DELWARE RESIDENTS MAKE HISTORY WITH DELCARATION

For the first time, a declaration between the government and community
members to live a drug free lifestyle was signed at Moraviantown this
past Saturday, creating a milestone in history.

"This declaration is a first of its kind, in our community history as
well as probably our country's history, as not only did the council
members sign but also our community members," said Chief Greg Peters.

"This declaration is also different in nature from the usual
statements signed in the past, where the government takes a stand for
something and dictates to the community members. This time our whole
community is uniting as one."

The Delaware Community Safety Task Force, that was mandated by the
Delaware Nation to promote social progress and better standards of
life for the peoples of the Delaware Nation, created a plan to address
safety for everyone within the community, and living a drug free
lifestyle was just one of the steps that has been acknowledged and
taken by all in Moraviantown.

"Our declaration acknowledges not just the stand against drugs in our
community but also makes the commitment to take steps beyond punishing
those who may become involved in that lifestyle," Peters said.

"We (the community) are also acknowledging and pledging on this day
that we will also aid those who have turned to that lifestyle, whether
the drugs be prescription or illegal."

Peters said that it is unavoidable to say that drugs are not a problem
in their community, however, the Lenaape Delaware people have a strong
belief in maintaining and preserving their language and culture, which
drugs are not a part of.

"Every community has problems with drugs, that is the society we live
in now," Peters said.

"We, the Lenaape Delaware have always had our traditional values and
beliefs but have never publicly spoke about them before, today we are
pledging to our future generations that we will not pass along the
traditions of drugs, rather our beliefs in our culture and heritage."

The signing of the declaration took place at the Moraviantown
community centre with the band council cooking breakfast for the
community members, who were also able to sign the declaration.

"People of all ages came today and we were also able to acknowledge
one of our elders today for her drug free life," Peters explained.

"Fay Jacobs, who is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and
great-great-grandmother was nominated by her granddaughter for her
drug free life."

Peters said that the award was the first of many that will be given to
the people of the community for their part in demonstrating healthy
living.

"We want to show our appreciation and acknowledge those who live by
our values, and to give our future generations a goal to work for."