In line with this commitment, the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at DASD will be hosting "A Night with the Lenape Community" on November 27th at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The event will feature Adam DePaul, a respected member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, who also holds the positions of Storykeeper and Coordinator of the Rising Nation River Journey. DePaul is a co-curator of the Lenape Cultural Center in Easton, PA, and the exhibit "Existing Artistry, Enduring Presence: The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania" at Temple University.
Each year, the month of November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and honoring the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans. In Downingtown Area School District (DASD), this observance holds significant importance as the district places a strong emphasis on acknowledging the indigenous peoples, particularly the Leni Lenape, and fostering a deeper understanding of their history and contributions.
The tradition of celebrating Native American Heritage Month traces its roots to 1990 when former President George H.W. Bush issued a joint resolution designating November as National Native American Heritage Month. Subsequently, every president has continued to reissue this resolution annually, reaffirming the significance of recognizing Native American history.
DASD is committed to recognizing and appreciating the enduring culture and heritage of Native Americans, a contribution that enriches the quality and character of our nation throughout the year, not just in November. Recently, the district took a significant step by adopting a land acknowledgment, acknowledging Chester County as the ancestral home of the Lenape people.