LENAPEHOKING is an affirmation of empowerment for all Lenape people returning to Lenapehoking (Lenape land). The Lenape people ARE Manahatta. We are the place and the place is us. Lenape stomp dances use turtle shell rattles on the dancer’s legs, and the stomping creates the rattle sound heard in the song. “Manahatta” (Manhattan) is the Munsee word for “the place where we get the wood to make the bows.”

Historically, the Lenape were driven away in a diaspora into Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Canada. Many indigenous languages were traditionally spoken in New York: Munsee, Unami, Lenape, Mahican, Wappinger, and others. Heard in present-day New York are countless other languages. Manhattan as indigenous land remains an open secret rendered invisible by society, and that awareness applies to the distant past, this immediate moment, and what lies ahead, all rolled into one understanding.

Home is home. There are many ways to hint at what that is, a residence, locale, habitat, maybe homeland. However we think of it, it’s a feeling of belonging, of a place we know, and where we are known. It’s a place of family. That’s the feeling for “Lenapehoking” and one I was hoping to convey in the new song, written as an anthem for Lenape Center. Lenapehoking is right where I am. — Brent Michael Davids

Lead Vocals—Curtis Zunigha, Brent Michael Davids

Vocals—Cochise Anderson, Hadrien Coumans

Guitars—Joe Myers

Bass—John-Carlos Perea

Drums—Alex Alexander

Native American Flute—Brent Michael Davids

Flugelhorn—Delbert Anderson

Tenor Saxophone—Mixashawn Rozie

Bass Trombone—Brent Michael Davids

Cello—Dawn Avery

Hammond B3—Ann Millikan

Hand Drum & Turtle Rattles—Brent Michael Davids

Production—Doodlebug Music Studio

Engineer—Brent Michael Davids

Video—Kendrick Whiteman, Jr.

Animation—Xeneca LeClair