Lenapehoking Land Acknowledgement
The land on which the Lighthouse Center stands and upon which we gather to learn and commune with nature is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni Lenape called Lenapehoking (pronounced: Luh-nah-pay-ho-king). During the colonial and early federal periods of the United States, many Lenape people were pushed west and north; some Lenape communities still remain in this homeland. The Lenape have been subjected to 250 years of cultural suppression, appropriation, and erasure, forced eviction from this land, and systemic discrimination and marginalization. Acknowledging the injustices done to the original people of this land does not diminish the pride and identities of the people who now call this land home, but instead aims to recognize the wrongful actions of our predecessors so that we may all develop an awareness of our place in history, move forward with the intention to rectify misdeeds, and build a better society for all people.
This land acknowledgement serves as the basic of future reparative action. In making these statements, we aim to work with the descendants of the Lenape to develop an initiative to adequately honor the land and its original people
Why does NREF have a land acknowledgement statement?
As the current caretakers of this land, it is part of our duty to acknowledge and express gratitude to the people who were here long before us, who had rightful ownership over this land, lived in harmony with the non-human beings that reside here, and who still live in this territory today. As an education foundation, we must acknowledge that an accurate and comprehensive history of the Indigenous people of this continent has been systematically erased and forgotten in the teachings of American history.
We are privileged to have access to this land and to be its stewards, therefore we have a responsibility to involve, honor, and learn from the land’s original people. With this land acknowledgement and other initiatives, we aim to build relationships with our community members who belong to the Lenape tribe, and other tribes Indigenous to the land we all dwell upon.