I come from a once-hidden community. For generations, our traditions and voices were nearly erased, freedom of religion was only recognized in 1978. As a child, I witnessed our shift from hidden to present, from silence to resilience. Every recognition I receive is not mine alone. Still, a reflection of my parents, grandparents, and all those before me, faces and names too often overlooked. These honors belong to our children, grandchildren, and ancestors who endured, survived, and made it possible for us to stand here, still present, still strong.
Keynotes, Honors & Highlights 2025
The Cohanzick Lenape Story Symposium — Keynote Speaker (Aug 27-29, 2025)
Tyrese delivered an inspiring keynote on Lenape heritage and storytelling at a symposium honoring local Indigenous history.
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State of New Jersey Council on the Arts 2026 Heritage Fellowship Award (July 22, 2025): Recognized for lifetime contributions to Indigenous art and cultural heritage with NJ’s top state arts honor.
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NJ State Federation of Women's Club – New Jersey Women of Achievement Award (May 5, 2025): Honored as a leading Indigenous woman excelling in artistry, leadership, and community impact.
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Wheaton Arts Eco Fair 2025 – Presentation on Herbal Healing (May 3, 2025): Shared expertise in traditional herbal practices and Indigenous healing at a sustainability-focused arts festival.
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Stockton University Second Annual Arts & Cultural Summit (April 4, 2025): Addressed themes of Indigenous culture, arts integration, and community resilience at a higher education summit.
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Honors & Highlights 2024
NJEL Environmental Legacy Award (November 8, 2024): Awarded for sustained environmental leadership and efforts to protect and honor natural heritage.
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Stockton Art Gallery’s “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” (Sep-Nov 2024): Presented a 21-piece gourd art exhibition coupled with poetry, exploring sustainable cultural expression.
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Panel Discussion for The New Jersey Conservation Foundation (April 16, 2024): Engaged the public in dialog about nature, Indigenous identity, and environmental stewardship at Cohanzick Nature Reserve.
NJCF visits the Cohanzick Nature Reserve to embark on a transformative journey.
Questions and Answers of the event. Before setting foot on the trails, participants engaged in exercises designed to awaken a profound awareness of our interconnectedness with nature. This sacred symbiosis forms the cornerstone of the experience, inviting individuals to transcend the boundaries of ego and recognize their intrinsic unity with the natural world. Through mindful reflection and contemplation, a deeper understanding emerges, revealing that we are not separate from the Earth but integral threads in the intricate tapestry of life.
Questions and Answers of the event. Before setting foot on the trails, participants engaged in exercises designed to awaken a profound awareness of our interconnectedness with nature. This sacred symbiosis forms the cornerstone of the experience, inviting individuals to transcend the boundaries of ego and recognize their intrinsic unity with the natural world. Through mindful reflection and contemplation, a deeper understanding emerges, revealing that we are not separate from the Earth but integral threads in the intricate tapestry of life.
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Panel Discussion for the Society of Environmental Journalists (April 4, 2024): Shared Native American perspectives on land, capitalism, and ecology through conversation and guided nature walk.
Participants gained insights into Native American perspectives on capitalism, land ownership, and environmental sacred symbiosis through a discussion and guided tour at the Cohanzick Nature Reserve.
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Interview with New Perspectives – Speaker on Indigenous Rights (May 19, 2024): Discussed the Doctrine of Discovery and Indigenous spirituality in modern environmental and human rights contexts.
"We Don't Believe Indigenous Spirituality is Religion" said Quinton NJ
Quinton Township lawyer made the statement that "we do not believe they will open as a church" as they define it. We are a 501-C-3 Religious Conservation Organization. How much more spiritual than that. Not just the building but the land is sacred!
Today, the Doctrine of Discovery remains a deep-rooted mindset regarding environmental and social challenges.
It manifests in the prioritization of economic growth over ecological sustainability, the exploitation of natural resources for corporate gain, and the ongoing disregard for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
To address the systemic injustices perpetuated by the Doctrine of Discovery, we must confront its underlying assumptions and values, challenging the notion of human dominion over nature and embracing alternative paradigms rooted in exchange, respect, and reverence for the earth. By acknowledging the wisdom and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, who have long understood the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of living in harmony with nature, we can begin to forge a more just and sustainable future for generations to come.
