Supporting Education
For over 20 years, the Tribe has developed and funded programs and activities to help support the educational system including the Mohegan Challenge Grant, Teacher of the Year celebrations, Educators Project, and in-reach and outreach programs.
Cultural Outreach & Educational Programs
Even before gaining federal recognition over 25 years ago, the Mohegan Tribe has been a resource for local schools and communities on Native American studies. Below are some of the larger initiatives currently available to schools and communities. To book any of the below, please contact [email protected].
For more than a decade, the Mohegan Tribe has worked with the Teacher of the Year Council to host an annual gala at Mohegan Sun acknowledging all the finalists. The CT Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence in teaching and recognizes the tireless efforts of these individuals who touch the lives of our children and instill a passion for learning.
As part of this program, The Teacher of the Year and their fellow nominees attend a celebratory reception and participate in workshops with members of the Mohegan Tribe who developed the Native American curriculum in conjunction with the State Department of Education. Participants also attend educational sessions to develop program ideas and integrate Native American themes into the curriculum and tours that include the Tantaquidgeon Museum, the Mohegan Congregational Church, as well as other historical sites and cultural destinations in the area.
- Public venues: Visitors can experience Indian dancing, drumming, flute playing, singing, and storytelling at parades and fairs throughout Connecticut.
- Welcome/Opening Ceremonies: Mohegan culture has been woven into the opening ceremonies for Mohegan Sun and other Tribal buildings and programs. Conventions held at Mohegan Sun can reserve a traditional opening ceremony for their events. The ceremony may include a welcoming ceremony, opening prayer and blessing, drumming and singing, and a flute performance.
- Wigwam Festival: The major cultural event for the Tribe is the annual Wigwam Festival, held the third weekend in August. The event includes native dance exhibitions, Indian art exhibits, native craft vendors, traditional native food vendors, contemporary native performers, and old-style Pow Wow drumming.
