AGENCY TESTIMONY
Historical context of Lenape people and their contributions to New York
0:30:44
ยท
54 sec
Joe Baker provides historical context about the Lenape people's significant role in early American history and their contributions to New York. He references a painting of George Washington to illustrate this connection.
- Baker's 4th great grandfather, Captain White Eyes, negotiated the first treaty with the US government and George Washington
- The treaty aimed to create a 14th all-Lenape state with representation in Congress
- This history underscores the complex and important presence of Lenape people in New York's history
Joe Baker
0:30:44
I would ask everyone to point their eyes to the painting of George Washington, which is hanging here in the chamber wall.
0:30:58
My 4th great grandfather, Captain White Eyes, negotiated the first treaty with the US government, United States government, with General Washington.
0:31:09
And that treaty was to create the 14th all Lenape state with representation in Congress.
0:31:19
I share that with you because it really begins to tell the complex story of the important presence of Lenape and the contributions that the Lenape people have made to this city and the state of New York.