TurkeyTimes February 2013 - Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware

NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE
VOL #52
APRIL 2013
Turkey Times
In Memory of Yvonne Lynette Gourley
By Chelsea Braunskill
T
The Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware participated
in the Native American Month program at Sam’s
Club on November 14, 2012.
The Lenape Indian Tribe of DE and the Nanticoke
Lenni-Lenape Tribe of New Jersey led in the
procession of Colonist Day in Ft Christina Park on
April 13, 2013.
P.O. Box 79 Cheswold, Delaware 19936
We all feel the loss of Ms. Yvonne “Bright
Sparrow”. Her bright spirit and contagious laughter
along with kind words and a big heart made her an
amazing woman. She made such an impact on the
youth. She was a leader. Ms. Yvonne was a great role
model to us at the Tribal Youth Group. She was there
with us in the circle for our talks. She listened and
shared stories and gave good advice. She made Youth
Camp so much fun. She taught us to dance. She loved
dancing. There were times she was very serious
because she was also a great protector. She put her
heart into everything she did, whether it be Pow Wows
or bead-making. “Bright Sparrow” we will never
forget. She will be missed and loved by all.
302.730.4601
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LenapeIndianTribeOfDelaware.com
NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE
LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE
TRIBAL COUNCIL
Elections were held at our November 2012 meeting with
the following being voted in:
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Lisa “Caring Heart” Coker Hurd, Assistant Chief.
Lisa is the daughter of Franklin (Gene) and Nancy
Coker. Lisa served as Assistant Chief 2009-2010 but
had to step down due to medical reasons. She is back
and ready to go with many new ideas. She is
experienced in being the Chief’s extra hands. She is
experienced in running our Senior Luncheon Program,
Senior Medical Program, Youth Program, Newsletter,
Dance Program, Student Grant (WIA) Program and
citizen application processing. Lisa is also a Notary
which is free of charge to Tribal members.
Theo “Three Winds” Braunskill, Council-at-Large.
Theo is the daughter of Thomas (Harmon) Lewis and
Elizabeth Mosley/Pritchett Cooper.
Theo was
reappointed to serve as our enrollment Citizens
Coordinator. Under her last term 2010-2012, our
enrollment increased by 20%.
Carla Coker, Council-at-Large. Carla is the daughter
of Carlton and Anna Loatman Coker. She has served
as Past Assistant Chief. Carla is the Chairperson of the
Ways and Means Committee and will continue in that
position. She has been instrumental in bringing much
needed income from various fundraisers that help
offset the cost of running the office of the Lenape
Indian Tribe of Delaware’s Cultural Center.
Terry “Dream Wonderer” Sammons, Council-atLarge.
Terry is the son of Alfred and Millie
Sammons. Terry has been with us for many years,
serving as our Spiritual Leader. He lead with prayer
and teaches with vision. He teaches because he wants
our youth not to lose the gifts that were passed to us by
our ancestors. Terry teaches traditions and ethics,
beadwork, ribbon-work, traditional Indian clothing and
other arts and crafts. He is holding beading circle
classes at the Center.
On January 9, 2013 Marian Coker was sworn into office
after the recommendation from Chief, Dennis Coker.
• Marian A. Coker, Treasurer. Marian is the daughter
of William and Ada Parrish. Marian has served as Past
Assistant Chief. She is the Chairperson of the Youth
Committee and will serve on the Ways and Means
Committee. She has served as Youth Committee and
Newsletter Chair in the past. Marian is ready to assist
in any way to the success of the Tribe.
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VOL #52
APRIL 2013
The following members will be voted on for re-election
this year.
• Minnie “Flowering Heart” Bowen, Secretary.
Minnie is the daughter of Nehemiah and Victorine
Coker Durham. Minnie continues, as she has for
many years, to hold her position as secretary as she
supports each of us at our tasks. She also serves on
the Ways and Means Committee and Chairperson of
the Newsletter Committee and coordinates and
publishes the newsletter for our community.
• Dennis “White Otter” Coker, Chief of the Lenape
Indian Tribe of Delaware. Dennis continues to serve
our Tribe with sure diligence. He leads with
conviction and determination. We are nationally
known because of his hard work.
The Council took the oath on December 13th and January
17th and promised as a Council to be strong and
dependable and work hard to serve you, our families and
community. We also promised to serve and support
Chief Coker as he takes us forward.
Aho!
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Youth Committee
Marian Coker, Chairperson
The Youth group was created to teach our
children their culture and ways of life. The group is
open to the children of the Sovereign Nation. If you
are interested in allowing your children to participate,
please contact marian_coker@yahoo.com (underscore
is between marian and coker). The meetings will
begin in March and we will meet at least twice a
month. We will be preparing for the Swedish
Celebration by working on their Regalia, jewelry and
dancing. Parents will be responsible for the cost of
the Regalia. They will also learn the ways of life as
our ancestors knew them to be.
