Delaware Nation at Moraviantown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moravian 47
Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit
|
|
|---|---|
| Moravian Indian Reserve No. 47 | |
 |
|
 Moravian 47
Location in Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Moravian 47
Location in Southern Ontario
|
|
| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Ontario |
| Municipality | Chatham-Kent |
| First Nation | Delaware Nation at Moraviantown |
| Area | |
| • Land | 12.61 km2 (4.87 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
|
|
| • Total | 404 |
| • Density | 32.0/km2 (83/sq mi) |
Moravian 47 is an Indian reserve located in Chatham-Kent, Ontario. It covers about 13 square kilometers. This land is home to the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown First Nation.
The community is also known as Moravian of the Thames reserve. In the Munsee language, it's called Náahii, which means 'downstream'.
Contents
Moravian 47: A First Nation Community
The Delaware Nation at Moraviantown are part of the Lenape people. Specifically, they belong to the Christian Munsee branch. Many members of the Delaware Nation live on the reserve. Others live in different places.
A Journey to the Thames River
The story of the Christian Munsee people is a long one. It involves many moves and challenges.
Early Life and Faith
A group of Munsee people became Christians. This happened in Pennsylvania, thanks to missionaries from the Moravian Church. These people and their families are known as the Christian Munsee.
Moving West
As more European settlers arrived, the Christian Munsee had to move. They went to a place called Ohio Country. There, they built lively Christian Indian settlements. Some of these places were Schoenbrunn, Gnadenhutten, Salem, Petquotting, and Goshen.
A Difficult Time
During the American Revolutionary War, a sad event happened. In 1782, many Christian Munsee people were killed. This happened in Gnadenhutten and Salem. American colonial militia were responsible for this tragedy.
Finding a New Home
After this difficult time, the remaining Christian Munsee in Ohio gathered. They were led by a Moravian missionary named David Zeisberger. They decided to move towards the Thames River.
They eventually found a new place to rebuild their community. This was in what is now southern Ontario. In 1792, Zeisberger got permission from the British. This allowed the community to settle on the Thames River, where it is today.
The War of 1812 and Rebuilding
The War of 1812 was a conflict between Great Britain and the United States. A major battle, the Battle of the Thames, happened near the Moravian community.
During this battle, the Shawnee leader Tecumseh was killed. He was an ally of the United Kingdom. After the battle, United States forces burned the entire Christian Munsee community.
But the people did not give up. They rebuilt their community. They moved to the south side of the Thames River, where they are now.
Changes in Faith
Over time, the Moravian Christian mission changed. In 1903, the Moravian Christians transferred their mission. It was given to Methodist Christians.
The Methodist denomination later joined the United Church of Canada. Today, the Christian Munsee in Moraviantown belong to this United Protestant church.
See also
