Bridgeton Lenni-Lenape lecture questions evidence on local heritage, met with opposition

Posted By on April 30, 2012

BRIDGETON Members of the community, including local Native Americans, got a first-hand view of an argument for factual data regarding the history of Naticoke Lenni-Lenape heritage in the Cohansey River area.

Dr. Marshall Becker, a professor emeritus of anthropology at West Chester University, argues that if he cant prove an ancestral story based on hard data, hes not buying it.

Thats what angered some of the attendees during his lecture at Bridgeton Public Library Sunday afternoon.

His lecture detailed Indian activity around the Delaware River area prior to 1740.

Because of what the lecture suggested, it came under protest earlier this month, then was canceled.

The Save the Library (STL) organization, which hosted the event, however, reversed their decision and held the lecture, despite the opposition.

This is what a library is all about, said Sally Garrison, a member of STL. A lively exchange of information is very good.

The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Native American tribe was recognized through a state resolution in the early 1980s.

But Becker argues their native descent may not be fully accurate.

If they were a native group, they could get federal recognition, Becker said. They can pressure the state because all politics is local.

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Bridgeton Lenni-Lenape lecture questions evidence on local heritage, met with opposition

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