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October 13, 2023 - Bethlehem, PA

Shapiro Administration Announces "Indigenous Peoples Cultural and Heritage Initiative"

The Shapiro Administration announced the Pennsylvania Tourism Office has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area planning grant to develop experiences based on Indigenous heritage across the Commonwealth. Through a partnership with the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies and members of federally recognized tribal nations, the Tourism Office will utilize the grant to develop, and promote experiences that share the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvania is steeped in Indigenous history and we look forward to bringing, experiences to Pennsylvania for people to engage with and learn about this history," said Carrie Fischer Lepore, Deputy Secretary of Tourism at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. "We are incredibly proud to be launching this project, which is the start of a long journey to uplift the stories and culture of the Indigenous Nations that resided in Pennsylvania. This project will have so many benefits, from educating visitors from near and far about our Indigenous history to strengthening the economies of ARC counties. Most importantly, this project is designed to allow citizens of the federally recognized Indian nations which originated here to be the storytellers and ensure we are presenting their history and culture in an authentic and appropriate way."

The ARC Area Grant provides critical funding for the Tourism Office to convene with American Indian Studies scholars and tribal representatives chosen by the federally recognized Indigenous nations originally from Pennsylvania. Collaboratively, they will discuss and develop a comprehensive plan highlighting locations, narratives, and resources of interest to uplift culture and history. This project will allow tribal nations the opportunity to direct how they would like their stories to be told. The final plan would then be executed into experiences for visitor engagement during additional phases of this project.

Speakers Include:
Sean Daley, Director of the Institute for Indigenous Studies at Lehigh University
Carrie Lepore, Deputy Secretary of Tourism, DCED
Won. S. Choi, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and Professor with the Department of Community and Population Health, Lehigh University
Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, PHMC
Victoria Rogers, America250PA
Henry Odi, Deputy Vice President for Equity and Community, Lehigh University
Representative Steve Samuelson



Bethlehem, PA. (L-R) Jason and Wesley Haley of the Pray Band Potawatomi, perform a welcome song before Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Carrie Lepore, Deputy Secretary of Tourism, DCED, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Carrie Lepore, Deputy Secretary of Tourism, DCED, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Sean Daley, Director of the Institute for Indigenous Studies at Lehigh University, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Sean Daley, Director of the Institute for Indigenous Studies at Lehigh University, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Won. S. Choi, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and Professor with the Department of Community and Population Health, Lehigh University, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. (L-R) Nagoskwe Kalei Rose Hale, Laverne Hale and Kendra Gishgoqe Hale, watch during Friday's event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, PHMC, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, PHMC, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Victoria Rogers, Dir. of Partnerships with America250PA, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Henry Odi, Deputy Vice President for Equity and Community, Lehigh University, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Henry Odi, Deputy Vice President for Equity and Community, Lehigh University, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Sean Daley, Director of the Institute for Indigenous Studies at Lehigh University, watches during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Representative Steve Samuelson, speakers during Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. (L-R) Jason and Wesley Haley of the Pray Band Potawatomi, perform a welcome song before Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Wesley Haley of the Pray Band Potawatomi, performs a welcome song before Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. (L-R) Nagoskwe Kalei Rose Hale, Laverne Hale and Kendra Gishgoqe Hale of the Pray Band Potawatomi, perform a welcome song before Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Bethlehem, PA. Kendra Gishgoqe Hale of the Pray Band Potawatomi, performs a welcome song before Fridays event. Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, representatives of the Lehigh University Institute for Indigenous Studies, representatives of the Tribal Nations who inhabited Pennsylvania, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Andrea Lowery will announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded an Area Planning Grant to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office to develop a plan to create experiences celebrating the Commonwealth's Indigenous Heritage. In partnership with Lehigh University and federally recognized Tribes, the initiative will highlight the stories, history, and culture of the Indigenous peoples originally from Pennsylvania. October 13, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23871_DCED_IndigenousPeoples_AG_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>