Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel facts for kids

Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, born Melissa Jayne Fawcett on March 24, 1960, is a respected member of the Mohegan Tribe. She is an author, a historian, and a wonderful storyteller. Currently, she helps lead her tribe as the Vice-Chairwoman for the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders. Melissa Zobel has written many books. These include a true story about her great-aunt, called Medicine Trail: The Life and Lessons of Gladys Tantaquidgeon. She also wrote a science fiction novel named Oracles. Sometimes, her books are published under her maiden name, Melissa Jayne Fawcett.

Learning and Growing Up

Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel grew up in a special place. Her home was on the land where Reverend Samson Occom once lived. He was one of the first Christian American Indian ministers.

Family Traditions and Education

Melissa's Great Aunt, Dr. Gladys Tantaquidgeon, was a very important person. She was a Mohegan Medicine Woman. She also helped start the Tantaquidgeon Indian Museum. Dr. Gladys taught young Melissa about her tribe's stories, beliefs, and old traditions.

Melissa was a leader in high school. She was the president of The Williams School in New London, Connecticut. After high school, she went to Georgetown University. There, she studied History and Diplomacy. She was part of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. She also received a special scholarship for Native American students.

Later, Melissa earned a master's degree in history. She studied at the University of Connecticut. Her mother and great-aunt, Dr. Gladys Tantaquidgeon, also went to this university. In 2012, Melissa earned another degree. She received her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) from Fairfield University.

Her Work and Achievements

Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel has shared her tribe's stories across New England. She has held many important roles for the Mohegan Tribe.

Important Roles and Awards

From 1992 to 1994, she helped the Mohegan Tribe gain federal recognition. This means the United States government officially recognized them as a tribe. In 1994, she became the first Native American person chosen by the Governor to join the Connecticut Historical Commission.

Melissa is also a talented writer. In 1992, she won her first award for writing. It was the Non-Fiction Award of the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas. She won it for her book, The Lasting of the Mohegans.

In 1996, Melissa received the Chief Little Hatchet Award. This award recognized her hard work in helping the Mohegan people survive and thrive. In 2009, she won a $10,000 essay contest. She wrote about the challenges and chances in the economy and politics. She also won a national award for her idea called The Accomac Business Model. This contest was for Native American and Native Hawaiian people.

Leadership in the Mohegan Tribe

In 2024, Melissa Zobel was chosen to be part of the Mohegan Council of Elders. She was then appointed as the Vice-Chairwoman. This shows her strong leadership within her tribe.

Personal Life

Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel lives in Connecticut. She lives with her husband, Randy Zobel, and their three children.