The Delaware Tribe of Indians, also known as the Lenape or Lenni Lenape, holds a significant place in the history of North America, not only for being the first Native American tribe to enter into a treaty with the newly formed United States, but also for their resilience and persistence in maintaining their cultural identity. After a long journey marked by displacement and challenges, the Delaware Tribe of Indians successfully regained federal recognition as a separate tribe in 2002, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing story.
Official Tribal Information
Today, the Delaware Tribe of Indians operates with headquarters in two locations. The primary administrative center is located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at 170 NE Barbara, OK 74006. The tribal government can be reached by phone at 918-337-6590 and by fax at 918-337-6540. Inquiries can also be directed via email to tribe@delawaretribe.org. A second headquarters is located in Caney, Kansas, at 601 High Street, KS 67333, and can be reached by phone at 620-879-2189. The official website, accessible at http://delawaretribe.org/, serves as a vital resource for tribal members and the public alike, providing information about tribal programs, history, and events.
The Delaware Tribe of Indians is a federally recognized tribe, a designation that acknowledges their sovereignty and government-to-government relationship with the United States. Their traditional name, Lenapi, translates to "The People," a simple yet profound descriptor that encapsulates their identity and connection to their ancestral lands. Throughout history, they have been known by various names, including Delaware, Lenape, and Lenni Lenape. They were formerly recognized as the Cherokee Delaware and the Eastern Delaware, reflecting periods of association with other tribal nations. Alternate spellings of their name include Deleware, Leenapi, and Lenapi. Early Swedish sources referred to the Lenape as the Renappi.
Historical Territories and Divisions
The Delaware Tribe of Indians‘ ancestral homeland lies within the Eastern Woodland region, encompassing an area stretching from northern Delaware to New York. In the 17th century, the Lenape were not a unified tribe in the modern sense, but rather a collection of independent villages and bands. Political authority was decentralized, with sachems (chiefs) typically governing only a few villages, often situated along the same waterway. The Lenape were traditionally divided into three groups based on dialect and location: the Munsee, Unami, and Unalactigo. These divisions, while representing linguistic and geographic distinctions, contributed to the rich tapestry of Lenape culture.
Tribal Emblem and Symbolism
The Delaware Tribe of Indians’ tribal seal is rich in symbolism, reflecting their history, spirituality, and cultural values. After more than 40 years, a new version of the official tribal seal was adopted in 2013, reflecting collaboration with tribal community members to update the artwork and lettering. The seal is now displayed on tribal flags, stationery, official documents, and tribal vehicles.
Red and black are the dominant colors, set against a white background. The central figure is the Mesingw face, representing the Keeper of the Game Animals, an essential figure in Lenape spiritual beliefs. The Mesingw face was traditionally carved on the center post of the Big House Church ("Xingwekaown"), a wooden structure used for the tribe’s historic religious ceremonies. Clan symbols representing the three primary Lenape clans – Turtle, Wolf, and Turkey – are also prominently featured. A fire drill, used for creating ceremonial fires, sits alongside the Mesingw face. Twelve prayer sticks, representing those used in the Big House Church, encircle the outer edge of the seal. Finally, a Christian cross symbolizes the Lenape people who embraced Christianity, some as early as the 17th century.
Tribal Governance and Membership
In pre-reservation times, the tribal council consisted of three sachems, each representing one of the Turtle, Wolf, and Turkey clans. The "head chief" was typically a member of the Turtle clan, a position inherited within selected families but requiring election for confirmation. War chiefs were chosen based on their proven abilities. Today, the tribe is governed by a Tribal Council composed of three council members and executive officers, including a Chief, Assistant Chief, Secretary, and Treasurer. Enrollment requirements stipulate that all Delaware members are also eligible to enroll with the Cherokee Nation. Genealogy resources are available, and enrollment queries can be directed to lfall-leaf@delawaretribe.org.
Linguistic and Cultural Heritage
The Lenape language belongs to the Algonquian language family. While the number of fluent speakers has dwindled over time, efforts are underway to revitalize and preserve the language for future generations. The Lenape people possess a rich oral tradition, including the Walam Olum, a series of pictograph-etched wooden sticks that purportedly recorded their history, beginning with their migration from Siberia and traversing North America to the Atlantic Ocean. While the authenticity of the Walam Olum remains a subject of debate among scholars, it underscores the Lenape’s deep connection to their history and ancestral origins.
Bands, Clans, and Related Tribes
Prior to their westward migration to Ohio in the 1740s, the Lenape were not a unified tribe. However, they shared a common identity rooted in a system of three matrilineal clans that transcended village and band affiliations. Among the Unami and Unalactigo, the Turtle clan held the highest rank, followed by the Wolf and Turkey clans. The Munsee, on the other hand, apparently had only Wolf and Turkey clans.
The Delaware Tribe of Indians, based in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is sometimes referred to as the Eastern Delaware and was formerly known as the Cherokee Delaware. A smaller group, known as the Delaware Nation, is located in Anadarko, Oklahoma. The Stockbridge Munsee Community, composed of Mohican and Munsee (Lenape) peoples, resides in Shawano County, Wisconsin. Additionally, a significant number of Lenape people live in Canada, primarily in two reserves in Ontario: the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown and the Munsee-Delaware Nation.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Historically, the Lenape were known for their hospitality and peaceful nature. However, they were also fierce warriors when necessary. Their ceremonies and dances played a vital role in their spiritual and communal life. According to legend, the Lenape chief Tammanend (not Tammany) sold Philadelphia to the English in 1682, not Manhattan to the Dutch in 1626.
Lenape clothing was traditionally made from deerskins and adorned with shell beads, porcupine quills, and feather mantels. They used copper extensively, obtained through trade with tribes near the Great Lakes. By the mid-18th century, they had adopted European trade goods into their attire, favoring silver nose rings and brightly colored cloth. Men typically removed all facial hair, while women often colored their faces with red ochre. Tattooing was common to both sexes. Warriors often wore a scalp lock greased to stand erect, a hairstyle sometimes misidentified as a "Mohawk."
Unami and Unalactigo villages were generally unfortified, while Munsee towns, due to their proximity to the Mohawk, were fortified. Villages were occupied during the summer months and could house several hundred people. They constructed three types of wigwams: round with a dome roof, oblong with an arched roof, and oblong with a ridge pole.
The Lenape had no concept of individual land ownership, but families and communities had defined hunting territories. Men were responsible for hunting and fishing, while women were primarily responsible for farming. They cultivated corn, squash, beans, sweet potatoes, and tobacco, with fields often exceeding 200 acres. They used dugout canoes rather than the birchbark canoes common in the Great Lakes region.
Religion and Burial Customs
Religious ceremonies were centered around a dedicated "big house." Dreams were considered highly significant, and Lenape priests were divided into those who interpreted dreams and divined the future, and those who specialized in healing. The Lenape believed in an afterlife, although it differed from the Christian concepts of heaven and hell.
The dead were buried in shallow graves, with varying methods and body positions. Marriage customs were informal, with the Lenape typically practicing monogamy.
The Delaware Tribe of Indians Today
The Delaware Tribe of Indians continues to thrive, maintaining its cultural heritage and traditions while adapting to the challenges of the modern world. They are actively involved in cultural preservation efforts, language revitalization programs, and community development initiatives. The tribe also operates various economic enterprises to support its members and ensure its long-term sustainability.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Delaware Tribe of Indians‘ journey is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to preserving their cultural identity. Despite facing displacement, assimilation pressures, and historical injustices, they have persevered and continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of Native American culture. Their story serves as an inspiration to all who strive to overcome adversity and maintain their heritage in the face of challenges.