Tunxis CC Celebrates Native American Heritage Special to Today Magazine
name “Tunxis” comes from the word “Wuttankshau” which roughly translates to “the point where the river bends.” That bend in the Farmington River is in Farmington. The territory of the Tunxis sachemdom included what is now the towns of Farmington, Plainville, Bristol, Berlin, Southington, Burlington, Avon, New Britain and part of Wolcott — among the many towns Tunxis serves.
Marketing and PR director Melissa Lamar answered this Q&A on behalf of Tunxis Community College ——————————————————————— What inspired Tunxis Community College to name itself after the Tunxis tribe? Back in the late 1960s, the state decided to establish a community college to serve the Bristol/New Britain area. They had already selected the name Tunxis before choosing Farmington for the college’s location. Tunxis librarians think the name may have been inspired by other Connecticut community colleges which had already formed with local tribal names or Native American words for their colleges — such as Quinebaug and Mattatuck — but there is no official documentation we can readily find to support this.
What importance does being named after the Tunxis tribe hold within the college culture, mission and identity? Our mission is to offer students a quality yet affordable education in an accessible and supportive environment, fostering the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex world. We embrace our diversity and strive to be a vibrant educational and cultural center responsive to current as well as emerging student and community needs.
Why the Tunxis tribe and not another Farmington River Native American tribe? The Tunxis tribe was the largest settled tribe here in the Farmington River Valley and surrounding areas. The
The Tunxis 700 Building houses the college library and more
Considering this, our emphasis is outward-focused on our students and the communities we serve. We incorporated some of the symbolism of what our name Tunxis means when we designed our
ROOFING & SIDING CONTRACTORS
mgeinVAisuitg!ust oin om CC ation New CT Loc Shops wn Simsbury To y, CT Simsbur
Most Roofs Done In 1 Day! FREE ESTIMATES
Over 30 Years Experience • Specializing in Residential & Commercial Industrial RoofingSiding • Repairs • Metal Roofs Windows • Senior Discounts • Excellent References • Commercial Roofing Maintenance Programs Available AVAILABLE FOR APPOINTMENTS NIGHTS & WEEKENDS • WE DO GUTTERS TOO!
cdaroofing.net
1775 Main Street, Agawam, MA
413.786.4081 | 860-953-5730 Mass. Lic. #170804 • CT Lic. #0632625 • Licensed & Fully Insured
16
OCTOBER 2022 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE