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The Pequot Tribe Split
In 1598 the Pequot tribe into two tribes as a result of differing political opinion. Followers of Sachem Uncas became known as the Mohegan tribe. The Mohegan tribe was in favor of working with English settlers instead of trying to fight them. -
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Sachem Uncas
Sachem Uncas was the first chief of the Mohegan tribe. Being chief is a lifelong position, so Sachem Uncas ruled until his death. Sachem Uncas was in favor of working with English settlers instead of trying to fight them which often pitted him against other Native American tribes but also proved to be helpful when wars often broke out against English settlers. -
The Arrival of English Settlers
In the early 1600's settlers from England began to colonize America. The colonizers gave little consideration to Native American tribes that had been living there for a long time. This created a lot of tensions and fights for land as well as resources that would continue for a long time. -
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Pequot War
The Pequot War was fought between English settlers from the Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut colonies and Pequot tribe and the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut. This was the first sustained conflict between settlers and native tribes. -
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Samson Occum
Samson Occum was one of the first Christian Indian Minister who also created the New England Christian Indian School. The school sent him to England for fundraising and when he returned he found that his school was moved to Hanover, NH where it later became Dartmouth College. Samson Occum also moved some of the Mohegan tribe to New York where they combined with the Oneida tribe. -
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Fidelia Fielding
Fidelia Fielding was the last speaker of of the Mohegan Pequot language. Her diaries have helped preserve the language and she has passed down many of the Mohegan traditions to those younger than her. -
Medicine Women
The title Medicine Women was established by Mohegan Elders Council. It is reserved for women who know tribal customs and who show exceptional powers that would be good medicine for people. The title and talent is often passed down by women from generation to generation. Some of the best Medicine Women include Lucy Occum and Martha Uncas). -
Federal Recognition
On March 7, 1994, the Mohegan Tribe finally gained federal recognition after living in North America for over 10,000 years. Federal recognition allows for the Mohegan Tribe to operate as its own sovereign nation. -
Mohegan Sun
On October 12 1996, the Mohegan Tribe opened Mohegan Sun which is a casino located on Mohegan property in Connecticut. Casinos are allowed on Native American property under Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. The Mohegan Tribe uses profits made from Mohegan Sun to decrease their need for federal funding. -
First Female Chief
In 2010 Dr. Lynn Malerba was named chief of the Mohegan Tribe. She is the current chief as well as the first ever female chief of the Mohegan Tribe. She was named chief because of her outstanding character and her leadership.