Preserving Our Heritage Help us Purchase Native American Land and Protect Our Cultural Legacy

Dear valued community members,
We have raised 95% of the goal of $900,000, for our new nature reserve. We're writing to you today to request your support for the remaining $50,000.
Our Native American community's role as stewards and keepers of the land is of paramount importance in today's world. As one of the earliest inhabitants of North America, we Native Americans deeply understand the land and its resources. Through our traditional knowledge and practices, we have shown an exceptional ability to sustainably manage the land for generations.
Today, as we face the dire consequences of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable land management practices is more significant than ever. By empowering our Native American community to become the guardians of the land, we can tap into their unique knowledge and practices to promote Mother Earth's healing and ensure our planet's sustainability for future generations.

Photo left to right: Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould, Tyrese “Bright Flower”, Mark “Quiet Hawk” 2011

As you may know, our Native American community has faced numerous challenges over the years, from loss of land and businesses, poverty and underfunded educational systems, and limited access to resources. Despite these hardships, we remain committed to preserving our culture and traditions and ensuring a better future for our children.
This reserve is a symbolic homecoming because it lies within the traditional homestead of Chief Mark "Quiet Hawk" Gould's direct ancestors. His grandfather's actual historical home is pictured, and the location is mentioned in the book about Mark's mother, "Strong Medicine" Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, written by Amy Hill Hearth, a New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author.
Marion “Strong Medicine” said: "I feel lucky to be living in the land of my ancestors and not on a government reservation far away. The connection to the land is very strong for Indian people. To us, it isn't where we live, it's who we are.
I know I am walking the same piece of earth that my ancestors did, going back ten thousand years. I know their bones turned to dust under my feet and someday, mine will, too. It's the natural order of things."
“Marion Strong Medicine is surprised and concerned at the number of new houses that have popped up in Burden’s Hill.” “She greatly cheered, however, that more than eighteen hundred acres of land in the Burden’s Hill Forest were recently saved from development, thanks to a partnership between four private and public entities.”
From the book Strong Medicine Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, copyright 2008 by Amy Hill Hearth. Used with permission.

A typical house, circa 1900, in an area known as Burden’s Hill, where Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould’s maternal ancestors resided. The style of house was favored by the Lenni-Lenape. This one was owned by one of Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould’s relatives. From the book Strong Medicine Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, copyright 2008 by Amy Hill Hearth. Used with permission. Photo from the collection of Marion Gould.

Old Homestead and New Cohanzick Reserve site

This is truly a homecoming for our community.
We rely on the support of individuals and organizations like you to achieve these goals. Your generous donations can significantly impact our community members' lives, helping us fund essential programs and services. With your support, we can provide our youth with quality education and training, build more robust educational programs, and promote economic development initiatives to create jobs and opportunities for the community.
Land repatriation is an issue that strikes at the very heart of social justice and human dignity. For centuries, we Native American communities have suffered under the unjust loss of our ancestral lands, which has resulted in the disruption of our cultural practices and traditions. By donating to land repatriation efforts, you can play a critical role in supporting our Native American community as we work to reclaim our cultural heritage and restore our connection to the land.

Exclusive Offer: Gift with NAAC Membership!
Purchase a Native American Advancement Corp (NAAC) membership and receive a gift from us.
Membership Benefits could Include the following:

• Event Invitations
• Discounts for our products
• Access to a wide variety of cultural events, classes, tours, and workshops
• Advance notice of exhibits and events
• Purchase a membership at the Sustaining Level or above and receive special hands-on lessons.
  

Become a Member
Members are the heart and soul of a nonprofit like NAAC. Our Members provide critical support to our mission.

Gift memberships are also available!

At checkout, place the following in the "order notes" box: Please note that this is a gift membership - and provide the recipient's name, address, phone number, and email. They will be sent a gift membership package.

We thank you in advance for your support and invite you to join us in our mission to create a better future for our community. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who most need it.

Sincerely yours,

Tyrese "Bright Flower" Gould Jacinto, Nanticoke Lenape Tribal Citizen
President, CEO, and Founder of Native American Advancement Corporation

Photos and quotes in this letter are from Strong Medicine Speaks: A Native American Elder Has Her Say, copyright 2008 by Amy Hill Hearth. Used with permission.

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