Month: November 2023

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Delaware Tribe

Food Forest Continues to Grow – The Grizzly

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Article by Erin Corcoran

Calling all green-thumbed Bears! Ursinus’s Food Forest continues to grow into the future.

The Food Forest, located a short walk from campus, is a 1.5-acre site for the campus community to grow native and non-native plants, trees, and food. Per the Food Forest’s website, “food forests mark a commitment to building reciprocal relationships with the region’s many food-producing native trees and shrubs as well as myriad other ecologically beneficial native and nonnative plant species.” The mission of this forest is larger than that, however. Dr. Patrick Hurley, Chair of Environmental Studies and the Food Forest Guardians, students who assist the Forest for academic credit, strive for the forest to help people reconnect with nature and provide opportunities for students to explore unique foods.

The Forest was created by an Environmental Studies (ENV) capstone course in 2017. Since then, there have been two more capstone classes that focused on planting, one in 2019 and the other in 2021. This year, the capstone course, Sustainability in the Suburbs, is continuing this planting initiative but also working with community partners, such as Philadelphia’s Friends Select School and the Lenape Tribe.

Along with departments on campus, the Food Forest also works closely with the Welcome Home Project. Hurley, states, “A key feature of the Welcome Home Project is the College’s commitment to ‘reconciliation among all our communities,’ a point that we at the Food Forest specifically take to mean the inclusion of plant species that are culturally important to members of the Delaware Tribe (one of the officially recognized communities of the Lenape people). Beyond simply including species such as smooth sumac (këlëkënikwënakw in Lenape, which has a flower bundle that can be used to make a lemonade-like drink) or…

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Mohegan

Veterans and active duty military celebrated and assisted at Vets Rock event at Mohegan Sun

For the ninth year in a row, the Mohegan Sun Casino hosted a Vets Rock event on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

The event celebrates active duty military and veterans, and offers a day of valuable programs and resources.

“Vets Rock is focused on enhancing the lives of our service members through a job fair, veteran service organizations, and other resources,” reads a press release.

The resource fair, held in the Sky Convention Center, was preceded by an opening ceremony hosted by Channel 8 meteorologist Gil Simmons, himself a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

As they waited for the ceremony to begin, Norwich-based veterans Danny Melton (U.S. Navy) and Russell Caudill (U.S. Army and CT Army National Guard) talked about their reasons for attending.

Norwich veterans Danny Melton (left, U.S. Navy) and Russell Caudill (U.S. Army and CT Army National Guard) wait for the start of the 2023 Vets Rock event, held at the Mohegan Sun Casino on November 11. (Melanie Savage)Norwich veterans Danny Melton (left, U.S. Navy) and Russell Caudill (U.S. Army and CT Army National Guard) wait for the start of the 2023 Vets Rock event, held at the Mohegan Sun Casino on November 11. (Melanie Savage)

“I just wanted to see what they have to offer,” said Melton.

Caudill’s motive was more specific. He had come to the event to seek out information about free tuition available to Connecticut wartime veterans. He said that Connecticut is one of only three states to offer this type of assistance.

“I plan to go to school in January. There will be people who can help you get funding for veterans,” said Caudill.

Caudill said that wartime veterans in Connecticut are eligible for 50% free tuition if attending a state school part time, and 100% free…

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Lenni Lenape

Explore Native American Government and Sovereignty With the Trent House

On Saturday, November 18th, you are invited to the William Trent House for the premier of a compelling new project, “Native American Government and Sovereignty”. The day’s activities will begin at 1pm at the Trent House Visitor Center, located at 15 Market St, Trenton, NJ 08611. If you plan on driving, there is plenty of free parking available to guests  across from the Hughes Justice Complex. This program is free to attend, so be certain to bring the whole family for an engaging afternoon of education.

The host for the afternoon, Brianna Dagostino, is a member of New Jersey’s state-recognized Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe. Ms. Dagostino recently received her Master’s Degree in history from Rowan University, submitting “Tribal Rights Are Important Rights”: The Origins, Travails, And Impact Of The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe V. The State Of New Jersey” as her thesis. Brianna lectures throughout the east coast about her people, cultivating an appreciation of the Nanticoke Lenape people all throughout the country.

The day’s presentation, “Native American Government and Sovereignty”, is a premiere screening of a new series intended to inform teenagers ​and adults about the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Lenape people of New Jersey. This video series has been produced and funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. A massive asset to public education, these videos will no doubt be foundational in continuing to share the lives and cultures of our nation’s indigenous population.

This event is hosted by the William Trent House Museum, a destination for history in the Capital City. The Trent House is instrumental in telling the full story of Trenton history, sharing the perspectives of all those present at the start of this nation, including Indigenous populations, European settlers, and people of African descent, both enslaved and free. At the…

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Munsee

Students of HIST 276 help organize Images’ inaugural Indigenous Peoples Film Festival, collaborate with SMC Cultural Affairs Department

Students of HIST 276 help organize Images’ inaugural Indigenous Peoples Film Festival, collaborate with SMC Cultural Affairs Department – The Williams Record

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Munsee

Who lived in New Hampshire before colonization?

