Precious Cohanzick Lenape Crabs

Is it enough to call the living traditions of a people "cultural retention"? For the Lenape, our ways are much more than something preserved-they are the heartbeat of our community, woven into daily life and passed from one generation to the next. Cohanzick Lenape Crabs invites readers to step into the rhythms of Lenape life, where every lesson is rooted in respect for the land, the animals, and the wisdom of our ancestors. Through stories of gathering crabs with my father, Chief Mark Quiet Hawk Gould, I share not only a cherished memory but a living tradition-one I hope my children and grandchildren will carry forward. Within these pages, you'll discover how we learn to identify seeds, plant and harvest with care, and prepare meals that sustain both body and spirit. You'll see the importance of every feather, fiber, and flame-how sinew ties our tools, pine needles become baskets, and every part of the animal is honored and used. These are not just skills, but teachings that shape our identity and connect us across generations. This story is only a part of our life, shaped by the changes we face but grounded in the enduring truth: we are our ancestors, and we are their children. With gratitude to illustrator Arnild, whose artistry brings these memories to life, I offer this book as both a record and a hope for all who wish to remember, learn, and continue the journey.