Delaware Indian News The Official Publication of the Delaware Tribe of Indians
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Delaware Indian News
The Official Publication of the Delaware Tribe of Indians
Lënapeí Pampil January 2022 ▪ Volume 45, Issue No. I
From the Desk of Chief Brad KillsCrow present the Delaware Veterans
Committee with a check from
Brad KillsCrow, Chief Tribal Complex. We were able the Tribe for $190,000.00 which
to install a new ESI Phone Sys- will allow them to complete con-
W hen the COVID pan-
demic hit our country in
the spring of 2020, the Federal
tem and purchase new computers
for all employees. We installed
4 teleconferencing systems for
struction of the Delaware Vet-
erans Memorial. The Memorial
is being built on the grounds of
government allocated funds to virtual meetings and confer- the Tribal Complex north of the
federally recognized tribal gov- ences and installed 3 video sys- pond. Tribal funds used for this
ernments to assist Tribes in tems. We constructed a Cook project came from profit the
combating COVID. While most Arbor outside of Forsythe Hall Tribe received from one of our
Tribes received a substantial for more traditional meals for tribal businesses, The Tribal Do-
amount of funding through the all our members to use. We also micile. I was so glad the Tribe
Cares Act, the Delaware Tribe constructed a 3000 square foot was able to help fund this project
initially received a comparative- Food Pantry that will contain an since many of the Veteran’s Com-
ly small amount ($423,536.90). office, restrooms, walk in freezer, mittee Members are from the
However, through the efforts of and walk in cooler. Food Sover- Vietnam Era, and we want to be
Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shaw- eignty has become an issue since sure they can see this Memorial,
nee Tribe, a suit was brought the pandemic and we hope this which they have worked so long
against the U.S. Department of pantry will serve all our tribal and hard to build, completed dur-
the Treasury over how the amount members in need. ing their lifetime. The Memorial
of funds given to each Tribe was This past summer, the Tribe will be an honor all our Delaware
calculated. Chief Barnes includ- received additional pandemic re- veterans richly deserve.
ed the Delaware Tribe in their lated funds through the American I am looking forward to 2022
suit and the courts found in fa- Rescue Plan. This funding is far and what the new year will bring.
vor of the Tribes. Therefore, the less restrictive than the CARES With the American Rescue Act
Delaware Tribe was awarded Act money and has a time period Funds, the Tribe will have the
$19,929,962.00 in addition to the of five years for expending the opportunity to enhance our in-
initial $423,536.90 we received. funds. The Tribe will begin hold- frastructure while adding new
The problem we then faced ing Town Hall meetings in Janu- services and programs for our
was using the funds within the ary/February to gather commu- people. May all of you have a
time limitations set by the fed- nity input on how best to spend productive and prosperous new
eral government. All CARES Act these funds. Tribal members year! ■
funding provided to Tribes had to unable to attend the Community
be spent by December 31, 2021 Meetings will also have an op-
or be returned to the Federal gov- portunity to provide input and
ernment. There were also several information on this process will
stringent restrictions on how the be forthcoming.
funds could be spent which fur- On another note, the Tribe
ther limited our ability to use the held our annual General Council
money as we might have wanted Meeting on November 13 and
to. even though we did not have a
Funds were spent improving quorum, there was a good dis-
old outdated technology that des- cussion among the tribal mem-
perately needed replacing at the bers present. It was my honor to
Page 2 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) January 2022
From the Desk of Assistant Chief Jeremy Johnson We are also working to complete the plans for the rein-
terment of close to 200 remains and artifacts at Pennsbury
Jeremy Johnson, Assistant Chief in Collegeville, PA. We are discussing many projects and Manor in Morrisville, PA. As soon as we have the final-
collaborations that could be beneficial to our citizens. We ized plans for the reinterment, we will share that with our
H è Lënapeyok! Wëli Newiyal (Happy New Year)! The
beginning of a new year allows for reflection on the
past years’ triumphs and challenges while allowing us to
hope to develop programs that teach our Lenape youth
valuable skills while also helping to document our stories
and ways for our own Tribal Archives.
Tribal citizens.
These are just a few of the exciting new developments
in the works, and I am looking forward to reporting back
plan for the future. May this year bring only happiness Another relationship has been established between the the outcomes and soliciting involvement from members
and joy to you and your families! Perkiomen Valley School District in the same area. They of our tribe in helping see them come to fruition.
This past year has been a busy one for the Tribal Coun- are working on creating the Lenape Arboretum, a botani- As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel
cil and our citizens. I’m excited and happy to see the prog- cal garden devoted to trees, that will conserve the natural free to contact me at jeremyjohnson@delawaretribe.
ress in the construction of our food pantry (Tèxtakàn) and woods that are located on their district properties. The org.
our outside cook arbor (Èhènta Wixënink). I can’t wait to PVSD is working to install a walking trail with markers I hope that everyone remains healthy and happy in this
see our citizens utilizing both of these facilities. that detail the Lenape history in the area. This will be the new year! Wanishi! ■
As many of you know, Chief KillsCrow and I have been first arboretum established by a public school district in
working on establishing relationships with many people the U.S. and it will bear the name of our Lenape people.
and institutions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey which In addition to the arboretum project, the school district
are parts of our original homelands of Lënapehòkink. would like to develop educational programs for their stu-
I am excited about the partnership that is developing dents to collaborate with our own Lenape youth about our
between the Tribe and Ursinus College which is located histories, current situation, and future plans for the Tribe.
From the Desk of Tribal Council Treasurer From the Desk of Tribal Operations
Rusty Creed Brown Manager Jimmie Johnson
Rusty Creed Brown, Treasurer, ly. Food insecurity is linked to lower reading and Jimmie Johnson, Tribal Operations Manager
Tribal Council mathematics test scores. Food insecure students
I hope this issue of the DIN finds everyone doing
well.
are likely to exhibit behavioral problems, includ-
ing hyperactivity, aggression, and anxiety.
