Chapter 5: A Bermudian's journey to New England to understand her Native American roots

By Diane Orson

Published November 13, 2026 at 11:04 AM EST

Dominique Williams Vice Chair of the St. David’s Islanders and Native Community looks off into the trees in Mashantucket, Connecticut and reflects on what it means to be standing on her ancestors’ land for the first time.

It's a journey centuries in the making. 27-year-old Dominique Williams learns about her ancestors – and herself in the process. European colonizers "tried to erase our language, the thought of who we are, our connection," she said. "But they failed because here I am."

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Reconnection: How New England Tribes Found Family in Bermuda

Diane Orson

Diane Orson is a special correspondent with Connecticut Public and a contributing reporter to National Public Radio. Her stories have been heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and The World from PRX. She spent seven years as CT Public’s local host for Morning Edition.

See stories by Diane Orson