Category: Delaware Tribe

PENNSBURG — The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center recently announced receipt of a Creative Project Grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage to continue its partnership with the Delaware Tribe Cultural Education Department in Oklahoma.

The multi-year grant provides support for an exciting next step in the Heritage Center’s journey toward a more inclusive interpretation of the Upper Perkiomen region. A co-curated exhibit and programming will create new opportunities for public engagement with the original residents of our region and for the Delawares’ engagement with their homeland.

While the Heritage Center has exhibited some of its sizeable collection of Lenape items in the past, a new exhibit to open in 2027 will include an authentically developed indigenous perspective. The project includes several visits by members of the Delaware Tribe to Pennsburg to participate in programs and experience the landscape their ancestors occupied for 13,000 years.

The Cultural Education Department of the Delaware Tribe promotes, preserves, and educates about the Lenape (Delaware) culture. The Tribe is engaged in building relationships with organizations and cultural institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region to connect to material culture and renew traditions.

The Heritage Center and the Cultural Education Department signed a Statement of Mutual Intentions in summer 2025 to lay the groundwork for future collection, exhibition, and education work.

The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center at 105 Seminary St., Pennsburg, is the regional history museum for the Upper Perkiomen Valley and a nonprofit affiliate of America250pa. It is open Tuesday through Sunday with free admission to visit exhibits or research in the library. For more information on upcoming programs and exhibits, visit schwenkfelder.org.

The Heritage Center’s project is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, a multidisciplinary grantmaker and hub for knowledge-sharing, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and dedicated…

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Native law students at Mitchell Hamline receive MNABA scholarships

Native law students at Mitchell Hamline receive MNABA scholarships

PR Newswire

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 16, 2025

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Minnesota Native American Bar Association (MNABA) celebrates student accomplishments and awards scholarships to upper-year law students at their annual Fall Feast. This year, all nine scholarships were given to students at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Mitchell Hamline offers a dedicated path of study rooted in the Native American Law and Sovereignty (NALS) Institute and has the largest enrollment of Native law students of any law school in the nation—42 students in fall 2025, including 37 enrolled members of Tribal Nations. Native students find support and community through two student groups, the Native American Law Student Association and Indigenous Women’s Law Society, and organizations like MNABA.

“These scholarships support hardworking law students who represent Tribal Nations and communities,” said NALS Director, Professor Angelique EagleWoman (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate). “They are each so deserving, and the scholarships support them on their legal educational journey.”

Recipients included Leo John Bird (Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Tribes); Tashina Emery (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community); Rachel Evangelisto (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe); Case Guinn (Cherokee Nation and Delaware Tribe); Kylan Hill (Red Lake Band of Chippewa); Corrina Kingbird (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe); Ashley LaFriniere (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa); Christopher Parisien (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa); and Adrianna Rivera (Native Hawaiian). They come from Minnesota as well as Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.

MNABA President Veronica Newcomer (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) graduated from Mitchell Hamline in 2013 and was a past scholarship recipient.

“Our scholarships help Native students stay in law school so they can focus on obtaining their law degree and…

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The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) elected Kim Baldwin of McPherson, Kansas, as chair during its annual board of directors meeting in December.

Baldwin brings 15 years of farming experience and previously served as vice chair of the board. She farms alongside her husband and their two children while also playing an active role in her family’s wholesale and retail popcorn and sorghum business.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural extension education from New Mexico State University and a Master of Education in educational leadership and administration from William Woods University. Baldwin is a graduate of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program.

Originally from New Mexico, Baldwin is a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Cherokee Nation. She spent nearly two decades in public education and now serves her community through multiple local boards.

“The board plays a critical role in shaping the future of the sorghum industry,” Baldwin said. “Sorghum offers real opportunity, from supporting human health to expanding value-added innovation and I’m excited to work with the board to help position this crop for long-term growth and relevance in the marketplace.”

“Kim brings a rare combination of producer experience, leadership and education to this role,” said Norma Ritz Johnson, executive director of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. “Her perspective and commitment will serve sorghum farmers well as the board continues to invest in research, markets and demand for U.S. sorghum.”

Additional officers elected include Vice Chair Zack Rendel, Secretary Scott Irlbeck and Treasurer Dale Stoltzfus.

