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The Tribal government has numerous administrative departments
responsible for managing various facets of Tribal life,
interactions outside the Tribe and the reservation’s
infrastructure. Here are some examples of how the Tribe
looks after the welfare of its members.
The Mohegan Tribal Housing Authority offers programs
such as rental assistance, home ownership and home improvement
loans to Tribal members. From its inception in 1998, the home ownership program has helped hundreds of Tribal
members buy homes. In addition, qualified members can live
in Tribally-owned homes until they can afford to purchase
their own.
The Education Department, overseen by the Mohegan Board of
Education, provides scholarships for private schools for
grade K-12 and for higher education and supports members working toward a GED or diploma.
Through the Education Department, Mohegan Tribal youth also have the
opportunity to participate in the annual Native American
Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. The conference heightens
students’ awareness that they have a voice in government,
encourages active participation in their own Tribal government
and nurtures future leaders.
The Tribal Utility Authority and
Land Preservation & Planning
manage and service the reservation’s own lands and
infrastructure, including power, water and land. The Utility
Authority kept pace with the reservation's explosive growth
during the expansion of the Casino and hotel. The development
of the Fort Hill substation and the installation of
environmentally-friendly fuel cells ensure reliable power
for the reservation. In addition, the Tribe brokered
cooperation among several surrounding cities and towns to
develop a mutual plan to share water as the area continues
to grow. Learn more about the water initiative >
The Mohegan Tribe takes public safety seriously and has developed
best practices in these areas. The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department
is considered the premier firefighting and EMS operation in
southeastern Connecticut. The department handles calls from
the reservation, including the Casino, and throughout
Montville. The Protective Services Department trains its
members in security, crime scene preservation, blood-borne
pathogens and HAZMAT procedures. The Police Department
completed training with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to
enable the Tribe to enforce federal law on the reservation.
The Tribe initiated a Public Safety bike patrol, which
enables officers to patrol the reservation effectively while
reducing unnecessary auto emissions.
The Building Officials ensure that all
existing and new buildings meet Tribal building codes and
industry construction standards. This was especially
important during the major hotel and Casino expansion.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Commission oversees all gaming
operations on the reservation and ensures regulatory
integrity. In fact, the Tribe’s gaming regulation is more
extensive than that found in Las Vegas, with both inspectors
and investigators seeing that regulations are strictly
followed. The Commission also interacts with the state
Division of Special Revenue to ensure proper licensing of
employees and approve new games and policy changes. The
Tribal Gaming Commission makes sure that the Mohegan Sun
Casino meets all National Indian Gaming Commission regulations.
The Tribal Health and Human Services Department provides a broad
spectrum of benefits to Mohegan members. Family services range
from fuel and energy assistance, day care and counseling to
help with anger management, parenting and substance abuse.
The Tribe delivers both behavioral health services and a wide
range of medical services to its members. The department also
trains the Connecticut Department of Children and Families on
the Indian Child Welfare Act and cultural issues facing Native
Americans.
Many Tribal programs look after the development of Mohegan youth
as future members and leaders. The Tribe’s Health and Human
Services Department manages a youth mentoring program, which
matches young people with adults to support character building,
academic success and an improved quality of life.
The Cultural and Community Programs Department helps to carry on traditions by providing access to instruction and materials for traditional crafts and skills such as basketmaking, beadwork and the making of traditional drums and regalia. In addition, the department coordinates the annual Wigwam Festival; Cultural Outreach programs to schools, civic groups and community centers; Mohegan participation at parades and fairs; and provides performers for dancing and drumming exhibits during Hot Summer Fun at Mohegan Sun.
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