NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE VOL #52 JUNE 2011
Turkey Times
He’ All My Relations, at Delaware State University (DSU) in honor of The Confederation of Sovereign Nentego-Lenape DSU’s commitment to providing educational Tribes is a clear indication the Indigenous Peoples of the opportunities for our citizens during a time of Delaware Bay region speak with one voice. I am now educational prohibition for Indian people. On May happy to announce the Nanticoke Indian Tribe of Sussex 1st we celebrated the Lenape culture as guest of the County, Delaware has officially joined the Confederation. Camden Historical Society during their ‘Spring Confederation member Tribes are the Lenape Indian Festivities’. Tribe of Delaware, the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian We have many challenges during this difficult Tribe of New Jersey and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. economic period. The chore of Tribal leaders is to This is a historic time for all three Tribal communities and I transform these challenges into opportunities, to commend the efforts of the Tribal leadership and their review the ways in which we do things and to look supporters who embrace the mission of the Confederation. for additional resources that will allow our Tribal Let us celebrate the renewed strength of the ‘Circle of Our government to continue to offer services and Communities’. programs. Your support during these critical times is As we move from the ‘Season of the New Beginnings’ welcomed and very encouraging. Becoming an to the’ Season of Growth and Nurturing’ (Summer Soltice), enrolled citizen is the first step. Our Citizenship we remember our Mothers and Grand-Mothers for it is they Committee is committed to assisting all Elders who who have guided our actions. They who have cared and wish to apply for citizenship status. Becoming a part sacrificed. We honor the maternal qualities during this of history is as simple as enrolling as a Tribal Citizen. Season. If you have any questions about this process, please In April we celebrated with our Swedish friends at Fort do not hesitate to contact me at 302-730-4601. Christina in preparation for the 2013 commemoration of the 375 year anniversary of the friendship between the Swedish Wani’shi ta, th colonists and the Lenape. On April 28 the Lenape Indian Chief Dennis J. Coker Tribe of Delaware celebrated the ‘We Are Still Here’ theme ***
Breaking News!!!
Dover, DE --- Members of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Kent County Delaware and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe in Sussex County joined together at Legislative Hall in Dover on June 29, 2011 when the State of Delaware’s 146th House of Representatives and Senate passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 25 Recognizing November 2011 as Native American Heritage Month in Delaware. Chief Dennis J Coker of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Kent County and Chief Tom Robbins of the Nanticoke Indians of Sussex County were pleased to speak on behalf of the historical and present day ancestors of Lenape and Nanticoke Indians still Chief Coker Addressing the House of Representatives surviving in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware.
P.O. Box 79 Cheswold, Delaware 19936 302.730.4601 LenapeIndianTribeOfDelaware.com
1
NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE VOL #52 JUNE 2011
Citizenship Committee Ways and Means Committee Commentary: ‘The End of the Story’ Carla Coker, Chairperson Theo Braunskill, Chairperson THANK YOU goes to all the contributors and I sit here today at the New Jersey Pow Wow watching participants in our Annual yard sale. It was a great and the Elders dance and seeing in their faces the seriousness successful day. We had a variety of household and sports of what this event represents. I can see how proud they are items to offer as well as a plant sale. The profits of the to be a part of this family. I am watching the children and plant sale went to the funding of our Youth Summer how happy and innocent they are. Neither the Elders nor Camp. the children have any idea that their family security is in After having every intention to hold a Basket Bingo jeopardy because so many of our relatives have refused to the beginning of June, we just did not get the support we secure their future. needed for a summer event. We will try again in the Fall. You were born Lenape, a gift from your forefathers. Flyers will be sent out in time to reserve tickets for the You also were provided the right to be a Lenape Citizen of bingo. In the mean time, we are going to participate in your Tribe. By not being a citizen of your Tribe, your the Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company’s Quarter family name and your future family are not being Auction to be held on Friday, July 15th. The doors will represented. If your family is not represented, you are open at 6:00 p.m. with the Auction starting at 7:00 p.m. risking the chance of your family being on the “Ended We will be auctioning some of the baskets from our List.” cancelled bingo and also selling Longaberger products What could be gone in a few years? Looking at the at our table. Mention that you are a guest of either children, very few understand the culture, the Indian way. Minnie or Carla when you purchase your paddle for the Are even fewer proud of their heritage at all? The Elders Auction and we will get the money from the sell of those are going to pass away and there will be just a few paddles. Any money we make at the Auction will go qualified to step up to the plate to keep the legacy and the toward the support of our Tribal events. Please plan to culture going forth. Don’t join the “Ended List”. attend. We need the support of our citizens if we are We, each of us, are responsible for preserving the going to be successful. future and the families and the culture of the Lenape Tribe. Our Highway Clean-Up was done and Mother Earth A call to action; do something; become a Lenape gave us a beautiful day to do the job. Thanks again to Citizen. To help you fill out your application, please call those who participated! the office at 302-730-4601. We also do house visits. Basket raffle tickets will be on sale in the near future. The drawing will be held at the Fall Gathering. The Ways and Means committee is forever looking “There are no breakthroughs without for fundraising ideas, so if you have ideas that you can hard work and sacrifice. Discoveries share, please give us a call. come only from the edge”. We depend on all of our citizens to attend the Leandis, Mexico meetings; join in our activities and our Gathering; giving your children the experiences of our youth programs and hopefully reinstating our Senior luncheons and lastly Tribal Community Services supporting our fundraising events.