I truly believe that our children have an important
part in continuing our culture and by learning now
they will have the tools for generations to come.
NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE
VOL #52
APRIL 2013
My Directions in Life Were Always With Full
Knowledge of My Ancestors
By Janice Turner, D.P.M., M.P.H
Culture
Annual Fall Gathering
We held our 22nd Annual Fall Gathering on
October 13, 2012 and it was a very successful day that
was fulfilling in many ways. We came together to
honor two of our elders, Corrine Christiansen and
Winona Wortham, and to enjoy the festive meal.
Below are two interviews with our honorees and we
hope to see more of you this year. Our Gathering is
always the 2nd Saturday in October.
Lately, I have come to realize that my entire life's
journey was always headed this way - rejoining my
Lenape people. I had many side roads to explore
perhaps to acquire knowledge and skills that can be put to
use. The interesting thing is that I have lived my entire life
outside of the tribe and tribal traditions - yet I know that
how I lived my life, my interests, hobbies, passions and
directions in life were always with full knowledge of my
ancestors and were driven by a deep connection to Earth
Mother.
As children, Mom told us that we were Nanticoke. I
grew up in the Bronx feeling as though I had been 'placed'
in the wrong location. I felt like I 'should' have been born
in the country. Eventually, about a decade ago, I began
to make sense of it and decided that it was fortuitous
because the opportunities for a fine education,
scholarships and other experiences are unparalleled in
NYC compared to a small town or rural area for a poor
family. We were a poor family in the South Bronx. And I
happened to be a very studious child. This entire process
feels as if I was sent off on a quest from birth, my quest
lasted 60 years, and now I have returned. This is who I
am.
When I contemplate my mother's life- an orphan at
age 9 born in 1918 with both parents taken by
tuberculosis- I wish that she could have been embraced
and supported more by this country. Completing this
application caused me to give deep consideration to the
fact that two uncles and an aunt died as newborns. The
oldest lived 2 months. This is tragic and had to be very
painful for my grandparents and the entire family. My
grandmother passed on just a few months after the last
baby. My mother had a childhood remembrance of
witnessing her little baby brother laid out in the dining
room. Aunt Lottie (Charlotte Augusta Durham Gross) told
us that our grandfather died from a broken heart,
essentially, from losing his wife and three children. My
grandparents and many others in our Lenape community
were plagued not only by disease but also by bigotry and
segregation. These conditions take their toll and the
struggle continues today.
This story needs balance. As a result of following my
native roots I met Theo Braunskill. She explained that we
are third cousins from my maternal grandfather!
My
immediate family never knew many of the relatives on my
grandfather's side. We know and have family reunions
with our maternal grandmother's family because that great
aunt (Aunt Lottie) raised my mother from childhood and
eventually had 6 children of her own. The other rather
amazing discovery is that, Theo and I realized last year
that her father and my mother lived in the Bronx next door
to each other for decades! My mother mentioned, "... the
neighbor from Delaware". But, she never realized that
they were second cousins. What kind of a coincidence
was this? Now, I am reunited with a lost line of relatives.
Corinne Sammons Christiansen
Corinne Sammons was born on February 23, 1928
to William and Ella Sammons in Cheswold, DE. She
was born and raised in Cheswold and is the last of 13
children.
She met Roy Christiansen in Cheswold, got
married and moved to Philadelphia in 1948 for 25
years. She has two children; a son, Robin Christiansen
and a daughter, Lori Christiansen. She also has 5
grandchildren.
While living in Philly she worked at Litton
Company and made circuit boards for the military.
Roy, Corinne and family moved back to Cheswold
in 1964. After moving back she worked at Wheatley’s
and JC Penney’s and retired after 21 years. She also
worked at Courtland Manor Nursing Home for 8 years.
She has volunteered at Lutheran Towers for 5 years and
City of Dover for a short period of time.
She was married to Major Andre Christiansen for
52 years. She is a member of the Episcopal Church in
Dover, DE.
Winona Johnson Wortham
Ms. Winona “Soft Waters” Wortham, is the
daughter of Franklin and Mary (Carney) Johnson. She
was born in Cheswold, DE in October 1934. Winona
attended school in Cheswold. Children are Debbie
Coker, Denise (Coker) Pritchett, Donna Lynn (Coker)
Calvanesa and Charles G. Coker, Jr.
Winona’s fondest memory as a child growing up in
Cheswold was everyone getting together to roller skate
around the train station.
