Governor Meyer Signs Legislation Establishing Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Media Contact:
Jonah Anderson
jonah.anderson@delaware.gov

DOVER, Del. — Governor Matt Meyer today ceremonially signed House Bill 365, establishing the Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs and creating a formal, lasting voice in state government for Indigenous communities across Delaware.

Joined by Representative Kerri Evelyn Harris, Senator Trey Paradee, Lenape and Nanticoke tribal leaders and Indigenous Delawareans at Legislative Mall, Governor Meyer signed the legislation following a land acknowledgment led by Lenape Tribe Elder Doris Cooper.

“Too much of Delaware’s Indigenous history has been erased or overlooked, and we have a responsibility to confront that,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Every Delawarean deserves more than a seat at the table. They deserve a voice that is heard, respected and reflected in the decisions we make. This commission helps ensure our Indigenous communities have a lasting role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and our state’s future.”

“Long before Delaware was established as a state, Indigenous communities lived on and cared for this land, building rich cultures, traditions, and histories that continue to shape our state today,” said Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris. “I was proud to sponsor HB 365, which will help ensure Indigenous communities are recognized, respected, and included in the conversations that directly shape their future, and I look forward to seeing the great work this commission will do.”
“You cannot tell the story of Delaware without highlighting the contributions and rich history of the Lenape and Nanticoke tribes,” said Senator Trey Paradee, lead Senate sponsor of HB 365. “By establishing a Commission on Indigenous Affairs, we ensure that Native and Indigenous Delawareans are represented, and that their cultural heritage is preserved while strengthening our state’s relationship with their communities.”

“Today was a monumental day for the indigenous community,” said Cleansing Cedar from Lenape Tribe of Delaware. “This commission will help to ensure that the first people of the first state will finally have a seat at the table and have their voices heard.”

House Bill 365 establishes the Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs within the Department of State. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms and will include members of the Lenape and Nanticoke Tribes as well as other Indigenous residents of Delaware.

Members of the commission will serve as volunteers. The commission is also required to submit an annual report on its activities to the Governor and the General Assembly.

House Bill 365 was sponsored by Representative Harris and Senator Paradee and passed the General Assembly unanimously.

The ceremonial signing brought together members of Indigenous communities from across Delaware and included an opening prayer, a land acknowledgment and remarks from tribal leaders and Indigenous Delawareans.

Governor Meyer was joined by Representative Harris, Senator Paradee, Lenape Tribe Elder Doris Cooper, Nanticoke Chief Avery Jackson, Lenape Tribe Chief Robin Christensen, Aztec Chief Jose Avila Macias, Pocomoke Nation Ambassador Drew Shuptar Rayvis, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Citizen Denise Dunkley and other Indigenous leaders and community members.

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