What is a Lenapè?

  

Lenapé is the original Native name for what is now commonly known as the Delaware Nation. The Lenapé originally lived in their homeland of Lenapehoking in what is now New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania. By the time of the Revolutionary War, the European settlers had pushed the Lenapé into western Pennsylvania. The Lenapé took part in the Battle of Bushy Run and lived in settlements which include Kittanning, Loyalhanna, and Punxsutawney.

By the eighteen twenties the Lenapé lived in Indiana on the White River. From there they were pushed to Missouri, Kansas, and finally Oklahoma, where the majority of the tribe lives today. There are also settlements in Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.

Along the way, families stayed behind and many Lenapé assimilated into the new American society. Because it was not popular, and sometimes dangerous to be Indian, Native American heritage was seldom spoken about. It was never spoken of outside of the family unit and sometimes not at all. It is only in the past twenty years that many of us have rediscovered our hidden heritage.

Now the Lightening Valley Village is seeking to restore the ways of our ancestors, and share our heritage with others. We welcome you to join us on our journey...

 

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