It is Winona “Soft Water’s” wishes to let everyone
know she is proud to be a member of the Lenape Indian
Tribe of Delaware and she also wishes that more of the
community would not only become a member but be
participating members as she would love to see the
Tribe grow and have more functions.
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NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE
VOL #52
APRIL 2013
Dancing in the circle is for the Creator and we do it
for our elders who have passed on. Each foot placement,
each step and stomp is our connection to Mother earth.
Our prayers are for giving thanks to our Creator. This
should be an uplifting event giving us all the opportunity
to participate and show our respect.
When creating the regalia we dance in, it should be
done with the creator in mind. We should ask for
guidance and direction in the creativity when making or
adding to our regalia because each piece and color should
have significance and personal representation.
Mr. Sammons encourages us to “teach these things to
our youth. It is very important for them to dance and to
have a full understanding of its purpose”.
He also said “our dedication, our dance and our
prayers will make our grandfathers happy. As you do
these things, as you go around the circle, you will feel that
connection of the drum in your heart. Feel it, be happy,
that is what a circle is”.
Citizenship Committee
Theo Braunskill, Chairperson
Claim Your Native Identity
Claiming your Native identity is simpler than you
think. Our ancestors have provided us a clear lineage
path. So many other tribes don’t have this luxury.
All you need to do is file an application, provide a
few documents and claim your Native identity today.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Not only “do” your
application, “do” your parents applications and your
siblings. Just do it!!! Download your application from
the website: lenapeindiantribeofdelaware.com or call
the Tribal Center at 302-730-4601. Assistance is
available.
Our newest Citizens:
Lolita Brown (Pritchett decent)
Janice Turner (Pritchett decent)
Mae Carter Collins
Wayne Cooper (Mosley/Pritchett)
Keith Cooper transfer from New Jersey
(Mosley/Pritchett/Greenage)
Charles E Cooper Jr transfer from New Jersey
(Mosley/Pritchett/Greenage)
Doris Cooper transfer from New Jersey
(Mosley/Pritchett/Greenage)
Clarence Herman Lewis (Mosley/Pritchett)
Beverly Cooper transfer from New Jersey
(Mosley/Pritchett/Greenage)
Terry Sammons transfer from New Jersey
James Bruce Seeney
Shelby Ridgeway
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Empowering Youth To Prevent Abuse
By Marian Coker
Our Tribal Community is in need of Prevention for
our Children and to accomplish these needs we are
sending out a survey asking your assistance. By working
together as a community we can give our children the
tools they need to prevent abuse. We as parents try very
hard to steer our children in the right direction and
sometimes they go in the opposite direction. We need to
build a Safe Haven for them and to accomplish this we
need to have statistics to go along with our needs.
I attended a CADCA conference last month and to see
the youth and their powers in prevention are mighty. The
conference was very inspiring to me bringing back
knowledge we can use to build programs for our youth. If
we can get funding to begin a program that our youth are
involved in I truly think that our community will benefit
deeply.
The survey was mailed and we would greatly
appreciate your assistance by answering a few questions
and returning it to us. Once we begin to collect and get a
module together we can apply for grants.
If you have any questions, concerns or would like to
assist in building a program for our youth, please contact
me at marian_coker@yahoo.com (underscore between
marian and coker) or 302-730-4601.
DANCING IN THE CIRCLE:
Is For The Creator And Our Elders
By Theo Braunskill
In conversation with Terry Sammons, our Spiritual
Leader and newly appointed Councilman, he wants us to
remember that one of the ways to dedicate ourselves is
through dance. He says “when you step into that circle
with the beat of the drum, you dance and you pray”.
We live in a modern times and PowWows have a
“display aspect” for the public to learn about our
heritage and culture. But Mr. Sammons said we as a
people, need to remember that we are not in the circle
for ourselves and as a personal showpiece. He said that
it does not matter to the Creator if your regalia is the
most handsomest or the prettiest. He said leave “self”
outside of the circle”.
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NEWSLETTER OF THE LENAPE INDIAN TRIBE OF DELAWARE
VOL #52
APRIL 2013
We had a Christmas Party at our December
Citizenship Meeting on Thursday, December 20th .
Everyone brought a covered dish and enjoyed the
camaraderie of other citizens. We do this every year,
so please sign for citizenship and join in the many
activities that will be coming up.
Any ideas for fundraisers will be gladly accepted
and appreciated. Please submit to the Ways and Means
Committee. A big thank you to everyone who made it
possible to have such a successful year.
Ways and Means Committee
Carla Coker, Chairperson
2012 was a very productive year for the Ways and
Means Committee. Thanks to a push by Marian Coker,
our Tribal apparel has been flying off the shelves. We
have sold t-shirts, tote bags, cornhusk dolls and
ornaments, key chain, power band, beaded scarf and
feather pins/barrettes. Word is getting out about our
inventory. We are working on getting a catalog of all
the things we have for sale and getting it posted on our
website. A big “thank you” goes out to all our citizens
who helped in making the crafts.
