The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation commends state Senator Cathy Osten and the Connecticut legislature for denying funds from the Pequot Mohegan Fund to schools demonstrating racist practices using American Indian and Alaskan Native names, symbols, and imagery as school mascots.

The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, a state-recognized tribe with a constitutional government, resides on one of the oldest continuously occupied reservations in the country, established in 1683. As a First Nations people we have always fought against racism, discrimination, and injustice.

The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation requests that the Connecticut Legislature re-distribute to our tribe the funds otherwise allocated to towns with schools using Native American mascots. In addition, we request a fair and equal distribution from the Pequot Mohegan Fund. Justice requires that the Connecticut legislature consider that the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation is in the direct impact area of both the Pequot and Mohegan casinos. We need funds for security and safety, health, and educational services.

We call upon the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegan Tribe, the Commission on Human Rights, Educational Institutions, Religious Organizations and all people to stand on the high moral ground and insist that justice and equal protection of the laws be afforded to the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation.

Katherine Sebastian Dring

Chairwoman

Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation

North Stonington