Barbara Michalski, also known as Chief Bluejay, is keeper of culture for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. She was taught to keep the heritage of the Lenape alive and has given talks and workshops their enduring presence in Pennsylvania. She will discuss the lives, social structure, and culture of the Lenape, and how conservation and environmental stewardship continue to play an important role in their culture.
The Lenape are the Indigenous people of eastern Pennsylvania, southern New York, New Jersey, and northern Delaware. The Munsee group lived along the Upper Delaware River and their ancestral lands included the Pocono Mountains. The Lenape Nation has been preserving the land through the Rising Nation River Journey and the treaty of renewed friendship. They have created partnerships with over 130 organizations.
Chief Bluejay was given her name by her grandfather, Bill Thompson, late Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo (people near the ocean) Tribe of the Turkey Clan. As a member of Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, Bluejay has immersed herself in their activities, such as serving on the tribal council, as tribal secretary and by participating in educating the public by attending events or festivals in Lenapehoking (Homeland of the Lenape). Most importantly, she teaches children the history of the Lenape Nation through crafts, storytelling and artifacts. She has also been involved in environmental causes, particularly clean water protection. Recently, she has seen a rising interest in medicinal plants and has been working to learn more about them.
Refreshments will follow the presentation, which is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by our Business Partner, Olsommer Clark Insurance Group
