The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians of New Jersey elected its first Tribal Council in 1978, becoming the largest active Tribe of Indians in the State of New Jersey. The Tribe has a membership of over fifteen hundred (1500) families with many more unaccounted for. The majority of these families are involved in public awareness of their cultural background, that has been passed down through the years.
The origin of the Nanticoke People began along the Nanticoke River in Southeastern Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Migration began in the early 1600's from Eastern Shore Maryland through Southeastern Delaware, along the shores of New Jersey and as far North to Canada and Westward into Oklahoma. As a result of this migration, the Nanticoke People united with the Lenni-Lenape Indians already living in New Jersey.
According to the Wallum Ollum, which is the religious history of the Lenni-Lenape Indians, we learn that the Lenni-Lenape People migrated to New Jersey from the "North Country" crossing the Mississippi River. Unfortunately we cannot pinpoint the exact time the Lenni-Lenape Indians settled here, since man has lived in New Jersey for at least ten thousand (10,000) years.
The Lenni-Lenape Indians are known by the Algonkin Tribes as the "Original People", "Grandfather", or "Men of Men", while the Nanticoke Indians are known as the "Tidewater People". The descendants of these two Tribes are still in existence today and living in New Jersey, Delaware and through-out the United States.
The Native Americans along with other minority groups have been needing representation and equal rights in this land for many decades. It was not until 1924 that Congress recognized Native American people as citizens. Also on August 13, 1978 Congress signed into law the "American Indian Religious Freedom Act", this law gave the Native Americans the right to practice their religious beliefs.
Now along with other Native Americans we have begun the fight to preserve our culture. We are actively involved in the teaching of dancing, drumming, and Indian crafts to both young and old.
The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians host an annual Pow-Wow the second weekend in June. The Pow-Wow is open to the public. The Pow-Wow presents an opportunity for the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians and other neighboring Indian Tribes to display, practice, and share their skills acquired through their rich heritage.
The headquarters of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians of New Jersey, Inc. is presently located at 18 East Commerce Street, Bridgeton, New Jersey. The office administers to the needs of Native Americans through housing, jobs, food, clothing, and education. We also maintain a history and a genealogy library of our Tribe. Stop in and visit with us and browse through our gift shop, featuring hand-crafted items done by many of our local Indian People. Beads and other Native American Craft supplies may also be purchased in our shop.
Click here to see photos of the 1998 Gathering of the Delaware
Nation Moraviantown Ontario, Canada
