For the first time in more than 300 years, a woman has been chosen as chief of the The Mohegan Indian tribe's.
On Thursday morning, the tribe appointed Lynn Malerba, of Uncasville, chairwoman of the tribal council.
She is filling a post that has been vacant since Chief Ralph Sturges died in October 2007. He had served as chief since 1992.
The chief's job is a lifetime appointment. She will be inducted on Aug. 15 and will continue to serve in her current role until then.
“I know in my heart that Lynn will follow in the footsteps of many great chiefs, and continue the strong leadership role of women in the Mohegan Tribe,” Malerba’s mother, Loretta Fielding Roberge, said.
Malerba told The Day of New London on Wednesday night that it's an incredible honor to represent the entire tribal family as chief, and an incredible responsibility.