Quinton Township lawyer made the statement that "we do not believe they will open as a church" as they define it. We are a 501-C-3 Religious Conservation Organization. How much more spiritual than that. Not just the building but the land is sacred!
Today, the Doctrine of Discovery remains a deep-rooted mindset regarding environmental and social challenges.
It manifests in the prioritization of economic growth over ecological sustainability, the exploitation of natural resources for corporate gain, and the ongoing disregard for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
To address the systemic injustices perpetuated by the Doctrine of Discovery, we must confront its underlying assumptions and values, challenging the notion of human dominion over nature and embracing alternative paradigms rooted in exchange, respect, and reverence for the earth. By acknowledging the wisdom and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, who have long understood the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of living in harmony with nature, we can begin to forge a more just and sustainable future for generations to come.
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NAWBOSJ – Beyond the Glass Ceiling Award for Artistry, Author and Business Ownership (March 6, 2024): Honored for breaking barriers as an Indigenous artist, writer, and business owner.
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We Are the River - Art Show - Stockton College of Art (January 16-17, 2024): Exhibition of 6 black and white photographs, poem reading
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Honors & Highlights 2023
Sweet Things with Styles – Book Signing (Nov 11, 2023): Celebrated the release of 17 authored books with an intimate signing event.
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NJ Author Series – Book Talk (Nov 9, 2023): Shared insights on Tale of the Turkey’s Detailed Tail at Millville Public Library
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South Jersey Chamber of Commerce – Keynote on DEIB (Nov 3, 2023): Spoke about Native community marginalization and belonging in a keynote for equity stakeholders.
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Meet the Local Authors – Woman’s Club of Vineland (Oct 26, 2023): Presented as an author among regional writers, discussing creative process and Indigenous storytelling.
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12th Annual Women of Achievement Awards (Oct 17, 2023): Honored for multifaceted roles as artist, author, and business owner
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50th Annual Environmental Congress – Workshop (Oct 13, 2023): Led a workshop exploring Indigenous rights and conservation practices.
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A Celebration – 63 Acres Rematriated to NAAC (Sep 15, 2023): Marked the rematriation of land to the Native American Advancement Corp, celebrating regained Indigenous stewardship.
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Indigenous Fiber In My Art – Bridging Past to Present (Aug 21, 2023): Showcased how fiber art ties ancestral Lenape traditions to contemporary expression.
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Family Night: Meet the Author – Cumberland County Library (Jul 6, 2023): Engaged the community with readings, conversation, and author interaction.
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NY & NJ Folk Arts Roundtable – Bear Mountain, NY (May 17-19, 2023): Joined folk artists & cultural heritage practitioners for cross-regional exchange.
Being included in the New York State Folk Arts Roundtable annual event in Bear Mountain, NY, was an incredible and rewarding experience.
As a New Jersey Folk Artist, it was an honor to be surrounded by such talented artists from various disciplines. The event provided a unique platform to speak about our work and share our artistic traditions with a diverse audience. The warm and welcoming atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the rich folk art heritage of the region. Being among such an esteemed company and witnessing fellow artists' passion and dedication was humbling. This event served as a reminder of the power of art to unite communities and preserve cultural legacies.
When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world. Understand your feelings and look for good things, and it can help you find peace and awareness as if you are seeing through the eyes of the world.
Profound truths are the realm of Native American art. The gift of happiness truly lies within our own hearts and minds. We control our happiness and not by circumstances. If we want to be happy, we cannot control others' thinking, and others cannot control our thinking. However, our positive thinking will attract their positivity inside and reflect in our world. We will cultivate a source of inner peace. When we can take charge and determine our experience in nature, we will naturally create pleasantness for ourselves and others.
As a New Jersey Folk Artist, it was an honor to be surrounded by such talented artists from various disciplines. The event provided a unique platform to speak about our work and share our artistic traditions with a diverse audience. The warm and welcoming atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the rich folk art heritage of the region. Being among such an esteemed company and witnessing fellow artists' passion and dedication was humbling. This event served as a reminder of the power of art to unite communities and preserve cultural legacies.
