Former Pequot chairman recognized by tribe

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequots who launched their gambling empire has been honored by his tribe.

Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler says he met recently with Skip Hayward and presented him with a plaque and a jacket marking the 20th anniversary of the tribe's Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Hayward's grandmother, Elizabeth George, had been the last member of the tribe who still lived on the reservation in southeast Connecticut. He led the tribe in the 1980s in its effort to get federal recognition as members moved to the reservation from around the Northeast.

Hayward has kept a low profile in recent years. Butler said in a recent interview that Hayward wasn't able to attend a 20th anniversary celebration in person, so he brought the gifts to Hayward's house.