Thursday Night Nature: Learning Native Lenape Plants with Barbara Bluejay Michalski (Nov. 3)

Long before pure chemicals were manufactured in labs, members of the Lenape Nation used plants for medicine, some of which are still utilized today. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) and jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) are just a few of these species. This traditional medical knowledge was, and continues to be, passed down through their families. This program will introduce the Lenape people and discuss the importance of respect for plant beings and building a connection with the spirit world.

Bluejay, aka Barbara Michalski, was given the name by her grandfather, Bill Thompson, late Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo (people near the ocean) Tribe of the Turkey Clan. A member of Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, she has immersed herself in their activities such as serving on the tribal council and as tribal secretary and participating in educating the public by attending events or festivals in the Lenapehoking (Homeland of the Lenape). Most importantly, Bluejay teaches children the history of the Lenape Nation through crafts, storytelling and artifacts. She has also been involved in environmental causes, particularly working for clean water and protecting our Earth Mother. Recently, she has seen a rising interest in medicinal plants and has been working to learn more about them.