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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