AGENCY TESTIMONY
Consultation with federally recognized Lenape nations
0:35:29
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68 sec
Joe Baker stresses the importance of consulting with federally recognized Lenape nations when developing programs for art and culture. He emphasizes the sovereign status of these nations and their historical significance.
- There are three federally recognized Lenape nations within the United States
- These nations are sovereign governments and the true survivors of what Baker describes as an unrecognized genocide
- Baker asserts that consultation for any programs related to Lenape art and culture must begin with the authentic representatives of these tribal nations
- He draws a connection to the historical treaty negotiated by his ancestor with George Washington, suggesting its ongoing relevance
Joe Baker
0:35:29
And that recognition must really begin and start with the understanding that there are 3 federally recognized Lenape nations living within the borders of the United States.
0:35:45
These are governments, sovereign nations.
0:35:49
They are the true survivors of what was a genocide the world has never come to reckon with.
0:35:59
So consultation for any of these programs for art and culture must first begin with the true and authentic representatives of those tribal nations.
0:36:15
That is something general Washington knew.
0:36:20
That's part of the history of New York.
0:36:24
And that treaty, though not realized, in our opinion, in our view, in in our communities is still active.
