Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania Fireside Storytelling

Learn about the historical influence of the Lenape people on our region during this informative lecture by a representative of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Afterwards we will move outside to hear some traditional storytelling around a fire with a sweet treat! 

The work of Willistown Conservation Trust takes place on the ancestral lands of the Lenape.  As we enjoy and protect the beauty of Willistown and surrounding areas, we cannot forget its original inhabitants and how their way of life echoes throughout the conservation of this land and its natural resources. While we preserve the land we must also preserve its history and the history of the Indigenous people. By sharing their story with the community, and working with local Native American organizations including the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, we can hope to ensure that their legacy lives on with the land. 

*There is limited availability for this special event; no refunds will be issued if you cannot attend. Event is rain or shine.  Accessible parking is available. Please come dressed for the weather as the fireside storytelling part of this event is outdoors. 

Chief Bluejay will have the Mobile Trading Post stocked with books like Stories of the Lenape People with Lenape translations, the Lenape Language Coloring Book, and several titles on medicinal plants and their uses. She’ll also have LNPA vintage-style caps, magnets, and flags available. Payments accepted by credit card or cash. 

REGISTER HERE

Speaker Bios: 

Chief Bluejay, also known as Barbara Michalski, was given her name by her grandfather, Bill Thompson, the late Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo (people near the ocean) Tribe of the Turkey Clan. A member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, she has fully immersed herself in the Nation’s activities. In October 2022, she was appointed Chief. Keeper of Culture. Bluejay presently serves on the Tribal Council and was Tribal Secretary until May 2024, when she was elected Vice President. She actively educates the public by attending events and festivals in Lenapehoking (Homeland of the Lenape), but her greatest passion is teaching children the history of the Lenape Nation through crafts, storytelling, and artifacts, visiting area schools and children’s groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts and summer camps. She is also committed to environmental causes, working for clean water and protecting Earth Mother. Recently, she has focused on learning about medicinal plants, giving her first Zoom presentation in November 2022, and aiming to build a closer connection with the plant nation. On Monday nights, she attends Lenape Language classes in the Unami Dialect through LNP to help preserve the endangered language.