Thursday Night Nature: Caretakers of the Land (Local Ecological Knowledge for a Sustainable Future) with Barbra ‘Bluejay’ Michalski (November 07, 2024)

Chief Barbara Bluejay, keeper of culture and vice president for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, will briefly discuss the past and present of the Lenape people. Chief Bluejay will explain how Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania is revitalizing Lenape culture and continuing their role as caretakers of their homelands. Chief Bluejay will encourage ways that nurture a peaceful relationship with the environment. Open discussion and questions are welcome.

Chief 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, Chief Bluejay teaches children the history of the Lenape Nation through crafts, storytelling and artifacts. She has also been involved in environmental causes, particularly clean water protection. Recently, she has seen a rising interest in medicinal plants and has been working to learn more about them.

Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)

All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.