Tribe brings holiday cheer to area children
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| A boy talks to Santa as Tribal Councilwoman Chalita Young and Council Treasurer Rodney Butler look on. Stephanie Powers photo |
Anticipation filled the room of the New London Senior Center, where over a hundred children were waiting for Santa to arrive so they could share their holiday wishes and give Santa their "list" of presents they hoped to receive for Christmas. As the children sang along to "Here Comes Santa Claus," the jolly man of the hour in the red suit appeared to their delight. The sociable host made his way around the room, greeting every wide-eyed child and parent.
"Thanks so much for spending today with us," said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Treasurer Rodney Butler as he welcomed everyone. "I hope you enjoy and spend time with your family because that's what the holidays are all about."
This was the 7th year the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has partnered with local United Way agencies to host and sponsor this annual holiday party for children that are from these agencies.
"I'm new to this area and it's really fun to see the collaboration of the Mashantucket Pequots and the United Way helping people in need," said Ken Hendricks, executive director of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. "During a giving season, it's just a tremendous example of all the giving back to the community (More)
2008
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.