When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world. Understand your feelings and look for good things, and it can help you find peace and awareness as if you are seeing through the eyes of the world.
Profound truths are the realm of Native American art. The gift of happiness truly lies within our own hearts and minds. We control our happiness and not by circumstances. If we want to be happy, we cannot control others' thinking, and others cannot control our thinking. However, our positive thinking will attract their positivity inside and reflect in our world. We will cultivate a source of inner peace. When we can take charge and determine our experience in nature, we will naturally create pleasantness for ourselves and others.
Pine Barrens Natural History Hike – 20th Year Celebration (May 13, 2023): Offered land acknowledgment and Indigenous reflections during a milestone nature hike.
From my perspective as an Indigenous, being asked to provide a land acknowledgment is a great honor that carries immense significance and responsibility. We Indigenous communities have an intimate connection with the land, which shapes our identities, cultures, and histories. Recognizing and respecting this connection is an act of acknowledging the past and acknowledging indigenous peoples' ongoing struggles and resilience. By listening to my indigenous perspective in a land acknowledgment, we can gain a deeper understanding of the injustices faced by these communities and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. It allows us to challenge our assumptions, confront systemic biases, and work towards building more inclusive and equitable relationships with all indigenous peoples. Embracing and amplifying our indigenous voices is crucial to fostering genuine reconciliation and creating a more just society.
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Wheaton Arts Residency / Pine Needle & Corn Husk Dolls Workshops (April 2023): Taught traditional Lenape pine needle and corn husk doll arts in community workshops.
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WHEATON SPRINGS 2023 - Pine Needle Art Workshop
April 1, 2023
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Cumberland County Library, Dreamcatcher Workshop (Mar 9, 2023): Held an arts workshop creating dreamcatchers, blending traditional craft and storytelling.
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All Natural grape vine and sinew made in 1991
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Citizens United Maurice River – Keynote on Lenape Maurice River history (Feb 2023): Delivered a keynote tracing local Lenape connections to the Maurice River watershed.
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Stockton University, Holocaust & Genocide Studies – Keynote Panel (Jan 2023): Discussed Lenape resilience and decolonization within an academic panel on trauma & genocide.
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City of Bridgeton, National Day of Racial Healing (Jan 2023): Featured author & artist in an event promoting racial healing through Indigenous arts & literature.
Honors & Highlights 2022
Burlington County Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Brunch (Dec 2022): Keynote reflection on bridging past and present via Cohanzick Lenape arts and community.
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Research Club of Bridgeton – Native Plants & Changing Landscapes (Nov 2022): Led a keynote + workshop on Cohanzick Lenape pine needle arts and ecological stewardship.
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CATA – The Farmworkers Support Committee Herbal Medicine Exchange (Nov 2022): Facilitated herbal identification and Lenape pine needle art workshop.
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Bridgeton Public Library, Indie Author Day
Cohanzick Lenape Book Exhibition
November 2022
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Gloucester County Education Association Equity Committee Workshop
Keynote Speaker, Integrating Native American Art and Literature across the curriculum
October 2022
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Medford Arts Center, United Through Arts, Indigenous Arts Exhibit & Exhibition
Exhibition of Cohanzick Lenape Art and Keynote Speaker about the presence of Lenape art today. Two of my Lenape art pieces received first place in the exhibit.
