Members of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut celebrated the 175th anniversary of a church that helped secure their federal recognition.

The Mohegan Congregational Church was created to prevent the Mohegans from being removed under the federal Indian Removal Act. As Christians, they were able to stay home although some of their relatives were moved to New York, then later to Wisconsin.

"It saved the tribe from being moved west," said Chief Ralph Sturges, The Norwich Bulletin reported.

The tribe was recognized in 1994 through the Bureau of Indian Affairs process.

Get the Story:
Mohegan congregation marks 175th year (The Norwich Bulletin 10/16)
Church, museum sustained Mohegans (The Norwich Bulletin 10/14)

Relevant Links:
Mohegan Tribe - http://www.mohegan.nsn.us

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Chief of Mohegan Tribe named Citizen of the Year (04/14)
Mohegan chairman says recognition bill unfair (02/27)