Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation CFO Jean Swift joined thought leaders and innovators at the Center for Indian Country Development’s 10th Anniversary event in Minneapolis, MN. The two-day gathering celebrated a decade of progress in economic research and innovation across Indian Country and explored new opportunities for the future.   We’re proud to share that Jean was recognized for her dedicated service on the CICD Leadership Council—contributing to advancing economic prosperity for Native communities.

Chairman Rodney Butler of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation joined State Representative Christopher Rosario and State Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr in Waterbury to celebrate Taíno Remembrance Day, honoring the enduring spirit and legacy of the Taíno people at the close of Hispanic Heritage Month. Together with partners and state leaders, the Pequot Nation reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Taíno and Indigenous heritage, fostering unity, and celebrating the living cultures that connect our shared histories.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a reminder of roots, resilience, and regeneration. Joshua Carter, Executive Director of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, shares about the importance of this day, and how the Pequot Neepun Teacher Institute is working to bring tribal voices into classrooms nationwide - shaping how educators teach Indigenous history. Watch the full interview here:

Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives us an opportunity to remember where we come from traditionally and celebrate who we are as contemporary Pequots. It is a reminder to everyone that our stories did not begin in history books. Today is a time to celebrate our thriving community and our sister nations throughout Indian Country.

Chairman Rodney Butler, Treasurer Merrill Reels, Governor Ned Lamont , Comptroller Sean Scanlon, CT POACT President Florencio Cotto, Michael J. Purcaro, MPTN Police Chief Catania, POACT, and MPTN Police, were honored to host and participate in POACT’s Police Summit. Chairman Butler also spoke at the 2025 Connecticut Police Summit at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Introduced by New Haven Police Union President Florencio Cotto Jr., Chairman Butler emphasized the importance of public safety and community collaboration. The goal of this year’s Connecticut Police Summit is to give law enforcement professionals an opportunity to connect and discuss important issues, with the aim of strengthening member departments and making communities safer.

Tribal Council and key government leaders from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation welcomed Homeland Security Commissioner Higgins, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and his team for a tour of our facilities. The visit offered an important opportunity to highlight our emergency preparedness efforts, share community priorities, and engage in meaningful dialogue to strengthen collaboration between the Tribal Nation and state public safety leadership.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation made a significant impact at NAFOA’s 2025 Fall Finance & Tribal Economies Conference last week in Portland. Chairman Rodney Butler (NAFOA’s President), Treasurer Merrill Reels, Chief Financial Officer Jean Swift, General Counsel Jody Cummings, Executive Director of Business Operations & Development Chris Chiappa, Command Holdings CEO Jon Panamaroff, and Assistant Grants Administrator Michael Niemeyer were all in attendance. Collectively, they led several vital discussions on tribal sovereignty and economic advancement, fostering collaboration with tribal leaders and industry experts. Their presence highlighted the ongoing commitment to strengthening the Pequot economy and tribal economies more broadly. Photos by: Jennifer Cubas

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is deeply saddened by the passing of Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. His decades of leadership and advocacy strengthened sovereignty and advanced economic opportunities for tribal nations across the country. We will remember Ernie not only for his achievements, but more importantly for the kindness, humility, and respect he showed to all. His loss is felt deeply at Pequot and across Indian Country, as there was no greater warrior for our people. We extend our condolences to his beautiful family and our sister nation, the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His legacy of service will continue to guide us and inspire us to fight fearlessly for our rights as Indian people and the generations we are protecting.

Tribal leaders from across the country welcomed Representative Sharice Davids, Representative Suzan DelBene, and other members of Congress to Mashantucket for important conversations on federal policy and upcoming congressional initiatives. Their dialogue focused on strengthening tribal sovereignty, expanding opportunities for Native communities, and building partnerships for long-term progress.

Chairman Butler spoke about the resilience and perseverance of the Pequot Nation this week at the Harvard Kennedy School. The graduate course “Native Americans in the 21st Century: Nation Building,” taught by Professors Randall Akee and Miriam Jorgensen, examines the political, economic, and cultural strategies through which Native nations strengthen sovereignty and foster sustainable development in the modern era.  Before his speech, he was gifted with a traditional ti leaf lei from Hawaii.