Uncovering the Indigenous Roots of New Hampshire

Before the waves of European colonization swept across North America, the region now known as New Hampshire was home to various indigenous groups, whose presence and culture predate recorded history. These native inhabitants played a crucial role in shaping the land’s history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the state today.

Indigenous Tribes of Pre-Colonial New Hampshire

The primary inhabitants of the area were the Abenaki and Pennacook tribes, both belonging to the larger Algonquian-speaking peoples. These communities thrived through fishing, hunting, and agriculture, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Their societies were structured around seasonal movements, with established villages often located near rivers and lakes, which provided rich resources for sustenance and transportation.

Impact of European Contact

The arrival of European settlers in the 17th century marked the beginning of drastic changes for New Hampshire’s indigenous population. Diseases, land disputes, and the pressures of colonial expansion led to significant population declines and the disruption of traditional ways of life. Despite these challenges, the legacy of New Hampshire’s first inhabitants endures, with contemporary efforts to preserve and honor their history and culture.

FAQs:

Q: What languages did the indigenous people of New Hampshire speak?
A: They primarily spoke various dialects of the Algonquian language family.

Q: Are there any indigenous groups still present in New Hampshire?
A: Yes, descendants of the original tribes still live in New Hampshire, maintaining their cultural heritage and traditions.

Definitions:

– Abenaki: A Native American tribe originally from the New England region.
– Pennacook: An Algonquian-speaking Native American tribe that lived in present-day New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
– Algonquian: Referring to a family of Native American languages spoken by peoples from the Atlantic Coast to the Great Lakes region.

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Nanticoke

Nanticoke garbage fee hike spurs discussion

NANTICOKE — An increase in garbage and recycling fees prompted much discussion at Wednesday’s budget hearing and monthly council meeting as the board approved a bid that will see residents pay $415 yearly for trash collection starting in the new year.

Council unanimously approved first reading for Mayor Kevin Coughlin’s proposed 2024 budget, which would not increase taxes or sewer fees for the upcoming year. But council also approved a $1.5 million bid from JP Mascaro and Sons for trash, recycling and yard waste collection beginning in 2024 and ending in 2026, with the option of extending the contract for two additional one-year periods thereafter.

The previous trash collection fee was $258.

If a resident pays in full by Jan. 31, the fee would be discounted to $395. There also would be an option to pay in three installments of $138.33.

Accounts that do not pay in full or pay the first installment by Jan. 31 would be considered delinquent, the fee would increase to $456.50, and they would no longer be eligible for installment payments.

The maximum amount of four bags per collection will remain.

Deputy Counsel for JP Mascaro and Sons Al DeGennaro explained that a number of factors went into the increased cost of trash collection, particularly the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to rising interest rates, fuel costs, labor, insurance and wage increases for the company.

Despite the reasons given, many residents who attended the meeting did not seem convinced that the trash fee had to increase so drastically, and said they felt Mascaro and Sons were using the pandemic as an excuse to raise prices. Many argued that the increase is simply not feasible for senior citizens or those on fixed incomes.

“I can’t…

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Mohegan

Mohegan Sun Black Friday gift card sweepstakes

Mohegan Sun: Black Friday Gift Card Sweepstakes

Official Rules

November 13, 2023 – November 26, 2023

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Void outside the WVIT Geographic Viewing Area (defined below) and where prohibited. The Mohegan Sun: Black Friday Gift Card Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) will begin on November 13, 2023 at 5:00 A.M. ET and end on November 26, 2023 at 10:00 P.M. ET (“Sweepstakes Period”). All times in the Sweepstakes refer to Eastern Time (“ET”). Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible Entries (as defined below) received. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws. PRIZE (AS DEFINED BELOW) DOES NOT INCLUDE ACCOMMODATIONS, PARKING OR TRANSPORTATION.

ELIGIBILITY: Open only to permanent, legal United States residents who are physically residing in the state of Connecticut (the “WVIT Geographic Viewing Area”), and who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older as of the start of the Sweepstakes Period. Officers, directors, and employees of Sweepstakes Entities (as defined below), members of these persons’ immediate families (spouses and/or parents, children, and siblings, and each of their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside), and/or persons living in the same households as these persons (whether or not related thereto) are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes Entities, as referenced herein, shall include WVIT, 1422 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 (collectively, “Sponsors”), Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard Uncasville, CT 06382 (“Prize Provider”), and each of their respective parent, subsidiary, and affiliate companies, and their administrative, advertising, and promotion agencies, and any other entity involved in the development, administration, promotion, or implementation of the Sweepstakes.

