Mohegan Chief Lynn Malerba to speak on "Advocating Indian Health"

Mohegan Chief Lynn Malerba will be addressing “Advocating Indian Health” on Monday, November 9, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the Mitchell College Speakers Series. She will discuss the role of healthcare and its importance to the Native American people, and her work on Federal Indian Policy issues. The event will be held at the Mitchell College Weller Center and is free and open to the public.

On August 15, 2010, Malerba became the 18th Chief of the Mohegan Tribe, and she is the first female Chief in the Tribe’s modern history. Prior to her appointment as Chief, Lynn was Vice Chairwoman of the Tribal Council and subsequently elected as the Chairwoman of the Tribal Council in 2009. Lynn follows in the footsteps of many strong female role models in the Tribe, including her mother, Loretta Roberge, who holds the position of Tribal Nonner (elder female of respect). The position is a lifetime appointment. As a tribal leader, Chief Malerba represents the tribe at tribal and non-tribal functions in conjunction with the elected leadership of the tribe. She conducts tribal ceremonies, and works to safeguard the cultural and historical integrity of the Mohegan Tribe. She has been involved in issues of peacemaking, repatriation of artifacts, and efforts to strengthen the knowledge of Mohegan youth regarding their history and identity.

In addition to her activities in the Mohegan Tribe, Lynn is involved in Federal Indian Policy issues as Chairperson of the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee of the Indian Health Service, and through advocating for health issues and funding for Indian Country; and the Tribal Nations Leadership Council for the Department of Justice. Additionally, she sits on various national and community boards including the Ms. Foundation for Women, Provost Tribal Advisory Council for Harvard University, the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph University and the Board of Trustees for Chelsea Groton Bank.

For more information about the event, call 860.701.5155 or email speakers@mitchell.edu.