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Wednesday: Eastern to recognize region's tribal lands with official land-acknowledgement statement

Willimantic, CT (11/17/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host a land acknowledgement ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. in commemoration of Native American Heritage Month. The event acknowledges the tribal ancestral lands of eastern Connecticut and takes place in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library.

Members of the public and media are invited to attend the ceremony in recognition, reflection, and gratitude for the Indigenous peoples of Connecticut.

Event Details

  • Land Acknowledgement Ceremony
  • Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
  • Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Room
  • J. Eugene Smith Library, Eastern Connecticut State University

During the ceremony, Eastern will formally present its official land acknowledgement statement recognizing the tribal ancestral lands on which the University stands. The statement honors the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Mohegan Tribe, Nipmuc Tribe, and Schaghticoke Tribe, whose enduring presence and cultural heritage shape the history and identity of the eastern Connecticut region.

The ceremony will feature remarks from University and tribal representatives, including Beth Regan, chairwoman and justice of the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders. The ceremony will also include song, dance, and food inspired by Indigenous traditions.

Program

  • Introduction - LaMar Coleman, vice President of Equity & Diversity
  • Welcome - Dr. Karim Ismaili, president of Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Keynote - Beth Regan, chairwoman and justice of the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders and Eastern alumna
  • Remarks - Natasha Gambrell, Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation and Eastern alumna
  • Remarks - Cassandra Sherman Keola, Board Member, Golden Hill Paugussett Trib
  • Remarks - Michael Thomas, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
  • Land Acknowledgment Reading - LaMar Coleman
  • Performance - Michael Thomas & Son, with a Dr. David G. Carter tribute.
  • Celebratory reception

This event is proudly hosted by the President's Division, including the President's Office, Office of Equity & Diversity, University Events & Engagement, and University Communications & Marketing.

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-26 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

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