Why Should Delaware Care?
Delaware lawmakers introduced legislation last week to create the state’s first ever Commission on Indigenous Affairs. The commission would give Indigenous Delawareans a means of communication between the state government leaders and sovereign nations, advising policymakers on decisions that could impact their community.
Delaware lawmakers advanced a bill last week aimed at strengthening ties between the state and its Indigenous population.
The House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 365, which would stand up the state’s first-ever Commission on Indigenous Affairs. If established, the commission would advise lawmakers and Gov. Matt Meyer on issues affecting Delaware’s Native American communities.
According to the bill, some of those issues could include healthcare, social services, housing, employment, and education needs.
Representatives from both the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and the Lenape Tribe of Delaware – two of Delaware’s largest – were inside the House Chamber for the June 9 vote.
House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris (D-Dover), who sponsored the legislation, addressed the commission’s potential impact on Delaware’s Indigenous communities after lawmakers voted to advance the bill.
“This is a momentous day for them,” Harris said. “Finally they will have their voice in our government in a way that is solid.”
House Bill 365 now awaits consideration in the Senate.
What would the commission do?
The state’s Commission on Indigenous Affairs could create programs and events that raise awareness of Lenape, Nanticoke and other Indigenous people of Delaware, according to HB 365.
The commission would be made up of nine members operating under three-year terms. That membership would consist of at least two members from the Lenape tribe, at least two members from the Nanticoke tribe and five members who are Indigenous residents of Delaware from any tribe or nation.
Members would be appointed by Gov. Matt Meyer from a panel of candidates recommended by the Lenape and Nanticoke tribes.
The commission would be tasked with providing state policymakers with Indigenous perspectives and advising them about how policies, laws and administrative rules would impact Delaware’s Indigenous communities.
It remains unclear what specific policy recommendations the commission would put forth for lawmakers to consider. The bill’s language, however, mentions land acknowledgment, clean water initiatives, protection of native plant species and wetlands and protection of historic Indigenous burial sites and artifacts.
House Bill 365 would allocate $20,000 a year for the next three fiscal years toward the commission. According to the bill’s fiscal note, that money could go toward startup and other programming costs.
Peace walk precedes vote
Before the House vote, Rep. Harris hosted a peace walk with representatives from Delaware’s Indigenous communities who came to Legislative Hall in support of the proposed commission.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike were invited to participate in the demonstration of solidarity and support for HB 365.
During the demonstration, participants walked in a circle while different speakers took turns coming to the center to recite prayers.
“Wanishi,” meaning “thank you” in certain dialects spoken by Delaware’s Indigenous communities, was a common call and response phrase echoed throughout the walk.
Attendees also acknowledged that the commission would have important work ahead of it, should it be enacted by the General Assembly.
“Healing cannot begin until truth is acknowledged,” said Raggatha Rain Calentine of the Indian Mission United Methodist Church during a moment of prayer. “Justice cannot grow where truth is denied.”
The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, which is made up of both Nanticoke and Lenape tribe members, has historically lived throughout New Jersey, Delaware, southern New York, and eastern Pennsylvania. The Lenape and the Nanticoke are the largest Indigenous populations in Delaware, but they do not currently have a formal commission to advise policymakers within the state government.
“The common sense would just make sense if we were at the table, helping guide, as we always have,” said Denise Bright Dove Ashton-Dunkley, tribal councilwoman and educator of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation in New Jersey.
After passing unanimously in the House, HB 365 will be considered by the Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee this Thursday, June 18.
Get Involved
The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee will discuss HB 365 at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, inside Legislative Hall, located at 411 Legislative Ave. in Dover. For more information about that meeting, including how to attend virtually, click here.