Here, we will attempt to address any questions and/or misconception about Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project that have been made themselves known more frequently than others. For any additional questions or curiosity on potential stereotypes and miscellaneous misconceptions, please feel free to contact us via email, or utilize the comment section below (they will be reviewed for appropriateness, but we will remain as transparent as possible.)

“What can we do to get involved and/or help Indigenous People?”

We believe this depends on where you are located.

We encourage people to get to know the land that they live on. The needs of the Lenape People in New Jersey or surrounding areas may not be the same needs as the Lenape that are descendant of those who have forcibly removed from Lenapehoking; nor the same as other communities.

RESEARCH first what Tribal Nations you live closest to, and then attempt to reach out and see what needs they have that you may be able to assist with. Start there; and follow-up

It could be as small as helping to spread awareness of certain fund raising efforts. It could be as large as helping undercover documents to help with government recognition. There are currently 575 Federally Recognized Tribes; this does not take into consideration the number of State Recognized and unrecognized Tribal Nations; there are no shortage of unique needs.

We thank everyone who continues to ask this question!

“What Indigenous/American Indian/Native American Tribes do you represent?”

Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project DOES NOT represent ANY Tribal Nations at an official capacity, and DOES NOT, HAS NOT and WILL NOT, speak on behalf of any Tribal Governing bodies. We are enrolled citizens of Tribal Nations, and have been our entire lives, and can only speak to the parts our families have directly contributed to our local Indigenous communities, and what teachings have been passed down & entrusted with us.

“Is Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project trying to start their own Tribal Nation?“

The short answer:

NO!

All of our efforts are to benefit the Tribal Communities that we were raised in & around. Our parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, and those of our ancestors that came before us have put their entire lives into getting our people where we have gotten today. We DO NOT intend on ignoring the legacy that they’ve left. Despite whatever reasons anyone may think we have to start our own Tribe, we remain committed to the betterment of the Tribal Nation(s) we come from, and individually comply with their respective Tribal By-Laws and Constitutions.

“Can you show us some of your Ceremonies?”

Though there are a number of things that we can share with the general public, we are a protective people. There are times where it can be appropriate to share parts of our culture, primarily through song, dance, and oral histories. However, there are also a bulk of Ceremonial ways passed down to us that aren’t meant to be spoken about outside of Tribal Communities. Though we love to share our culture with our neighbors, there are some things that we’re taught that are just for us; and we intend to respect that teaching.

“Where does the money you raise go?”

Donations and compensation for the various performances, lectures, and workshops that we perform are primarily utilized for the advancement of Indigenous Youth in our area. Whether it be financing workshops (materials, travel, time, etc) by artists within our communities to pass on their knowledge to the youth; or creating the opportunity for an educational or cultural field trip. We encourage you to follow our Social Media accounts to stay up to date on the programs we’re involved in and the opportunities we bring to our people.