Senior Medicare Patrol: Let us help you better understand and assist with any problems you may have with Medicare and Medicaid. We have resource information for our Elders to try and make life a little bit easier. For caregivers, please be reminded our services can help with questions you might have. Give us a call, we’ll be happy to help. Senior Legal Aid: Help on the way with Senior Legal Assistance. Wills; powers-of-attorney (limited or durable); advance health-care directives; guardianship; housing issues; protection from abuse and other family law matters. Please contact Dennis Coker at 302-730-4601 regarding these programs.
2
NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE VOL #52 JUNE 2011
Text of the Concurrent Resolution Passed by the House and Senate on June 29, 2011
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 146 TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25
RECOGNIZING NOVEMBER 2011 AS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN DELAWARE
Sponsors: Rep. Dan Short, Rep. Lincoln Willis , Rep. William Carson, Rep. John Atkins, Sen. George Bunting and Sen. Tom Lawson
WHEREAS, the state of Delaware joins with the nation in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans; and, WHEREAS, the 2010 United States Census demographic profile states that 4,500 American I ndian or Alaska Natives reside in the state of Delaware; and, WHEREAS, Delaware is the ancient home to the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, headquartered in Kent County, and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe, headquartered in Sussex County; and, WHEREAS, both of these interrelated, historically well documented, self -governing Tribal communities of Lenape and Nanticoke people have continued in their homeland from ancient times to the present; and, WHEREAS, both the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe have been historically acknowledged as indigenous tribes in state laws, in the actions of the state legislature and state agencies, and were clearly defined with State Designated Tribal Areas in the 2010 United States Census; and, WHEREAS, t he Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe continue to preserve and promote their culture and carry on the rich traditions of their heritage as an ever present living legacy in our region; NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 146 th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that we honor and celebrate the heritage of all Native Americans residing in the State. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives and Senate recognize and affirm the immeasurable contributions to the State and the country from Delaware’s two historically acknowledged tribes of Native Americans: the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED tha t members of the House of Representatives and Senate hereby designate November 2011 as Native American Heritage Month in Delaware. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitably prepared copy of this resolution be sent to the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware (4164 N. DuPont Highway, Suite 6, Dover, DE, 19901) and the Nanticoke Indian Tribe (27073 John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, DE, 19966)
SYNOPSIS This resolution recognizes November 2011 as Native American Month in Delaw are
3
NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE VOL #52 JUNE 2011
IMPORTANT!!! Newsletter Subscription Because of declining funding, we are sorry to
Are you interested in a subscription to our newsletter? announce future publications of our newsletter will Please send the form below to Lenape Indian Tribe of only be mailed to those who have paid for a Delaware c/o Minnie Bowen, 4164 N. DuPont Hwy, Suite 6, subscription. Electronic copies will be made available Dover, DE 19901-1573. The suggested donation is $5.00 per to those who provide an email address or the year (4 issues). Also contact Minnie regarding costs for a newsletter can be viewed on the Tribal website at business card ad or business ad. Your contributions are www.LenapeIndianTribeOfDelaware.com. needed to continue publishing the newsletter. Wani’shi
SUBSCRIPTION TO THE Beading … It’s Magic TURKEY TIMES NEWSLETTER By Theo Braunskill “There is magic in beading. I have no doubt. Name: When I pick up the needle then touch the tiny, colored bead, the magic begins. It starts at the beginning. It Address: starts at the round, perfect bead. From there, the magic seems to travel through the needle, then through the thread and into the point of my thumb and forefinger. If you ever beaded you know this. Beading is like a Phone: magic dance of bead, fingers, arm and shoulder.” Barbara Mora Please send a $5.00 donation If you have the special talent of knowing how to along with this form to: bead and have the same feelings that Barbara Mora Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware Newsletter experiences, please, please share this with our Lenape c/o Minnie Bowen youth. We need you to come to our summer camp in PO Box 79 August and spend one afternoon, just a few hours, Cheswold DE 19936 teaching our children beading. Call the Tribal Center today (302-730-4601) to offer your service.
