LEWES, Del. — The City of Lewes announced its formal recognition of National Native American Heritage Month in a post on its official Facebook page, sharing a proclamation issued by Mayor Amy L. Marasco. The proclamation acknowledges the long history and continuing contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples in Delaware and throughout the United States.
Mayor Marasco stated in the proclamation that the annual observance honors the cultural heritage, historical legacy, and enduring contributions of Native American communities. She noted that long before the founding of Lewes or the establishment of the State of Delaware, the region was home to the Lenape and Nanticoke peoples. Their traditions, systems of governance, and stewardship of the natural environment helped shape the area’s cultural and ecological landscape. The proclamation also recognized the continued presence of the Lenape and Nanticoke communities in Delaware. Mayor Marasco stated that these communities have preserved their languages, cultural practices, and values despite centuries of hardship. She further noted that Native American communities have made lasting contributions to education, governance, the arts, and the preservation of natural resources, strengthening the cultural and environmental fabric of the state.
The city stated that Native American Heritage Month provides an important opportunity for residents to deepen their understanding of Native American history and contemporary life. Mayor Marasco encouraged residents to honor and celebrate the histories and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples, emphasizing that Indigenous heritage continues to shape the city, the state, and the nation.
