Mohegan Indian tribe in Conn. names council leader as first female chief in 300-plus years
By APThursday, March 4, 2010
Mohegans name first female chief in 300-plus years
UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Mohegan Indian tribe in Connecticut has selected a former critical care nurse as its new chief — the first woman to fill that post in more than 300 years.
Lynn Malerba was named Thursday as the 17th chief of the tribe that runs the Mohegan Sun casino. She’s currently the tribal council chairman, and the tribe says she’ll remain in that post until her induction as chief Aug. 15.
The chief’s post has been vacant since Chief Ralph Sturges died in October 2007. He had served in the mostly ceremonial position since 1992.
The tribe says Malerba will be known by the Mohegan name “Mutawi Mutahash,” which means “Many Hearts.” She is a great-granddaughter of Burrill Fielding, who served as Mohegan chief from 1937 until his death in 1952.
