Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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MASHANTUCKET, CONN. - Michael J. Thomas, a Rhode Island native, was inaugurated today as the new chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. He said he enters office with a deep sense of humility and a respect for his tribal nation's culture and record of successes.

The 34-year-old chairman, elected on Nov. 3, takes office as the highest elected official of the tribal nation's citizens and chairman of their seven-person Council. His tribal nation is the owner and operator of Foxwoods Resort Casino, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, the Pequot Pharmaceutical Network and nearby hotels and other businesses.

With more than 13,000 employees in all enterprises, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is one of the largest employers in the State of Connecticut, and its businesses and employees account for more than $1 billion each year of the state's gross product, according to a University of Connecticut economic study.

In an interview before inauguration, Thomas spoke eloquently of the days of his past - and the future he hopes to make reality. A deeply spiritual man, Thomas is humbled by the path his life has taken.

"Anyone who looks at the story of my life has to believe in God. I probably shouldn't be alive right now, much less successful," Thomas said. "In every waking moment I think of what my plan for me is compared to His plan for me."

During the course of the interview, which will appear in the January edition of Pequot Times, the Tribe's monthly newspaper, Thomas also said:

* He hopes to continue the tribe's success.

* He wants to foster a better relationship with surrounding communities.

* The Tribal Nation's annual pow-wow, Schemitzun, holds a special place in his heart.

* He recognizes the important role played by all Tribal Nation employees.

* He is also a self-described optimist.

Before elected chairman, Thomas had served three terms on Council, including most recently as treasurer. Thomas is eager to get to work. "I feel like the bulldog that has chased the truck for nine years and then one day suddenly has it by the bumper," said the affable Thomas.

Thomas has long dreamed of running for chairman, he said. He thought he had something to offer the Mashantucket people and wanted a chance to try to help improve the quality of life of tribal members and those of the surrounding communities.

When he ran for the chairman spot, Thomas said he wanted tribal government to be more citizen-driven and he hoped to foster a better relationship with the surrounding towns.

"I'm an eternal optimist," Thomas said.

Asked to describe who he is, Michael Thomas never hesitated:

"A child of the Creator, a Pequot and a father. And, hopefully, a humble man."

Raised in South Kingstown, R.I., Thomas moved to Mashantucket as a teen-ager. He lives on the reservation with his wife, Mechele, and their six children.

Being a Mashantucket Pequot holds a special meaning for Thomas.

"I can celebrate the failure of John Mason's efforts every day," said Thomas. "And I have the opportunity to pass the culture down to my children."

John Mason led the attack during the 1637 Pequot Massacre that saw hundreds of Tribal people - mostly women and children - murdered.

He is thankful that he has had the chance to visit other reservations and to share the knowledge of their tribal elders. But, in the end, it's Schemitzun - the Mashantuckets' annual feast of green corn and dance - that holds a special place in his heart.

"It's an opportunity to celebrate who we are and to socialize with our extended tribal family," Thomas said.

It's important to share culture with the outside population, too, Thomas said, especially in these times when Native Americans have become the target of choice for voices of dissent.

Indian gaming saved the region from an economic downturn after the defense industry slowed down, Thomas said. Not only have the casinos employed tribal members, but many other people in the region found jobs when the region's defense industry down-sized, he said.

"They'll never tell the story of the tens of thousands of people who were down-sized in defense cuts and were helped by the Pequots," Thomas added.

Thomas said he has received lots of advice from former chairman Kenneth M. Reels, but one thing Reels told him stands out.

"He told me no matter how well I do this job, I won’t be able to please everyone," Thomas said.

What does the new chairman want employees to know?

"I would want Team Members to know that I am one of them," said Thomas, who once worked in the food and beverage department at the Bingo Hall. "I recognize their contributions to our Tribe's progress. I think we have the best employees in the world."

And what does the future hold for the Mashantucket Pequots and Foxwoods Resort Casino?

Look for excitement, Thomas predicted.

"I think we're headed someplace important," he said.

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For more information contact: * Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation PR Phone: 860-396-6572 E-mail: PublicRelations@mptn.org * Mashantucket Pequot Foxwoods Casino * Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

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