My tribe, the Delaware Tribe of Indians, known as the main body of Lenape, arrived in Indian Territory in 1867. Our community then consisted of 900 survivors, comprised of 25 families. The three federally recognized Lenape Nations within the United States borders — Delaware Tribe of Indians, Delaware Nation, and Stockbridge Munsee Community — were all forced out of our ancestral lands in a series of relocations.
For us, colonization has yet to end and cannot be assigned to the past but is active today. The fact of our survival is a true testament to the resilience and strength of our people. Though it begins on the shores of this city, the true Lenape story has never been told. There is truly no better occasion to tell the story of the Lenape people than the 400th anniversary of our home, the place we now call New York City.
There is an obvious tension between celebrating the city’s birthday and recognizing the painful and violent genocide that paved way for the city’s formation.
We have heard much from the Dutch and their commemoration of the 400-year history in New York, and the city itself is preparing to launch a similar initiative to celebrate its anniversary. What differs significantly in the approach by the government of the Netherlands and the City of New York is that the Dutch have planned their many activities without any consultation with the Lenape, while the mayor’s office has sought consultation with the federally recognized Lenape Nations.
Recently, a historic meeting occurred between Chief Brad KillsCrow, Delaware Tribe of Indians, and Mayor Adams at Gracie Mansion, opening doors of diplomacy that have been closed for 400 years.
As a lead up to the anniversary year, the mayor’s office proclaimed Nov. 20 to be Lenape Heritage Day. Additionally, the mayor’s office has worked closely with the Lenape Center to produce a video commemorating the city’s 400th anniversary and honoring the Lenape people who have been here for thousands of years.
This is in stark contrast to a meeting facilitated by Lenape Center with the leadership of three federally recognized Lenape Nations and the Consulate General of the Netherlands. While the Consulate General of the Netherlands’ dismissed our concerns, the City of New York has taken strides towards true partnership. Under the current administration, New York City has made more progress than most — and there is still more to be done.
The 400th anniversary of the city presents a unique opportunity to honor the victims, families, communities, and entire societies, who were destroyed and displaced. In addition to the plans underway, we encourage the City of New York and the Dutch to honor the Lenape’s right to reparations through restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, truth-telling, and guarantees of non-reparation. Such action has proven to have many powerful and positive impacts on the daily lives of victims, families, communities, and entire societies.
We want our public school children to learn about the treaties between the United States and the sovereign Lenape Nation, complex acts of statesmanship conducted by the Lenape in a language not of their own, requiring a mastery of the English language and a level of sophistication seldom seen in any depiction of Native Americans. This history matters and can never be forgotten.
Let us all celebrate the unique and beautiful Lenape contributions to American society and provide measures of restorative justice for our people. In this year where so much attention will be given to history, we have the opportunity — together — to gain a better understanding of the Lenape as a collective of sovereign nations who can engage and contribute to the economic engine and cultural tapestry that is New York.
We are excited to continue working with the City of New York to embrace the city’s true history and showcase the remarkable contributions of the Lenape not only in building this country but also this city. It’s time for the City of New York to provide a place for the return of its true Indigenous people, the Lenape, and to celebrate the 400 years of Lenape statesmanship and diplomacy.
New York City belongs forever to the Lenape. We are encouraged by the City of New York’s commitment to honoring the painful components of this city’s past, in addition to its joys. As we prepare to commemorate New York’s 400th anniversary, we welcome all New Yorkers to join us in defining the future of this city by remembering its original people and awakening to the idea that the Lenape are the voices of this place.
Baker is the co-founder and executive director of Lenape Center.