Last year, an estimated 1 in 8 Americans were
H appy New Year!! I hope this finds everyone well and recovered
from the recent Holidays. We are very excited to start 2022 in a
good way here. For this issue of the DIN I would like to thank Chief
The tribal council is excited about one of the first food insecure. However, a published study in the KillsCrow, Assistant Chief Johnson, and the entire Tribal Council
projects completed under the CARES funding. If Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition for their dedication and hard work in 2021. Over this past year they
you follow the tribe’s social media pages, you have found an average of 1 in 4, 25 percent, of Native have worked tirelessly throughout the year to improve the working
seen progress on the food pantry. The 3000 square families are food insecure. environment for our tribal employees and bring our operation into
foot food pantry includes a walk-in freezer and a In an effort to ensure our food pantry is a success the 21st century. We have seen enormous growth in our staff numbers
walk-in refrigerator. The food pantry is a first step and will meet the needs of our community, we are since January of 2021. We have also weathered tough times with
to address food insecurity in our local community. meeting with local food pantries and the Commu- technology failing and supply chain issues causing delays in our pro-
The USDA defines food insecurity as a house- nity Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. We are in cesses. The Chief and Tribal Council have stood by and stood up for
hold-level economic and social condition of limit- the beginning process of preparing an operational our employees and have empowered them to do their jobs to the best
ed or uncertain access to adequate food. Food inse- plan for the food pantry. We welcome your input of their abilities.
curity is different than hunger; hunger is defined as on how to best serve our community with the food The Chief and Tribal Council also went to great lengths to make
an individual-level physiological condition, which pantry. You are welcome to send me your com- sure that our tribal members are going to be taken care of with things
may result from food insecurity. ments and ideas rcbrown@delawaretribe.org. ■ like Food Pantry construction, Cook Arbor construction, food distri-
Food insecurity is strongly correlated with mal- bution, and even COVID-19 relief payments to tribal members. The
nutrition and underweight as well as obesity and Food Pantry is an exciting addition to the services that the Delaware
type 2 diabetes. A National Health and Nutrition Tribe Provides and will be a great asset to our tribal community.
Examination Survey found that food insecure in- We have a very bright future here at the Delaware Tribe and I
dividuals are twice as likely to be obese and more would like to applaud the Chief and Tribal Council for their work to
likely to have diabetes. Food insecure adults are make great things happen.
more likely to have poorly controlled diabetes I look forward to experiencing what we can all do together in
compared to food secure individuals. 2022!!
Children struggling with food insecurity may be Wanishi ■
at greater risk for stunted development, anemia and
asthma, oral health problems, and hospitalization.
At school, food insecure children are at increased
risk of falling behind both academically and social-
January 2022 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) Page 3
Updates From the Housing Department and utility assistance are being award, the applicant may reapply
accepted through the Housing for additional assistance subject
New Housing Specialist McKenzie is a member of the nity. She began working at DTI Department. Current residents to funding availability and time
Muscogee (Creek) Nation and at the beginning of October and of DTI housing may be eligible constraints. The Delaware Tribe
for the Delaware Tribe
enjoys spending time with her is thoroughly enjoying the Dela- for this assistance. The program reserves the right to make a deter-
Housing Program family. She has a degree in mar- ware Tribe’s staff, citizens, and is limited to three months of as- mination of an applicant’s eligi-
M
keting with a minor in Interna- her work. sistance at a time and then the bility based upon the application
cKenzie Loffer is the new
tional Business from Oklahoma US Treasury Emergency applicant must re-apply. This as- and documentation provided.
housing specialist for
State University, and is working sistance can only be provided to Applications with the complete
DTHP. She is happy to assist Rental Assistance Pro-
on her MBA with a concentra- those families who have not yet instructions are available in the
Tribal members and tenants with gram (ERAP)
tion in Native American Enter- received any similar assistance lobby or can be printed/down-
the U.S. Treasury Emergency
T
prise. She previously worked for from the Delaware Tribe or other loaded from the Delaware Tribe
Rental Assistance and the Co- he U.S. Treasury Emergency
the Muscogee (Creek) Nation sources. of Indians website.
vid-19 (ERA) Emergency Rental Rental Assistance (ERA)
Department of Housing as an The ERA Program DOES Incomplete applications will
Assistance application process. Program is available to Dela-
Administrative Assistant in Con- NOT include mortgage assis- not be processed. ■
Miss Loffer answers their ques- ware Tribal members. Applica-
tract Services. She is excited to tance, repairs, or installation of
tions and concerns with the ap- tions to assist low-income Native
be out in the field and working items in the unit. After the period
plication process. American households with rent
more closely with the commu- of three months from the date of
Update from the EPA Department From The Desk of Nicky K. Michael
D uring General Council, the EPA department gave out energy
saving kits to help conserve energy at home. We also held a
Nicky K. Michael, Secretary, Tribal Council Affairs. As most of you know,
the Indian Child Welfare Act is
drawing for 10 Nest thermostats. These items were given to tribal
members to promote ways to conserve energy at home. The Wifi
Thermostats are a great way to save money and energy.
W ëli kishku luwàn. I hope
each of you are having a
wonderful winter day. This last
As secretary, I have asked the
staff to assist in opening up addi-
tional communication methods
a top priority as well as scholar-
ships. These 638 programs are
building blocks for supporting
We also continue to recycle E-waste at Staples for now. We’re also year has brought many changes to reach all our members. These our children and youth.
still waiting for Tulsa Recycle and Transfer to open back up so we to our Lënapeyok--some life include Twitter and Instagram. Last, but certainly not least,
can resume our recycling efforts. We looked into other solutions for altering and heartbreaking as Hopefully most of you have also northeastern Oklahoma lacks
this problem, but with TRT being our best option for sustainability well as some incredible bless- noticed a difference in the style a domestic violence shelter. I
in our recycling program, it was best to wait for them to become ings. Aside from our federal and etiquette of our facebook am working with our Delaware
operational again. allotment of COVID relief, we pages. The Delaware Children Tribe Family Services program
For more information regarding recycling or energy saving. also benefited from the actions and Family Services have an ex- to identify, apply and build re-
Please contact our EPA Director, Denny Fisher. He can be reached at of the Shawnee Tribe for taking ceptional page to follow as well. sources for a very needed shelter.
efisher@delawaretribe.org ■ the federal government to task We are revamping the Delaware Thank you for all your sup-
regarding the amount of tribal Indian News to put community port and constructive criticism
assistance. With that assistance, as our main focus. We hope to to build a better Delaware Tribe.
as a unified tribal council, we provide an email blast to mem- With your assistance we can
helped almost everyone who bers soon. keep up a strong and steady pace
has asked. Though we are not Personally, my goal since first of ground breaking services and
able to financially cover every- elected in 2014 has continued support to our members and the
one, we exhaust all our efforts to to remain carving out our 638 local communities we serve. ■
meet the needs as best we could. programs from the Cherokee
That is largely due to the Sa- Nation. With a new attorney,
kima (Chief) KillsCrow and the we have continued to slowly un-
generosity of each tribal council ravel and develop our MOUs to
member. propose to the Bureau of Indian
Page 4 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) January 2022
Veterans Committee Report in Lenape Gourd Dance Society.
