Nanticoke Indian Association facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 500+ | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Delaware | |
| Languages | |
| English, formerly Nanticoke | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (mostly Protestant) ,Native American Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Assateague, Choptank, Conoy, Patuxent, Piscataway, Pocomoke |
The Nanticoke Indian Association is a group of Nanticoke people who live in Millsboro, Delaware. They have their main office in Millsboro. This group was officially recognized as a Native American tribe by the state of Delaware in 1922. The Nanticoke are one of the few Native American groups recognized by the state of Delaware.
A Leader's Decision
In 2002, Kenneth S. "Red Deer" Clark Sr. (1930-2015) was the head chief of the association. He decided to step down from his role. This happened because he disagreed with some decisions made by other members. He felt these choices were not helpful for everyone in the long run.
One big discussion was about the annual pow-wow. They debated how large it should be. They also talked about how much members should help prepare for it.
How the Nanticoke Indian Association Began
In 1875, the state of Delaware passed a law. This law was called "An Act To Tax Colored Persons For The Support Of Their Schools". At this time, Nanticoke people were not allowed to create their own schools. They had to pay taxes for schools their children could not attend.
Because of this, Nanticoke community members started to form a group. This group was later called the Incorporated Body. It was a non-tribal group of thirty-one Nanticoke descendants. They volunteered to work together for a common goal. They also pooled their money to support separate schools for their children.
On March 10, 1881, the state of Delaware officially recognized the Incorporated Body. Through this, the Nanticoke people were legally seen as a third racial group in Delaware. They were allowed to build two schools for Nanticoke children. These schools were for children aged seven through twenty-one. This important event led to the official formation of the Nanticoke Indian Association in 1922.
