Cultural adaptations, stereotypes, and the horrors of slavery have plagued Nehantic members for centuries. Now, they’re fighting for recognition and equality across the country, through events like Nehantic Day.
The Nehantic tribe’s “diaspora,” or spread of people from their homeland, similar to the Mohegan and Pequot tribes, lived widely around what is now New England, dating back to living in the area almost 4000 years ago.
The Nehantic tribes played a large role in fighting for equality and social justice by being part of the NAACP and the Underground Railroad, and have made a large impact on Niantic today. Throughout their story, Nehantics have experienced discrimination, stereotypes, and slavery. During 1886, they were detribalized by many, including the Europeans, meaning the members were “no longer existent,” or recognized.
However, tribal council president, David Brule, and tribal preservation officer, John Pfeiffer, use genealogical research to help identify descendants of Nehantic ancestors around the world.
Around 30 years ago, Brule learned that members of his family were Nehantic. According to Brule, this realization “opened Pandora’s box,” revealing a completely hidden side of his family’s racial background and history. Although this was exciting, Brule realized that it was not always beneficial to be known as native.
According to Brule, one relative of his, baseball player Douglas S. Smith, faced great discrimination for being Nehantic, impacting his entire career. During 1912, Smith was a rising star on the Boston Red Sox MLB team, but was fired due to local village complaints, stating he had no right to play for a white team.
The prejudice towards Nehantic individuals inspired Brule to begin spreading awareness and hope.
Along with Brule, archaeologist and anthropologist John Pfeiffer, who specializes in genealogy, works on researching Nehantic culture, locations, artifacts, and members.
Pfeiffer’s research began in 1986, after being called to a construction project located in Crescent Beach, Niantic. There, he uncovered six burials, which he later discovered was the Nehantic burial ground in 1641.
This discovery “started the ball rolling,” and led Pfeiffer to embark on the search of the proclaimed “extinct” tribe across the country.
Today, the two continue to inform individuals about the Nehantic tribe and their story, by using their website, nehanticnation. com, holding annual meetings, and by public speaking at schools, town halls, churches, and ceremonies, allowing them to publicize and spread information as much as possible.
Additionally, Brule leads history tours at McCooks, Niantic, the Nehantics oldest reservation area in 1651.
“I want the public to understand who we were, who we are today, and that we are still here throughout everything we have faced,” Pfeiffer said.
Brule believes that the future is looking bright, and that there are plenty more undiscovered individuals out there, and many more dots to be connected.
“Our tribe is progressively becoming visible to the public eye, and we are beginning to build the stepping stones to rejoin the fabric of the East Lyme community,” Brule said.
At East Lyme High School, the Cultural Awareness Club researches the important Nehantic culture. Members visit Nehantic Day, practicing the traditional tribal dances, crafts, and activities.
“It’s very important to embrace the tribe which was previously erased from existence,” junior club president Angelina Huang said.