More From the Veterans Committee
I called Bartlesville BlueStar
Kenny Brown, Chairman I got with Kendricks Sleeper Moms to see if our Veterans and Sarah Boyd, Secretary, Veterans Committee
of the Arapaho StarHawk So- War Mothers might help them
T he Veterans Committee
gives a huge thank you to the
Tribal Council and the Domicile
ciety to see if we could form a
Junior Auxiliary in the Gourd
Society. He told me he saw no
fill the care packages for our
troops. They plan on setting a
day in January to pack boxes and
T he Veterans Committee
would like to wish you a
Happy Holiday Season. We
erans Committee, both organi-
zations accepted. This does not
affect how these organizations
Program for putting the Veterans problem, and that they also have will contact me so we can help. hope you are well and warm. function, they are autonomous.
Memorial Wall a priority. I im- been discussing a way to involve The Delaware War Mothers A letter along with a Christ- The Veterans Committee is ap-
mediately got drawings out for youth. After posting the idea on and Lenape Gourd Dance So- mas card was sent out to our plying for 501(c)19 tax exemp-
an up to date bid. We plan on our Society group page and not ciety are discussing plans for a Delaware Veterans. Correction tion. The auxiliaries can then
selling paving tiles honoring our receiving any negative thoughts, co-hosted Gourd Dance in 2022, to that letter regarding meetings. utilize the exemption and inner
tribal veterans, to have a walk of I count that as an affirmative something to pray about! The letter stated we meet the last communication and funding for
honor leading to the Memorial. vote. The COVID Virus has dis- Tuesday of the month and actu- events will be simplified.
The Veterans Committee in- The Gourd Society will take rupted many plans and events, ally we meet the fourth Tues- Also, the Lenape Gourd
vited the Delaware War Mothers notice of young men in the are- cancellation of Delaware Days day of the month, 6pm at the Dance Society is adding a Junior
to become an auxiliary, like the na, those who are continuously had effected the honoring of our Delaware Tribal Center Auxiliary.
Lenape Veterans Color Guard active and dedicated may be Tribal Veterans. This year during Here are some of the more Lots of good things are in the
and Lenape Gourd Dance Soci- invited to be a Junior Auxiliary our General Council the Veter- noteworthy happenings from works and we are excited for
ety. The War Mothers accepted member. ans Committee honored John this last year. the new year ahead. As always
the invitation and like all our Junior membership will con- Thomas, U.S. Army and Curtis Thanks to Chief KillsCrow, we welcome and encourage
auxiliaries they are autonomous. sist of young men eight to sev- Zunigha, U.S. Air Force. Thank Tribal Council, and Domicile your participation in our meet-
Having our warrior based orga- enteen years of age. When a ju- you for serving and all you both Program we now have the fund- ings and or activities. You can
nizations united in the Veterans nior member reaches eighteen, do for our tribe. ing to complete the Veterans find info on the Delawaretribe.
Committee simplifies commu- and has remained dedicated and The Veterans Committee Memorial Wall to be located org website under Services/
nication, planning and funding active he may be invited to join hopes your Christmas was a mer- on the north side of the pond at Programs then scroll down and
events, and when we get our as a full member by ceremony ry one full of wonder and your Tribal headquarters. click on Veterans Committee. ■
501(c)19 Veterans tax exemp- at Copan Delaware Powwow. New Year will be Blessed. ■ The Veterans Committee in-
tion, our auxiliaries can use the Criteria for junior membership vited the Delaware War Moth-
exemption. is the same for full membership ers and Lenape Gourd Dance
Society to join the Lenape Color
Guard as auxiliaries of the Vet-
Tribal Office Door Decorating Contest Winners
Stacy Emert, first place Toni Mahlo, second place Melissa Rupprecht, third place Aimee Turner, fourth place
January 2022 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) Page 5
Youth Interview with Anna Pate Elder Interview with Dorothy Francis Wilson
What cultural practices or experiences taught
Jackson
D
to you are most meaningful? orothy Francis Wilson Jackson, 101-year-old Delaware woman as interviewed by
All my experiences have been meaningful her son, Kenny Brown.
to me but the one closest to my heart was my
naming ceremony done by my Great Uncle Kenny: What are some of your fondest memo-
Dee Ketchum. It was one of the last that he ries from your childhood?
had done so I feel sad and honored at the same Dorothy: As the youngest child by many
time. During the time serving as princess was years, I played alone. I had a pet squirrel. It had
probably my most nerve racking experiences fallen out of its nest and daddy found it. It was
due to the unknown. Culturally I had the privi- very little, and I fed it with an eye dropper. It
lege of going to Wisconsin for a cultural trip grew and it was tame. I had a pet Banty hen and a
and had the opportunity of meeting their prin- pet pig, they both followed me around like a pup-
cesses, elders and chiefs. Learning the differ- py. My pet kitten liked to follow momma to the
ences in our cultural experiences and history barn at milking time to bed for squirts of milk.
really brought us together to discuss how it af- We had a horse that was very patient with me.
fected us all. It would stand against the fence while I climbed
the fence to get on. It would stand and wait for me patiently to climb down and back up
What are your biggest goals for Lenape Youth going forward? to open and close the gate. Besides the animals I made my own toys. I made kites out of
I want the youth to have an outlet to be involved with the tribe. Having a program sticks and newspaper, and they really flew. I
set up will benefit our future generations to have a space and voice to be heard and made darts out of matches and straight pins.
involved.
Kenny: What part of our culture or tradi-
What is your advice to our young Delaware members? tions do you hold important?
I urge everyone to be involved at whatever capacity you are able. This will help lay Dorothy: My parents, aunts and uncles
the ground work for the future of others. ■ spoke and understood Lenape but rarely used
it. I never learned to speak it fluently and I
regret that.
Kenny: What advice would you like to
give our youth?
Dorothy: Learn all you can of our culture
and language. You are Delaware. ■
Become a Featured Artist an article along with their artwork. This may be a short as a cultural celebration, as an avenue to provide income,
bio, description of the artwork, or inspiration behind it. or as a means of enjoyment , we hope to share the creativ-
W e are now accepting and encouraging your submis-
sions of your visual art in all mediums. Including
but not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, digital
Editing by the DIN will be offered if requested.
If the artist is selling their work, the featured artist will
also be entitled to the business card size advertisement
ity among us.
