WEST CHESTER–We all know at least one word from the Lenape language – “Hea,” which translates simply to Hey.
That was just one wonderful nugget of knowledge culled from a presentation made by five Elders of the Lenape, or Delaware Tribe of Indians, at West Chester University’s Philips Autograph Library, while they recently visited their “Homeland” here.
This program was part of the Chester County History Center’s America250 programming and was funded by the Chester County History Center’s Humphry Marshall Fund.
A Golden Eagle feather held by a Native American Lenape or member the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
The Lenape had been forced out of the area hundreds of years ago and many ended up in Oklahoma.
“We didn’t leave anything behind, we brought our people,” said Jana Jolynn Roth. “That’s how important our culture is to us.
“Our family died to keep our culture.”
A beautiful hand-made outfit worn by the Lenape of Oklahoma. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Annette Ketchum said that 39 current Native American tribes ended up in Oklahoma where “no man or beast could survive, but we survived.”
“We have carried our traditions with us,” Angelia Franke said.
About 125 Indian gaming casinos have paid for health care, housing and education. While gambling comes with its negatives, Ketchum was quick to say, “We won.”
The Lenape of Oklahoma wearing a traditional outfit at West Chester University. (BILL RETTEW/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
John Wheelock or Apamske Oxe…
Installation view of Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always at the Zimmerli Art Museum. Photo Credit: McKay Imaging Photography
Seneca – front row, from left: Brayden Diller, Arabella Wade, Savannah Barnes, Jameson Slifer, Ryan Burns, Aria Nelson, Lane Wilfong and Michael Friel. Second row: Boone Cassell, Mia Valach, Savana Sharp, Jaryd Wilfong, Lillie Cassell, Mackenzie White, Amelia Rogers and Adalyn Beverage. Back row: Makiya Burns, Riley Hamons, Sienna Hamons, Layla Highland, Hannah Burks, Natalie Irvine, Konrad Lowe, Grayson Barlow, Caleb Ritter, Richard White, Jaxon Cassell, Kylor Brock and Victor Dean.
Cherokee – front row, from left: Ayla Fanning, Sullivan Seldomridge, Kysor Calhoun, Andrew Herold, Daisy Hefner, Alida McNeel and Brinley McLaughlin. Second row: Elizabeth Friel, Chloe Annett, William Shifflett, Jesse McNabb, Rufus Morgan, Kendyl Hummel, Rowan Lindbloom and Ava Robinson. Third row: Karis Lowe, Laelah Clendenen, Levi Hill, Ramona Hardy, Andrea Alderman, Silas Dean, Sydney Slifer, Makenna Marsh and Ailec Lindbloom-Robinson. Back row: Ezra Bond, Colton Cassell, Tyler Friel, Bayla Plaugher, George Shifflett, Joseph McClure, William Lindbloom.
Mingo – front row, from left: Jonah Mann, Natalie Sisler, Emma Pugh, Rylee Calhoun, Elijah Keatley, Blake Alderman, Anthony Burdette and Val Phillips. Second row: Bentlee Gladwell, Canden Lambert, Kya Arbogast, Mason Markl, Lydia Taylor, Jace West, Shelldon Maitland and Aubrey Evans. Third row: James Monico, Ben Workman, Erin Rider, Kirsten Friel, Caitlin Mallow, Eden Smith, Grace Beverage and Melinda Beverage. Back row: Abigail Taylor, Katelyn Stull, AJ Bauserman, Riley Pollack, Rya Barlow, Morgan Smith, Rachel Felton, Riyan Gladwell and Cora Baldwin.
Delaware – front row, from left: Ariana Woody, Evelyn Simmons, Jerzie Jackson, Simon Scotchie, Annabel Swan, Owen Boggs, Owen Sattler and Bianca Arnold. Second row: Elizabeth McClure, Kaya Eves, Isabella McClure, Diamond Owens, Madelynne Wims, Aliza Hayes, Brynn Clutter and Weston Cassell. Third row: Luke Taylor, Adalee Hayes, Ahna Valach, Luke Gainer, RT Hill,…