USCP also thanked outgoing board members and past chairs Kendall Hodgson and Jeff Zortman for their service as they roll off the board. 

The 13-member USCP board includes nine sorghum farmers representing Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the nation’s top sorghum-producing states,…

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OKMULGEE – An Oklahoma Power Up Symposium at Oklahoma State University- Institute of Technology in Okmulgee highlighted the tribal energy workforce. The Nov. 5 event was organized by 7Skyline, an energy development consulting firm. The symposium focused on tribal renewable energy development and workforce development for renewable energy within tribal enterprises. The event provided helpful information for tribal communities through resources, knowledge, and connection for tribal communities. 

“We strongly believe that this event will serve as a catalyst for strengthening Tribal energy sovereignty and expanding opportunities for renewable energy across Oklahoma Tribal Nations,” said 7Skyline Tax and Project Manager Sheiyenne Seegmiller (Navajo).

The event featured MCN speakers and tribal leaders, and many tribal workforce energy teams: including MCN Second Chief Del Beaver, MCN Secretary of the Nation Zechariah Harjo, Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez, and Portland State Dean of Engineering Dr. Joseph Bull (Delaware Tribe of Indians).

OSU-IT Tribal Outreach and Workforce Program Specialist Brandon Dinsmore (Cherokee) worked with 7Skyline to organize the event at OSU-IT. “The people that are helping us with this are 7Skyline, they’re a renewable energy consultant. They’ve done some of these elsewhere in the country,” shared Dinsmore. 

Dinsmore pointed out that all the participants have a passion about environmental stewardship, of taking care of the land, and climate change. That passion is what initially brought everyone together through natural conversations, which eventually led to the symposium.  

“The idea is that we provide as much information as possible for tribes that might be considering renewable energy or that might have some questions and don’t know what to ask, but it’s also a great change for us to showcase what the tribes are doing, not just in Oklahoma but across the country.”

Representatives from the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center in Oglala South Dakota attended the…

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Shirley Mae Wentzel OBITUARY

Shirley Mae (Campbell) Wentzel, age 89, Fort Myers, Fla. went home to be with our Lord on Oct. 27,2025. She lived in Idetown, PA. most of her life.

She was born July 14, 1936 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Doyle and Mildred (Thompson) Campbell, Idetown. She was of Native American decent in the Cherokee Culture but, was adopted as an adult by the Eastern Delaware Tribe of Wyalusing Rocks. She was a 1954 graduate of Lake-Lehman High School where she was a cheer leader and where she met her high school sweetheart, Francis Wentzel on Oct. 17, 1950 whom she married on Nov. 20, 1954. They renewed their wedding vows in 2004 and later relocated to FL upon retirement. She was runner- up for Lady of the Lake in 1951. She was a former Cub Scout Den Mother for Pack 241 and first aider at Penns Woods Girl Scout Camp, Harvey’s Lake when her children were younger. She was employed at Maple Hill Nursing Home, Lehman for several years and also Bayada Nursing. She retired from Native Textiles, Dallas in 1995 after decades of employment there. She was a member of the Idetown Vol. Fire Dept. She taught all of her children and grandchildren how to swim. She loved spending time with her grandchildren taking them swimming, camping and to Pow Wows where they were all dancers. She made her own and her grandchildren’s Regalia.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Francis Wentzel in 2010, her parents Doyle & Mildred Campbell, Fort Myers, Fl., grandsons Joshua & Michael Blaine, Idetown.

She is survived by her brother Dale Campbell and his wife Nancy of Dallas, children Rick Wentzel and his companion Judy Kittrick of Idetown, Ken and Irene Wentzel of Harvey’s…

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Penn State University Park

Indigenous Foodways and Art with Chef Lorinda John

Nov. 10–12, various locations. The Indigenous People’s Student Association, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Ross Student Farm and Sustain Penn State will host a series of events on Nov. 10–12 centered on Indigenous foodways and art. The series will feature Chef Lorinda John, a Seneca descendant, Indigenous food sovereignty leader and entrepreneur. Raised in the Cattaraugus Territory near Buffalo, New York, John now lives in Gowanda, New York, and is completing a bachelor of fine arts program at Buffalo State University. While at Penn State, John will meet with classes, join campus conversations and participate in public events. Read more about John’s visit here.

