At America's founding, who was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

This was the topic of discussion at a recent event at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. Connecticut Public special correspondent Diane Orson led a panel discussion with several Native American historians.

Today, we listen back to that conversation. It's an extension of Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England — a special series from Connecticut Public, featuring radio storytelling, in-depth videos, digital stories, pictures and a community conversation.

Guests:

• Lorén Spears: Executive Director of the Indigenous-led Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island
• Nakai Clearwater Northup: Manager of Public Programs and Outreach at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
• Ned Blackhawk: Professor of History at Yale University and author of "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History"

This episode originally aired on April 23, 2026.