The Delaware Tribe of Indians, known as the Lenape people in their ancestral Algonquian language, represents a community with deep historical roots and a commitment to cultural continuity in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Historically recognized as the "Grandfather" tribe for their respected role as peacemakers among Native nations, the Delaware people signed the first Indian treaty with the United States Government on September 17, 1778. Today, serving the Bartlesville, OK area and surrounding communities, the tribe maintains its legacy of strength and peaceful coexistence while preserving Lenape language, traditions, and cultural practices for future generations. The Delaware Tribe's community center in Bartlesville serves as a gathering place for cultural events, language lessons, and community celebrations that strengthen tribal bonds. From their origins along the Delaware River to their current home in Oklahoma, the Lenape people have demonstrated resilience through centuries of change while maintaining their identity and values. The tribe actively promotes cultural education through word-of-day calendars, language lessons, and traditional practices like sweat ceremonies and dance practices. Under the leadership of Chief Brad KillsCrow, the Delaware Tribe of Indians continues to build a vibrant community in Bartlesville, OK that honors ancestral heritage while addressing contemporary community needs through accessible services and meaningful cultural programming.
Bartlesville, OK