Please email submissions to:
dinedit@delawaretribe.org ■
art, collage, photography, mixed media, bead work, clay, space for sale within the DIN ads. This space will be pro-
wood, glass, printmaking, metal, weaving and more. vided free of charge to the featured artist. If a business
The DIN committee will provide the opportunity for card is currently in use by the artist, it may be uploaded
one applicant to feature their art in full color in an upcom- and emailed into the DIN. If the artist does not have a
ing issue of the Delaware Indian Newspaper. business card but would like to use the free space, they
The featured artist will be asked to provide a minimum may email the DIN the phone number, email, or website
of one(1) photo of their artwork with a maximum of four to publish for people interested in purchasing their work.
photos. There is no limit on the pieces of artwork show- All artists are encouraged to submit their artwork for
cased as long as the minimum and maximum number of consideration.
photos are adhered to. By featuring a Delaware Artist in each DIN we hope to
In addition, the featured artist will be asked to submit bring inspiration to the DIN readers. Whether art is used
Page 6 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) January 2022
Community Services Programs tance up to $75.00 per month not
to exceed $900.00 per calendar
Emergency Travel Assis-
tance: Emergency assistance
basis.
Dental Assistance: Reinstated
If you have questions, please sidered on a case-by-case basis. year. Funds may be disbursed to to Delaware Tribal members. to $300. Provides assistance for
contact the Tribal Office at Burial Program: $750.00 vendors or reimburse applicants Funds are to be used for emer- dental services including tooth
918-337-6590. Burial assistance for Delaware with proper documents and re- gency situations as requested repair, fillings, dentures or emer-
Tribal members. The family may ceipts. by Tribal member. Applicants gency services. Income verifica-
T he Community Services
committee has reinstated
programs previously suspended
apply for the funds to be used for
expenses that are most beneficial
to the family (i.e., funeral ser-
Medical Assistance: Assis-
tance to pay medical bills, in-
cluding but not limited to out of
must utilized other community
resources if available. Emer-
gency Assistance up to $400.00
tion required.
Optical Assistance: Provides
assistance for optical services
and revised or kept the same, dol- vices, family meals, wake, grave pocket medical expenses, medi- and Emergency Transportation to Delaware Tribal Members.
lar amount of benefits that were markers, etc.) Documentation re- cal equipment(purchase or rent- up to $200.00 Funds will be de- Funds may be used for services,
previously reduced. Based on the quired to establish membership al), Home health care, pharmacy, termined and disbursed by the including glasses, exams or re-
anticipated availability of fund- and proof of death. etc. not to exceed $300.00 Pay- Community Service committee lated costs up to $200.00 annu-
ing, applications for the follow- Elder Prescriptions: Pre- ment for services will be made on a case-by-case basis. ally.■
ing programs are being accepted. scription medication assistance to provider or Tribal member if Rental Assistance: Available
Tribal members are only allowed to Delaware Elders age 60 and paid receipts are included with up to $400 based on same crite-
to apply for two applications per over for Pharmacy and related other required documentation. ria as emergency application and
fiscal year. Applications are con- costs. Elders may receive assis- Emergency Assistance & determined on a case-by-case
Curtis Zunigha Honored as Veteran of the Year Education Committee Assistance/Programs
C urtis Zunigha was honored as the 2021 Veteran of the Year at the annual General
Council meeting on November 13. Zunigha served in the US Air Force from 1972-
78. He currently serves on the Lenape Veterans Color Guard and the Veterans Commit-
Take advantage of these programs;
they are here for you! If you have any
Educational Assistance.
As a reminder there are still applica-
questions, please contact the Tribal tions available for children’s education
tee.
Office at 918-337-6590. assistance. Applications are still being
Standing next to him is Allan Barnes, Tribal Insurance Commissioner. ■
Trust Fund Higher Education accepted for children Pre-K through 5th
School Scholarship: Delaware Tribal grade. Fully completed applications re-
members attending college are eligible ceive a Walmart gift card for $20. These
to apply. Currently, full-time students one-time applications may be found
may apply for $600 per semester for up online at https://delawaretribe.org/
to eight semesters, and part-time stu- services-and-programs/educational-
dents may apply for $300 per semester assistance. Please mail your completed
up to 16 semesters. Semesters do not applications to the tribal offices at 5100
have to be consecutive. Applicants must Tuxedo Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006 ■
submit all required documentation, in-
cluding official transcripts and enroll-
ment verification from the college or
university. Students must maintain a 2.7
GPA (grade point average) in the last
semester attended (high school, college,
etc.) Students must reapply at the end of
each semester. Award is made directly
to student to insure that it does not in-
terfere with their financial aid package
from the institution. Scholarships will
not be awarded for the summer semes-
To Contact Us Caney Office: ter. Scholarships are subject to funding
601 High Street availability.
Caney, KS 67333 Fall scholarship applications will be
Bartlesville Tribal Offices:
620-879-2189 accepted from June 1 through July 31,
5100 Tuxedo Blvd
Bartlesville, OK 74006 spring from December 1 through Febru-
918-337-6590 Tribal Web Site: ary 15.
www.delawaretribe.org You can download the applications
Office Hours: directly from our web site www.dela-
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. M-F General Email:
tribe@delawaretribe.org waretribe.org. Just go the Services/
Programs tab, and then scroll down to
January 2022 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) Page 7
ANNOUNCEMENT: Town Hall Pine Boxes To Be Used To Rebury Abbott Farm Ancestors
Meeting on March 5, 2022 Have Arrived At Pennsbury Manor – 10/19/2020
Topic: Citizens’ Input on How to Utilize the ARPA
Monies T he re-burial for the Abbott Farm ancestors is
preliminary scheduled at Pennsbury Manor,
Bucks County, Pennsylvania the end of March be-
Lunch will be served at noon and the meeting will ginning of April. All three Lenape Nations - Dela-
ware Nation, the Delaware Tribe, and the Stock-
start at 1 P.M. All tribal members welcome! bridge-Munsee are working together to make this
happen! We will have more updates as planning
will begin to accelerate after the new year. ■
Chet Brooks Memorial Scholarship—
Delaware Tribe of Indians and East Stroudsburg University Deadline February 15, 2022
Write Grant for Student Exhibit
Ongoing Partnership Delaware Tribe. Visitors can stroll and reflect on the
names of prominent buildings on campus including
T he family of Chief Brooks wishes to make a one-time scholar-
ship for two students in his honor. Amount will be unknown
until the deadline date. The mission of the scholarship is to pro-
As part of our continued agreement with East Lenape Residence Hall, Minsi Residence Hall, and vide financial assistance to individuals enrolled for undergraduate
Stroudsburg University, our Eastern Office part- Shawnee Residence Hall. They will be encouraged or postgraduate study in community colleges, junior colleges, and
nered with the Art and Design Department to devel- to tour the Woodland Biome display there to view universities. The Scholarship principally targets two- and four-year
op a student led exhibit connecting the Lenape with a selection of the animals that were of importance academic programs. The application may be found online at http://
the land that East Stroudsburg University sits on! to the Lenape. Additionally, a partnership with the delawaretribe.org/blog/2021/09/24/chet-brooks-memorial-
Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium will scholarship-announced/.
