Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe of New Jersey
PO
Box 544 * 18 East Commerce Street * Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Phone:
856-455-6910 Fax:
856-455-5338
www.nanticoke-lenape.org
The
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe
IS
NOT Affiliated With
The
“Unalachtigo Band of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Nation”
The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe is a state recognized American Indian Tribe, which promotes cultural awareness, community advancement and tribalism among its citizens. Our tribal tradition and law forbids our participation in Indian Casino Gaming Activities. Yet, we have been unjustly associated with the efforts of another American Indian group from our area, the so-called “Unalachtigo Band of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Nation,” headed by Mr. James Brent Thomas. The Unalachtigo Band has ongoing legal efforts against the State of New Jersey with an aim to acquire former tribal lands in central and northern New Jersey for the expressed purpose of establishing Indian Casinos. This notice is to inform you that Mr. Thomas and the Unalachtigo Band ARE NOT AFFILIATED with the state recognized Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe. Our tribe has had legal battles with the Unalachtigo Band because of our opposition to their land claim and their goal of establishing Indian Casino Gaming in New Jersey.
James Brent Thomas claims to be a chief, yet he is not now, nor has he ever been, an official of – nor even enrolled in - the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indian Tribe, which is a well documented historic tribe recognized by the State of New Jersey and represented on the Commission on American Indian Affairs, as per state statute. By applying nomenclature that implies an official connection with the historic Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribal government, the band’s name suggests a relationship that is non-existent, benefiting from the implication while still rejecting the duly elected leadership and official policies of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape. Mr. Thomas’ activities have hurt our tribe in the past due to widespread confusion between his organization and our Tribe. His previous attempt at a land claim resulted in our relationship with the state government being strained to the point that we are now seeking a statutory reaffirmation of our previous recognition in order to ensure clarity regarding our tribal rights and privileges.
Our Tribal leaders are often put on the defensive over confusion between Mr. Thomas’ activities and our Tribal identity. In January 2006, Representatives from our tribal leadership were asked to testify before the New Jersey State Commission on American Indian Affairs regarding Mr. Thomas and his Band, as the impact of the land claim is negatively affecting the other state recognized tribes. We have had to differentiate ourselves from Mr. Thomas’ “Band” when meeting with government officials, the press, historical societies and even when communicating with other American Indian Tribes.
Feel free to contact our tribal office at 856-455-6910 for more information about our Tribe or further clarification on any of these matters. We would be happy to provide further information into the history of our people or our perspective regarding the situation with Mr. Thomas and the Unalachtigo Band.