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Official Opening Day for Community & Government Center
Cloudy October skies could not dampen the excitement on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 23 as Tribal Government officials and the members of the Mohegan Tribe came together to celebrate the offIcial opening of the long-awaited Community and Government Center.
The ceremony got underway with a Mohegan prayer and smudge by Chief Lynn Malerba “Many Hearts,” with drumming by Kurt Eichelberg, Ron Gilman, Eric Maynard and Allan Saunders. In her prayer, she said “We ask you to bless our Mohegan people as we enjoy our new gathering place. Bless us with peace and friendship whenever we come together as a family.”
Chairman Bruce S. Bozsum “Two Dogs” delivered thanks to the many tribal members who worked so hard to make the new Center a reality, including the Tribe’s artists and TERO contractors. He noted that the building was a dream of the late Chief Ralph Sturbes “G’tinemong” and found it appropriate that Chief Sturges’s statue stands just outside the Uncas entrance.
Vivian Keith of the Arts and Crafts office brought out a banner created especially for the occasion, crafted by Gary Roode from leather, feathers and antlers. Surrounded by the Tribal Council and Council of Elders, Chief Malerba cut the ribbon as cheers went up from the crowd.
After the ribbon cutting, Chairman Bozsum invited everyone into the building’s lobby to share in a cake cutting. Mohegan Sun’s master pastry chef Lynn Mansel and his team created another amazing piece of work, a replica of the Center, complete with surrounding trees and bushes.
Tribal members took self-guided tours of the building, including the exhibit celebrating federal recognition and the history of Mohegan Chiefs. The exhibit is located near the Tribal Meeting Room, where tall windows which overlook Fort Shantok. Staff members were on hand to greet visitors to department offices, including the new Library and Archives space, and the new Arts & Crafts room.
Along the way, visitors discovered stunning views of the Thames River and surrounding woodands. Tribal members also wandered through the Chief’s Garden in the front plaza area of the building, taking a close look at the bronze statues of the Mohegan chiefs.
The building’s expansive new gymnasium was the place for enjoying food and family. Mohegan Sun’s food and beverage team supplied sandwiches and salads, while the shiny new wood floors were protected by rubber matting for the occasion.
It was a significant day for Mohegan history, and the new building promises to bring a new sense of community and also create a new spirit for the staff and visitors who pass through its doors.
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