The Lost Roots of the Delaware River

Though named after the Mid-Atlantic region, the Unami language is now primarily spoken far from its birthplace. The original speakers were displaced from the Delaware River area and forced to migrate all the way to Oklahoma and Ontario.

Unami was the primary language of the Lenape people who once inhabited New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Following intense colonization and forced movement in the 18th century, these communities were scattered across North America. Today, the language survives only as a second language, marking a poignant shift from its historic presence. It remains a vital link to the heritage of the Lenape people who adapted to vastly different landscapes after their displacement.