Voices of the First Peoples: Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware

Voices of the First Peoples celebrates Indigenous voices and traditions in partnership with the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware. Join Indigenous knowledge keepers and educators at the Kalmar Nyckel's Copeland Martime Center. We'll explore Indigenous history, sovereignty, and cultural resilience, sample native foods, and learn about agriculture and other local traditions.

Presentations will include:

Chief Dennis Coker, Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware

Henry Ward, Archeologist and Chef

Documentary Screening: "First People. First State: Cheswold's American Indian Community"

Voices of the First Peoples is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Voices of the First Peoples is created and hosted in collaboration with the Delaware Teachers Institute.

Info: Chief Dennis Coker has been involved with the Tribal Leadership of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware since 1996. Because of his collaboration with the Delaware State Historic Preservation office and the Federal Census Bureau, the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware was awarded a "State Designated Tribal Area" status to include their Tribal affiliation for the first time in history. At Chief Coker's urging, on August 4, 2016, Delaware's Governor, Jack Markell, signed legislation officially recognizing the long and continued history of the Lenape Community in the state of Delaware.

Info: Learn about the history, culture, nutrition, and preparation of Indigenous foods for this region. Attendees can sample Indigenous food and drink—a chance to experience unique flavors from the region’s past.

Henry Ward is professional archeologist and chef specializing in recreating foods from different cultures and time periods. His in-depth research and culinary experimentation allow him to develop authentic recipes and menus that span ages. Henry travels to historic and cultural events throughout the Middle Atlantic giving presentations about indigenous local foods, from an archaeological and culinary perspective.

Info: Enjoy your snacks and view the exhibits on display in the Copeland Maritime Center while we set up our feature documentary.

Info: Enjoy a new documentary created with the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, "First People. First State: Cheswold's American Indian Community." Through funding and support from Delaware 250 , Delaware Heritage Commission, Delaware Public Archives and 302 Stories, Inc. the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware began a project last year, interviewing Cheswold Community Elders in an effort to tell our own story, in celebration of 250 years of independence. This film honors and celebrates the voices, lived experiences, profound resilience and stories from Cheswold Community Elders.

Info: Courtesy of the Delaware Teachers Institute, a limited number of attendees will be able to sail on the Kalmar Nyckel. Please register for a "General Admission + Kalmar Nyckel Sail" ticket to reserve your spot on the ship.

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Host or Publisher Delaware Humanities