Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians
The history of their tribe in its homeland goes back over 10,000 years.
The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation are those who inhabited New Jersey, Delaware, southern New York and eastern Pennsylvania at the time the Europeans came. They called themselves “Lenni-Lenape,” which literally means “Men of Men”, but is translated to mean “Original People.”
The peace loving Lenni-Lenape are called the “grandfathers” or “ancient ones” by many other tribes are considered to be among the most ancient of the Northeastern Nations, spawning many of the tribes along the northeastern seaboard. They were known as warriors and diplomats, often keeping the peace and mediating disputes between our neighboring Native Nations and were admired by European colonist for their hospitality and mediation skills.
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From the early 1600’s, the European settlers called the Lenape people “Delaware Indians.” Three main dialect clans, each made up of smaller independent but interrelated communities, extended from the northern part of their ancient homeland at the headwaters of the Delaware River down to the Delaware Bay. The Munsee (People of the Stony Country) lived in the north. The Unami (People Down River) and the Unalachtigo (People Who Live Near the Ocean) inhabited the central and southern areas of the Lenni-Lenape homeland.
If you wish to learn more about the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, please visit their website at: www.nlltribe.com
The story about Penelope would not be possible if it weren't for the Lenape Indians. Their lives, as now are ours, became forever intertwined when the Lenape discover Penelope's near lifeless body at the treeline which meets the ocean. With a tomahawk raised above her head, the Lenape chief stops the attempt to end her life. Through a series of incredible events, Penelope will later return the favor and change the course of American history.