Lehigh University has partnered with the Delaware Nation to repatriate over 90 Native American artifacts, discovered during a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) archeological survey on university-owned land. This historic collaboration is underscored by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2023, aiming to honor the Lenape people’s heritage and culture.
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Discovery and Decision
The artifacts, including pottery, tools, and a 3,000-year-old flint knifepoint, were unearthed on nearly 100 acres of land, half of which belongs to Lehigh University. The discovery was facilitated by an archeological survey initiated by PennDOT, revealing these significant precontact items. Erin Kintzer, Lehigh’s senior director of real estate services, underscored the university’s commitment to honoring these artifacts by opting for their return to the Delaware Nation rather than keeping them or donating them to a distant museum.
A Model of Respect and Protection
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The decision to repatriate the artifacts to Delaware Nation serves as a pioneering model for acknowledging and protecting Native American sites and heritage in eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. The artifacts will be featured in Delaware Nation’s new museum in Anadarko, Oklahoma, allowing tribal citizens, many of whom reside in Oklahoma, to access and appreciate their cultural heritage. This gesture of repatriation highlights the importance of respecting and safeguarding Native American history and the ongoing relationship between tribal nations and their ancestral lands.
Implications and Reflections
This collaboration between Lehigh University and the Delaware Nation, facilitated by the recent MOU, marks a significant step towards recognizing and rectifying historical injustices against Native American communities. By returning the artifacts to their rightful owners, Lehigh University sets a precedent for how institutions can work with Native American tribes to honor their history and culture. This act of repatriation not only respects the Lenape people’s heritage but also fosters a deeper connection between the university and the Delaware Nation, potentially…
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