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LENAPE CREATION STORY
A tortoise, lying in the water around it … so at first was the world or the earth, when the tortoise gradually raised its round back up high, and the water ran off of it, and thus the earth became dry…. The earth was now dry, and there grew a tree in the middle of the earth, and the root of this tree sent forth a sprout beside it and there grew upon it a man, who was the first male. This man was then alone, and would have remained alone, but the tree bent over until its top touched the earth, and there shot therein another root, from which came forth another sprout, and there grew upon it the woman, and from these two are all men produced.
—as told by Tantaque (Munsee Lenape) in 1679
RESURGENCE: LENAPE & FRIENDS
LISTENING CIRCLE: Chief Urie “Fox Sparrow” Ridgeway (Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation) speaks with F/friends August 16th, 2023, Woodstown Friends Meetinghouse, Woodstown, NJ. (~80 minute YouTube)
We Are Still Here web series – 5-Episode Documentary and Oral Presentation by members of and close to our community, including Chief Mark “Quiet Hawk” Gould and Chief Lewis “Grey Squirrel” Pierce.
We Are Still Here, by John R. Norwood, is a brief, yet comprehensive summary from authentic, contemporary voice that provides perspective on the three inter-related tribal communities of southernmost Jersey and Delaware, the people who have remained on their homeland, in tribal communities, ever since Western European immigration.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF SHACKAMAXON
AT THE EDGE OF THE WATER: A Talk by Dr. Rev. J.R. Norwood
Lake Stockwell, Camp Ockanickon, Medford, NJ, ©sbM
Relationship among Lenape People and Friends spans three hundred fifty years. Salem Quarter’s Clearly Quaker Podcast #3 is an informal “Talk by the Water” by Dr. Rev. J.R. Norwood on October 1st, 2016 at the Tri-Quarter Gathering of Friends held lakeside at Pomona Lodge, Camp Ockanickon, Medford, New Jersey. Through authentic voice we hear of Lenape relationships with that of The Creator of all things.
Click the white arrow below to listen to this podcast.
EPISTLE: NANTICOKE LENNI-LENAPE POW-WOW 2023
To Friends Everywhere:
Greetings from a group of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting F/friends in attendance with the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation’s Annual Pow-wow, held June 10th & 11th, 2023, on their traditional territory, a region known as South Jersey.
During 2020 and 2021 the pow-wow was cancelled given concern for COVID-19. This year, 2023 is “counted” as the 42nd Annual Pow-wow with the theme History: Here To Stay. Both Salem Quarter and PYM First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative supported the pow-wow with two booster ads, in celebration of the tribe and with the tribe.
We find remarkable over the course of the two day event the inter-tribal, all-encompassing welcome, expressed by genuine smiles and gentle nods of gratitude for gathering. During the Grand Entry, we were invited to honor all veterans of service – Indigenous and non-indigenous – who have served to protect this homeland. Reverently, receiving lines supported two families for their loved ones who transitioned this year; and we remember many others who have served their community well, now “called home” by Creator.
We heard “final words” from the outgoing Chief, Mark “Quiet Hawk” Gould, “leading words” from Chief Urie “Fox Sparrow” Ridgeway, and customary/ ceremonial words of guidance from Master of Ceremonies Keith Colson (Tuscarora/ Lumbee). Surrounding the main circle were tribal leadership, Native Nations’ citizens, dancers in waiting, artisans, and food vendors, all gifting stories.
As we reflect on the 2 day event, our awareness of being on Indigenous land is heightened, specifically with People that we’ve given our historic and contemporary word of perpetual peace and friendship. We notice a range of our own pow-wow attendance – first timers, returnees (after a period of being away), and regulars. We wonder about our contemporary relationship with the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, and we asked ourselves, what might be sensed as a keepsake or story that mutually benefits this Tribal Nation and non-indigenous communities? Our hearts and minds are refreshed as we’ve departed, holding diverse Pow-wow memories:
- open invitation, public event
- diverse regalia
- acts of respect shown to elders
- heritage encouragement provided to children and youth
- two-step and social dancing
- farmland/ native seed project
- Spirituality as a way of being
- Language retention/ emersion
- fellowship/ relationship building, and
- strength of Lenape who have remained on their homeland.
We wonder what love might require of us? Individuals have made commitments to engage in learning and standing with the tribal nation on issues of their concern, with actions. We are convinced by Light that there is mutual benefit in visiting the tribe’s store (Turtle Trading Post) and the Native American Church (St. John UMC Fordville), as well as returning to a future Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation Pow-wow. As published in the Program, we hold true the intentions of the mural by artist Layqa Nuna Yawar, “ESTA ES TU CASA * WE BELONG.”