TO ENTER: To enter the Sweepstakes, during the Sweepstakes Period, visit https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/on-air/contestsand…

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Lenni Lenape

The state recognizes November as Native American Heritage Month

The state formally recognizes November as Native American Heritage Month.

Gov. John Carney, joined by members of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware and Nanticoke Indian Tribe, signed a proclamation Tuesday.

The U.S. officially began recognizing National Native American Heritage Month in 1990. Delaware trailed behind, with lawmakers first introducing a resolution for the monthin 2011.

Carney says it’s important for Delawareans to learn more about the history and heritage of Native Americans.

“How important they were to the settling of the State of Delaware. To celebrate those who carry on those traditions. To recognize our responsibilities to help them with lands that have been set aside- buildings, museums. And the people, most importantly the people themselves,” said Carney.

The Lenape Tribe wasn’t formally recognized by the state until 2016.

Since then, they have established a strong relationship.

That’s according to Lenape Chief Dennis Coker, who says the tribe is working closely with the Delaware Department Of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

“Which has been most recently evidenced by a joint use agreement that we have signed with the Fork Branch Preserve,” explained Coker. “It is a state property holding very close to our community and the Fork Branch area where we have several environmentally focused projects that we’re working on right now.”

The Lenape have also partnered with the Office of Historical and Cultural Affairs to continue to explore pre-contact history and have their perspectives heard in that conversation.

And while the state’s relationship with both the Nanticokes and Lenape has grown over the past few decades, the Office of Historical and Cultural Affairs recognizes more work needs to be done to amplify Native American voices, support their economic development, and address the challenges they face.

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Munsee

Observation of Native American Heritage Month

Photo Courtesy of Jake Bacon

“I want us to acknowledge that SUNY New Paltz stands on the land that is the traditional territory of the people of the Stockbridge-Munsee, Espopus and Lenape tribes, who inhabited and cared for this land before European colonizers named this region New Paltz,” said President Darrell P. Wheeler during his 2023 Commencement speech. “The Stockbridge-Munsee, Esopus and Lenape are not relics of our past, but rather exist in the modern understanding of our institution. We humbly ask that our daily efforts to educate, learn and to care for this land honor them.”

We observe Native American Heritage Month in November, which began as a week-long celebration in 1986 under President Reagan, to recognize the invaluable contributions of Native peoples that have shaped our country, honor the hundreds of Tribal Nations who continue to exercise their sovereignty, pay tribute to their rich ancestry and histories and acknowledge the role we as colonizers had in their suffering.

In the thousand years or so before European contact, the Native peoples in the New Paltz area lived in small migratory clans or villages of 10 to 100 family members. “They were agriculturalists,” said Joseph Diamond, professor of archeology at SUNY New Paltz. These Native peoples “grew corn, beans, and various species of squash, and gathered plant foods such as hickory, nuts, butternuts, walnuts, acorns, chestnuts and various berries to supplement their diet.”

They carved containers and utensils, fashioned hunting, trapping and fishing gear, baskets and pottery and made clothing, which they decorated with porcupine quills, shells and other items from nature. Storytellers passed on how life came to be, how the earth was created, how the people learned to sing and what the stars could teach them. This civilization learned how to live in peace, with…

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Mohican

Who were the first Vermont settlers?

Tracing the Roots of Vermont: The First Settlers

The picturesque state of Vermont, known for its lush forests and serene landscapes, owes its rich history to the early settlers who first made it their home. Before it became the 14th state of the United States, the area that is now Vermont was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Abenaki and the Mohican. However, the narrative of European settlement begins in the early 18th century.

European Footprints in the Green Mountains

The first permanent European settlers in Vermont were from English and French origins, with the French explorer Samuel de Champlain laying claim to the region in 1609. However, it wasn’t until the 1720s that the English began to establish a foothold, with families such as the Havilands and the Fitches venturing into the territory from neighboring colonies. These pioneers faced a rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions, carving out a living from the dense forests of the Green Mountains.

Settlement and Conflict

The early settlement period was marked by territorial disputes between the French and the British, culminating in the French and Indian War. The conclusion of the war in 1763 saw the British taking control, leading to an influx of settlers, primarily from New Hampshire. The governor of New Hampshire, Benning Wentworth, began granting land, which led to the establishment of towns like Bennington and Brattleboro.

FAQ:

Q: Who were the original inhabitants of Vermont?
A: The original inhabitants were Native American tribes, including the Abenaki and the Mohican.

Q: When did the first European settlers arrive in Vermont?
A: The first European settlers, primarily of English and French descent, began to arrive in the early 18th century.

Q: What was a significant conflict that affected early Vermont settlers?
A: The French and Indian War significantly impacted early settlers, leading to British control over the region.

Definitions:

– Abenaki:…

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