The Delaware Tribe also referred to as the Lenape or Lenni-Lenape, occupies a significant position in Native American history and culture.
Originating from the eastern woodlands of North America, this Algonquian-speaking tribe’s story unfolds a captivating narrative of their heritage, cultural legacy, and contributions to shaping the continent.
Throughout this comprehensive article, we will explore the compelling history, cultural richness, and intriguing facts that characterize the Native American Tribe’s identity.
Delaware History
Early History and European Contact
The Delaware Indians, originally known as the Lenape people, bore a name that resonated with their identity – “The People.”
However, history took a different course, and they came to be recognized as the Delaware Tribe due to their geographical location along the Delaware River.
Eventually, the term “Delaware” encompassed almost all the Lenape people.
In the early 1600s, the Delaware Tribe was the first Native American indigenous group to interact with European settlers, including the Dutch, English, and Swedish.
Revered as “Grandfathers” by other tribes, they earned respect as peacemakers and arbitrators in conflicts between rivaling tribes.
Though formidable warriors, when necessary, the natives preferred harmony and peace.
During the initial treaties and land sales with the Europeans, the Delaware people viewed these agreements as more akin to leases.
Their understanding of land ownership differed vastly from the European concept of selling land as a commodity.
The people believed that the land belonged to the Creator and that they were merely custodians, using it to provide sustenance and shelter for their people.
When European settlers arrived in need of a home, the natives generously shared the land, considering the gifts given in return as tokens of gratitude for their hospitality.
However, the settlers interpreted these offerings as the purchase price for the land.
Historic Engagement and Westward Migration (18th Century)
On September 17, 1778, the Delaware Tribe made history by signing the first Indian treaty with the newly formed United States Government.
Despite this engagement, the natives continued to relinquish their lands and migrate westward, eventually settling in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and finally, Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).
Over time, a small band of Delawares separated from the main group and established themselves at Anadarko, Oklahoma, known today as the Delaware Nation.
Additionally, some contingents of Delawares sought refuge in Canada during periods of extreme persecution, leading to the formation of two reserves in Ontario, now recognized as The Munsee-Delaware Nation.
The Journey to Federal Recognition (19th century)
First Recognition
In 1867, the ancestors of the Delaware Tribe of Indians consented to relocate to the Cherokee Nation’s territory in what was then known as Indian Territory.
Under this arrangement, the tribe operated autonomously within the lands of the Cherokee Nation, establishing a distinct presence in the region.
The turning point came with the passage of the 1972 Appropriations Act, which necessitated a review of the 1958 Bylaws of the Delaware Tribe of Indians by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
To meet the Act’s requirements, the BIA recommended that the tribe adopt membership criteria for equitable distribution.
In response, the tribe amended its bylaws, and the BIA approved these amendments in 1974.
The BIA certified that the amended bylaws provided a “legal entity” adequately safeguarding the interests of the Delaware Tribe of Indians.
However, challenges arose when the Kansas Delaware, a non-recognized tribe, filed a suit, prompting the BIA to scrutinize the legal documents of all federally recognized Delaware Tribes.
In 1979, the BIA made a controversial decision, revoking the Delaware Tribe of Indians’ federal recognition, arguing that their removal to Oklahoma in 1879 alongside the Cherokees placed them under the authority of the Cherokee Nation.
As a result, the Department of the Interior would only engage in government-to-government relations with the tribe through the Cherokee Nation.
Nevertheless, direct relations are limited solely to the tribe’s claims against the United States.
Second Recognition and Legal Battles (20th Century)
The native’s efforts bore fruit in 1991 when the BIA rescinded its 1979 decision, restoring their federal recognition.
However, this restoration led to a legal dispute with the Cherokee Nation, who contested the decision and filed a lawsuit against the BIA and the Secretary of the Interior.
The court upheld the Cherokee Nation’s position, resulting in the Delaware Tribe losing federal recognition in 2004.
Third Recognition and Triumph
Despite the setbacks, the Delaware and the Cherokee Nation engaged in years of negotiations, seeking to resolve their differences.
