School and Tribe Celebrate 'New Chapter'

Officials from The Mohegan Tribe and Saint Bernard School gathered October 4th with local elected officials, community leaders, and supporters to mark a new chapter in the history of the Tribe and the school.

The event celebrated a landmark partnership announced earlier this year which resulted in historically significant land being returned to the Mohegan Tribe and its members, while also ensuring Saint Bernard School remains operational and continues its mission of providing educational excellence to students.

Leadership from the school and the Tribe shared updates on the progress relating to these changes during the first joint public meeting since the bidding process and subsequent announcement last June. Saint Bernard School remains open and continues to operate as an independent institution, leasing the school property from the Tribe. 

“I am honored to be here today along with fellow members of the Mohegan Tribal Council to both commemorate the return of land which carries deep historic meaning and cultural significance for our tribe, and also to congratulate Saint Bernard School on its continued operations as an important educational institution for our region,” said James Gessner Jr., Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe.  “For The Mohegan Tribe, this land is a symbol of the enduring resilience of our people. Now, it is also a symbol of the spirit of cooperation and partnership we share with our neighbors.”

"Sometimes things just turn out right!" said said Don Macrino, Head of School. "The Mohegan Tribe has regained land most sacred to them, and they have generously provided Saint Bernard's with a path forward for many years into the future.”

The Saint Bernard School Music Department's a capella group, The Tone Commandments, closed out the event with a beautiful performance of the Native American song "Ambe."

Gessner and Macrino were joined at the event by The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich Diocese, Brother Lawrence Harvey of the Xaverian Brothers and Chairman of Saint Bernard’s Board of Trustees, members of the Mohegan Tribal Council and Council of Elders, and numerous elected officials from the State of Connecticut and Town of Montville.