Yale Indian Papers Project

The Lewis Walpole Library at Yale University is heading up a collaborative project with the Connecticut State Library; the Connecticut Historical Society; the Massachusetts Archives; and the National Archives of the United Kingdom, called the Yale Indian Papers Project.  The Project is involved in the creation of an extensive online database of primary documents pertaining to New England Native Americans.  The website describes the reasons behind this undertaking:

"In recent years, a number of scholars, researchers, and tribal members interested in New England Natives have noticed problems with the current state of resources on the topic.  Most obvious is a general lack of published primary source materials, despite the existence of thousands of relevant documents.  Equally problematic is access to these original materials.  Individuals needing to use such items are required to visit a number of repositories, mostly across the northeast.  Archaic or poor quality handwriting, or the restrictions placed on worn and fragile papers can further hinder the researcher’s task, making it time-consuming and costly."

The resulting database, titled The New England Indian Papers Series is a fantastic resource due to the access to the documents alone.  However, these letters; census results; court orders; deeds; and many other types of documents  have also been annotated and edited by Project scholars to make them more easily understandable to modern readers.

This project is definitely worth looking into and can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/yipp/index.html

Schaghticoke Meeting House Torched By Arson

The Meeting House on the Schaghticoke Reservation in Kent, CT was destroyed by fire on the night of November 14.  Their were no injuries, but the "pavilion" which was used for ceremonies and social gatherings suffered heavy damage.  In their investigation, the Fire Marshall and state police determined that the fire had been set deliberately and the investigation continues.  This is a devastating attack and hopefully, the perpetrator will be brought to justice swiftly.

The entire article can be found at on Indian Country Today Media Network at: http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/11/26/schaghticoke-meeting-house-torched-by-arson-64780

Sherman F. Paul Obituary

Sherman F. Paul, age 68, of Hartford CT and St, Augustine, FL passed away September 6, 2011 in St. Augustine, FL at the Bailey Center for Caring, surrounded by family and friends. Sherman was born on the Tobique Reserve in New Brunswick, Canada and was a proud member of the Maliseet Nation and proud speaker of his Native language. Sherman served as keeper and carrier of the Sacred Pipe of the Connecticut Tribes for 25 years. The youngest son of Patrick Paul, Sr. and Mary Ann LaPorte Paul of Tobique Reserve, Sherman was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Guy Paul. He leaves to cherish his memories, his companion and wife of 30 years, Mikki Aganstata Paul of the home; two daughters, Melissa Atwood, MA and Renee Paul, FL; stepson and daughters John Tyndall, NC, Angelique Lynch, FL, and Cecilia Kissell of the home; three sisters, Mary Viola Paul Browser of Wethersfield, CT, Iona Paul Thomas of Warner Robbins, GA and Carolyn Paul Ennis of Tobique Resewe; along with two brothers Howard Paul and Pat Paul of Tobique Reserve; numerous nephews, nieces cousins; six step grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.  Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park in St. Augustine, FL is in charge of arrangements.

Published in The Hartford Courant on September 20, 2011

Native Lands Article

Another National Geographic article, this time from the August 2010 issue.  The article details the efforts of American Indian tribes to restore the environment in and around their traditional homelands.

The entire article can be found at: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/08/native-lands/bowden-text

Before New York Article

A remarkably in-depth and wonderfully illustrated article from the September 2010 issue of National Geographic tracks the changes to New York City's landscape, beginning with 1609 Henry Hudson's expedition and going through to modern times.  The entire article is on the National Geographic website, so go read about this fascinating subject as soon as possible!

The article can be found at: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/09/manhattan/miller-text/2

We Shall Remain

From the award-winning PBS series, American Experience, comes We Shall Remain, a provocative multi-media project that establishes Native history as an essential part of American history.  At the website, you are able to watch full episodes online, so go check out this incredible project.

We Shall Remain can be found at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/