In August, The Sun celebrated its place as the only professional sports team owned by a Native American tribe by showcasing many cultural elements of the Mohegan Tribe and other Tribal Nations in the region. The night also served as the organization’s way of highlighting the Mohegan Tribe’s Wigwam (Green Corn) Festival—a celebration of thanks and a symbol of Tribal survival honoring past and present Tribal members.

The Connecticut Sun honored members of the following Tribal Nations: The Mohegan Tribe, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Eastern Pequots, Golden Hill Paugussett, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and Narragansett Tribe.

The celebration and opportunities for learning about Tribal culture continued throughout the game, with an interview with Kristin Emilyta discussing how she came up with the Item of the Game design; an interview with Beth Regan and Pat LaPierre, members of the Mohegan Council of Elders; a primetime performance by the Shantok Nation comprised of Mohegan Tribal Youth; an honorary tip being thrown by Tribal Elder Phil Russell; a halftime “Horse Hill” performance; and a sacred postgame drum circle titled “Horse Hill with Intertribal Dances.”

For the full article please click here – we hope you are able to attend next years very important Indigenous Peoples Night to celebrate our local Tribal Nations, their history, and their culture with us!