Lenape Nation News

Lenape Applaud State Board on Black Creek Decision

Trenton, New Jersey - The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians of New Jersey today applauded the New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites on its decision to recommend preservation of the Black Creek Site in Vernon Township. The recommendation will now be prepared for listing on the state Register of Historic Places and for mailing to Washington, D.C., for possible listing on the National Register.

"The Board's decision is a tremendous victory for not only the Lenape people, but for all the citizens of Vernon and New Jersey," said Mark Gould, chief of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape. "Black Creek holds great meaning for our people and can reveal much to the citizens of Vernon and visitors about those who lived there before them."

Native Americans lived, worked and worshipped on the Black Creek Site for approximately 10,000 years. Over 6,000 artifacts have been found just on the surface of the ground , including a burial effigy that suggests the land may have also been used as a burial ground. An excavation by the state on another section of the site revealed 10,000 artifacts, including pottery and remains of food sources. Six leading archeologists volunteered their time to confirm that the Black Creek Site was historically significant and should be preserved.

"The Lenape and community supporters of Black Creek have waited a long time for the Board's decision and it was well worth it," said Rick Patterson, the archaeologist whose work formed the initial basis for the nomination. "So few important Native Sites in New Jersey have been saved. Black Creek is vital to the future generations who will search for its stories."

"This decision allows the community to move forward with building recreational fields for the citizens of Vernon, a move we continue to support, while preserving this land," said Urie Ridgeway, a member of the Tribal Council. "We applaud the board on doing its part to help the past and present co-exist."