Midway Lions host Nanticoke speakers

Nanticoke Chief Tom Robbins and Nanticoke Indian Odette Wright visited the Midway Lions at their March 23meeting and gave an overview of Delaware’s Nanticoke Indians and their rich heritage.

Wright, a former Nanticoke Museum worker, regularly gives informational talks and leads outreach programs.

Wright explained that the Nanticoke Nation was first discovered by Europeans in 1608 when Capt. John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and sailed onto the Kuskarawaok River, now known as the Nanticoke. The word “Nanticoke” means “tidewater people” or “people of the tidewaters.” The Nanticokes are the only tribe recognized by the state; other Native Americans can join as associates, but they cannot vote on tribal matters.

Robbins explained council elections and council meeting procedures. He also pointed out that Friday, May 6, is Heritage Day and that Native American Day will be celebrated in November.

The word “powwow” refers to a special event that features singing, dancing and the selling or trading of Native American wares. Artisans from across the country bring their arts and crafts. Visitors can find beautiful jewelry, pottery, moccasins, ribbon shirts, shawls, dream catchers and paintings. This year’s Nanticoke Powwow will be the 34th held, and will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11. The annual event is the main source of income for the upkeep of the museum, which is at the corner of Route 24 and Route 5.

For more information about the powwow, call 302-945-3400.

The Nanticoke Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays in April. From May through October, the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and 12 to 4 p.m., Sundays. For more information on the museum, call 302-947-7022

After their talk, King Lion Harry White presented a check to Robbins to help in the furtherance of the tribe's goals.

The Midway Lions have donated more than $19,000 to local and international charities last year. The organization also donated more than $1,000 to help those devastated by the quake and tsunami in Japan.

Anyone interested in joining this service-minded group can call the membership chair, Carolyn White, at 302-945-4563 or visit midwayde.lionwap.org.