AGENCY TESTIMONY
The importance of recognizing Lenape as distinct
0:34:30
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57 sec
Joe Baker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Lenape people as distinct from other groups, rather than lumping them under a general 'people of color' or 'native communities' umbrella. He stresses the unique nature of Lenape culture and history.
- Baker criticizes the 'big tent umbrella' approach to categorizing diverse groups
- He emphasizes that native communities are not all alike, each having unique language, culture, and experiences
- Baker asserts that recognition must begin with acknowledging the Lenape as the original people of the New York area
Joe Baker
0:34:30
And when I think about how the city unfolds and expresses itself, I'm always reminded that this big umbrella, this big tent umbrella that we, people of color, native people, native communities are placed under is confusing, is perhaps not the best forward approach, because we're not alike.
0:35:01
We all are unique.
0:35:03
We have a unique language, we have unique culture, we have unique experiences.
0:35:11
And one must first recognize the original people of this place, the indigenous people of this place, the Lenape, before any other recognition can happen.