Finally, in October 2008, the two tribes reached an agreement, paving the way for a solution.
Delaware voters approved the agreement and voted to reorganize in May 2009, under the auspices of the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act.
On July 28, 2009, a significant moment arrived when the United States Department of the Interior officially reinstated federal recognition for the Delaware Tribe of Indians.
This milestone heralded a renewed sense of identity and belonging for the tribe, validating their cultural heritage and tribal sovereignty.
21st Century
In the modern era, the tribe does not have a designated tribal jurisdictional area.
However, their cultural legacy and community thrive in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on an 80-acre parcel of land dedicated to tribal activities.
With a population numbering over 16,000, the tribe has maintained a strong presence, led by Principal Chief Brad KillsCrow and Assistant Chief Tonya Anna.
A key aspect of the tribe’s mission is to preserve its cultural heritage, traditions, and values.
To achieve this, they have established a council of Lenape Elders who work tirelessly to sustain traditional dances, the tribal language, and various other cultural practices.
Collaborating with the Delaware Gourd Society, the tribe takes pride in passing down their ancestral wisdom to future generations.
In addition to cultural preservation efforts, the tribe offers housing programs that benefit tribal members residing in Washington, Nowata, Craig, Rogers, and part of Tulsa counties.
Their commitment to the well-being of their community extends beyond geographical boundaries, ensuring that native descendants, numbering over 16,900 in the early 21st century, have access to suitable housing and support.
Tribal membership is exclusively reserved for descendants of natives listed on the 1906 tribal rolls from Indian Territory.
Enrollment is based on lineal descent, emphasizing the importance of maintaining familial connections and the tribal identity that has withstood the test of time.
Unlike some other tribes, the Delaware people do not impose minimum blood quantum requirements, valuing the continuity of cultural ties over a quantitative measure.
As the modern tribe continues to flourish, they remain committed to fostering a strong sense of community and pride in their heritage.
With leaders dedicated to preserving their cultural tapestry and promoting unity, the tribe embraces the challenges of the 21st century with resilience and a steadfast commitment to honoring their ancestors.
The Delaware Tribe Culture
Agriculture
Historically, the indigenous group relied heavily on agriculture, with hunting and fishing playing supplementary roles in their economy.
During summers, farming communities flourished with hundreds of individuals, while winters saw smaller family bands roaming smaller territories for hunting.
The tribe’s agricultural practices were the cultivation of crops that provided sustenance and nurtured their communities.
Corn, beans, and squash formed the cornerstone of their agricultural endeavors, reflecting a practice often referred to as the “Three Sisters.”
This technique involved interplanting these three crops, with corn serving as a natural trellis for beans and squash acting as ground cover to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
This harmonious approach not only maximized yield but also demonstrated the tribe’s deep understanding of plant relationships and ecological balance.
Sustainability was a cornerstone of the natives’ agricultural philosophy, hence the practice of crop rotation and fallow periods to allow the soil to rejuvenate naturally, preserving its fertility for future generations.
Hunting
Hunting was not just a means of securing food for the Delaware people; it was a sacred practice deeply rooted in their cultural beliefs.
Native hunters were skilled in tracking and understanding the behavior of animals, demonstrating their intimate knowledge of the natural world.
Respect for the animals they hunted was paramount, and they conducted rituals and ceremonies to honor the spirits of the animals and express gratitude for their sacrifice.
Social Structure
The foundation of the tribe’s social structure was built upon clans and lineages. Individuals belonged to one of three clans: Turkey, Turtle, or Wolf.
Clans were determined by maternal descent, meaning that a person’s clan was inherited from their mother.
Clans were further divided into lineages, which consisted of extended families that lived together in communal longhouses.
These groups of longhouses formed autonomous communities. Each community, consisting of around 30 to 40 longhouses, had its council made up of lineage sachems and respected elders.
This council deliberated on public affairs, settled disputes, and made decisions that affected the community as a whole.
