The FBI’s New York Office Celebrates American Indian/Alaskan Heritage Month

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) George C. Venizelos of the FBI New York’s Administrative Division provided today’s opening remarks in celebration of American Indian/Alaskan Heritage Month.  Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Coordinator Jean Lichwiarz and EEO Special Emphasis Coordinator Special Agent (SA) Thaïs Sofia Canin hosted this event.  Honored guests included FBI Headquarters Unit Chief of the Indian Country Special Crimes Unit, Michelle Gruzs, and Chief Judge Thomas W. Weissmuller of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Connecticut. On display was a table of Native American art and a photo gallery of Native Americans from the 1800s to the present day.    

The Pequot is a Native American tribe who in the 17th century populated much of current day Connecticut.  Judge Thomas W. Weissmuller provided an overview of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and drew special attention to the resurgence of the tribe after a period of near extinction.  Judge Weissmuller also commented on the effect of Indian Nation sovereignty on federal and state jurisdictions and the role of the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). 

Unit Chief Michelle Gruzs provided an overview of the five primary FBI Resident Agencies (RAs) responsible for criminal investigations at the reservations for the Navajo, Pequot tribes.  These RAs include: Albuquerque, North Dakota, South Dakota, Phoenix and Minneapolis.

SAC George C. Venizelos stated: “All over America, particularly in New York City, American Indian/Native Alaskan Americans have lived for generations and embody our nation’s core values, including devotion to family, commitment to hard work, and pride in their heritage.  In addition, they continue to play a tremendous role as part of the FBI team.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) Joseph Demarest said:  “Although we only take one month a year to recognize American Indian/Alaskan Heritage, this community plays an enormous role in the FBI, our community and our country throughout the entire year.“