Description
My senior thesis is an homage to Southeastern Connecticut, where I was born and raised, that analyzes the many intersections (gender, race, and socioeconomics) of the three Native tribes in the region. Indigenous History is one of American history's most understudied and incorrectly portrayed aspects. I hope to call more attention to it through this project by studying the process of Federal Recognition and its effect on the histories of three Southeastern Connecticut tribes. Examining the experiences of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, and Eastern Pequot tribes in their pursuit of recognition throughout the 20th century reveals enduring Native agency. This is done through cultural, political, and economic issues with Connecticut residents (settlers) and the greater United States and will become evident as reasons for and against recognition in Southeastern Connecticut.
"Taking a Gamble": Navigating Indigenous Identify, Recognition, and Gaming in Southeastern Connecticut
My senior thesis is an homage to Southeastern Connecticut, where I was born and raised, that analyzes the many intersections (gender, race, and socioeconomics) of the three Native tribes in the region. Indigenous History is one of American history's most understudied and incorrectly portrayed aspects. I hope to call more attention to it through this project by studying the process of Federal Recognition and its effect on the histories of three Southeastern Connecticut tribes. Examining the experiences of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, and Eastern Pequot tribes in their pursuit of recognition throughout the 20th century reveals enduring Native agency. This is done through cultural, political, and economic issues with Connecticut residents (settlers) and the greater United States and will become evident as reasons for and against recognition in Southeastern Connecticut.