By: Ty “Dancing Wolf” Ellis, RNJCC Strategic Advisor
Model – Mathyias “Laughing Wolf” Ellis, Grandson of former Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Chief Mark “Quiet Hawk” Gould
Soon, we commemorate Indigenous People’s Day (& the upcoming Native American Heritage Month), previously and adjacently known in parts of the country as “Columbus Day”. The origins of the previously observed holiday was in celebration of the day that Christopher Columbus ‘discovered’ the Americas in the year 1492. Though this monumental moment certainly holds an extremely pivotal moment in the history of the United States of America, the additional/alternative use of Indigenous People’s Day pays homage to the original peoples of these lands; those that came before colonization and inhabited Turtle Island predating documentation.
When talking about Indigenous People of these lands, it is important to remember that there are many distinct nations. There are 574 Federally Recognized tribes, and over 100 State Recognized tribes, and many that have no government recognition at all. There are thousands of dialects and languages, tens of thousands of songs, between all of those communities. We encourage you to learn about the nation in which the land you live on had once been protected by, whether it is here in Lenapehoking (all of New Jersey, parts of New York, Delaware, and Pennsylvania), or elsewhere on the continent. Learn about the local communities and how they differ from all other nations.
As we observe Indigenous People’s Day & Native American Heritage Month, let’s take this opportunity to educate, reflect, and advocate for justice and equality. Below is a list of resources and efforts by local communities for you to be aware of during this time:
- Learn the history of Local Indigenous Communities from resources such as the official websites of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape, Nanticoke, and Ramapo Munsee Lenape Nations.
- Attend local events on Native American Heritage, such as events by Redhawk Council or Newark Museum of Art
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations, such as the Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project, Native American Advancement Corp, and the Cohanzick Nature Reserve.
- Read books by Indigenous authors from authors such as Tyrese Gould-Jacinto (oldest daughter of Chief Mark “Quiet Hawk” Gould), or books by well known authors about our people, such as Amy Hill Hearth’s “Strong Medicine Speaks”.
- Listen to podcasts such as Save Our Ancestors.
- Download a playlist of singers and drummers such as Red Blanket Singers, native to Lenapehoking.
- View virtual documentations such as a snippet interview with former Chief Mark “Quiet Hawk” Gould.
Follow and subscribe to Indigenous Efforts, such as Lenapehoking Reestablishment Social Medias and Newsletters to keep up with current events and efforts!
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