By: Carline Charmelus, Operations and Equity Manager
Nationally, we are experiencing a housing crisis. It impacts every community, but especially communities who consist of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). These communities carry the history of systemic housing discrimination, residential segregation, economic disinvestment, and for Indigenous peoples, the continued legacy of colonization.
This brief provides an overview of the housing experiences of Connecticut’s Native American communities. It highlights both the challenges and initiatives underway to develop and rehabilitate housing on tribal lands across the state. It is informed by in-depth conversations with tribal partners and individuals who work directly with tribal governments. It blends data with personal narratives, incorporating stories and context shared by tribal partners to provide a more holistic understanding of their experiences.
This is not a policy position paper or a comprehensive history of the 300 years of struggle faced by indigenous people due to colonization, broken promises, land theft, and the ongoing fight to reclaim their land, culture, and language. Rather, it is a narrative grounded in the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Connecticut — told in their own words — to elevate awareness, deepen understanding, and build respect for their perspectives and solutions.
We begin with a brief overview of tribal sovereignty, what it means and why it matters, as we work to build more meaningful relationships and support efforts to address housing needs in partnership with tribal nations.