Mohegan Pipe Carriers The title of Pipe Carrier is a long-honored Mohegan tradition
Pipe Carriers are Tribal members who are willing and able to carry and honor the pipe, and conduct pipe ceremonies in accordance with traditions established by previous Mohegan Pipe Carriers. Such ceremonies and milestone events include weddings, funerals, and Tribal blessings.
Bruce Bozsum, Two Dogs
Pipe Carrier and Council of Elder
Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum is an appointed ceremonial Pipe Carrier for the Mohegan Tribe, a position he was appointed to in 2001. The title of Pipe Carrier is a long-honored Mohegan tradition, and Bruce was given the title following his work as a manager of the Tribe’s Cultural and Community Programs department in the early 2000s. Bruce is a self-taught Indigenous flutist and has contributed his musical talents to many Tribal events.
His Tribal roots extend back to the Mohegan leader Mary Tracy Fielding Story, and he is also the grandson of the late Joseph D. Gray, Sr. His uncle, Joseph D. Gray, Jr., served as Chairman of the Mohegan Council of Elders and was also a member of the Mohegan Veterans Association.
Christopher Harris, Painted Turtle
Pipe Carrier and Retired Council of Elder
Chris "Painted Turtle" Harris has been a ceremonial Pipe Carrier for the Mohegan Tribe since 2010. He carries and honors the pipe in traditional ceremonial events for the Tribe.
