Munsee Delaware Nation

The Munsee Delaware Nation is made up of three clans: the Turtle, the Wolf, and the Wild Turkey. Now the Turtle Clan makes its home in Moraviantown, Ontario, where members own a 3,000 acre reserve.

Our traditional lands are in the region of the lower Hudson River and western Long Island. In the face of European settlement that resulted in war, the Munsee Delaware fled their lands in the early 1640's.

This displacement has scattered the Munsee Delaware around the United States and Canada. The Turtle Clan arrived in Ontario in 1792, and settled in Moraviantown where we number 500 persons.

Approximately 10 people still speak the Munsee Delaware language. However, a serious and successful effort to reverse this unfortunate occurrence is currently being undertaken.

The Munsee Delaware is recognized by the State of Colorado, the State of Ohio, and Canada as a sovereign nation. Our Nation operates under a constitution that was first established in 1866, and, except for some small amendments in 1975 and in 1999, it has remained unchanged and has served us well.