We wrote an East Stroudsburg GROW IT grant play a key role in the education of school-age visi- If you have any questions about the application, please contact us
that allows for up to $1500 dollars available for DTI tors. ■ at (918)-337-6590. ■
Community member for travel and interview.
About the Proposed Exhibit
The exhibit is meant to show the connections
between the land, indigenous people, early settlers
and East Stroudsburg University. Building on con-
nectivity, there will also be a virtual presence for
this exhibit which will be made available through
the Indigenous Peoples page part of Diversity and
Inclusion Excellence outreach program. As part of
the display, using QR codes, visitors will be en-
couraged to walk through campus to experience Point that will be enlarged to show flint knapping
the main campus while learning about the connec- technology
tion between East Stroudsburg University and the
Page 8 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) January 2022
Delaware Tribe Receives a Gift From Toys For Tots Foundation
W ith the swiftness of Santa himself the Delaware Tribe of Indians headquarters was surprised to receive a donation of toys
for our childcare center and the Lenapeowsi Christmas Dance this year. It began as a friendly phone call asking if we
needed toys and ended up being two truckloads of goodies to be given away and lots of smiling faces in the end.
The Toys for Tots Foundation Native American Program is Nationally known and has been in existence since 1980. It was
established by the Marine Corps League and just one site is in Oklahoma, the Osage Detachment #669. This is a picture of the
toys donated to us in an effort to spread Christmas Joy to Native American children. ■
Delaware Tribe Seeks Ethnographic Researcher for Delaware Tribe Constructs New
Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area Sweat Lodge at Bartlesville Campus
T he Delaware Tribe of Indians is seeking a qual-
ified, self-sufficient, and thorough researcher
for immediate hire. Individual must be fully quali-
•
•
Document, report, and present research find-
ings
Collaborate with (3) US and (2) Canadian
fied as an expert of traditional knowledge or heri- Federally recognized Lenape Nations
tage protection, and research. Using extensive re-
search methodologies, the selected individual will Researcher Requirements and Qualifi-
prepare an ethnographic overview and assessment cations
on indigenous interests, both past and present, in
the Delaware Water Gap national Recreational
Area. Researcher will work closely with federally • Considered an expert in traditional knowl-
recognized indigenous nations. edge (leadership supported) and/or master’s
degree in research, planning, anthropology,
Researcher Job Duties and Responsi- or related field required
bilities • Extensive and proven experience in field of
research
• Knowledgeable in various research and test-
• Work following project brief and deliver fre- ing methodologies
quent project updates • Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite
• Formulate effective and efficient research • Perform objective and ethical research at all
processes times
• Create a plan of action, set project goals, and • Effective communicator, both orally and
manage to completion written
• Conduct detailed research: including land
transfers, land use, oral histories, literature Travel will be necessary. Extended stays in the
reviews, etc. Delaware Water Gap Area will be necessary. Visits
• Perform fieldwork, interviews, etc. to gather to Oklahoma, NY, Wisconsin, and Canada will be
data necessary. Travel funds are budgeted.
• Utilize various professional sources to find To send resumes or request further information
and extract pertinent information please contact Susan Bachor at sbachor@Dela-
• Organize and maintain research databases wareTribe.onmicrosoft.com ■
• Compile and organize findings in graphs,
charts, and diagrams
January 2022 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) Page 9
Tribal Member Dempsey Gillman To Play
Baseball for Wichita State University
D empsey Price Gillman signed with Wichita
State University on 11/10/2021. He is a
class of 2022 recruit. He attends Metro Chris-
tian High School with a 4.2 GPA. He plans to
major in Homeland Security. He is the son of
Jimmy and Missy Buck Gillman, Grandson to
the late Bucky Buck and Sandy Buck, and Great
Grandson to the late Bonnie Lee Thaxton. ■
Tribal Member Curtis Zunigha Selected For
2021 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors
ating to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs
Commission where he served two terms.
Mr. Zunigha has a Bachelor of Busi-
ness Administration Degree from North
Texas State University (1980) and
an Associate Degree in Broadcasting
from Rogers State College, Oklahoma
(1986). From 1988-1995 he was pro-
ducer/host of “Drum Beats” a Native
American community affairs television
program on KXON-TV at Rogers State
College in Claremore. Curtis served as
the Manager of the American Indian/
Alaska Native Population Program for
C urtis Zunigha, 68, is a 5th-genera-
tion resident of Washington County,
OK whose Delaware Indian ancestors
the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington,
D.C, during the 2010 Census. He also
serves as a Co-Director of the Lenape
arrived in Indian Territory in 1867. He Center (www.thelenapecenter.com) a
KORBYT ANYWHERE Coming Soon For All is an enrolled member of the Delaware non-profit arts & culture organization
Tribe of Indians based in Bartlesville. based in New York City.
Tribal Members! (www.delawaretribe.org) He is cur- Curtis Zunigha is third-generation
W
rently employed at the Delaware Tribe U.S. military veteran having served in
hat is KORBYT and what’s in it for me? Tribal Council is proud to announce we will
Cultural Center and is a practitioner of the U.S. Air Force (1972-78). Today
have our own social media for all tribal members. You will be able to launch Korbyt
Delaware/Lenape history, culture, lan- he is a member of the Lenape Veterans
anywhere and have access to tribal information plus keep your personal information updat-
guage, customs & traditions. Color Guard and Lenape Gourd Dance
ed at your fingertips. The tribe will be able to communicate important updates and provides
Beginning in 1984 his tribal service Society. ■
messages and alerts. More information will follow as we prepare for training and setting up
has included various roles in managing
our system to provide a better service to our members. Wanishi ■
Operations, Housing, and Social Servic-
es. He has also been elected to the Tribal
Council (1984-88 and 2004-08). From
1994-1998 Curtis Zunigha was elected
and served as the Chief of the Delaware
Tribe of Indians. In 1995 Chief Zunigha
was appointed by Governor Frank Ke-
Page 10 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) January 2022
Obituaries
Verna Sue doubtedly a joyful celebration of day, October 25, 2021. Funeral Deborah (Debbie) Cassie Mark of Dewey, Cord
love and reunion with family that service was at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Mark of Shell Knob, Missouri,
Artherton went before her. October 26, 2021 at Prairie Trail May Brown and Chase Mark of the home.
