By Rev. JR Norwood, PhD
As we enter a new year at the start of 2017, the Nanticoke-Lenape People are still engaged in a struggle with the State of New Jersey. The administration of Governor Chris Christie has sought to rewrite history in regard to the status of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation and deny that state recognition was extended to the tribe in the 1980s, even though legislative resolutions, state statutes, official statements of previous administrations (and even from his own administration) demonstrate that the tribe was and is recognized. Our people are engaged in a legal battle, waged in both state and federal courts over the matter. For American Indians, recognition by a state or the federal government provides protections taken for granted by other Americans, such as the ability to label your cultural crafts as authentically made or the ability to claim your race on certain official forms and applications for certain programs. The action of the state has placed the tribal government and the tribal people in a state of legal limbo. We continue to fight on, but we know that our future is ultimately not in the hands of the government, but in the hands of the Lord.
As wampum (shell beads) have traditionally been woven into belts that record significant events, a belt was woven to record our struggle and our reliance upon faith as we seek justice.
Mathakawenanak Scheyichbink Kekwi Kelamapisun
[We-fight-them in-Scheyichbi (New Jersey) Wampum Belt]
Presented to Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Chief Mark Gould
[We-fight-them in-Scheyichbi (New Jersey) Wampum Belt]
Presented to Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Chief Mark Gould
by Tribal Supreme Court Principal Justice, Dr. JR Norwood
on July 13, 2015
Let Us Pray...
Almighty Creator, you who create us with the power of your thoughts, you who shower us with blessings each day and through all seasons, we praise you for providing for the generations of our people whom you have kept upon the land where our ancestors bones remain.
Dear Father, strengthen our resolve as we struggle for justice and fight to secure the rights of generations yet to come. We thank you for our advocates, allies, and friends who stand with us against an oppressive and deceitful enemy, who consistently breaks promises, denies what is true, promotes what is false, is bent on diminishing our dignity, and is committed to undermining our future as a people.
Gracious Deliverer, help us to overcome this latest attack in a war that has raged for centuries. Shame those who deny our rights. Convict the conscience of those who remain indifferent to our plight. Grant us victory in the courts of law and halls of government. Let truth and justice prevail. May the blessing of our victory lift and inspire all those who suffer under colonization's lingering heavy yoke of injustice. Loving Savior, as we pray for justice to be done, we also pray for hearts that forgive and
seek peace instead of revenge, harbor mercy instead of bitterness, hope for reconciliation instead of continued strife. As you have made us the stewards of our ancient homeland, strengthen us to be agents of healing and harmony.
Great Spirit, Giver of Life, stand us up well and help us to walk in a good way, both in this generation and for generations to come. This I pray In the blessed name of your Son, the great warrior Jesus, the divine ruler of all that is and rescuer of those who trust in him. Na ne lekech. Amen.
