Lenape Nation - A Tribal Community

LENAPE CULTURE

Not so much where we have been, but where we are going.
Not so much what we have seen,but what we have missed.
Not so much what we have said, but what we have left unsaid.
Not so much have we stood against,but what we have stood for.
Not so much might what we are, but what might we be.
Not so much what we have done,but what more can we do.

~Chief Snake~

Who Are the Lenape?

The Lena'pe people are the original inhabitants of Delaware, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Southern New York. For over 10,000 years they have been the caretakers of these lands and of The River of Human Beings, more commonly known as the Delaware River.The Lena'pe were the first tribe to sign a treaty with the United States and the first tribe to have land set aside for them in New Jersey. Over a period of 250 years, many Lena'pe people were removed and dispersed throughout the country. Some took refuge with other tribes. A large number of Lena'pe families remained in the homelands and continue the traditions of their ancestors up to our present day. Today the Lena'pe people from all over Turtle Island are revitalizing their communities.

Many place names in Pennsylvania are derived from the Lena'pe Language, such as Manyunk, Conshohocken, Neshaminy...to mention only a few. In the city of Philadelphia stands a statue of Chief Tamanend, a revered leader among the Lena'pe, who signed many treaties with William Penn. The history of the Lena'pe is truly the history of Pennsylvania.

Lenape Culture Today

Our people today are just like anyone else in today's society. Most have jobs; we have families, and live in a white society. The difference comes when we enter our home, that's when we can be true our selves. We enter our lenapehokong. One must realize that our people have lived underground for a very long time. We still do ceremonies at different homes. When it is time, the word is spread to each household letting them know when and where it will be. Our elders are still afraid of being caught, and the thought of having their possessions taken away still runs deep. It is just in the past few years that the younger generations have been able to talk with them and have them understand that it is good to be Lenape. The fear is slowly leaving but so are the elders. They are passing before they see the good things that are finally coming to pass. Now we are coming out of our shells and lifting our heads.

Education is a prime factor for the Nation. We feel that our youth are the beneficiaries of our goals. In doing so, we are setting up scholarship funds for them. To receive the scholarship, each youth must take an active part in his or her culture. By doing so they are actually being a part of the culture as they grow. It is our goal in all of our endeavors to promote the awareness that the Lenape people living in Pennsylvania are carrying on their traditions, culture and spiritual beliefs, and that they are engaged in numerous projects to provide practical ways for all citizens to respect and protect our homeland and the health, welfare and future of the next seven generations of our children.

LENAPE LANGUAGE CURRICULUM
(note: some of the audio files are large and take a while to load)

Note: This curriculum was updated on September 9 , 2009.
If you had downloaded the lessons before that date, please
replace them with the new edition.

PHONETIC DICTIONARY

Lesson One - Greetings
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Two - Answers to Greetings
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Three - Asking For Things
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Four - Are You Hungry?
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Five - Saying "No"
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Six - What is This and That
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Stories

Lesson Seven - What Color is it?
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Eight Review
Instruction

Lesson Nine - Welcome! What is Your Name?
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Ten - Let's Go!
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story

Lesson Eleven - Rainy Day
Instruction
Audio
Coloring Pages
Story