LETTER FROM A TRIBAL CITIZEN
Dear Chief Denny, I moved to Dover, Delaware 10 months ago and I am very proud to be back attending our monthly meetings at the Lenape Center. Due to illness, I was unable to attend meetings because of living in Bristol, PA (over 110 miles from here). Since surgery I am feeling better and now I live only 7 miles away and I’m so very glad to be back with my tribal family. It is very important for all of us to know our culture and attend the monthly meetings and activities that our Tribe gives. I am a senior member and plan to attend every meeting. I became a member when we first started our group when Chief Lonnie Coker was here. I have seen how much we have grown in the past years. I am so proud of all you have done and all the accomplishments you have attained. So many of our people live right here in the Cheswold and Dover areas and do not take the time to come to our informative meetings. You have taught our children so much about our Native American history here in Delaware and all over the country. I do not understand why people do not take the time to learn about our people. I thank you and all the Tribal Council, all the members and Dr. Cara Blume for all you have done to teach us about the Lenape people. I am proud and I am happy to be back with all of my family here in Delaware
God Bless You Rev. Julia Cuyjet Davis (Heavenly Angel)
4
NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE VOL #52 JUNE 2011
SHARING OF RECIPE
This season's recipe might be Peach Crumble or Cobbler with Raspberries or mulberries Here is one very close to the way my grandmother made it:
Peach Raspberry Crumble
Ingredients
1 pint fresh raspberries 3 fresh peaches, pitted and chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice Workforce Investment Act 1 pinch cinnamon 1 cup rolled oats Work Force Investment Act (WIA) continues to offer a 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup brown sugar temporary light clerical work experience training 1/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract position and a temporary maintenance work experience 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup white sugar training position, the goal being to obtain a job at the 1 teaspoon salt 1 pinch cinnamon end of the training for Delaware Tribal Citizens. WIA will pay these people minimum wage as they train for a Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease six week period. This is an ongoing program. WIA also 6 small ramekins. In a bowl, mix the raspberries, offers tuition assistance to high school graduates and peaches, lemon juice, 1/3 cup white sugar, and 1 pinch college graduates who meet the criteria. WIA will cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, butter, also assist the unemployed and underemployed with brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 training. For more information, call Marilyn at the pinch cinnamon. Fill the prepared ramekins with equal Nanticoke Indian Tribal Center at 302-945-3400. For amounts of the raspberry and peach mixture, and top additional assistance contact Dennis Coker at 302-730- with equal amounts of the oats mixture. Arrange the 4601. ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until crisp and golden brown. Cool 10 Youth Committee minutes before serving. Yvonne Gourley, Chairperson Submitted by Ruthann Purchase Summer Youth Camp Calendar of Events The Youth group is getting revved-up for our 3rd July 15, 2011 – Quarter Auction, Cheswold Volunteer Fire Annual 2011 Summer Youth Camp –August 8 through th Department, Cheswold DE 12 . This year we will spend a week at the Mallard Lodge, 5 days and 4 nights. This Camp offers more fun than August 8-12, 2011 – 3rd Annual Lenape Youth Summer ever: a full week of educational and cultural fun. We are Camp. More details to come. expecting a great turn out. Don’t delay. Send in your children’s application(s). Oh! Did I mention that it is September 10-11, 2011- Nanticoke Pow-Wow held FREE? That’s right; I said ‘FREE.’ The only stipulation near Oak Orchard is that your child needs to be a Tribal Citizen. Need help filling out your application, contact the Center and someone can help with your questions. October 8, 2011- Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware’s Fall Gathering; Basket Raffle drawing on this day; location to be determined
What an Amazing Journey! Sponsored by the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, photo at right is the Lenape Youth Group visiting the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
5
Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware NON-PROFIT ORG P.O. Box 79 U.S POSTAGE PAID DOVER, DE Cheswold, DE 19936 PERMIT NO.137
Prayer Request Please keep the following people in your prayers, as they need our support more now than ever. If it comes from the heart it goes a long way.
Eleanor Carney Paul Greenage Verna Durham Thelma Durham Jude Jackson Gladys Morris Monica Mosley Glenn Sammons Jake Sammons, Jr. Lisa Hurd Greensbury Ridgeway Libby Hurd Walter Coker, Sr. Sonny Carney Dot Mosley Mary Etta Carter Mary Hughes Dot Morgan Harry Morgan, Jr Leona Jackson Floyd Ridgway Alfred Sammons Loretta Gourley Larry Mosley Frankie Jackson
CITIZENSHIP MEETINGS
Everyone is encouraged to attend our monthly Citizenship meetings!! If you want to voice your opinion on various issues regarding our Community, this is the place to do it. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month starting at 7:00 PM at the Tribal Center located at 4164 N. DuPont Hwy, Suite 6, Dover, DE 19901-1573.
6