• “Three Sisters on the Fire” Community Dinner — 6–8 p.m., Nov. 10, St. Paul’s Community Room, downtown State College. Guests can sample John’s recipes. Open to all, guests should reserve a seat to help with food planning.

• Sustainability Showcase: “Reclaiming Roots: Indigenous Food Sustainability” keynote with Chef Lorinda John — 4 p.m., Nov. 11, 132 HUB-Robeson Center. John will deliver her keynote address as part of the Sustainability Showcase. Guests who would like to attend virtually can register online to receive access information.

• Dreamcatcher Workshop — 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Nov. 12, Dewey Room, Pattee Library. Attendees can partake in this interactive dreamcatcher workshop with John during two sessions. Registration is required.

7th Annual Centre Film Festival

Nov. 10-16, the State Theatre in State College and the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg

The Centre Film Festival returns this year to screen more than 200 films in a variety of genres at Centre County theaters and online in mid-November. The festival runs Nov. 10-16 and features documentary, narrative and experimental films, as well as shorts and feature-length options; included is…

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Cross Creek reschedules trick-or-treat

WINTERSVILLE — Cross Creek Township officials announced trick-or-treat has been rescheduled due to Thursday’s weather forecast. Hours for the Halloween event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Haunted hayrides continue

TORONTO — Those seeking something unique to do for Halloween are reminded Hike Toronto’s last Haunted Hayride for the season will be held Friday.

Admission is $5 for each of the rides, with the first beginning at 7 p.m. Additional rides will continue throughout the evening. A wagon will take participants through Toronto Union Cemetery’s historic section, while a guide shares some of the city’s darker tales. Proceeds from the event will go to ongoing efforts by the volunteer group to establish a system of recreational trails in the city. Reservations can be made by visiting hiketoronto.com/haunted-hayride.

Auxiliary to hold soup/sandwich sale

WEIRTON — The American Legion Auxiliary Post 10 in Weirton will hold a soup and sandwich fundraiser from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at the post, located at 3140 Pennsylvania Ave. Soups will include chili, chicken noodle, stuffed pepper, vegetable and bean soup, as well as others.

Sandwiches will feature meatballs, egg salad, ham salad and chicken salad. A variety of desserts will be sold. The sale is open to the public. Dine in or carry out will be offered.

Museum celebrates Native Americans

PITTSBURGH — This November, in observance of Native American Heritage Month, the Fort Pitt Museum will host “Native Allegheny, Past and Present,” from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 8. The program will feature a presentation, guided exhibition tours and a reception celebrating the enduring cultures of the region’s first peoples. Three centuries ago, Delawares, Shawnees, Senecas and other Native people settled the region around present-day Pittsburgh — a place…

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In this period of government and fiscal uncertainty, directors of Oklahoma Tribal Head Start programs were in Washington, D.C. last week to advocate on the Hill for continued funding. Among those in attendance were Jayme Trevino, Director of the Kickapoo Tribe’s Head Start program in McLoud, and Monica Fisher, Director of the Delaware Tribe of Indians’ Lenape Early Learning Center Head Start in Bartlesville. Both programs serve 60 children (and their families). In total, Tribal Head Start programs serve close to 3,000 children in Oklahoma. Only Arizona has a higher number of children enrolled in Tribal Head Starts.

Fisher: “What’s great about the Early Head Start and Head Start programs is we create partnerships with our families in our communities, and so we take a whole child and whole family approach to serving the family and ensuring that we’re setting families up for success from the very beginning.”

Trevino: “We are, I like to say, the baseline, the foundation. Our teachers are specialized in the areas that they teach — they come in with bachelor degrees. We want to be recognized as a professional institute. And the dollars really help…they are very much worth the investment.”

For FY 2026, the White House budget request maintains funding for Head Start at its FY 2025 level of $12.272 billion. The House and Senate appropriations bills also propose funding at or close to this amount:

1. White House Request: Proposes to keep Head Start funding at the same level as FY 2025.
2. House Proposal: Also includes level funding for Head Start at $12.272 billion.
3. Senate Proposal: Includes an increase of $85 million, bringing the proposed total to $12.36 billion.

The HHS Budget proposal says this about the Head Start program:

“The Head Start Program provides grants to local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies. The grants will provide early learning and…

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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…

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