Schemitzun a must-see event in August
Schemitzun, the Native American Feast of Green Corn and Dance, returns to the region in August as one of the largest powwows in New England with its pounding excitement, whirling and colorful dancing, savory foods and intricate crafts.
Proudly sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Schemitzun 2007 is one of the most exciting cultural events in New England, which draws thousands of visitors and members of Native American tribes from around the country. Schemitzun will be held Thursday, Aug. 23 through Sunday, Aug. 26 this year on Wintechog Hill Road in North Stonington, just an eighth of a mile east of Foxwoods Resort Casino off Route 2. Parking is free on the site, and free shuttle buses are available from Foxwoods every 15 minutes (More)
New Boat Ramp at Lake of Isles launched
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| HELPING HANDS - The new boat launch at the Lake of Isles started its next life with the launching off a 14-foot motorboat. The ramp was restored and upgraded as part of the project that built the Lake of Isles golf courses by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The boat master is Vice Chairman Kenny Reels of the tribe, with Councilor Marjorie Colebut-Jackson as bow lookout. Pulling them in is Treasurer Rodney Butler and Commissioner Gina McCarthy of the state Department of Environmental Protection. Stephanie Powers photo |
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal leaders joined Commissioner Gina McCarthy of the state Department of Environmental Protection, along with town leaders for the dedication of the new boat ramp at Lake of Isles on July 19 in North Stonington. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation funded the improvements, which totaled more than $200,000.
"This is a true partnership here today with the Tribe in keeping with recreation as well as consistency with the aesthetics of Lake of Isles," said DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy. "It looks beautiful, is fully functional, and invites people outside to remember what nature's all about."
The state of Connecticut still owns the facility, but the tribal nation has taken the role of providing and maintaining the facilities. The ramp is open to the public, as it always has been.
Improvements include the installation of a floating dock, two handicap parking spots, toilet facilities and sidewalk, and a gravel parking area which allows for the parking of up to eight vehicles with boat trailers.
"This is just the beginning of a road of mutual aid agreements between the towns and
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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.