Reviving the Past: How Friends of Penn Treaty Park Honor Indigenous Roots

Preserving Indigenous Heritage at Penn Treaty Park

Penn Treaty Park, nestled in the heart of Fishtown, Philadelphia, has a profound history that intertwines with the legacy of its original inhabitants, the Lenni Lenape. Named after the legendary meeting between William Penn and Chief Tamanend beneath a legendary elm, the park is not just a recreational area; it is a living testament to the journey of Indigenous peoples with colonial settlers. Though the "treaty tree" that once stood proud was lost to time in the early 1800s, the park remains a focal point for honoring that rich history.

The Role of the Friends of Penn Treaty Park

The Friends of Penn Treaty Park, a dedicated group of volunteers and local residents, plays an active role in maintaining the park’s cleanliness and safety. Under the leadership of Catherine Lowther, a passionate advocate for environmental justice, this 501(c)3 nonprofit group has taken significant strides to enhance the park’s role in the community. Lowther emphasizes that the history of the treaty reflects a unique moment of peace between Indigenous communities and colonizers. Her commitment is not just to preserve the park's physical space but to keep the cultural narratives alive.

Community Engagement and Indigenous Culture

This past spring, the Friends collaborated with the Philadelphia Orchard Project to plant trees near a sculpture by Indigenous artist Bob Haozous, marking not just a beautification effort but an active engagement with local biodiversity. Planting native trees and creating pollinator gardens also serves an essential ecological function, attracting various species and revitalizing the local ecosystem—a critical step in a city where green spaces are paramount for urban health.

Events Connecting Cultures and Families

With recent initiatives like movie nights in collaboration with Heavy Cycle Cinema and harvest days with the Lutheran Settlement House, the Friends are actively fostering community connections beyond just environmental stewardship. These events aim to educate and engage the broader community about the Lenape history, creating opportunities for learning and interaction.

A Bridge Between Past and Present

The annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day event at Penn Treaty Park exemplifies this bridge between history and modernity. The celebration highlights the continuing legacy of the Lenape tribe, featuring traditional dances and storytelling that connect today’s community with the past. Through performances and interactive activities, attendees experience the surviving cultural richness that often gets overshadowed by darker historical narratives.

Future Footprints and Local Biodiversity

As the Friends of Penn Treaty Park seek arboretum accreditation for their efforts in preserving and expanding Philadelphia's tree canopy, their journey is a reminder of the importance of maintaining our historical landscapes. Not only do the initiatives taken by the Friends enhance biodiversity, but they also create spaces for reflection, understanding, and healing within a historically significant area.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Visiting Penn Treaty Park is not just a leisure activity; it’s an opportunity to engage with history, celebrate community efforts, and contribute to local ecological initiatives. Every third Sunday of the month, the park welcomes volunteers to participate in Grounds Volunteer Day, which includes various activities aimed at preserving the natural and historical richness of this vital space. Volunteering not only contributes to the park's upkeep but also fosters a deeper connection with the Indigenous roots and stories integral to Philadelphia's history.

With the message from Lowther ringing clear—"visit the park, enjoy the space, and volunteer where possible"—there is a call for acting collectively to keep the spirit of Penn Treaty Park alive.