A group of 17 Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Elders traveled to Europe for two weeks at the end of May and beginning of June for a once-in-a lifetime cultural experience they were excited to share. Some have already started doing just that with their grandchildren, in hopes they too will one day have the opportunity to see and learn all that they did about other cultures, including their own on a special trip.
"Some of the best company in the world is listening to the stories of Elders and the wisdom they have to share," says Priscilla Brown, Tribal Elders Council Vice Chairwoman.
The Tribal delegates boarded Celebrity cruise line's Century ship in Barcelona, Spain and then spent nine days at sea on a "Best of Europe" tour which included stops in Málaga, Spain; Cadiz, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; Paris (Le Havre), France and Dover, England.
At the end of the trip they spend two days in London, which many agree was the highlight of the trip. They enjoyed Double Decker bus tours, visiting Buckingham Palace, shopping, and visiting the British Museum, which Brown says was an "extraordinary experience" .
There they were given a private tour of the collection storage area. All of the Elders were able to view and photograph Native American artifacts.
"To all of us it was an extremely emotional experience," says Brown. "Our Spiritual Leader prayed over the artifacts, and being able to photograph them was very generous, we felt honored to have that ability to take them. Many of us were teary eyes during this experience, listening to the director give us the history of these items. We really appreciated this opportunity." (More)
New Foxwoods President O'Brien brings a fresh approach
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John O'Brien officially took over the reins at Foxwoods Resort Casino in July from Bill Sherlock. In this two part interview, the Pequot Times' Anthony Kulla sat down with him to get some insight as to what can be expected of the new Foxwoods President.
Pequot Times: So John how did you find out you were the new president, and who is the first person you told?
John O'Brien: I was called back to talk to the Tribal Council; they were all assembled and they called me in the room. Chairman Thomas delivered the good news to me, and said the Council had unanimously voted in support of my appointment, it was really an exciting time for me. As soon as I left there I called my wife and said ‘I've got some news for you.' It was a really a nice day for me.
PT: What has your schedule been like since your announcement?
JO: The schedule has been a little bit hectic, long days and long nights, it's been really good though, I'm excited about where were going as an organization. Lots of things to do,
(More)
2006
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.