Class 3-302 studied the Native American, Penhawitz. Penhawitz was an important sachem (leader) of the Lenape people. He led the Canarsie people before and after their encounter with the Dutch. Our class focused on the importance of the Lenape tribes’ location. The land that the Lenape inhabited was rich with natural resources which helped these Native Americans survive but also led to an abundance of issues. Our exhibit shows how the animals who inhabited the land were a great resource to these people but also caused them many problems.

Our exhibit demonstrates how conflicting views between the Lenape and the Dutch led to drastic and devastating changes to the Lenape culture. We decided to choose this topic because it connected to what we were already learning in Social Studies. Our “Hidden Voice” individual is Lenape Chieftain Penhawitz. Our exhibit relates to our individual because he was one of the people who lead the Lenape in their interactions with the Dutch, and encouraged them to hold strong on their ideas of trade, land, and power. This topic helped us to understand that perspective plays a big role in the way history is told.