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Kenneth M. Reels, Chairman
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Hello Membership: First, let me start off by commending you for keeping and showing the pride and dignity in who we are. Throughout history, our people have been attacked by statements distorting the facts so some individuals could create a fictional picture about Indians. In the book, “Without Reservation,” once again it is the Mashantucket Pequot Nation's turn to be attacked. But not to worry, because your Tribal Council and Elders Council are discussing an appropriate plan of action on this issue.

In the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and archives, there are numerous books and documents written by historians, anthropologists, and archeologists who are specialists in the areas of genealogy and Native American history. We also are aware that in the near future, there will be other books and documents published on this issue.

We will continue working toward building and strengthening the economy in southeastern Connecticut and New England and not let this book hinder the growth of our people and the growth of our Nation.

We are a proud people, and we will no stand by and cater to anyone who may be racist or jealous of our hard work and success. The goal of some people is to have us stop everything and worry and cater to their every thought while they ignore our positions on issues. We will continue to practice our way of life, our culture, and our traditions because it is our identity and the way of our people, and we don't expect some, such as this group of people attacking us, to understand.

About two months ago, on national TV, the Pope apologized publicly to all Indian Nations for the different religious leaders' harsh treatment of Indian people and forcing their religion/spirituality on Indian Nations. I hope to see the day when the rest of society can do the same and stop trying to force their way of life upon us.

We will continue to strive for excellence, and I commend you — Membership — for keeping your chest out and head up high. No one can take or drain the Pequot blood from our veins.

May the Great Spirit continue to watch over you and keep you.

The following is a short analogy of what people have been trying to do to us:

For years, land has been removed from Indian Tribal Reservations — our hunting grounds, fishing and campsites have been dwindled to almost nothing. Every time we have been forced to move and relocate, we re-nurture the ground and make it so the ground is rich and fertile so that we can grow harvest. Every time our harvest is plentiful due to our nurturing of the ground, we get moved again, and someone else takes over the ground we have harvested without their having to nurture the ground through the hard work, sweat, tears, patience, and endurance that it takes to fertilize the ground, while we have to move to a new location and start over to re-nurture the ground again to find a way to feed our people; and, once again, we nurture the ground and protect the water, and our crops become healthy again in the new location. And, then people attempt to remove us again.

Our crop today is our economy; it is our business we own, and we will not move any more — forever. We will protect our crops, our federal rights and the rest of our resources forever.

From your Chairman

Kenneth M. Reels