Right Relationship with Indigenous Peoples
The Right Relationship with Indigenous Peoples Working Group currently includes members from Hartford and New Haven Meetings. All are welcome to join the work of focusing on contemporary Indigenous peoples’ advocacy and continuing to learn from indigenous voices. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm on Zoom. To be added to the communication list and to receive notification of upcoming events and the Zoom link, please email Maureen Lopes, mlopes@snet.net.
We have developed an extensive list of resources.
Recent activities include:
In September 2024 we submitted comments in support of a proposed Federal rule by the US Department of the Interior that sought input on a proposal to create a conditional, time-limited opportunity for denied petitioners to re-petition for Federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe. This proposal may benefit the three State-only recognized tribes in CT - Golden Hill Paugussett, Paucatuck Eastern Pequot, and Schaghticoke.
In October 2024, we met with CT Senator Cathy Osten who, with tribal leaders, organized a day to recognize Murder and Missing Indigenous People (MMIP). This took place in May 2025 at the State Capitol. For many years she has fought for native sovereignty and welcomes allies in legislative efforts.
A book group met several times this year to discuss Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty and Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange. For information on the next reading and date, email mlopes@snet.net.
We supported FCNL’s call to support the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723). This bill did not receive a House vote before the end of the 118th Congress on January 3, 2025. Current information is available thru FCNL’s Native American Legislative Update (NALU) monthly newsletter.
As we become aware of local native events – lectures, book discussions, powwows, art displays, and museum education programs– we post them through our communications list.