Richard Arthur Hayward facts for kids

Richard Arthur Hayward (born November 28, 1947), also known as Skip Hayward, was an important leader of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. He served as the tribal chairman from 1975 until 1998. Hayward played a key role in helping his tribe gain official recognition from the United States government and in developing the successful Foxwoods Resort Casino. In 1994, the University of Connecticut honored him with a special degree.

Early Life

Skip Hayward was born on November 28, 1947, in New London, Connecticut. He was one of 10 children in his family. He married Aline Aurore Champoux. Before he became a tribal leader, he worked at different jobs. He even ran a clam shack called the Sea Mist Haven near the Mystic Seaport.

A Tribe's Journey: Gaining Recognition

The Land Claim

In May 1973, Hayward's grandmother, Elizabeth George, passed away. She was the last person living on the 214-acre (87 ha) Pequot Indian reservation. Because she was the only one there, the land was supposed to go back to the State of Connecticut. However, Hayward's family believed the land should stay with them.

In 1975, Hayward met Thomas Tureen, a lawyer who helped Native American groups. Tureen helped Hayward start a claim for his family's land. They also talked about getting official recognition from the federal government for his group.

Becoming an Official Tribe

In 1976, Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso officially recognized Hayward's group as an Indian organization. They called themselves the Western Pequots.

Later, in 1979, the group received a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This money helped them plan for economic growth on the reservation. They also got a loan from HUD to build 15 new houses.

In 1982, Hayward and his team found a special way to get federal recognition. They worked with lawyers to propose a bill to Congress. This approach helped them avoid the usual long process, especially since they didn't have all the old historical records needed.

President Ronald Reagan first said no to their bill. He worried it might lead to many new tribes being created. But Senator Lowell Weicker strongly supported the Western Pequots. He convinced other members of Congress to push for the bill. President Reagan then agreed, and the Western Pequots officially became the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut.

Building a Future: Casino Gaming

Bingo Hall Success

After gaining federal recognition, Skip Hayward and Thomas Tureen quickly started planning a high-stakes bingo game. They didn't have much business experience, so Hayward found Howard Wilson, an experienced bingo operator.

The bingo hall opened on July 5, 1986. It was very successful, earning as much as $30 million a year by 1988.

Foxwoods Casino

In 1988, a law called the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was passed. Hayward and Tureen realized that a casino on their reservation could be very profitable. They found financial partners from overseas, the Genting Group.

The Foxwoods Casino opened its doors in 1992. By 1998, the casino was making over a billion dollars in revenue each year. This success helped the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe grow significantly. When Hayward's grandmother was alive, she was the only person living on the reservation. When Hayward organized the Western Pequots, there were 125 members. Today, the tribe has more than 300 members.

Leading the Tribe

Skip Hayward was the tribal chairman from the time the Western Pequots were formed. In 1998, he ran for tribal chairman again but lost the election to Kenny Reels. Hayward tried for the position one more time in 2002 but lost to Michael J. Thomas.

Images for kids

• Foxwoods Resort Casino.jpg

  Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.