Survivors include 5 children: Cowboy Church, Haysville. Buri- Her son Robert Kenneth Brown
Benita Shea, Dale (Pistol) Arther- al followed at Greenwood Cem- and wife Barbara; grandchildren,
ton, Dennis Artherton, Deanna etery. Seth Olin, Madison and Jakeb of
Cowart and husband, James Cow- Tara grew up in Haysville, KS, Kensington, Kansas, her daughter
art and Sandra Artherton, all of riding horses and pow wow danc- Emily Jane Brown and significant
Bartlesville OK. 11 grandchildren ing. She had a love for all animals, other Buck Haney; grandchildren
and 10 great grandchildren and a especially dogs and hanging out Kayleigh and Wyatt Crowell of
host of other family and friends. with Grandma Cheryl. She was Bartlesville, brothers, Charles
Graveside services were held on married in the spring of 2005 and Walter White, and Ricky Ray
Sunday, November 21st, at 10 from this marriage had 3 children, White; and her sister Annetta Jane
A.M. at the Delaware Indian cem- Alexis, Christopher and Lilyanna. Christenson. ■
September 17, 1940 – etery north of Dewey, Okla. She spent the remainder of her
November 15, 2021 In lieu of flowers, memorial do- days loving and caring for her December 31, 1952 –
nations in Verna’s honor can be children. They were her whole November 9, 2021 Carole Sue Tennent
V erna Sue Artherton of Bartles- sent to the Delaware Pow Wow life. Even after becoming ill in
Stewart Holder
D
ville, Ok daughter of Prince Association c/o Elaine Clinton 2011, she did everything she could eborah (Debbie) May Brown
Albert and Myrtle Mae (Falleaf) 401050 W 600 Road, Copan, Okla to make sure they were happy and passed away surrounded
Black was born September 17th, 74022. ■ healthy. by her loved ones on November
1940 in Copan Ok. Verna passed She is preceded in death by her 9, 2021, in Bartlesville, Okla-
away with family by her side on grandmother, Cheryl Howland. homa at age 69. Debbie was
Nov. 15, 2021, at the age of 81. Tara is survived by her children, born on December 31, 1951, to
Verna attended Seneca Indian Alexis Nicole, James Christopher Walter White and Mary Secon-
school in Wyandotte OK.,Haskell Tara Lea Meairs Wayne, and Lilyanna Michelle dine in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
Indian school in Lawrence KS.
and Bartlesville Business College.
“Boone” Jolene, her mother, Bobbi Meairs, Debbie graduated from Dewey
her father, Teddy (Peggy) Meairs, High School in 1970, and later
She retired from the Oklahoma her brother Colt (Jessica) Meairs, married the love of her life, Rob-
Department of Human Services. niece, Emmerson and nephew, ert Brown on September 7, 1976,
She was a proud member of the Nash, her grandfather, Delbert and became a housewife. She
Delaware Tribe of Indians. Ver- Howland and grandparents, Buck enjoyed cooking, reading, camp-
na’s family belong to the Turtle and Jaynie Meairs. Tara also ing, fishing, baseball, and watch- November 9, 1940 –
Clan and shared a deep seeded leaves behind numerous aunts, ing the St. Louis Cardinals play.
root in Native American ancestry May 21, 2021
uncles and cousins. Debbie was preceded in death
C
and culture. The family requests that in lieu by her father, Walter; her mother arole Sue Tennent Stewart
Verna was known for her humor of flowers, please send donations Mary; brother, Ralph White; sis- Holder was born November
and orneriness. She was there for to the GoFundMe account to help ter, Sandy Jones; sister, Karen 9, 1940 in Claremore, OK. She
her children and grandchildren cover funeral expenses. https:// Roberts; husband, Robert Ken- was raised and received her edu-
and loved each one dearly. She gofund.me/78387155. ■ neth Brown; nephew, Ralph cation in Nowata, OK.
loved having the grandchildren White; and niece Jeanie White. She married Bob Stevens in
If one of your relatives or close
and great grandchildren around She is survived by her daugh- 1957 in which there were four
friends has passed, please send
her. She closely followed her September 10, 1985 – us an obituary. We will run it ter Tara Madden and husband children born to this union. She
grandsons racing and football ca- October 18, 2021 Dave Madden of Bartlesville; worked for both the Delaware
in the next Delaware Indian
reers. granddaughter Alexis Madden of and Cherokee tribe of Indians as a
T
News. Obituaries can be sent to
Her favorite shows were Wheel ara Lea Meairs “Boone”, age Bartlesville, great-granddaughter community health representative.
din@delawaretribe.org or to
of Fortune, Law and Order and 36, passed away October 18, Kaia Sunday, grandson Daniel She also worked as a hairdresser
the Tribal Offices.
The Voice. 2021 after a long battle with Pul- Madden of Bartlesville, grand- in Nowata.
Verna is preceded in death by monary Hypertension. Tara was Please also pass along any birth daughter Haley Madden; great- In 1981 she married Steve
her parents along with two broth- born September 10, 1985 in Wich- or death announcements to the grandchildren Jaden Gallegos, Holder moving to southeast Okla-
ers Douglas W. Falleaf and Albert ita, KS to Teddy Meairs and Bobbi Enrollment Office at enroll- Grayson Gallegos and Selena, homa. In 1989 she moved to Tulsa
Eugene Black. Meairs. ment@delawaretribe.org. The her daughter Cody Blackmon and going to work for Prudentual who
We know that she is received Visitation was held 1:00 P.M. to Community Services Commit- Mark Blackmon of Wann, Okla- later became Saint Francis Health
by our ancestors and loved and 8:00 P.M. with the family present tee has a burial assistance pro- homa and three grandchildren, Systems, staying there until retire-
cared for. Her homecoming is un- from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Mon- gram if you need help. ■
ment in 2005. In 1994 she movedJanuary 2022 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) Page 11
Obituaries (cont.)
to Owasso and became a member Dorman Gail old westerns and classic country ily Funeral Home. Online condo- Stephan Dreamweaver. He was
of the Collinsville Free Will Bap- music. He enjoyed cross stitching lences and remembrances may be a varsity wrestler in high school
tist Church in 2003. Carole was on Morse and quilting and had made quilts shared at www.DavisFamilyFu- and a world champion powerlifter
the board for four years. She was for each grandchild. He loved to neralHome.com. ■ in his twenties and thirties. He re-
active in Ladies Auxiliary where cook and bake, and his special- cently served on the Sawyer (OK)
she was president for 6 years. She ties were apple pie and cherry Town Council as Vice Mayor.
also loved being active in V.B.S. pie. Most winters, Dorman loved He was widely known for his
In 2016 she became a widow going to visit his daughter Karen Stephen L. quick wit, his infectious smile,
and moved to Panama, OK to be in Arizona. He enjoyed spending and his kind and compassionate
near her daughter. time going to different sporting Rodenberg spirit. He was a favorite of nieces
Carole is survived by her three events with his grandchildren and and nephews at family reunions
children Larry Steven and wife his son in law Rico encouraged who were highly entertained by
Elaine of Bartlesville OK, Ricky him into liking the Arizona Cardi- his sound effects and jokes.
