10/13/2026
On this Indigenous Peoples Day, from the Lenapehoking lands (homelands of the Lenape people cover the state of New Jersey), we encourage you to learn not only the history of the Lenape Nations but the present and future as well.
The state of New Jersey recognizes three tribal nations within its borders today.
Ramapough Lenape Nation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramapough_Mountain_Indians
Powhatan Renape Nation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powhatan_Renape_Nation
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation
https://www.nlltribalnation.org/
https://nanticoke-lenape.info/
The Ramapough and Nanticoke nations host events throughout the state that are open to the public, including pow-wows and educational opportunities. The Nanticoke also offer a free e-book on the history of the Nanticoke and Lenape nations athttps://nanticoke-lenape.info/images/We_Are_Still_Here_Nanticoke_and_Lenape_History_Booklet_pre-release_v2.pdf
These nations regularly face legal battles, notably the 2012-2019 period where the State revoked recognition of the tribes, affecting their ability to obtain healthcare, education, and career training grants, as well as the right to sell their crafts as Native American-made. The Ramapough also had a legal battle after the Town of Mahwah and Ramapo Hunt & Polo Club attempted to prohibit the tribe from using their land for religious purposes.
These tribes do not have federal recognition for several reasons. The process is lengthy and expensive, which is difficult for small groups to afford. Part of the application process is providing proof of their lineage and residency in the state. Many Lenape were forced to migrate, and today the federally recognized Lenape nations are in Oklahoma and Wisconsin, as well as First Nations in Ontario, Canada. For those who remained in NJ, tribal members were often considered to be Black or other ethnicities on government paperwork and census records, resulting in a lack of evidence of their identity and heritage.
As you drive by signs that use names based on Indigenous language and depicting a warrior in a headdress, think about how much of our area still shows their influence, and how there are Tribal members among us still. And especially around Halloween, remember that regalia and headdresses are sacred to these tribes and should not be a costume or cartoon mascot.
