Lawrentians Celebrate Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation Heritage

On November 11, in honor of Indigenous Heritage Month, Lawrentians welcomed Ty "Dancing Wolf" Ellis and Lia “Watching Sparrow” Gould, citizens of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, to campus. The duo held an interactive workshop, guiding participants in making traditional bone jewelry. They also spoke about the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape today and how they've overcome adversity to freely practice their culture as a community.

“We’re the only nationality that has to prove who we are – and that we are still here,” said Gould. “I really enjoy coming out and educating the non-indigenous community about our history and culture.”

Ellis and Gould showed Lawrentians examples of actual Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation bracelets, necklaces, and a chest shield, explaining that the items were used to protect the wearer in combat. Now, they are admired for their beauty. Students were given replica bone beads and stringing materials to create their own necklaces or bracelets. “Bone work was for our protection, it was our armor,” Gould explained. “Protecting protect the chest or throat also indicates taking your voice back, that you have a voice and you should be voicing who you are.”

According to Nuri Friedlander, director of equity and inclusion in the School’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, Lawrenceville celebrates and honors the histories, culture, and contributions of Indigenous Americans, whose ancestors inhabited the North American continent prior to western colonization. “While contributions of Indigenous Americans should be recognized year-round, the month of November provides a platform for Indigenous communities to share their vibrant culture and traditions with others,” he said. “It is also an opportunity to learn more about the history and rights of Indigenous Americans so Lawrentians may broaden our awareness, commemorate their legacy, and promote advocacy work within our community.”

Dating back as far as 10,000 years ago, the Lenni-Lenape were the original inhabitants of the land that is now New Jersey, Delaware, southern New York, and eastern Pennsylvania. History indicates that the Lenape may have been the first indigenous group on the east coast. When European settlers began arriving in the area, the Lenape were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands and their culture and way of life were drastically changed. Today, members of Lenape Tribal Nations reside throughout the state of New Jersey. The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, headquartered in Bridgeton, N.J., is the largest tribe in New Jersey.

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.