Lenape

The Lenape People

The Lenape, also called the Lenni Lenape or Delaware people, are an Indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands. They have a long history in parts of Delaware, all of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, New York Bay, western Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley in New York state.

Their name "Lenni Lenape" means "genuine" or "real people." Long ago, many Lenape had to leave their homes because of new settlers and big changes. Some moved north and west, and today, Lenape communities live in places like Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Canada.

There are several recognized Lenape tribes today, including the Delaware Nation and Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, and the Stockbridge–Munsee Community in Wisconsin. In Canada, Lenape communities include the Munsee-Delaware Nation, Moravian of the Thames First Nation, and the Delaware First Nation of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario.

The Lenape lived in villages near rivers and took care of the land. They grew crops like corn and beans and hunted animals like deer. They made clothes from natural materials and enjoyed games and dances. Their stories and traditions are still important today.

The Lenape are remembered for their strong sense of community and their deep connection to the land. They continue to keep their culture alive in many places around the world.