The Mohegan Indian tribe’s Council of Elders has named Lynn Malerba as chief of the tribe, making her the first woman to hold the post in more than three centuries.
Malerba, now chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, was named Thursday as the 17th chief of the tribe, which runs the Mohegan Sun casino in eastern Connecticut. The tribe says she will continue as council chairman until her induction as chief on Aug. 15.
The chief’s post has been vacant since Chief Ralph Sturges died in October 2007. He had served in the mostly ceremonial position since 1992.
The tribe says Malerba will be known by the Mohegan name “Mutawi Mutahash,” which means “Many Hearts.” She is a great-granddaughter of Burrill Fielding, who served as Mohegan chief from 1937 until his death in 1952. (AP)
