Protection, recognition, promotion, and practice of the abundantly rich culture and offerings of the Ramapough Munsee Lenape people.

Vision

To support, preserve, and share the rich cultural heritage of the Ramapough Munsee Lenape people, who are the original Keepers of the Pass, in the Ramapough Mountains.

Mission

• Strengthen Community

• Promote Education

• Remember History

• Practice and Embolden Tradition

• Support Sacred Sites

Goals

The Ramapough Munsee Lenape Nation are the original ‘Keepers of the Pass.’ Our homeland once extended from Western Connecticut to Eastern Pennsylvania, and from the Northern bank of the Raritan River North to Albany N.Y., inhabiting all boroughs of Manhattan with custodianship of what is now the Hudson River amongst the broad Ramapo Mountain river valley, otherwise known as ‘the Pass.’

Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc. (otherwise RMI). 501(c)(3).

Of the Ramapough Munsee Lenape Nation.

What's in the name?

• Ramapough (also Ramapo)

  • Micro-region (Physical Mountains)

• Munsee

  • Meso-region (Language)

• Lenape

  • Macro-region (Algonquin Affiliation)

• Nation

  • A recognized politically-sovereign collective, or tribe

Our Work

Board of RMI

Dwaine Perry · Charlene DeFreese · Antonio Powell · Poppy Jones · Luanne Powell · Kristi DeFreese · Jacqueline Kumar · Peyton Powell

Team at RMI

Vince Morgan

Vince is the Executive Director at Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc.

vincemorgan@ramapoughmunseenation.org

Tony Powell

Tony is the Treasurer at Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc., sitting on the Board Committee.

Charlene DeFreese

Genealogy Manager at Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc., Charlene has kept the fire burning since a child and now sits on the Board Committee.

Steve (Owl) Smith

Owl is Legal Advisor and Grant Writer at Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc.

Tybee Jennings

Tybee works with Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc. in service-partnership with Rhode Island Indian Council Program Manager for human resource development in areas specific to education, skilling, and workforce.

Petra Thombs

Petra is the former Executive Director at Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc. and continues to serve as Bergen County Liaison.

Garland Smith

Garland is Content Manager and Administrative Assistant at Ramapough Mountain Indians Inc.

garlandsmith@ramapoughmunseenation.org

Your help is INSTRUMENTAL in providing native people resources to live and protect life.