The Lenape
For thousands of years prior to European colonization, the Lenni Lenape, or Delaware, were the original inhabitants of the Delaware River Valley and its surrounding area.
They possessed a robust culture that spread across the Northeastern woodlands where they had established many independent, matrilineal clans. While loosely connected politically, clans shared a common culture that emphasized respect for, and close bonds with their lands. Sustainable agriculture, hunting, and fishing practices allowed them to thrive in the Lenapehoking for almost 10,000 years until the arrival of European colonists.
While some groups remained in the east, such as Bill Thompson's family, most were forced a thousand miles away from their home to western reservations and into Canada for over 250 years after European colonization.
Today many of the names of waterways, towns, and other places in our region are derived from the two Lenape language dialects: Unami and Munsee. Examples include Conshohocken, Manayunk, Neshaminy, Unami Ridge, Wissahickon, Pennypack, Tohickon, and the Susquehanna. The name Lenni Lenape itself translates to "the real people," in their native languages, which today have very few speakers left.
We encourage all to research deeper into the rich histories, cultures, and modern legacies of the Lenape and other indigenous peoples of North and South America.