The Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe, an Eastern Woodland people, traces its ancestral roots to the southeastern region of what is now Connecticut. Their history is marked by resilience and perseverance, having endured a near-genocidal event in 1637 at the hands of Puritan colonists. This tragic event underscores their significance as the first Native American group within the continental United States to experience such a brutal attempt at annihilation. Despite this devastating history, the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe has maintained a continuous presence on their reservation, established in 1666, making it one of the oldest in the nation.
A Glimpse into the Past and Present
The story of the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe is woven into the very fabric of American history. Their traditional name, "The Fox People," hints at their deep connection to the land and their identity as a distinct cultural group. While they are also known as the Western Pequot, their official tribal name remains the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2 Matts Path, PO Box 3060, Mashantucket, CT 06338-3060
- Phone: 1-860-396-6100
- Website: www.Mashantucket.com
The Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe holds the distinction of being a federally recognized tribe, a crucial acknowledgment of their sovereignty and right to self-governance.
Territory and Origins:
For over 10,000 years, the ancestors of the Mashantucket Pequot have continuously inhabited the lands of southeastern Connecticut. This enduring presence speaks to their profound connection to the region. Their traditional territory, a landscape of wooded hills and coastal waterways, provided sustenance and shaped their way of life.
The Reservation: A Place of Continuity
The Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, established in 1666, serves as a tangible link to the tribe’s past. It stands as one of the oldest continuously occupied Native American reservations in North America, a testament to their enduring commitment to their ancestral homeland. Currently, the reservation encompasses 1,250 acres, a portion of their historical territory that the tribe has fought to preserve and reclaim.
Tribal Identity and Symbolism:
The tribal emblem of the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe is rich with symbolism. A solitary tree on a knoll, silhouetted against the sky, represents Mashantucket itself, "the much wooded land." This imagery evokes the landscape that sustained the Pequots and provided refuge for their independent spirit. The emblem also features the sign of Robin Cassasinnamon, the tribe’s first leader following the devastating massacre at Mystic Fort in 1637, and a fox, a constant reminder of their identity as "The Fox People."
Demographics and Historical Shifts:
In the early 17th century, prior to European contact, the Pequot Nation numbered around 8,000 individuals, inhabiting approximately 250 square miles. However, the ravages of war and disease drastically reduced their numbers. By 1774, a colonial census recorded only 151 tribal members residing at Mashantucket. In the early 1800s, their numbers dwindled further, with only 30 to 40 members remaining as many sought opportunities elsewhere or joined the Brotherton Movement, a Christian-Indian movement that led some to settlements in New York and Wisconsin.
Government and Governance:
The Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe operates under a system of self-governance. The Tribal Council, composed of three council members and executive officers, serves as the governing body. The executive officers include the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, each playing a crucial role in leading the tribe and managing its affairs.
Language and Cultural Preservation:
While the Pequot language, like many indigenous languages, has faced challenges, efforts are underway to revitalize and preserve it. The preservation of their language is integral to maintaining their cultural identity and passing down traditions to future generations.
A History of Resilience:
The Pequot War (1636-1638) marked a turning point in the tribe’s history. This brutal conflict, the first major war between colonists and an indigenous New England people, had a devastating impact on the Pequot. Many tribal members were killed, enslaved, or placed under the control of other tribes. Those who came under the rule of the Mohegans eventually became known as the Mashantucket (Western) Pequots and were granted land at Noank in 1651. However, in 1666, this land was taken from them. By 1856, illegal land sales had reduced their 989-acre reservation to a mere 213 acres.
Despite these hardships, the spirit of the Pequot people remained unbroken. In the early 1970s, tribal members began returning to the Mashantucket reservation, determined to reclaim their land, rebuild their community, and revitalize their culture.
Land Claims and Federal Recognition:
With the support of the Native American Rights Fund and the Indian Rights Association, the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe filed suit in 1976 against neighboring landowners to recover land that had been illegally sold by the State of Connecticut in 1856. This legal battle culminated in a settlement in 1983, where the landowners acknowledged the illegality of the 1856 sale and joined the tribe in seeking state government support.
The Connecticut Legislature responded by unanimously passing legislation petitioning the federal government to grant tribal recognition to the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and settle the land claim. The Mashantucket Pequot Indian Land Claims Settlement Act, signed into law by President Reagan on October 18, 1983, granted the tribe federal recognition, enabling them to repurchase and place in trust the land covered in the Settlement Act.
Economic Development and Prosperity:
Alongside their efforts to reclaim their land, the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe actively pursued economic development. They engaged in various ventures, including the sale of cord wood, maple syrup, and garden vegetables, a swine project, and the opening of a hydroponic greenhouse. Once the land claims were settled, the tribe purchased and operated a restaurant and established a sand and gravel business.
In 1986, the tribe launched its bingo operation, followed in 1992 by the opening of Foxwoods Resort Casino. Today, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation owns one of the largest resort casinos in the world, along with several other economic ventures, including the Lake of Isles Golf Course, The Fox Tower, The Spa at Norwich Inn, and Foxwoods Development Company, dedicated to world-class resort development throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation remains one of the State of Connecticut’s highest taxpayers and largest employers.
Cultural Preservation and Education:
The tribe’s commitment to cultural preservation is evident in the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, which opened on August 11, 1998. This world-class museum, located on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, serves as a repository of Pequot history, culture, and traditions. It provides a platform for education, research, and the sharing of their story with the world.
The Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe stands as a powerful example of resilience, perseverance, and cultural preservation. Their journey, marked by hardship and triumph, serves as an inspiration to indigenous communities and all those who strive to overcome adversity.