1.
Looking Back on 2012
We started the year out by having a yard sale at the
Cheswold Fire House parking lot in April. Many
citizens of the Tribe as well as the community donated
an assortment of articles to sell as well as flowers and
their time to make this a successful event. We will
continue to do this every year.
In October, we had a great Gathering. It was held
at the home of Tony and Jan Durham. Mother Nature
provided us with a beautiful day for our celebration. It
included our Circle Ceremony, Naming Ceremony and
lots of great food prepared by our citizens to enjoy
along with celebrating friendships.
We had a successful Pampered Chef Party/Open
House at the Tribal Center in November. From this
event we earned two nice pieces of cookware that will
enable us to have a Mother’s Day raffle in 2013.
November was Native American month and we
celebrated at Sam’s Club on November 14th. After a
great morning of dancing, they served everyone
breakfast and this enabled us another venue for selling
our crafts.
One of the biggest things on our agenda was the
fruit baskets for our elderly and shut-ins. We have
compiled an updated list of eligible recipients. If you
know of someone that would benefit from one of our
“boxes of goodies”, please let me know or someone on
the Ways and Means Committee know and we will add
them to our list. This year we continued to offer for
“adoption” the family named Christmas ornaments,
handmade Native American ornaments and other Native
ornaments for $5 a piece. In the past the ornaments
have remained on the tree, so we have decided to allow
our citizens to adopt the ornaments and they can stay on
the tree for years to come. We will be making the
ornaments all year long, so give us a call so you too can
adopt that special ornament for future trees.
2.
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4.
Upcoming Events for 2013
Spring Yard Sale –Saturday, April 27th, parking lot
across from the Cheswold Volunteer Fire
Company, from 7 am to 3 pm. Rental tables will
be available for $15. Donated items can be
dropped off that morning. Please note we do not
take clothing of any kind.
Highway Clean-Up – has been scheduled for
Saturday, May 18th. We meet at the Immanuel
Union Methodist Church parking lot to get supplies
at 9 am. Hoping our Youth Group will participate
this year.
Mother’s Day Raffle – two pieces of Pampered
Chef Cookware and a cookbook will be raffled off
for Mother’s Day. Tickets will be 1 for $1 or 6 for
$5. Tickets will be available for purchase starting
March 13th and the drawing will be on May 8,
2013.
Pampered Chef Open House – is scheduled for
May 19th at Tribal Center from 1 – 3 p.m.
CONGRATUATIONS – Tom Judge of
Woodlyn, PA who won our Raffle. Thanks to
everyone who supported our Tribe in this event.
For more information contact Carla Coker, Chairperson
at the Lenape Tribal Center at 302-730-4601 or email
to carlaco53@gmail.com.
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Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware
P.O. Box 79
Cheswold, DE 19936
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO WE HAVE LOST IN OUR COMMUNITY IN 2012
Prayer by Dr. Julia Davis
“Great Spirit, we pray for all our people who have gone from us to be with you. Grant thou who have died
the joy of your presence. Please accept this humble prayer we send to you and may the memory of all our
ancestors live on.”
Carolyn L. Mosley Carney ~ Garland Carney ~ Dorothy Moss Coker ~ Monica Coker ~ Myrtle Coker ~
Walter Coker ~ Albert Durham Sr. ~ Susan Ann Durham ~ Thelma C Durham ~ Walter Durham ~
James Driggus ~ Harriett Morgan Everett ~ Irving F Fisher ~ Yvonne Lynette Gourley ~
Gertrude M Grinnage ~ Oader Lee Hanzer ~ John Homer Hughes Jr ~ Willis Return Johnson ~
Grace Robeda Mosley Kemp ~ Dale “Mark” King ~ Philip A Kosek ~ Mary Virginia Johnson Morgan ~
Charles N Mosley Sr ~ George “Porky” Mosley ~ Alan Pleasanton ~ Floyd D “Dawes” Pritchett ~
Roland Roosevelt Ridgeway ~ Elizabeth B Sammons ~ James Arthur Sammons ~
Doris Geraldine Seeney ~ Emma R Cuff Seeney ~ Walter Walt Seeney
CITIZENSHIP MEETINGS
Everyone is encouraged to attend our monthly Citizenship meetings!! If you want to voice your opinion on various
issues regarding our Community, this is the place to do it. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month starting at
7:00 PM at the Tribal Center located at 4164 N. DuPont Hwy, Suite 6, Dover, DE 19901-1573.
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