Who is the “real” Vermonter? A descendant of an 18th century European, a new American immigrant,
or the Abenaki people of the First Nation? In attempting to exercise our collective responsibility of
justice, equity and compassion, we would be remiss to exclude the Abenaki who live largely
unseen and unheard in the Champlain Valley — and other minorities in the United States.
Where and how do we begin setting a chair for the disenfranchised at the table? Who is the host, and
who is the guest? What reparative justice may we be called to upon to pay? Do contemporary virtues serve to heal historical vices?
Indigenous peoples, descendants of slaves, undocumented immigrants…let’s discuss how unpacking privilege
here in Vermont means surrendering power to other populations.
Rev. Jennifer Pader, M.Div., S.T.M., LMSW, is a New York City native who moved to Burlington with
her husband Joe four years ago. She is a graduate of McGill University, Union Theological Seminary, the
William Alanson White Institute, and the Hunter College School of Social Work. Jennifer has enjoyed
coming to MMUUF as a guest speaker on multiple occasions.