Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

NEW JERSEY - A Native American conservation organization has recently acquired 63-acres of land in South Jersey, once inhabited by an ancient indigenous tribe.

The Native American Advancement Corporation has taken possession of what was previously the Morningstar Fellowship Church property in Salem County. This land, situated at 62 Gravely Hill Road in the Burden Hill woods section of Quinton Township, was historically the residence of the ancient Cohanzick Lenape people for many millennia, as mentioned in the group’s release.

The organization, which operates on a non-profit basis, plans to transform a former church structure on the site into what will be known as the Cohanzick Nature Reserve. This reserve will function as an educational, cultural, and environmental hub.

“The acquisition of the Cohanzick Nature Reserve is a monumental step toward preserving this ancestral homeland and sharing its significance with the broader community,” said Tyrese Gould Jacinto, president and CEO of NAAC. “We are committed to creating a haven for individuals, a place where traditions are deeply rooted in conservation, and the public can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Cohanzick Lenape people.”

Both Jacinto and her father, the former Chief Mark “Quiet Hawk” Gould, are associated with the Nanticoke Lenape Nation. Their lineage traces back to this very property, as noted by the group.

As part of its educational mission, the Cohanzick Nature Reserve will roll out programs that include workshops, tours, and practical sessions to emphasize the land’s historical and cultural significance.

“The Cohanzick Nature Reserve is more than just a piece of land; it is a living testament to the enduring connection between the Indigenous people and the earth,” Jacinto commented. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to this beautiful place, where the past and the present unite in harmony and where the spirit of the Cohanzick Lenape people lives on.”

The acquisition process was a joint effort that saw collaboration between the NAAC, the NJ DEP’s Green Acres program, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy. Following the acquisition, ownership was transferred solely to the NAAC.

To support the endeavors of the Cohanzick Nature Reserve, the conservation group will be reaching out for public donations.