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Delaware Tribe

The Theme of “Blankets & Smallpox” in Canadian History

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If you are not a user of Elon Musk’s X, Jim McMurtry is a good reason to setup a profile. Jim has been producing videos of short lessons in Canadian history (and posting them to his X profile). You can also access his lessons on Substack: Jim McMurtry: A Falsification of History Revealed. Much of it focuses on teaching history through art. There is no better class on Canadian history one can find anywhere else in the country.

Regular readers know Jim McMurtry as the B.C. teacher who was cancelled for telling his students the truth about the prevalence of deaths attributed to tuberculosis, small pox, and other viral diseases, at former Indian Residential Schools. Jim made the mistake of attempting to comfort his hysterical students who were in the process of being traumatized by their school and the other foolish institutions that run society. The school, media and political leaders led students to falsely believe priests tortured and murdered indigenous kids during the Indian Residential School period.

We all know the fake story of the unmarked graves “discovered” in Kamloops that indigenous activists use to demoralize Canadians and extort our tax dollars. But when that cruel manipulation was coldly used against his students, Jim did the right thing by attempting to rationally set the record straight with historical facts.

But rationality and historical facts were not on the menu. Silly Jim, he should have acted hysterical, shed tears, and hung his head in shame. He should have made a solemn yet ahistorical speech to his students about the ongoing harms, leftover from the colonial era, experienced by indigenous…

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Delaware Tribe

Celebrating 400 Years of the Greatest City in the World

The year 2025 marks a historic occasion — our city’s 400th anniversary. It marks four centuries since the first European settlement of Manhattan in 1625, on land then known as Lenapehoking, the homeland of the Lenape people. The tiny Dutch colony began as New Amsterdam and then changed to New York when the English took control and expanded rapidly. A century ago, its boundaries increased beyond the island of Manhattan to encompass the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

To celebrate our city’s 400th anniversary, we are proud to announce the launch of our “Founded By NYC” campaign, which focuses on commemorating and celebrating our city’s 400th birthday and honoring the Indigenous communities that came long before. The campaign highlights contributions from New York City that have shaped our nation and affirmed our country’s place in the world.

Our website, FoundedByNYC.com, features events and activities that showcase our city’s amazing 400-year history. You can also sign up for our newsletter, which will keep you up to date on events in the five boroughs and submit information about your own events that illustrate New York City’s past so that we can showcase it on our calendar.

Even as we look forward and celebrate all our great city has to offer, our administration is deeply committed to acknowledging and engaging with our city’s complex past. That is why we met with Chief Brad KillsCrow of the Delaware Tribe of Indians at Gracie Mansion and have proclaimed November 20 as “Lenape Heritage Day.” The Lenape people are the original inhabitants of this region, we acknowledge the pain they have experienced and the great contributions that have made — and continue to make — to our city.

Like the Lenape, our city’s story has ultimately been one of perseverance and…

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Delaware Tribe

Brandywine Valley Trail Plan Is A Go

The Brandywine Valley Trail Plan at First State National Historical Park can move forward. The plan defines a designated shared-use 27.8-mile trail network that will provide high-quality recreational opportunities, promote visitor safety and enjoyment and preserve connectivity with leased property within the Brandywine Valley section of the park and neighboring properties. 
 
Today, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the plan. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the EA considers alternatives, including a no-action alternative, as well as environmental impacts. The EA was presented to the public during three public meetings and was available for public comment from July 2, 2024 to August 1, 2024. After consultation with the Delaware Tribe of Indians, Delaware Nation, the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office and local government and considering public comments, the NPS selected the proposed action alternative.

The selected action will: 

  • Designate a 27.8 mile shared-use trail network, which includes the administrative roads. All trails will be open to hiking, equestrian use and bicycling (including Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes). The trail network incorporates 15 miles of existing trails and will add 8.5 miles of new trails (to be constructed). The NPS will close and restore to natural condition a total of 8.1 miles of trails. In addition, 4.3 miles of administrative roads will be open to public recreational use. 
  • Reduce impacts on soil erosion and water resources by closing or rerouting trails with excessive slopes and reducing water crossings.   
  • Take roughly 5-years to implement. Progress can be found on the park’s website. 

The FONSI, EA and related documents are available on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website. The FONSI establishes…

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Delaware Tribe

First State National Historical Park Finalizes the Brandywine Valley Trail Plan

A administrative road leads downhill surrounded by vibrant colored fall leaves. News Release Date: December 9, 2024

Contact: Joshua Boles

Contact: Samantha Baranski

WILMINGTON, Del. – The Brandywine Valley Trail Plan at First State National Historical Park can move forward. The plan defines a designated shared-use 27.8-mile trail network that will provide high-quality recreational opportunities, promote visitor safety and enjoyment and preserve connectivity with leased property within the Brandywine Valley section of the park and neighboring properties. 
 