We extend our appreciation to the 2023 Pow-wow Committee, MC, Tribal Nation leadership, drummers, dancers, chefs, venders, artists, elders, cultural retention officials, tribal citizens – the whole of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation and “extended family”; the pow-wow has lovingly called Friends to be attentive to community, family, and self, “as long as the sun shines….” Wanishi.
NANTICOKE LENNI-LENAPE TRIBAL NATION’S
ANNUAL PUBLIC POW-WOW (second weeknd in June)
What is a Pow-wow? A Pow-wow is a Native American festival where nations from throughout the continent gather to a hosting nation’s land and share in celebration through singing and dancing. We take the opportunity to educate and provide entertainment for the public. Dancers and singers compete in multiple categories of different ages and dance styles. There are a number of food and craft vendors selling Native American cuisine and art. A Pow-wow is a “living event” and not a “reenactment.” Public Pow-sows invite non-American Indian people to learn and enjoy the celebration, while also respecting the culture.
Consider celebrating the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation’s Annual Pow-wow with a “booster ad” in the Pow-wow Program, click here to download the 2023 ad sheet.
Directions: The Pow-wow is located on Route 40, just west of Sharptown in Pilesgrove Township, about 3 miles west of Woodstown in Salem County, NJ, and about 8 miles east of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
- From the Delaware Memorial Bridge: look for Route 40 East to Atlantic City. Take Route 40 about 8 miles East, and the Pow-wow will be on your left.
- From Route 55: look for Route 40 West just North of Vineland. Take Route 40 West about 18 miles from Route 55, and the Pow-wow will be on your right. You will pass through Woodstown and Sharptown. The Cowtown rodeo grounds will be on your left before you reach the Pow-wow location on your right.
The Basics of Pow-wow Etiquette:
- Dress and act appropriately. Immodest attire and profanity have no place at Pow-wows. Smoking near the Arena is considered disrespectful. Alcohol, recreational drugs and firearms are prohibited.
- Respect the special seating reserved for dancers in regalia, elders and those with disabilities. Seats with blankets, shawls or regalia items on them are taken and should not be bothered. Unless you are sure spectator seating will be provided for the public, bring a chair.
- Spectators should never enter the circle / dance arena until those times when all spectators are invited. Treat the arena as “holy ground.”
- Respect Mother Earth…. Don’t Litter… Put trash in a trash can.
- Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce who is to dance and when. He will also inform spectators of proper protocol. Some dances are open to the public.
- Do not touch a drum or sit at a drum without permission. Ask permission from the Head singer.
- The Powwow committee reserves the right to require tribal identification cards from competition dancers. No one is permitted to compete without registering.
- The traditional outfits worn by American Indians are not “costumes;” they are “regalia.” Regalia is an expression of spirit, and has been prayed over and blessed. Honor it, the person wearing it, and the living history it represents. Do not touch anyone’s regalia without their permission.
- Tribal Pow-wows are not an outlet for the non-American Indian spectators to “play Indian.” Spectators should NOT be dressed in regalia. This is not a costume party. It is a celebration that respects the ancestors and the ways of American Indian People.
- Tape recording of the drums should be done only after asking the drum group. Video recording should be only for personal use, unless by previous arrangement with the staff.
- At any given pow-wow, you will find a wide array of Indian arts, handmade crafts, and jewelry for sale. Some may not accept checks, so it is a good idea to have cash on hand. Please use care when handling merchandise, and please watch your children!
- HAVE A GREAT TIME!!! MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!!
Pow-wow extracts are from the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation's website.
Why SHOWING UP MATTERS!
The Salem Quarter Indian Affairs Committee is attentive to relations between Federal/States’ governance and sovereign Lenape Tribal Nations.
NJ COMMISSION ON AMERICAN INDIAN AFFAIRS
The New Jersey Commission on Native American Affairs was created by P.L.1134, c. 295, and signed into law on December 22, 1995. It was placed within the New Jersey Department of State. Later legislation changed the name to the New Jersey Commission on American Indian Affairs. Its first meeting was held on April 18, 1997 and it continues to meet regularly in Trenton.
The Commission serves as a liaison among the tribes and the State and Federal governments. It is empowered to develop programs and projects to further understanding of New Jersey’s American Indian history and culture.
There are nine members of the Commission: the Secretary of State, serving ex officio, and eight public members. The public members, who are recommended by their tribes and organizations and appointed by the Governor, consist of two members from each of the following: Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians, Powhatan Renape Indians, Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation, and Inter-Tribal People. Inter-Tribal People refers to American Indian people who reside in New Jersey, but are members of federally and/or State-recognized tribes in other states.
RECOGNIZING SOVEREIGNTY, NATIONS TO NATION/ STATE
THE INCOMPLETE LOOM: Exploring the Checkered Past and Present of American Indian Sovereignty is written by Harry S. Jackson III, Research Editor, Rutgers Law Review. J.D. Candidate, Rutgers School of Law—Newark, 2012; B.A., Economics, Wagner College, 2009.
