Post by Okwes on Oct 30, 2006 11:00:34 GMT -5
Mohegans: Leader lived for the tribe
By BRIAN WALLHEIMER
Norwich Bulletin
MOHEGAN -- Mohegan tribal members say Ernest W. Gilman Jr. "Kiwa" is resting with the ancestors he worked so long to help.
Gilman, one of the Mohegan Tribe's pipe carriers, died Oct. 9 at 72. He was a spiritual leader of the tribe.
"He held an important ceremonial role here," said Bruce Two Dogs Bozsum, Tribal Council chairman and the tribe's other pipe carrier. "It's probably the most important thing I do except for chairman of the Mohegan Tribe and chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority."
Ann Marie Sekeres, a spokeswoman for the National Museum of the American Indian, said a pipe carriers' duties differ from tribe to tribe. Bozsum said Gilman's duties included blessings for new homes, cars, events and ceremonies. He performed the blessing in 1996 to open Mohegan Sun.
One of the most solemn ceremonies Gilman performed involved the remains of ancestors given back to the tribe from museums, so they could be re-interred. Gilman was responsible for bringing those remains and other tribal artifacts back to the reservation.
Gilman was described by friends as Mohegan through and through.
Jayne Fawcett, a Mohegan who was close with Gilman, said he lived close to the Tantaquidgeon Museum and spent a lot of time learning about his culture and heritage.
"He was one of the most totally free spirits I ever knew," Fawcett said. "He was a true lover of Mohegan Hill and the woods. He was a good man."
Fawcett said Gilman taught himself how to read at the Mohegan Church.
Rita Gilman said her father was selfless, never looking for recognition for all the time and money he spent to help the tribe, especially before federal recognition. He was in charge of the Mohegan annual homecoming celebration for 24 years and the Wigwam festival for five years.
"My father did things because he wanted to," Rita Gilman said. "He did it from his heart."
Reach Brian Wallheimer at 425-4241 or bwallheimer @norwichbulletin.com
By BRIAN WALLHEIMER
Norwich Bulletin
MOHEGAN -- Mohegan tribal members say Ernest W. Gilman Jr. "Kiwa" is resting with the ancestors he worked so long to help.
Gilman, one of the Mohegan Tribe's pipe carriers, died Oct. 9 at 72. He was a spiritual leader of the tribe.
"He held an important ceremonial role here," said Bruce Two Dogs Bozsum, Tribal Council chairman and the tribe's other pipe carrier. "It's probably the most important thing I do except for chairman of the Mohegan Tribe and chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority."
Ann Marie Sekeres, a spokeswoman for the National Museum of the American Indian, said a pipe carriers' duties differ from tribe to tribe. Bozsum said Gilman's duties included blessings for new homes, cars, events and ceremonies. He performed the blessing in 1996 to open Mohegan Sun.
One of the most solemn ceremonies Gilman performed involved the remains of ancestors given back to the tribe from museums, so they could be re-interred. Gilman was responsible for bringing those remains and other tribal artifacts back to the reservation.
Gilman was described by friends as Mohegan through and through.
Jayne Fawcett, a Mohegan who was close with Gilman, said he lived close to the Tantaquidgeon Museum and spent a lot of time learning about his culture and heritage.
"He was one of the most totally free spirits I ever knew," Fawcett said. "He was a true lover of Mohegan Hill and the woods. He was a good man."
Fawcett said Gilman taught himself how to read at the Mohegan Church.
Rita Gilman said her father was selfless, never looking for recognition for all the time and money he spent to help the tribe, especially before federal recognition. He was in charge of the Mohegan annual homecoming celebration for 24 years and the Wigwam festival for five years.
"My father did things because he wanted to," Rita Gilman said. "He did it from his heart."
Reach Brian Wallheimer at 425-4241 or bwallheimer @norwichbulletin.com