Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz visited Norwich on Monday to commemorate Native American Heritage Month, marking her visit to Uncas Leap Heritage Park, the Mohegan Burial Ground, and the Slater Museum.
She was joined by various officials, including Mohegan Chairwoman Beth Regan, Elder Bruce Two Dogs Bozsum, and local leaders like Mayor Peter Nystrom and State Rep. Derell Wilson.
The trip was significant, as it highlighted the importance of the newly dedicated Uncas Leap Heritage Park, a site rich in Native American history.
The park’s name is rooted in a pivotal event following the Pequot War, when Sachem Uncas escaped a confrontation with Narragansett Chief Miantonomoh by leaping over the falls on the Yantic River.
This heritage site is especially meaningful because it includes lands that were originally promised to the Mohegan Tribe by Uncas, but later became part of Norwich, including the Mohegan Burial Ground.
During the visit, discussions highlighted the historical importance of preserving the mill ruins in the area, as they represent the intersection of Native American and colonial history.
The newly completed park will play a key role in Connecticut’s educational efforts on Native American history, aligning with the state’s curriculum requirements. The event emphasized the ongoing significance of honoring and preserving the rich cultural legacy of the Mohegan Tribe.