History | Delaware Nation

Delaware Nation’s Vital History With Princeton University

PublicRelationsOfficer — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:51:23 +0000

In this photo is our first female elected President Deborah Dotson of the The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape. Dr. Yolandra Gomez graduate, alumni Association, co-chair & first female American Indian to sit on the board of trustees for Princeton and co-chair of American Indian Alumni Association Dr. Rodger Dube (Mohawk)

Posted on Facebook March 29 at 7:16 AM (CST)

“In 1783, due to threats of mutiny and lack of protection from the Pennsylvania militia, Continental Congress moved from Philadelphia to the room above in Nassau Hall at Princeton University in NJ.

In 1774 my 6th Great Grandfather, Chief Bartholomew ‘WiltedGrass’ Calvin was on track to be the first Native American to get a Princeton degree. However, the Scottish missionary fund paying his tuition was inactivated by the revolutionary war, and in 1776, he left Princeton and enlisted with Washington’s army where he severed until 1780 when he returned to the Brotherton Community then in New York. This decision was partially made because the Brotherton were the closest Lenape community as the rest of us had by then been pushed to Ohio.

By 1802 the Brotherton Community that was Down to perhaps 80 people so the Brotherton leadership petitioned the NY legislature to allow it to sell the land, to provide funds to move itself to Oneida Lake, New York, with the Stockbridge Mahican tribe, who had been removed from Massachusetts. By 1822, the community unease was so prevalent, the remains of the Brotherton tribe chose to petition New Jersey for its remaining funds from the 1802 land sale, in order to move to the west of the Michigan territory, near what is now Green Bay, Wisconsin.

On March 12, 1832 Chief Wilted Grass Calvin stood and addressed the legislature: “The final act of official intercourse between the State of New Jersey and the Delaware Indians, who once owned near the whole of its territory, has now been consummated and in a manner which must redound to the honor of this growing state. And, in all probability, to the prolongation of a wasted, yet grateful people. Upon this parting occasion, I feel it to be an incumbent duty to bear the feeble tribute of my praise to the high-toned justice which, in this instance, and so far as I am acquainted, in all former times, has actuated the councils of this commonwealth in dealing with the aboriginal inhabitants. Not a drop of our blood have you spilled in battle; not an acre of ground have you taken but by our consent. These facts speak for themselves, and need no comment. They place the character of New Jersey in bold relief and bright example to those states within whose territorial limits our brethren still remain… I fervently pray that God will have [the legislators] in his holy keeping — will guide them in safety through the vicissitables of this life, and ultimately, through the rich mercies of our Blessed Redeemer, receive them into the glorious entertainment of his kingdom above.” The entire room erupted in applause and cheers.

Princeton sits upon Lenapehoking the Homelands of Lenapehok the Lenape people. We are proud to work alongside these powerful leaders!”

Story and Photos by Daniel Strong Walker Thomas

Edit: Upcoming Election Will Sit A Woman Vice President Alongside A Woman President For First Time In Delaware Nation History

PublicRelationsOfficer — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 16:50:42 +0000

For the first time in Delaware Nation History, a woman President and a woman Vice President will soon sit alongside one another.

Trinity Guido and Victoria De La Rosa-Felicano are two powerful candidates running for Vice President in the upcoming June 17, 2023 election.

(view Vice President candidate statements at https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov/official-candidate-statements-for-june-17-2023-election/)

Today is the final day of National Women’s History Month and Delaware Nation honors you!

Good luck Ladies!!

Title Revised on 4/3/2023

Trinity Guido

Victoria De La Rosa-Feliciano

Women’s History Month: Honoring Mary D. Rice

PublicRelationsOfficer — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:23:21 +0000

It is with great honor that Delaware Nation would recognize Mary Dean Rice, the last living tribal citizen allottee of 169 original allottees and their siblings considered as possessing 4/4 degree of Delaware Nation Indian Blood. She is the great-granddaughter of Black Beaver!

Mary Rice was raised on a farm in Verden, Oklahoma on land allotted to her mother and father. Growing up, Mary had to walk to school and she lived a mile from town. She remembers seeing and riding the school bus. She worked in the fields with the mules and helped with the family’s cotton and corn crops. Mary’s tasks were completed by using mules and driving tractors. She did everything on the farm that there was to do!

Ms. Rice and her husband of 50 years, Edward, once lived in California and were known as “rock hounds.” Before moving to California, they resided in Maysville, OK. They would travel to the desert and dig up rocks to break, grind, polish, and cut for a stone dealer in Pasadena, California. Edward passed in 1994, leaving Mary to sell their home in California and move to Purcell, OK, where she currently resides.

Mary Rice is proud of her sewing, knitting, and traveling hobbies. Mary loved traveling to Hawaii in the 80s. She is well-known for making 300 “lap quilts” by hand, which were donated to dialysis patients in Texas, with the help of her talented niece, Joy.

June 16 is annually declared “Mary D. Rice Day” by a 2018 proclamation signed and approved by the Delaware Nation Executive Committee. Her 106th birthday is May 25. Happy Birthday!

Wanìshi, Mary, for all of your contributions to the Tribe and to your local communities!

Women’s History Month: Honoring Janice Maddox

PublicRelationsOfficer — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:39:35 +0000

Janice Maddox’s education (Bachelor in Education, Master in Administration, Master in Reading Specialist), skills, and experience make her an ideal candidate for her role as Tribal Administrator. Janice’s ability to quickly adapt to unprecedented challenges has kept operations running.

Janice maintains interests that are vital to the well-being of Delaware Nation citizens. Her position and responsibilities cannot be shared, thus making her resilient in achieving goals that better everyone under the nation’s umbrella. Janice always thoroughly examines all aspects of every decision she makes assuring operations run smoothly. Her eye for detail is sharp and true.

Janice is always welcoming and cheerful! Her kind attributes have gained incredible respect among Tribal citizens and Tribal government staff. Part of Delaware Nation’s success with long-term employment can be attributed to her integrity and successful temperament. Her guidance has led young men and women to long-term and rewarding careers! Her management has oversight of all tribal programs and she loves serving the great people of Delaware Nation.

Janice does not ask any employee to do something she is not willing to do, from picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, distributing food boxes in the cold to cooking for an event. Due to her lucrative direction and organizational skills, Delaware Nation has been able to conduct many successful events that benefit the citizens and the community.

Wanìshi, Janice, for all your hard work and countless hours in maintaining and administering for Delaware Nation to be a prosperous tribal nation.

This is also Janice’s birthday month. Happy Birthday!