The Paugussetts
For thousands of years, many Native American tribes have lived in what we now call Connecticut. The early Paugussett tribes lived in small communities and villages around the area now called Fairfield.
They all shared a similar language and culture called Algonkian. There are many Algonkian words that were used to name landmarks, schools, streets, rivers, and other places in Fairfield. For example: Unquowa School, Sasco Beach, Saugatuck River, and Tunxis Hill.
Meet Darlene Kascak
Many Native American tribes have lived in the area we now know as Connecticut. One of these tribes is the Schaghticoke Tribe. The Schaghticoke Tribe has been active in Connecticut for over 300 years. The Schaghticoke Indian Reservation is one of the oldest in the United States. It is located in the northwest part of the state in Kent, CT. The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation now has 300 members, including our friend and educator Darlene Kascak.
Watch the video to learn more about Darlene.
Daily Life
In this video, educator Darlene Kascak tells us about the daily life of early Native Americans, including wigwams and village life.
How Are Native Americans Connected To The Land?
In this video, learn about local Native American foodways. Understand how food is a gift and why Native Americans are connected to the land. See how the foods early Native Americans grew, gathered and hunted are the same foods that many still eat today.
Life After European Settlement
In this video, educator Darlene Kascak tells us about life for early Native Americans after Europeans came to this area. Learn about wampum and what the Europeans thought it was. Learn about the exchange of land and how it impacted early Native Americans.
How Did Early Native Americans Govern Themselves?
In this video, educator Darlene Kascak tells us about rules and laws for early Native Americans. Discover what a talking stick is, what it’s used for and how it’s made.
The Story of Sky Woman
Native communities use oral traditionas to teach, record history, and pass down knowledge. Creation stories play an important role in helping communities express their understanding of the world. A local creation story teaches us how Turtle Island (North America) came to be, and how the figure of Sky Woman and animals worked together to make a home on a great turtle’s back. Native Americans in the Northeast believe that the creation of Turtle Island forged a spiritual connection among all living things and gave us the land we live on today.
Listen to Golden Hill Paugussett Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper tell the story of Sky Woman.