The Mohegan tribe’s contribution to the American Revolution was cited by George Washington in 1783, “…the Muuhhekunnuk tribe of Indians have remained firmly attached to us and have fought and bled by our side; that we consider them as our friends and brothers…”

In 1829, President Andrew Jackson recognized that the existing Indian tribes would be weakened or become extinct if the government did not take steps to preserve their native land base. However, the United States turned a deaf ear to the President’s concerns.

The Modern Tribe
Today, the Western Mohegan Tribe and Nation represent the Muh-hea-kun-nuk that lived in New York and Vermont. They say their survival came from adapting to the Euro-American culture and not drawing attention to their Indian identity.

That form of survival seems to continue today. Though the Tribe still has a strong leadership, with current Sachem, also known as Chief, Golden Eagle, tribal council members and elders representing the interest of their people within the larger community, many tribal members still maintain a low profile living their lives and practicing their traditions throughout the Hudson Valley. The primary service area is the Hudson River Drainage Basin, approximately 50 miles east and west of the river.

Nevertheless, the tribe has been active in the communities that have been the traditional home land for its members. The Western Mohegan Tribe and Nation has been widely applauded for its cultural outreach efforts. In 1997, for example, the Vermont legislature recognized the Tribe for its “important educational and cultural endeavors” within the state and requested the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs to assist tribal members in Vermont. In a letter dated March 17, 1999, Governor Howard Dean of Vermont praised Chief Ronald Roberts for his personal contributions in developing a Native American curriculum in the State’s schools.