<+>=<+>KOLA Newslist<+>=<+> [source: NativeNews; Fri, 29 Sep 2000 10:05:54 -0400] <http://www.mcall.com:80/html/news/lehightn/b_pg005_e3b5_1powwow3.htm> Lenni Lenape hope powwow helps in quest for recognition But state legislators believe formal government nod could open door for gambling in Pennsylvania. 09/29/00 By CHRIS PARKER Of The Morning Call The gentle rustle of beaded skirts, the rhythmic beat of drums and the melodic cadence of chants will tell the story of American Indian culture at a gathering in Lehighton this weekend. Some organizers hope the Lenape Tears Pow Wow will help advance the group's quest to obtain formal government recognition of its existence in Pennsylvania. The state does not recognize tribes and it's unlikely it will anytime soon. The Lenni Lenape in Pennsylvania have been trying for years to get that official nod, but key legislators are wary, believing the status could open the door to casino gambling in the state. Using a 1988 federal law called the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, some tribes in some states have skirted state laws and opened casinos. Federal recognition acknowledges a tribe's ancestral link to land. Under the law, the Lenni Lenape could buy land as a tribe. That land would come under federal protection, allowing the tribe to build a casino despite state law prohibiting gambling. The Lenni Lenape cannot appeal directly to Washington because state recognition must be granted before the federal government will recognize a tribe. Area Lenni Lenape Nation members say gambling is not their motivation. "This tribe does not want recognition for the purpose of gaming," said Suzanne Welker of Luzerne County, whose husband, Richard, traces his roots to the Lenape Nation. At one time, the Lenni Lenape comprised the dominant tribe in the Lehigh Valley and Pocono areas. They were an eastern woodland group that hunted, foraged and farmed. In the mid-1700s most of the Lenape were forced westward with colonial expansion. "What they are seeking is perhaps getting a piece of land for a cultural center and museum to portray the Native American culture in Pennsylvania the way it truly should be," Welker said. "This is a way of making things right." In addition, the recognition would give the tribe access to a host of federal programs, from housing funding to educational subsidies. It's a noble intent, and one that state Rep. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill, shares. But he worries that someday the Lenni Lenape's much sought-after link to ancestral land could be used for a far less spiritual end. Argall is vice chairman of the State Government Committee, which has pondered legislation that would grant the Lenni Lenape official recognition. "Several bills have been introduced into the committee," he said. "The major hangup is that [Chairman Rep. Paul] Clymer has very strong feelings against the introduction of casino gambling in Pennsylvania." Clymer is a Republican from Bucks County. Argall said he is reluctant to "allow any legislation, as innocent as it may be, to inadvertently open the door to casinos. This has certainly happened in other states." Like Argall, Clymer is sympathetic to the cause, but fears consequences that might come decades later. "The reason I have not moved on the proposals is because that could be the first step toward casino gambling in Pennsylvania," Clymer said. Proponents of the recognition have said they do not want gambling and asked Clymer to insert a clause into proposed legislation that would promise no casinos would be built. "But federal law overrides anything at the state level," Clymer said. "In five to 10 years, tribal leadership could change and they could negotiate with the state to build a casino. "Once you open the door, you can't close it," he said. While wary legislators parry and block, local Lenni Lenape this weekend will teach people about their culture through music, song, dance and artifacts. The Lenape Tears Pow Wow will be held Saturday and Sunday at the McCall Farm on Route 443 in Mahoning Township. Activities will begin at noon both days and end at 5 p.m. Sunday. There will be singing, dancing, drumming, flute playing and storytelling, Welker said. Indian American recording artists Jim Beer and the River will perform Saturday afternoon. The Turtle Island Singers will perform and storyteller Susan Little Feather will weave tales. --- Contact Chris Parker 610-379-3224 chris.parker@mcall.com [In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]