Cohanzick Nature Reserve: After a Long Wait, We Are Finally Open!

​We are thrilled to announce that the township has finally approved our Native American Advancement Corp's Cohanzick Nature Reserve, marking the end of a nine-month journey. This milestone, achieved precisely nine months after we purchased the land on August 15, 2023, is a testament to the perseverance and support of our community, whose invaluable role in this journey cannot be overstated. It was a genuinely emotional moment.

The township meeting on the eve of May 14, 2024, was pivotal for us. Held at 7:00 p.m., it was packed with residents, many of whom were there to discuss a proposed warehouse construction within a residential area. The lively turnout, driven by a mix of concerns, created the perfect atmosphere for our proposal to be heard.
​
Our law firm, Watershed Legal Group, led by Heather Kumer and Alison Reynolds, stood firm with grace. Heather repeated that this was a "teaching moment" for all and presented the facts. Despite encountering a series of unconventional questions and comments that challenged our freedom of religion, she was precise with the answers. These obstacles served as a stark reminder of the historical struggles Native Americans have endured, being the last to gain freedom of religion in 1978 and citizenship in 1924. The scrutiny we faced underscored our spiritual organization's resilience and determination, a testament to the ongoing biases we steadfastly work to overcome.

On September 15, 2023, under the new moon, we celebrated the purchase of our reserve with friends and family. This event was more than just a gathering; it reaffirmed our community's strength and unity. The new moon, symbolizing new beginnings, was the perfect backdrop for this joyous occasion.

Throughout our journey, the number nine has played a significant role. This number, often associated with infinity, expansion, and healing, seems to have guided our path. In Native American culture, numbers hold deep spiritual meaning, and the recurrence of nine in our journey feels like a sign from the Creator.

We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us with your prayers and positive energy. Whether attending meetings, sharing our cause, or simply believing in us, your steadfast support has been the cornerstone of our journey toward this approval. The Creator's plan has unfolded in ways we could not have foreseen, and we are truly blessed to have such a dedicated and loving community.

With the township's approval, we can now focus on developing the Cohanzick Nature Reserve into a haven for spiritual growth and healing. Our reserve will serve as a place where traditions are preserved, and new generations can learn about and celebrate our heritage. We look forward to welcoming you to our reserve and sharing this sacred space with the broader community.
​
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the many blessings and growth that lie ahead.

The Cohanzick Sanctuary is a Native American spiritual arm of the non-profit Native American Advancement Corp, which is dedicated as a religious, charitable, educational, conservation, and service-oriented agency based in Bridgeton, NJ, Cumberland County. We create opportunities for land preservation, cultural preservation, training, employment, revenue, financial literacy, homeownership, home rehabilitation, maintenance, and repair programs for Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, and Cape May counties.
​
NAAC's principals manage it with over 70 years of combined experience in community development. The business is unique because local Native American Tribe citizens of the Nanticoke Lenape Nation operate it. The Bridgeton location serves as the headquarters for outreach, auditing, fiscal management, and general operations. 

The Reserve and Sanctuary serves as a teaching and spiritual location for guests guided by local Indigenous with long-standing traditions rooted in sustainable living and a deep spiritual connection with the land. As our ancestors have practiced, we have had harmonious coexistence with nature for generations, understanding the delicate balance between taking from the earth and giving back. Today, practicing symbiosis, we at the Cohanzick Nature Reserve recognize the importance of passing down these ancient teachings to future seven generations. Through hands-on workshops and immersive experiences, we offer invaluable lessons in self-sufficiency, sustainable food production, and living in harmony with the natural world.

​At the Cohanzick Nature Reserve, we invite all who seek to reconnect with the earth and learn from the wisdom of Indigenous cultures to join us on this journey of rediscovery and renewal.
​
Join us as we embark on this new chapter and become part of a community rooted in respect, spirituality, and resilience.