September ~ October 2022
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Environmental Justice Committee, Community Engagement Session,
Department of Environmental Protection Discussion on Cohansey River
Department of Environmental Protection Discussion on Cohansey River
Panel Speaker and DEP Environmental Justice committee member, visit to Bridgeton to discuss concerns about the Cohansey (Cohanzick) River
September 2022
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Gallery Fifty, Petite Moments, An International Juried Miniature Art Competition and "In the Window" Exhibition
Exhibition of the No-Face Doll as a part of my residency with the New Jersey Council of Arts. Exhibition included both windows of the art gallery for the entire month which included a book signing on openening day
July 2022
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Cumberland County Legends - 2022
Recognized as a Cumberland County Legend for a lifetime as a Cohanzick Lenape Artist and Author
July 2022
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New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association,
New Jersey's Arts Integration Leadership Institute
New Jersey's Arts Integration Leadership Institute
2022 Arts Integration Leadership Institute Presenter
Workshop: Culturally Responsive Recognition of the Full Circle of Art
Workshop: Culturally Responsive Recognition of the Full Circle of Art
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June 2022
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Nanticoke Lenape Pow-Wow
Art Exhibition and Book Signing
June 2022
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Arts Professional Learning Institute, New Jersey Arts Education Collective, 2022 Connect Conference
Land Acknowledgement and Workshop for Lenape Native Art Integration , "Indigenous Fiber in our Art"
June 2022
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Participation in "Awakening of Mother Earth" Festival at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
We trained the alpaca to be in a South American Andes native ceremony for thanking the animals
May 2022
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Camden County Historical Society
Cohanzick Lenape Art Exhibition
April 2022
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Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Wheaton Springs 2022
Pine Needle Workshop
April 2022
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Events 2021
Nanticoke Lenape Tribal Gathering
Lenape Moccasins Instructions for the youth
November 2021
New Jersey State, Council of the Arts featured article in Passing it On
The Seeds of Our Ancestors, Native Lenape Gourd Art & The No-Face Doll
November 2021
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New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association,
New Jersey's Arts Integration Leadership Institute
New Jersey's Arts Integration Leadership Institute
Land Acknowledgement and Workshop, "Native American Children, Acknowledgement and Inclusion"
July 2021
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Monument Lab and New Jersey Historical Commission
Contribution in Revolution Research
June 2020 - October 2020
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Events 2020
The Holzer Files, Television Guest for Blood In the Water
(Season 2, Episode 6) Dec 2020
This was one of most exciting expierernces to be on TV and a part of a live interview.
"Hans believed a grisly murder haunted Staten Island’s Conference House, where in 1776 a last-minute meeting failed to stop the American Revolution. But when the team returns, they’re led to the water’s edge where a terrible truth awaits.
History DEMANDS to be heard tonight on a NEW episode of The Holzer Files and Dave is joined on this presentation of Holzer's Ghosts by guest, Tyrese Gould Jacinto a member of the Lenni Lenape Tribe to unpack this file and uncover the haunting truth of this area and the horrific deaths that took place there."
"Hans believed a grisly murder haunted Staten Island’s Conference House, where in 1776 a last-minute meeting failed to stop the American Revolution. But when the team returns, they’re led to the water’s edge where a terrible truth awaits.
History DEMANDS to be heard tonight on a NEW episode of The Holzer Files and Dave is joined on this presentation of Holzer's Ghosts by guest, Tyrese Gould Jacinto a member of the Lenni Lenape Tribe to unpack this file and uncover the haunting truth of this area and the horrific deaths that took place there."
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Watch with Ads
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Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
Wheaton Arts interview exhibiting my art and books
November 2020
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Ridley and Swarthmore Establishment of Indigenous Peoples Day
Keynote Speaker on Cohanzick Lenape as a special guest of Liz Corson's 5th Grade Class
February 2020
Keynote Speaker on Cohanzick Lenape as a special guest of Liz Corson's 5th Grade Class
February 2020
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Past Articles and News of Events
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2002
2008
The following are links to online news articles of events not listed above:
- https://www.swarthmoreanarchives.com/articles/content/2020-3-5/fifth-graders-propose-indigenous-peoples-day
- snjtoday.com/online_editions/november-16-2022/
- https://www.wheatonarts.org/tyrese-bright-flower/
- https://frontrunnernewjersey.com/2022/12/20/diverse-voices-tyrese-gould-jacinto-native-americans-invisible-no-more/
- https://www.nj.gov/state/njsca/dos_njsca_passing-it-on-2021-november.html
- https://www.littoralsociety.org/blog/archives/11-2022
- https://followsouthjersey.com/2022/07/01/three-to-be-honored-by-cumberland-county-legends/
- https://monumentlab.com/projects/revolution-nj-artistic-research-residency
- https://monumentlab.com/bulletin/a-new-exploratory-residency-for-engaging-the-american-revolution
- https://dep.nj.gov/ej/ej-council/
- https://njpsa.org/arts-integration-institute-2021/