Hè (hello) allies, interested parties, community,
I am of the Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape people, from the ruling turtle clan, I humbly serve my people as our hereditary chief and as a representative of my nation. On behalf of our Executive Council and our beloved President Deborah Dotson, I extend well wishes and prayers for a happy and healthy summer. My name is Daniel StrongWalker Thomas and it is my honor to occupy a moment of your time. If a moment of your time is all I hope to occupy, then please indulge me as I to come to the point of this communication.
It has come to our attention that there may be some questions and/or concerns surrounding the screening of a Delaware Nation film entitled ‘Return to the Water Gap’ and reception hosted at the Tom Quick Inn. First, I would like to assure our well-meaning allies that both myself and the Lenape people are aware of both who Tom Quick was and who some of the Quick family are today. I will not mention his name, as it is my understanding that he is not interested in publicity and only in doing what was right, but a descendant of the Quick family and the Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape people have held a bury the hatchet ceremony. The significance of this historical event was to acknowledge the traumas of the past, while plotting a course of peace and respect moving forward.
To our allies who stood in the past to bring attention to the traumatic historical events surrounding Tom Quick to the light I say Wanishi (thank you.) Your actions helped to influence a course, that very well may become the blueprint of how municipalities, communities and institutions can acknowledge the trauma of the past while working in solidarity towards a healing future. The borough of Milford seems to be experiencing growth in so many positive aspects, and while we do not pretend to know the intricate details of local realities, we are appreciative to be invited to the circle.
A fact that perhaps is not well known, is that the owner of the Tom Quick Inn hosted us before their official opening and consulted us on the question of keeping the name or perhaps changing it. After some consideration it was our recommendation that changing the name would be a move towards forgetting the history and we all are aware of what happens when we forget history.
We are so very grateful to all, with good intentions, reached out to make sure the Lenape people were aware and to make sure we were being cared for with kindness and respect. We assure you that we have only met people that can be described as amazing ambassadors of the Milford community and that I personally would like to meet as many of you at this event as can make it, so we can bridge build together!
Daniel StrongWalker Thomas
Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape
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