On Thursday November 18th, 2010 a delegation of Elan students and faculty members traveled to Ledyard, Connecticut to visit the Native American Tribal Nation of the Mashantucket-Pequots.  Elan student and tribal member Malik was proud to give a guided tour of his family's neighborhood, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Parks and Recreation Community Center, the Mashantucket Museum and Research Center and Foxwoods.  Friends and family gathered to welcome Malik home.

"I was really happy to visit.  I got a chance in a lifetime to show my friends and staff from Elan, my home", said Malik.  

(Malik and Joe) 

Joe Consolini noted "You could tell how much progress Malik has made at Elan.  Just by the way he walked in the door and carried himself".  Mr. Consolini has worked with the tribal youth at the Mashantucket-Pequot Parks and Recreation Community Center for over a decade.

Elan Students Speak to Tribal Council

In a rare opportunity, a few of the students and faculty were able to speak to the Tribal Council of the Mashantucket Pequots.

Malik  addressed the Mashantucket-Pequot Tribal Council. In an emotionally charged presentation Malik spoke with great pride  and reverence of his experience this past year while attending Elan.  He expressed gratitude for the support he has received. He then presented his mentor with a Native American necklace that he had crafted out of wampum.  Elan students Josh and Jack also spoke about their struggle as adolescents in New York and how their experience in Elan has help them find a path to the future.  

 Courtesy Photo (Conn-Malik with some of the members of the Mashantucket-Pequot Tribal Council)

(Malik with his mother Trina and tribal mentor)