we have seen educators, social workers, scientists, and amazing healthcare providers, just to name a few!

I have no doubt that my grandfather looks down with pride at how far the Abenaki community has come in educating our future tribal leaders.

Best of luck to all graduating seniors!"

Crystal M. Lampman
MVU Class of ’97 & Lyndon State College ‘02
Granddaughter, Tribal Member, Executive Director Franklin County Caring Communities