Legislators Unanimously Back Conservation of Split Rock Site Sacred To Ramapough Lenape Nation

October 18, 2021

Rockland County Legislators have unanimously adopted a new law to allow the preservation of cultural resources held sacred by the Ramapough Lenape Nation at a place called Split Rock. For some legislators, the new law is only the beginning of an effort to win more protections for  the Ramapough and other Indigenous Peoples.

“I’ve been fighting for the state recognition of the Ramapough Lenape for the last 15 years,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe said. “This has been a struggle that sadly has resulted in inaction by the New York State Legislature. I think it’s appalling and that it’s an insult. I think that the action that we have taken is a small step in doing that which is just and right and allows us to truly see the very proud, noble people of the Ramapough Lenape Nation whom I’m very proud to call my friends.”

Legislator Wolfe is currently working on new legislation that will call on the State Legislature to formally recognize the Ramapough Lenape as a tribe.

Source: Legislators Unanimously Back Conservation of Split Rock Site Sacred To Ramapough Lenape Nation