Aurelius H. Piper Sr.
Paugussett, 1916 - 2008
BiographyChief Aurelius Piper (1916-2008), known as Big Eagle, was a hereditary leader of the Golden Hill Paugussett, an indigenous group with homelands in western Connecticut. He lived most of his life on the tribe’s reservation in the Golden Hill section of Trumbull – a one-quarter acre of land that is the oldest reservation in the United States, dating to 1659. Additional lands were held in Colchester. Founder of the White Buffalo Society and the Native American Spiritual Circle, he also served in North Africa during World War II. Piper advocated for the preservation and teaching of native cultural traditions locally, nationally, and internationally. His beaded belts and bear claw necklaces have been exhibited at the American Indian Archaeological Institute in Washington, Connecticut, the Bruce Museum, and at the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, as well as in Florida, Germany, Holland, and the Soviet Union. Piper traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe presenting lectures and demonstrations and many enthusiasts visited him at Golden Hill. He owned and operated an independent trucking company. His family, including daughter Shoran, continue to lead the tribe and maintain the family base on Golden Hill.
Person TypeIndividual
Mohegan, 1899 - 2005
Northern Cheyenne, 1959 - 2017
