Full land acknowledgement created by the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation:
“The land upon which we gather is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” The Lenape People lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some also remain among the continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation, The Nanticoke of Millsboro Delaware, and the Lenape of Cheswold Delaware. We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine.”
The Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation
The Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation
The Lenni-Lenape people have resided on the land we now refer to as Pennsylvania for ten-thousand years before colonial settlers arrived. They lived, hunted, and farmed the banks and lands surrounding “The River of Human Beings,” or the Delaware River, moving their communities when the soil needed regeneration after a few decades of farming. Settlers referred to them as “Delaware Indians”
The direct translation of ‘Lenni-Lenape’ is “Men of Men,” but has a deeper meaning of, “Original People.” They are one of the oldest nations in the Northeast and considered “grandfathers” by many other indigenous nations. The Lenni-Lenape were considered great peacekeepers and mediators. They sold land to European settlers as well as traded with them for some time before British rule came into effect.
For a more detailed history of the Lenni-Lenape nation and how they are thriving to this day, please check out my sources for this page:
“Our History.” Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation website https://nlltribe.com/our-history/
“Who are the Lenape?” Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania website https://www.lenape-nation.org/
Nanticoke and Lenape Confederation Learning Center and Museum https://nanticokelenapemuseum.org/
“The Original People and their Land: The Lenape; pre-history to the 18th Century.” West Philadelphia Collaborative History website https://collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu/stories/original-people-and-their-land-lenape-pre-history-18th-century
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