Chairman Michael J. Thomas was sworn into his third term as a Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Tuesday, taking the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony that was marked by solemn pageantry and a spirited expression of Native pride.
Two other Tribal Councilors, Charlene Jones and Rodney Butler, also elected to three-year terms in November, took the oath of office before an audience of several hundred that included many Tribal members, along with state and local government officials and invited guests.
In an address to the gathering, Thomas spoke of the challenges ahead, but pointed to past Tribal leaders as a source of inspiration.
"We stand on the shoulders of giants, as a Pequot society and as an American society," he said, adding "we have to continue to build upon and chase their dreams."
He and several speakers, including Councilors Jones and Butler, emphasized the importance working together, maintaining their cultural identity and fighting for tribal sovereignty.
Thomas spoke of the important role played by tribal elders, praising them for their guidance and wisdom. In particular, he singled out two former Tribal Council members, Richard F. Sebastian and Pedro Johnson.
Johnson, who now heads the Tribal Nation's public affairs unit and served as master of ceremonies for the event, introduced the (More)
Foxwoods to celebrate 15th anniversary on Feb. 15
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Foxwoods Resort Casino is celebrating their 15th anniversary this month appropriately on February 15. The festivities will begin in the Food Court at 1:30 p.m. Tribal members, patrons, members of the media, and team members are invited to the event which will feature giveaways, speeches, along with complimentary cake and coffee, and perhaps a few surprises.
There will be 15 anniversary giveaways, which in the past have ranged from overnight hotel stays to entrance into poker tournaments.
Foxwoods president John O'Brien will be emcee for the event, with Tribal Members and Elders being invited to speak, followed by a raffle drawing and cake cutting ceremony.
"It's been an amazing fifteen years, and now we're excited to look towards the future with all the new changes, growth and partnerships that are occurring - especially right here on property with our newest development The MGM Grand being built," said John O'Brien, Foxwoods president. "I'd like to thank all of the people who have helped to make Foxwoods one of the most successful resort casinos in the world, especially the employees who every single day make this ‘the wonder of it all'. (More)
2007
Framed against the sky, the lone tree on a knoll represents
Mashantucket, the "much-wooded land" where the Pequots hunted and
kept alive their identity as an independent people. Displayed on the
knoll is the sign of Robin Cassasinnamon, the Pequot’s first leader
following the 1637 massacre at Mystic Fort. The fox stands as a
reminder that the Pequots are known as "the fox people."
Pequot basketweave pattern.
A gift from the Winged Ones, feathers
carry prayers to the Great Spirit.