Lenape Lifeways – Presentaion & Nature Walk

Come join the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission on Sunday June 23 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve, as we celebrate the local Lenape culture and contributions of Native Americans. Carla Messinger founder of the Native American Heritage Programs in 2002. As director, Carla presents programs at schools and colleges, social groups, businesses, government agencies, and festivals. During this presentation she will be leading a discussion that includes an introduction covering the Lenape family life, clothing, hunting, gardening, past and present contributions, and much more!

As a descendant of the Lenape (Delaware) Indians (from Pennsylvania), who were the first inhabitants of eastern Pennsylvania, western New Jersey, and part of New York, Carla presents a true picture of early American Indian life, refuting stereotypes and developing an understanding of the Lenape peaceful, nature-centered lifestyle that could be of value to our competitive, ecologically troubled modern society. The mission is “to present, preserve, and perpetuate the history, lifeways, culture, and contributions of the Lenape and other Native American groups,” and as Director of Native American Heritage Programs she continues that commitment today.

Carla is also the author of the award-winning children’s book When the Shadbush Blooms (Fall 2007). Following the presentation there will be a nature walk led by naturalist Stephen Quinn, Chairman of the Ridgefield Park Environemental Commission, who will focus on the the plants and animals found in the Nature Preserve that would have been utilized by the Lenape in everyday life.

For additional information, please email [email protected]