“I would like to thank the Rutgers Law Review Editors and Staff for all of their hard work on this Note. I would also like to thank my family and friends for all their love, support, and guidance through the years. Wanishi–Lenape for ‘Thank You.’” -HJ
Mëshatàm Lënapehòkink
Photo and quote: Courtesy of NMAI, D.C.
U.S. Federally recognized Lenape/Delaware People forced to remove from their homelands:
Delaware Nation (Anadarko, OK)
Delaware Tribe of Indians (Bartlesville, OK)
Stockbridge-Munsee Community (Bowler, WI)
and Federally recognized by Canada:
Delaware Nation of Moraviantown (Ontario)
Munsee Delaware First Nation (Ontario)
We have solemnly made for us and our Posterity as long as the Sun and Moon shall endure, One head, One Mouth, and one Heart. ~Chiefs of the Lenape to the king of England, 1701
ALLIANCE of COLONIAL ERA TRIBES (ACET)
Advisory Statement to State Governments on the Recognition of Tribes – Resolution #2013-02-18
NATIONAL CONGRESS of AMERICAN INDIANS (NCAI)
Supporting The Bureau of Indian Affairs Proposed Reform of the Federal Recognition Process – Resolution #TUL-13-002 The foregoing resolution was adopted by the General Assembly at the 2013 Annual Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Cox Business Center from October 13 – 18, 2013, in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a quorum present.
DELAWARE (Lenape of Anadarko, OK) NATION’S Resolution 2023-114
~Denouncing CPAIN~
[Unverified/ Unrecognized]
Corporations
Posing
As
Indigenous
Nations
Plea for the Practice of Peace: Unity Toward Decolonizing
Letter to Friends, supporting the duty of critical examination required toward verifying a Native Nation’s self-professed identity. When standard Federal/ State criteria are lacking, verification for government to government relations are not applicable. Inherent in this era of self-determination, authentic indigenous voices of leadership are overdue their sovereign rights.
To Friends Everywhere:
During this time that calls for decolonizing our mindset of ill-founded cultural lifeways, within individuals and corporations, we find an imperative condition of recognizing truths and acknowledging & affirming Nation to Nation relations between indigenous and non-indigenous communities, toward healing.
Therefore, the wisdom of the National Congress of American Indians defines clearness that authentic Indigenous voice may be identified by both Federal and State relations with Native Nations, given conditions. These conditions include assurance of historic existence, among interrelated familial community, continually, and maintaining self-governance. When a self-ascribing group verifies these conditions beyond doubt, we, as citizens of the United States, find that Federal and/ or State recognition and relationship is rightly ordered.
Given formative relations toward perpetual peace and friendship, we are called to advocate for truths and healing. From relationship with historic, interrelated, continual, sovereigns, these neighbors who remain, having hidden in plain sight, acclimating in relationship with relative States, we recognize these (5) sovereign nations: Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe (Bridgeton, NJ); Powhatan Renape Tribe (Rancocas, NJ); Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation (Mahwah, NJ); Lenape Indian Tribe (Cheswold, DE); Nanticoke Indian Tribe (Millsboro, DE); and we recognize Lenape (Delaware) People of the diaspora who remain in community and maintain relationship with the United States and Canada Federal governments: Stockbridge Munsee (Bowler, WI); Delaware Tribe of Indians (Bartlesville, OK); Delaware Nation (Anadarko, OK); Delaware Nation at Moraviantown (Thamesville, Ontario) and Munsee-Delaware Nation (Muncey, Ontario).
We recommend that those affiliates of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (thirteen regional Quarters, 100 Monthly Meetings, 10,000 individuals) before taking up treaty actions or philanthropy, seek the basis of truths upon which groups other than those listed above, make sovereign claims to their original homelands/ indigenous identity/ tribal nation status. If the aforementioned Indigenous prescribed paths of identity remain elusive, might we better leave the process to those who profess such Nationhood to present themselves most forthrightly and transparently with verifiable evidence, such as prescribed by the Office of Federal Acknowledgement or similar State Commission processes.
Meanwhile, there are recognized communities we know who have rights, deserving our loving intentions, attention toward living peace. Might we listen with assurance, responding to Light within. We call for Friends unity in faithful service.
Peace be with you
Whose ancestral land you are on? See https://native-land.ca/
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation website – https://www.nlltribalnation.org/
Turtle Trading Post, 18 E. Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302,
609 455-6910
Strong Medicine Speaks, by Amy Hill Hearth, published 2008
A rare oral history of a contemporary Native American matriarch, Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould (Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape)
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants 
by Robin Wall Kimmerer, published 2015
As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers…she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return. (see also: Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, 2022)
Provenance / Love Thy Sovereign Nation Neighbor / Allyship / Call To Action
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