Nanticoke Tribe installs officers

The Nanticoke Tribe gathered Jan. 2 to induct its officers for the 2024-25 term. This year was different, as a native ceremony was held outside in the tribe’s warriors’ circle followed by an indoor Christian ceremony led by Pastor Patricia Bollinger of Indian Mission United Methodist Church.

“The traditional ceremony is the tribal leadership members making a commitment to the community, the tribe and their spiritual creator to serve their people,” said Farah Norwood-Stigall, assistant chief of the Nanticoke Tribe.

After the ceremonies, the leaders outlined their visions and strategic goals for the future.

Chief Avery Johnson said, “We’re looking to enhance our museum, to bring in a full-time museum curator. We’re looking to construct a new community center that will be a totally green facility – LED lighting, solar panels, geothermal heating, you name it. We’ve obtained some ancestral land, and we’re looking to obtain more ancestral land for farming and other projects. Most importantly, we’re very excited about an oral history elders project we’re collaborating on as well as continuing our annual indigenous youth camp partnership with Camp Arrowhead.”