Today, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the plan. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the EA considers alternatives, including a no-action alternative, as well as environmental impacts. The EA was presented to the public during three public meetings and was available for public comment from July 2, 2024 to August 1, 2024. After consultation with the Delaware Tribe of Indians, Delaware Nation, the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office and local government and considering public comments, the NPS selected the proposed action alternative.

The selected action will: 

  • Designate a 27.8 mile shared-use trail network, which includes the administrative roads. All trails will be open to hiking, equestrian use and bicycling (including Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes). The trail network incorporates 15 miles of existing trails and will add 8.5 miles of new trails (to be constructed). The NPS will close and restore to natural condition a total of 8.1 miles of trails. In addition, 4.3 miles of administrative roads will be open to public recreational use. 
  • Reduce impacts on soil erosion and water resources by closing or rerouting trails with excessive slopes and reducing water crossings.   
  • Take roughly…

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Delaware Tribe

Hidden Delaware Indian camps in Oklahoma: My journey through 3,000 years of history

In the rugged landscapes of northeastern Oklahoma, where rolling hills meet pristine lakes, lies a hidden treasure trove of ancient history. The Cherokee Hills, once home to the Delaware Indian camps, whisper tales of resilience, migration, and cultural richness that span centuries. As you stand atop these verdant mounds, you can almost hear the echoes of Delaware voices carried on the wind, telling stories of their epic journey from the eastern seaboard to this lush Oklahoma haven.

The Great Migration: From East Coast to Heartland

The Delaware Tribe’s odyssey began long before Oklahoma was even a whisper on the lips of settlers. Originating from the Unami- and Munsee-speaking peoples of the Delaware and Hudson River valleys, these resilient Native Americans embarked on a series of migrations that would ultimately lead them to the Cherokee Hills.

By 1831, the Delaware had made a significant move from the White River area to the junction of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. However, their journey was far from over. As one tribal elder recounts:

“Our ancestors carried the spirit of our people across rivers and mountains, always moving, always adapting, but never forgetting who we were.”

The Treaty of 1866: A New Chapter in Delaware History

The year 1866 marked a pivotal moment for the Delaware Tribe. Signing the Treaty with the Delaware, they agreed to relocate from their Kansas reservation to Indian Territory, now known as northeastern Oklahoma. This wasn’t just a simple move; it was a calculated decision that would shape their future for generations to come.

The Delaware chose a 10-by-30-mile tract of land along the upper Caney River valley, purchasing it from the Cherokee Nation for a staggering $438,000. This investment in their future speaks volumes about the tribe’s foresight and determination to secure a place they could truly call…

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Delaware Tribe

Making History Come Alive Newsletter is offering its new series on the American Revolution, we start with the Lenape Native Americans

The Lenape, also known as the Delaware Indians, are a Native American tribe that historically inhabited the Mid-Atlantic region of what is now the United States. Here is an overview of the history of the Lenape people:

1. Early History: The Lenape are believed to have lived in the region of present-day New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware for thousands of years. They were part of the larger Algonquian-speaking group of Native American tribes and were known for their agricultural practices, hunting, and fishing.

2. Contact with Europeans: The Lenape first encountered European explorers and settlers in the early 17th century when Dutch and Swedish colonists established trading posts in their territory. The Lenape initially maintained friendly relations with the Europeans, trading furs and other goods with them.

3. Displacement and Dispossession: As European settlement expanded in the region, the Lenape were gradually pushed off their traditional lands. The signing of various treaties and agreements with the colonists often resulted in the loss of Lenape territory and resources. The Walking Purchase of 1737, in which the Lenape were deceived into ceding a large tract of land, is a notable example of the injustices faced by the tribe.

4. Removal and Reservations: In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Lenape were forcibly removed from their homelands and relocated to reservations in the Midwest, particularly in present-day Oklahoma and Kansas. These forced relocations disrupted traditional Lenape ways of life and caused the tribe to be scattered across different regions.

5. Contemporary Lenape Communities: Today, the Lenape people are organized into several federally recognized tribes, including the Delaware Tribe of Indians, the Delaware Nation, and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. Many Lenape individuals and communities continue to preserve and celebrate their cultural traditions, languages, and heritage.

6. Cultural Revitalization: In recent years, there has been a revitalization of Lenape culture and…

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Delaware Tribe

American Heritage Credit Union invites community to 17th Grand Illumination

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Delaware Tribe

William Conner and Delaware Tribe talk featured at Clarksville Library

CLARKSVILLE – Some might be familiar with Delaware’s history of being the first state, as well as the Delaware Native American Tribe who originated from that area. However, there is a lot of history regarding the Delaware Valley pertaining to the Westward Expansion, some relevant to Indiana.