Stevens of Nowata, OK, Debbie nals. Dorman loved spending time Steve is survived by Sally Far-
Vineyard and husband Kenny of with his grandchildren and would ley (mother) and Denny Blair of
Panama, OK and a bonus daugh- January 4, 1947 – pick up new hobbies to spend Bartlesville, James (father) and
ter Cindy Culwell of Texas. Three January 12, 2021 quality time with each of them. Beverly Rodenberg of Owasso,
brothers, Mike Stewart and wife Dorman is preceded in death by his two brothers Phillip of Freder-
Renee of Nowata, OK, Roger
Stewart of Bartlesville, OK, Jay
Stewart of Nowata, OK, two sis-
D orman Gail Morse passed
away in Dewey on Jan. 12,
2021. The proud veteran, fam-
his parents, grandmother Clarice
Owens, and loving aunt Sandra
and uncle Shorty Aemisegger.
icksburg, VA and Jason of Hum-
ble, TX, his four children, Bryan
of Stillwater, Alex of Yukon, Erica
ters Wanda Ketcherside of Nowa- ily man and all-rounded go-getter He is survived by his loving of Edmond, and Stephen Jr of Eu-
ta, OK, and Linda Hathcoat of was aged 74 years and 8 days. wife of 49 years, Darlene; two stis, FL. , one grandson, Beau of
Bartlesville, OK. Six grandchil- Dorman was born on Jan. 4, daughters, Julia Ernest and hus- Yukon, and several cousins, niec-
dren, Emily and husband Roger of 1947, to John Frederick and Ber- band Judd of Bartlesville, and es, and nephews. ■
Edmond, OK, Micheal and wife tha Mae (Gates) Morse in Inde- Karen Gamboa and husband Rico
Erica of Dallas, TX, Luke Stevens of Glendale, AZ; six grandchil-
October 16, 1967 –
pendence, KS. He grew up with
of Mannford, OK, Bobby Stevens his sister Joycelind. Shortly after dren, Xavier Gamboa of AZ, An- October 12, 2021
O
of Nowata, OK, Jake Stevens of high school he enlisted in the US drew Dodson and wife Kaleigh
n Tuesday, October 12, 2021,
Nowata, OK, Kayla and fiancé Air Force and served two tours in of Bartlesville, Gina Monroe
Stephen L. Rodenberg, lov-
Josh of Heavener, OK and bonus Vietnam from 1965 to 1970. On and husband Dylan of Glendale,
ing son, father and grandfather,
granddaughter Cassie Chapa of April 30, 1971, Dorman married AZ, Matthew Dodson of Waco,
passed away at the age of 53.
Panama, OK. Eight great grand- the love of his life, Darlene Doro- TX, Dakota Gamboa and boy-
Steve is the son of former Vice
children, Brennen, Ruby, Kylan, thy Lawrence, in Phoenix, AZ. friend Josh of Santan Valley, AZ,
Chief and Tribal Judge Sally Far-
Kynlee, Ellis, Theodore, Ryan, The couple moved northeast to and Allie Ernest of Bartlesville;
ley.
and Rylee. Three special friends, Show Low, AZ, where they raised six great-grandchildren Aubrey,
Steve was born on October 16,
Sue Ann Thomas of Texas, Joe their daughters Julia and Karen. Charlee, Braxlee, Brooklyn, Xan-
1967 in Oklahoma City to James
Butler of Panama, OK, and Dani- Dorman and Darlene eventually der, and Cachten; and sister Joyce-
and Sally Rodenberg. He graduat-
elle and her husband Jeff of Yu- settled in Elk City, KS, before lind Wilson and husband Andy of
ed from Bartlesville High School
kon, OK. moving to Dewey in 2016. Neosho, MO.
in 1985. He attended the Uni-
She was preceded in death Dorman was a loving husband, In lieu of flowers, Dorman’s
versity of Oklahoma in 1985-86,
by her parents Herbert Tennent, father, and grandfather. Family family has asked that donations
and received his bachelor’s degree
Thelma and Leonard Rainwater, was such an important part of his be made to Washington County
from the Central State University
husband Steve Holder, son Terry life, especially his grandchildren. SPCA, 16620 OK-123, Dewey,
in Edmond in 1990. He received
Steven, brothers Jimmy, Johnny, He was a man who was known for OK 74029, or the Animal Res-
his Respiratory Therapist certifi-
Donald, and one sister, Betty. doing any job well. He was very cue Foundation (ARF) 399519
cate from Rose State College in
Carole was a lady who loved active in the community when the US-60, Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Midwest City in 1991.
life and all people. Some of the family lived in Elk City and helped Friends and family are encour-
Steve worked as a respiratory
things Carole enjoyed was bowl- run their recycling program, as aged to wear red for R.E.D. Friday
therapist for over 25 years, most
ing, camping, and watching soft- well as a lifelong member of the to show solidarity and support for
recently at Choctaw Memorial
ball. She was an avid OSU Cow- VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). our deployed service members.
Hospital in Hugo.
boys fan. Dorman had a silly sense of All previously planned services
Steve had a passion for rid-
Carole will be greatly missed humor and was ornery, as well he have been cancelled. Arrange-
ing his Harley Davidson mo-
by all who knew her. ■ was also a proud veteran and well- ments are under the direction of
torcycle and sharing his love of
rounded man. He had a love for Carter Davis and the Davis Fam-
life through YouTube videos asPage 12 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) January 2022
Delaware War Mothers an ceremonies, assisted veterans in time of need, Young Lenape Leaders Launches In
powwows, and various fund raising. This year
Tonya Anna we would like to do more projects together at our January
meetings to make it more fun and not always plan-
H appy New Years to all! We expect things to ning events. If you have been a war mother in the Anna Pate
D
pick up in 2022 and continue to accept new past I ask for you to reconsider and come back.
id you know wëski awènik means young people? On Novem-
members without any membership dues this year. For anyone thinking about joining I invite you to
ber 20, 2021 the Tribal Council approved for Young Lenape
The Veterans Committee has taken us in under come to at least one meeting to see what we are
Leaders program to be designed for youth involvement. Collabo-
their wing so to speak. DWM will meet at the same about. Bring your thinking cap and sense of humor
ration between myself, Chief Killscrow, and Jeremy Johnson we
time and day so we will have the opportunity to because we sure do have a good time! Remember,
came up with Young Lenape Leaders. Anyone between the ages of
collaborate together if the need arises. Otherwise, we meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 P.M.