The Native American tribe followed a matrilineal kinship system, wherein inheritance, property, and leadership were passed down through the maternal line.
This system emphasized the significance of women in the tribe and their role in maintaining lineage and cultural traditions. The eldest woman of a lineage held authority and could appoint and dismiss sachems (chiefs).
Craftsmanship
In the realm of craftsmanship, one of the most celebrated aspects of indigenous craftsmanship was their intricate beadwork.
The tribe’s skilled artisans crafted exquisite beadwork designs that adorned various objects, including clothing, moccasins, and ceremonial regalia.
A distinctive creation was the wampum belt, a symbol of cultural significance. These belts were meticulously woven using white and purple wampum beads.
They held stories of family lineage, cultural narratives, and agreements between tribes.
They were also known for their exceptional basket-weaving skills. They crafted baskets of various shapes and sizes, utilizing locally available materials such as wood splints, reeds, and grasses.
These baskets were both functional and artistic, serving purposes ranging from storage and transport to ceremonial use.
The art of basket weaving was passed down through generations, reflecting the tribe’s respect for tradition and their connection to nature.
While not as prominent as other forms of craftsmanship, the natives also engaged in pottery-making. They molded clay into vessels that served utilitarian purposes, such as cooking and storage.
The pottery showcased the tribe’s ability to adapt their skills to suit their needs, while still incorporating cultural motifs and designs into the artwork.
Religion
Spiritual beliefs hold a central place in the Lenape culture. The natives’ spiritual beliefs were a profound reverence for nature and the Great Spirit, often referred to as “Waunthut Mennitoow.”
This divine force was not personified with human attributes or forms. Instead, it was seen as an omnipresent and all-encompassing energy that infused every aspect of the world.
The people believed in maintaining harmony and balance within themselves and with the environment.
They understood that their actions could impact the delicate equilibrium of the world around them. As such, they offered rituals and ceremonies to honor nature and ensure its continued well-being.
These ceremonies and rituals were conducted to connect with the spiritual realm and seek guidance from the Great Spirit.
These rituals were often accompanied by music, dance, and chanting. They were performed during important life events, agricultural activities, and times of communal significance.
Shamans also held a special place in the tribe’s spirituality. They were believed to possess the ability to communicate with the spirit world and harness its power for healing and guidance.
Shamans used herbs, chants, and rituals to address physical and spiritual ailments within the tribe.
The people’s spiritual beliefs emphasized the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. They saw death as a transition to the spirit world, where the souls of the departed joined the Great Spirit.
Ancestral spirits were believed to continue to influence and protect the living, forming a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
Facts about the Delaware Tribe
1. The Delaware Tribe is often referred to as “grandfathers” due to their reputation for peaceful conduct.
The indigenous group earned the nickname “Grandfathers” among other tribes because they were respected as peacemakers and often played a crucial role in settling disputes between rival tribes.
2. The Tribe follows a matrilineal societal structure.
The people traditionally followed a matrilineal kinship system, where property, inheritance, and leadership positions were passed through the maternal line.
3. There are three recognized Delaware tribes.
Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma), the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), and The Munsee-Delaware Nation (Canada). Each has its own distinct history and cultural heritage.
4. In the 17th century, the Delaware Tribe did not adhere to the idea of land sales.
The natives did not initially understand the concept of selling land and believed it belonged to the Creator, leading to misunderstandings with European settlers.
5. The Delaware Natives refer to themselves as “The People.”
The natives originally referred to themselves as Lenape, meaning “The People.”
Wrap Up
The Delaware Tribe’s journey through history is a testament to their resilience, cultural pride, and commitment to preserving their heritage.
From their ancient origins in the eastern woodlands to their forced removals and relocation, the Lenape people have demonstrated an enduring spirit.
Today, the Delaware Tribe continues to honor its traditions while embracing the opportunities of the present, crafting a legacy that inspires admiration and respect for generations to come.
As we celebrate their contributions to American history, we acknowledge the importance of recognizing and preserving the cultural richness of all indigenous communities worldwide.
