Indigenous Relations

The Pennsylvanian territories of the United Friends of America are located on the Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people. 

We acknowledge the pain and suffering that colonialism has caused throughout the world, as well as the oppression faced by indigenous peoples to this day. We shall strive for a future where all the rights and sovereignty of indigenous tribes are recognized and Indigenous cultures, languages, and customs are not suppressed, but celebrated and honored.

The Lenape people, also called the Lenni Lenape or Delaware, are an indigenous people of the Northeastern Woodlands. Their homeland, the Lenapehoking, encompasses the majority of Eastern Pennsylvania (including the Americonian territories) and all of New Jersey. Many Lenape people were deported from the East Coast to places such as Winsconsin and Oklahoma during the 19th century.

The UFA's Territory of Unami Creek derives its name from the Unami language, one of two mutually intelligible dialects spoken by the Lenape. The other language spoken by the Lenape is Munsee. These languages are largely extinct, but have been revived by people learning them as a second language. An extensive dictionary can be found here for the Lenape language, which is based on the southern Unami dialect.

Currently, the Lenape Nation seeks state recognition from the government of Pennsylvania.