Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. This is our only support:
Q: What is Lenapehome.org? Are you Lenape?
A: Lenapehome.org is a nonprofit agency committed to a significant initiative termed a “Great Cause”—a 30-Year Project aimed at the restoration of a Lenape Indian community to their ancestral lands within the states of PA, NY, NJ, and DE. Our goal is to resettle at least 200 federally-recognized Lenape individuals initially, with hopes that this will catalyze the return of more Lenape communities. This initiative represents the first recent attempt to return a community of “Eastern Woodlands Indians” to their traditional homeland after centuries of forced removal.
Q: Who are the Lenape?
A: The Lenape, also known as the Delaware Indians, are a Native American tribe that originally inhabited areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and southern New York. They are part of the Eastern Woodland Indians. “Lenape” is their proper name; the name “Delaware” originates from a British title, “De La Warr.” The Lenape have their own perspective on this naming.
Q: How can I learn about Lenape culture and history?
A: For an overview of Lenape culture and history, consider visiting informational websites like Wikipedia on Lenape. For more detailed resources, tribal sites such as Delaware Tribe provide extensive cultural and language information. There are also Lenape and Munsee reservations in both Canada and the United States that offer cultural insights.
Q: Who were the Susquehannocks?
A: The Susquehannocks were a Native American tribe primarily located along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, as well as parts of Maryland and Delaware. They spoke an Iroquoian language and were closely related to the Iroquois Confederacy and Huron. Renowned for their fortified villages and warrior prowess, they actively traded fur and other goods with Europeans. The 17th century brought severe challenges from European diseases like smallpox, leading to a dramatic population decline. The remaining Susquehannocks eventually merged with tribes such as the Iroquois and Lenape. Some of the last members were tragically massacred; even interventions by figures like Benjamin Franklin failed to save them.
Q: What is the meaning of “314 Acres”?
A: The term “314 Acres” refers to a 20th-century legal attempt by Lenape Indians to reclaim a small portion—314 acres—of the approximately 1200 square miles historically taken from them. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful across three levels of American courts. Our current mission includes securing at least this amount of land to establish a new Lenape village. More information is available on our 314 Acres Campaign page.
Q: How did the Walking Purchase “swindle” impact the Lenape?
A: The Walking Purchase of 1737 was a fraudulent land deal between the Penn family of Pennsylvania and the Lenape, where runners covered excessive distances to claim about 1,200 square miles along the Delaware River in just a day and a half. The Lenape, deceived by the prepared path and the runners’ endurance, protested against this unjust acquisition, which significantly contributed to the loss of their land and escalated forced removals from the region.
Q: Were the Lenape the Native American tribe who sold Manhattan to the Dutch?
A: Yes, the Lenape are historically acknowledged for their involvement in the sale of Manhattan to Peter Minuit of the Dutch West India Company in 1626. This transaction, often simplified in historical accounts, involved trading Manhattan for goods valued around 60 guilders, equivalent to a mythic $24. This story oversimplifies the complex dynamics of land ownership and the long-term consequences for the Lenape.
Q: Are there any events that I can attend?
A: We plan to arrange various events and activities in the future, which will be listed on Lenapehome.org. Check our website regularly for updates.
Q: How can I support/get involved with the Bring the Lenape Home project?
A: You can help by spreading the word, getting involved, and donating. Visit the main page of our website for more information and links on how you can contribute to our cause.
Q: Can you present to our school/organization/company?
A: Yes, representatives from LenapeHome.org can visit schools, organizations, or companies within a 125-mile radius for presentations, subject to per-mile and hourly charges. For locations requiring air travel, you will be responsible for the flight costs and our time. We offer discounted presentations near Native Reservations under certain conditions.
Q: How can I get involved with Lenapehome.org?
A: There are numerous opportunities for volunteering, participating in community events, and contributing to ongoing projects. Visit our website to learn more about how you can become involved.
Q: Are there any resources for genealogy research for Lenape or Native American descendants?
A: Genealogy inquiries should be directed to specific tribes, which usually have detailed processes for these types of requests.
Q: Does Lenapehome.org collaborate with other indigenous groups?
A: Early in our 30-year project, we plan to engage in dialogues with existing Lenape tribes in the diaspora willing to collaborate. It’s crucial that the new village retains primary rights to any land, homes, or other opportunities they accrue, safeguarding against exploitation.
Q: Fake Lenape, Susquehannock, other Native American people
A: Be cautious of groups falsely claiming Native American identity. Legitimate tribes are federally recognized in the USA, and in Canada, three indigenous groups are recognized. LenapeHome.org is committed to working authentically with federally recognized tribes and avoiding cultural appropriation.
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