Saturday afternoon at the Clarksville Library, guest speaker, Rachel Wheeler, presented a program called Pioneers on the Waapikaminki. The name Waapikaminki translates to “white river” or “white water.” The guest speaker’s presentation was accompanied by a slideshow. Wheeler is a historian and chair of religious studies at Indiana University Indianapolis.

After she was introduced, Wheeler dove right into her presentation. She began by talking about the removal of Native American tribes and statesmen William Conner, who is considered Indiana’s first pioneer.

“The original design of Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana did not really depict the lives of Native Americans. They mentioned Conner had a Native wife, but that’s about as far as they go,” Wheeler said. However, Conner Prairie plans on incorporating more about Native American history for its guests who want to learn more.

“Conner’s life might be more complicated than one might think,” the presenter continued as she talked about the settler’s family history. “All that information raises a lot of questions about how these two colonies of the Delaware Tribe and the Conner family came together.”

Wheeler then showed a slide of Conner’s family tree.

Throughout much of the program, the presenter talked about racial relations between Native Americans and Caucasians, which caused much conflict and intercontinental movement.

Next, Wheeler talked about William Penn and how the state of Pennsylvania acquired Native lands before travelers and tribes expanded westward to Ohio and then Indiana.

“In the 1770s, the Conners were settled in Ohio having come from Pennsylvania,” Wheeler said.

After she talked more about the history of…

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Delaware Tribe

American Heritage Credit Union invites community to 17th annual free Grand Illumination display & events

American Heritage Credit Union invites community to 17th annual free Grand Illumination display & events

Event Features More than 400,000 Lights and Two 40-foot Trees; Kids-N-Hope Foundation Donations, and Free Holiday Music

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 4, 2024) — Nothing shines like American Heritage Credit Union  (American Heritage) throughout the holiday season. American Heritage invites the community to visit its main campus at 2060 Red Lion Road in Northeast Philadelphia to enjoy more than 400,000 lights and  holiday displays.

Each year, the American Heritage campus buildings and trees are illuminated, and multiple light  displays are featured throughout the campus grounds. Community members are welcome to stroll the  campus, take photos, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The Grand Illumination  celebration kicks off with a special event on the evening of Saturday, November 30 at 7:00 PM.  

Grand Illumination Kick-Off Event 

The free 17th annual Grand Illumination event supports the Kids-N-Hope Foundation and will be held  on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Attendees can enjoy the sounds of the holiday season  with a concert featuring the Philadelphia Boys Choir, with the evening capping off with a firework  symphony immediately following the illumination.

We’re also excited to have The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the Delaware  Tribe of Indians join us for Grand Illumination this year. Comprised of 69 members, The Corps brings  together 10-hole fifes, handmade rope-tensioned drums, and two-valve bugles. As an official  representative of the U.S. Army, the Corps averages over 500 performances annually. The Corps has  entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants and historical celebrations throughout the  United States, and has served America as a goodwill ambassador as far away as Europe, Australia, and  Canada. In support of the President of the United States, the Corps…

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Delaware Tribe

Native American Heritage Month events to be held at Penn State’s campuses

Penn State World Campus – online events

Q&A Panel: “The Speakers of Singing Winds” — Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7–8 p.m. ET, online. Hosted by Penn State World Campus Student Affairs. The panel will feature speakers Michael Simms and Kristen Spangler who will share their experiences related to their Native American identities and take questions from the audience. Register here to attend the Q&A panel.

Storytelling experience: “Traditional Northeastern Woodlands Native American Storytelling” — Thursday, Nov. 21, 8–9:30 p.m. ET, online. Hosted by Penn State World Campus Student Affairs. Anne Jennison will lead this storytelling session about the Wabanaki Tribes. Prepare for an interactive storytelling experience filled with humor, drama and moments of wonder. Register here to attend the Storytelling Experience.

Penn State University Park

6th Annual Centre Film FestivalNov. 11–17, the State Theatre in State College and the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg. The six-year-old 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. 11-17 and features documentary, narrative and experimental films, as well as shorts and feature-length options; included is an Indigenous Peoples Heritage track, among many other themes.

Rock Your Mocs! Moccasin Making Workshop — Sunday, Nov. 10, noon–6 p.m., HUB-131. Registered students will craft their own moccasins with artists Samantha and Mary Jacobs from the Seneca Nation.

Chef Tawnya Brant at the Penn State Forum Speaker Series — Monday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. Chef Brant is a Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) woman and a “Top Chef Canada” competitor who will share her work within the Indigenous food sovereignty movement. Visit the registration page to purchase tickets for Brant’s Penn State Forum Speaker Series talk.

Talk: Tawnya Brant, Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) chef — Tuesday, Nov….

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