12 to 20 may contact me at apate@delawaretribe.org for informa-
we will meet in a separate room. Hope to see more located at tribal headquarters. ■
tion or if you would like to be involved. On January 22, 2022 at 12
involvement from the women of our tribe whether
P.M. we will be conducting our first meeting at the tribal center.
you are Delaware by blood or want to represent
We will also be on Facebook live on the Delaware Tribe of Indians
your native veteran. There has been some confu-
main Facebook page if you are unable to attend in person. So bring
sion on who can join. This organization consists
your ideas and let’s brainstorm! ■
of Native American women who are representing
veterans of all races. We also accept women of
all races who are representing a Native American
Veteran. Why is this open to non Delawares? Our
group has become so small that we are trying to
keep it alive for our future generations. In the past
we have had garage sales, chili cook offs, veter-
2022 Welcomes back the Editorial Committee
Dana Murrell, Vice Chair, Editorial Committee
T he Delaware Indian News (DIN) welcomes back the oversight of the editorial committee. For the last
few years the committee has been inactive and now that is changing. 2022 will be a comeback year
for the Editorial Committee, members of the committee are Leslie Jerden, Dana Murrell, Tonya Anna,
and Joe Brown. We hope that as a committee we will be able to bring an exciting feel back to the news-
paper. We had our first meeting and we are up and running to create a welcoming and interesting paper
experience for our tribal members. We know that there are readers out there who appreciate what we do
and we want to hear from you. We want to engage with our readers so that they will get more from us
than expected. We want to spotlight the elders and the members who create native art for a more person-
able experience. We want to ask our readers for their opinions and take those to heart. We want to hear
from our youth and what interests them. Most importantly we want to hear from you when we are doing
something right. Please take a moment to write back or email when you feel like it. We encourage our
readers to speak up and help “make” our paper. Going forward we hope to bring a positive experience to
the Delaware Indian News and its tribal members.
To contact the editorial committee please email dinedit@delawaretribe.org ■
Delaware Tribe Gift Shop Update
O ur Gift Shop now has satin jackets with the tribal seal and a quilted liner.
They come in red or black and are available in sizes Large, X-Large and 2-XL.
Other sizes are available by special order.
All gift shop items can be purchased online at www.delawaretribe.org/shop/.
Major credit cards accepted and your purchase can be picked up or mailed.
For more information call Anita Mathis at 918-337-6595 or 918-338-9919. Wanishi ■January 2022 Lënapeí Pampil (Delaware Indian News) Page 13
Stories Of Our Past—The Remarkable History Of The Delaware Tribe Of Indians
Anita Mathis, Tribal Archivist Through the months of October and November the kid-
dos were brought to the Bartlesville Area History Mu-
H ere in the Archives we have many wonderful pic-
tures, documents, and objects of our Ancestors----
from the past to the present.
seum to enjoy exploring the exhibit through a scavenger
hunt. The scavenger hunt was free and all children who
participate received a sticker declaring them as a “History
This article will be about the Bartlesville Area History Hero.”
Museum (BAHM) and the wonderful exhibit they put up Also there was a Livestream face book event that you
on our Tribe titled Delaware: The Faces Of the Lenape may watch by going to the Bartlesville Area History Mu-
BAHM ran a 3 month long exhibit from September, seum face book page or by going to http://www.bartles-
1 through November 30, 2021. It was an opportunity villehistory.com/ ■
to learn more about the Lenape people through Bartles-
ville Area History Museum and the eyes of cultural ex-
perts and members of the Delaware Tribe, it was a great
success, the 3 month long exhibit was held September
1, through November 30, 2021 at the Bartlesville Area
History Museum here in Bartlesville. Special guests in-
cluded Delaware Chief Brad KillsCrow, Delaware Tribal
Princess Morgan Messimore, Delaware Cultural Cen-
ter Director Curtis Zunigha, Tribal Archivist, and Lan-
guage Program Director Jim Rementer. They took guests
on a virtual tour of the “Delaware: The Faces of Lenape” Left to Right Curtis Zunghia, Chief Brad KillsCrow,
exhibit in the Pioneer Gallery on Nov. 16. Delaware Princess Morgan Messimore, Anita Mathis
Museum coordinator Delaney Williams said that tribal and Jim Rementer
members added nuance to the experience and more infor-
mation than already existed in the exhibit. The exhibit All who had a hand in making this happen.
attracted a lot of interest and visitors. “It was a lot of fun
to get to talk to people,” Williams said. “We’ve actually
had a lot of people who are descendants to some of these
people who have bios on the panels.”
The exhibit was a collaboration between museum staff
and the Delaware Cultural Center with items on loan from
the Cultural Center and Woolaroc. It included 21 panels
of carefully researched information that highlighted key
points in the history of the Delaware Tribe from the 1500s
to today.
More than 70 objects were on display including mu-
sical instruments, traditional clothing, and the original
Charles Journeycake stained glass from the Journey-
cake Memorial Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church
Dewey).
“Washington County has a rich and diverse history,”
Delaney said. “This exhibit showed you the world of the
Lenape tribe as they left their Pennsylvania homeland,
transitioned to Indian Territory and their cultural foothold
as experienced today.”
There were a couple of events for children during the
exhibit. Left to Right: Chief Brad KillsCrow, Curtis Zunigha,
The Bartlesville Area History Museum hosted a fall Betty Keim, Cecelia Biggoose, Anita Mathis, Princess
break children’s program on October 14th. The program Morgan Messimore and Delaney William. Delaney
centered on the Delaware Tribe of Indians. Participants worked very hard and spent many hours researching and
toured the special exhibit to explore the rich history of the putting this exhibit together. Wanishi, to all of you.
Delaware people. There were special guest speakers from
the Delaware Cultural Center. Students in 3rd through 6th
grades were welcomed to attend.You can also read
