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Hartford council honors retired Fire Chief Charles Teal, musician Lee Mixishawn Roxy and recognizes Sukiyoag Intertribal Council
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting the Hartford Court of Common Council presented citations to retired Fire Chief Charles A. Teal Sr. and musician/educator Lee Mixishawn Roxy, and officially recognized the Sukiyoag Intertribal Council and Indigenous Peoples' Day events.
At the Court of Common Council meeting on Oct. 14, 2025, Hartford city officials presented formal citations recognizing retired Fire Chief Charles A. Teal Sr., composer and educator Lee Mixishawn Roxy, and the newly formed Sukiyoag Intertribal Council.
Council President Shirley Surgeon and Majority Leader Marilyn Rosetti read resolutions honoring Chief Teal’s long service with the Hartford Fire Department and community leadership, and recognizing Roxy’s artistic and cultural advocacy. The council also proclaimed Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in support of the Sukiyoag Harvest Fest and commemorations tied to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The citation for Chief Charles A. Teal Sr. noted that he began his career with the Hartford Fire Department in 1982, advanced through seven levels of responsibility, earned degrees including a master of public administration, and served in multiple community leadership roles. Chief Teal thanked the council and praised Hartford residents; he also referred to the city’s Indigenous history as part of his remarks.
The resolution for Lee Mixishawn Roxy described him as “an acclaimed composer, educator, activist and author” whose work has uplifted Indigenous voices in the Hartford region. Roxy said he hoped the recognition would help Native people living in Hartford participate more fully in civic life. “I don’t need no plastic ID card to tell me who I am,” he said, identifying himself as a Connecticut Indian.
The council also read and adopted a citation recognizing the Assukayag/Sukiyoag Intertribal Council, describing Sukiyoag as the Algonquin-language place-name for the rich bottomlands of the Connecticut River Valley and noting the council’s mission to preserve indigenous heritage and promote education. The resolution acknowledged the intertribal council’s January 2025 formation and proclaimed support for the Sukiyoag Harvest Fest on Oct. 25, 2025.
The honors were presented as a point of privilege before the council’s regular business; several attendees and performers offered songs and prayers as part of the recognition.
The items are ceremonial resolutions and did not create new city policy or appropriations.
