Our Story
To write a simple acknowledgment and speak words of gratitude to all involved?
There is no way!
Little Brother Duane Johnson and Little Sister Doris Johnson invited Dr. Bonnie Hall and me to go through and read the information in boxes of the essential works of Jean Princess Laughing Water Norwood. We each had stacks of folders and would share the folders we believed needed to be marked and set aside.
Little Brother and Bonnie were sharing a folder, and a small discussion was happening as Doris and I continued to work. I heard my name and looked up. Little Brother simply said, “Jean left this behind for you.” I opened the folder to find her detailed journal of the Nanticoke Language Project and a list of Tribal and Community Members supporting the work. These were the Ones determined to breathe life into the Nanticoke Language. In honor of those who began the journey in 2006, we are recording their names here so you will know them and remember them: Chief Tee Norwood, Jean Norwood, Pecita Lonewolf, Odette Wright, Sharkey Wright, William Davis, Syliva Pinkett, Barbara Jackson, Joan Ridolfi, Dottie LaCates, Rev. Roy Bundy, Sterling Street, and Myrelene Ranville (Anishinaabe of Canada and speaker of a sister language). Jean had written a title she hoped to have on the book: “Then I’ll Leave this Life Having Heard my Language.” May we all memorize these words.
For the last three years, tears of joy and tears of struggle have flowed as Jean continually reminds us and pushes us hard from the place beyond. The Language Project Family wants to thank everyone who has supported this work and believed in the vision. Because…
“Then We’ll Leave This Life Having Heard our Language.”
November 2006/June 2023
Meet the Team
Keith Cunningham
Dr. Keith Cunningham is a historical linguist and language instructor dedicated to the revitalization of the Nanticoke language. He earned his Ph.D. in Linguistics from Georgetown University in 2024, where his dissertation focused on the historical phonology of Nanticoke. His research combines careful study of colonial-era documentation with rigorous comparative work across related Algonquian languages to reconstruct the sounds and vocabulary of Nanticoke, helping bring the language back into use for future generations. When not immersed in linguistic research, Keith enjoys consuming copious amounts of caffeine, listening to classical music, playing the American Indian flute and steel tongue drum, and spending time with his beloved cat, Lucky.
Karelle Hall
Dr. Karelle “Spirit Dancing” Hall is a member of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. She received her PhD in anthropology from Rutgers University in 2025, researching Nanticoke and Lenape sovereignties. As an active board member of Native Roots Farm Foundation (NRFF) she has combined her passions for language revitalization and food sovereignty work. She is a dancer as well as a beadwork artist. She continues to work as an activist and representative for her community, promoting visibility, decolonization, and education.
Ragghi Rain
Ragghi Rain is a traditional storyteller.
In her own words, she speaks:
We do not choose to be the Keeper of the Living Stories.
We were chosen before we could speak.
Yet it is our choice to travel this Sacred Walk for the Seven Generations.
Speaking Truth through Stories, do not see us; hear the truth within the stories, allowing the seeds to grow within your spirit.
May we all plant seeds of truth and healing.
Paige McNatt
Paige "Morning Glory" is a member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe of New Jersey. Paige is a self-taught artist and writer. During childhood and adolescence, Paige developed a passion for social justice and advocacy which led to their pursuit of a masters degree in social work. Paige's goal is to weave together their creativity with their love of social work. Through their creative endeavors, they seek to spread messages of justice, awareness, kindness, diversity, and acceptance.
Jennifer Kerby
Rev. Jennifer Kerby is an ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church who works extensively with Native American ministries locally, regionally and nationally. She lives on traditional Lenapehoking.
This language project includes many contributors and supporters who have helped with producing our children’s book and CD, creating educational materials, and creating opportunities for language instruction and youth involvement.