Conner Prairie is bringing back its Native American past during Dance! Lenape Traditions on October 4 at 7pm. The program has expanded to offer participants traditional Lenape foods in addition to cultural dancing and music.

“The sharing of food is an important part of many cultures,” said Jim Willaert, Conner Prairie’s Lenape Camp and Conner Homestead Experience Manager. “This is especially true of American Indian cultures. The addition of some traditional foods to the program allows guests to experience an additional layer of the Pow Wow and Indian culture.”

Guests can sample fry bread and grape dumplings. Fry bread has been part of the Lenape food tradition for over 100 years. Grape dumplings have been around longer, and were once made with the wild grapes that grow in the eastern United States. The sampling will start prior to the dance program.

The Lenape dancers come from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the headquarters of the Lenape tribe. Conner Prairie has worked with the Lenape since 1993. Dances performed are from both the Pow Wow and Social dance customs. Pow Wow dances include the Straight Dance, Men’s Traditional, Round Dance, Intertribal and Women’s Shawl. Social dances consist of the Bean dance, the Two-Step and others.

“When young tribal members learn to dance, they are the next link in a chain that preserves the traditions of their people,” said Willaert. “Each individual dance is unique and guests are invited to participate in some of them.”

Conner Prairie’s most direct link to the Lenape tribe is through namesake William Conner. Conner, who came to the area as a fur trader in the early 19th century, married a Lenape woman named Mekinges. He lived among the Lenape, but stayed when the tribe was moved to the west.

“Several of the Lenape presenters are descendents of William Conner and Mekinges,” said Willaert.

The cost for this event is $5 for guests and $3 for Conner Prairie members. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.

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