Manhattan: The struggle of Lenape for recognition and property

Manhattan: The struggle of Lenape for recognition and property

In the middle of the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of New York City in 2023, the Lenape's Native American tribe raised its voice and has been calling for recognition as the rightful residents and owners of Manhattan for over a decade. This requirement is part of a more comprehensive discourse on decolonization and access to the country, which receives increasing attention in the United States. The Lenape, also known as the "original People", see the myth of Manhattan's acquisition by the Dutch for $ 24 and speak of historical injustices that brought genocide and expropriation, how Welt reported.

To illustrate the history of the Lenape of Manhattan and its cultural importance, the platform 6SQFT in the city that are reminiscent of its indigenous past. These include Broadway, which was originally a trade route, and Washington Square Park, a historical meeting place. These sites are not only part of the story, but also key points for understanding indigenous identity and struggle for recognition in today's society.

The struggle for recognition and ecological justice

The Lenape today mostly live outside of New York City, especially in New Jersey, Oklahoma and Ontario, and many of them belong to the Delaware Nation. However, the 200,000 Native Americans who live in New York City are part of a greater movement that aims to strengthen indigenous votes and to appreciate the cultural heritage. Every year the largest powwow in the east coast takes place on Hudson River and facilities such as the Redhawk Council and the National Museum of the American Indian play a central role in the visualization of indigenous cultures.

A petition that aims to replace the narrative of the historical badge, which describes Manhattan's purchase, has already collected 995 signatures. In addition, an exhibition was opened in the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, which addresses the return of the Lenape. The “Decolonizing New York City” project also offers virtual tours to indigenous sites and promotes understanding of the culture of the Lenape and other indigenous tribes.

historical continuity and modern challenges

The discourse on the right to land and the recognition of indigenous cultures is reinforced by current discussions about environmentally friendly practices and the agriculture that is suitable for their complexity. As explained by the bpb, indigenous ways of life were often distorted to support the legitimization of colonial landing. The idea that indigenous peoples are "nomadic" served as a justification for the expropriation of their lands and the constant injustices they have suffered.

First steps to return from land are initiated, but there is still a lot to do. Universities such as Harvard and Stanford acknowledge that their facilities are on indigenous land, but there have so far been no concrete returns. Support offers from institutions such as New York University and Columbia University are often symbolic and do not intervene deep enough into the complex topic of restitution and recognition.

The continued struggle of the Lenape and other indigenous communities asks the company to deal with the past and to find faster and more sustainable solutions for the challenges of today. The way to justice is long, but the voices of the population of origin are unmistakable and require recognition and respect.