Princeton University is Ramapough Lenape Land

Princeton University is the homeland of a number of Lenape bands now represented by the New Jersey state recognized Ramapough Lenape nation. I am here at an indigenous studies conference that has been put together by a group of really dedicated grad students, but it is clear that in general, addressing the history of Lenape dispossession and what it should mean for a contemporary university is not something Princeton does very often. And it’s not something most universities talk about very much. If you are involved in a university (or high school or any school) as a student, faculty, staff, alumni, or whatever, make sure your school is addressing this issue. Are they making sure every student know whose land they are on? Are they building relationships with local tribal nations or urban indigenous communities (your city has one even if you don’t know about it)? Are they recruiting local Native students, making sure they are supported financially and administratively? I know university system are not designed to be transparent and easily navigated, but let’s at least start this conversation.