Through engagement, we find meaning in crafting genuine land acknowledgements as possible “first steps” in recognizing Indigenous Peoples who are the original stewards of the lands on which we now live and work. In creating, we are called into collaborating, being accountable, continuously taking up “next steps,” and tending respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities by listening. We encourage the mindful practice of naming the Indigenous People(s) whose land you are on – at home, at work, and/ or while traveling.
By “showing up” we become ‘storied and informed. We are grateful to the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation for hosting their Open Annual Powwow. While there, what did you “See, Think, Wonder” about the Powwow? Letters of appreciation may be sent to The Turtle Trading Post, 18 E Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Recently, we learned of a young Shackamaxon Elm’s naming. At the Native American Church in Fordville, their teacher was explaining to the children that all of Creator is related…we are related to this young tree. Then, one of the children expressed that the tree was like a “Little Brother.” On multiple occasions, we have invited Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape speakers; with good fortune, At the Edge of the Water: A Talk by Dr. Rev. J.R. Norwood, PhD, is archived and continues to be available. We find Pastor Norwood’s words grounding and hope, as PYM Friends are seeking, we will consider viewing and learning from wisdom shared.
This Nation, USA predominant culture, has benefited from broken promises and disregard with more than five hundred, diverse, sovereign American Indian Nations’ cultures. As US citizens and structurally, The Religious Society of Friends in the US have benefited. We wonder, what is their reason to delay sincere apologies and meaningful reparations with Indigenous communities? Foremost, we are called to reflect on American history and culture, being open to acknowledging and releasing discrepancies bounding our minds, ways and means. In parallel, we are thankful for receiving An Urgent Call to the Religious Society of Friends from F/friends feeling called to speak out against falsehoods and urging “us” to discern the deep truths providing a foundation for active love. We look forward to the subsequent series of national conversations to be hosted by the Earlham School of Religion.
In New Jersey, changing harmful mascotry is thought best at the grassroots level – addressing mascots, biases, myths, stereotypes. We are familiar with over 70 NJ schools with harmful mascotry; specifically, two schools known to us having received support from “outsiders claiming to be Indigenous,” though not Lenape, who support the schools’ mascotry choices, stating that they do not feel disparaged and going so far as to say honored. However, this is not shared by the original people of Lenapehoking, nor widely held Indigenous view. This “unauthentic, false” voice of diversion is noted in the documentary Fighting Indians, where the general public of Skowhegan, Maine embraced such “outsiders” while dismissing and resisting the words of the Wabanaki representatives, original people of that land. (Toward releasing this documentary, Directors Mark & Derek have set up a gofundme page.) Resistant conversations sometimes arise and some productive conversations are evident with school administrators, alumni, parents, and students; vital grassroot efforts may include conversing with statewide athletic associations, school counselors and other support service organizations; all children have the right to full access and safe(r) spaces within educational institutions.
In addition to hearing from Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape leadership, author and friend Jean Soderlund accepted invitation to speak during celebration of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting’s 300th Anniversary. South Jersey Quakers have recorded Jean’s talk, From Shackamaxon Island to Haddonfield – Quakers & Lenapes in Early NJ. Now, also available is Jean’s newest book, Separate Paths: Lenape and Colonists in West New Jersey. We feel Jean brings genuine wonder, seasoned sensitivity, and ample informative sources for unique truth telling; thank you, Jean, for being you and gifting many circles.
For more conversation/ collaboration, contact FCRC by email: SacredWovenWord@yahoo.com, or by phone – (609) 732-0576.
