THE VIEW FROM RAMAPO


Xwat Anushiik (Autumn Wind Scott), a member of the Ramapough Lunaape tribe and chair of the New Jersey American Indian Affairs Commission, consulted on the Sundance production The Red Road. She answers questions about the signifi- cance of the project.


You ask how our people came to live in the Ramapo Mountains that border New Jersey and New York. More accurately, they demo- graphically divided our people by running the states’ border through our mountain, leaving our citizens on both sides. The boundary surveyors “happened upon” Indi- ans living in wigwams in the frontier wilder- ness of the Hudson Highland region of the Ramapo Mountains. We were once known by our band names: Tappan, Hackensack, Nyack, Haverstroo, Esopus, Waping/Pomp- ton, Raritan and Ramapoo. Our land base once consisted of north-


ern New Jersey, southeastern New York, southwestern Connecticut, Staten Island and western Manhattan. Over time, with much diminished numbers, those who would not relocate west or north (nor accept Christian- ity and move to the country’s first reservation, the Brotherton Reservation in southern New Jersey), would gradually come together under one Chieftancy and became “Ramapough” or “people of the Slanting Rock.” (However we did have a few Christian ancestors who were among the Brothertons). We are grateful that the majority of our ancestors refused to be- lieve the broken promises and leave their ab- original homelands. Our lands are our book of memories. We are formally recognized by both New


Jersey, and New York states. Both states have very different relationships with their aborigi- nal tribes, and in New Jersey in particular, ac- knowledgement is shrouded in ambiguity and sadly changes with each administration. 38 AMERICAN INDIAN WINTER 2014


What changes were made due to your role as a consultant?


The opportunity to add two of our main is- sues to the script was very important to me. If we have any chance to effect public percep- tion, then our issues need be highlighted. The long-term corporate dumping of toxins on our clan communities has resulted in far too many deaths. Those presently suffering from the effects were left without healthcare provi- sions. The financial inability to fight against political opposition to gain Federal status has also been an ongoing challenge. Those Federal benefits would be a solution to the suffering that has existed for decades, yet even unimaginable suffering in a “civilized” society has fallen on deaf ears. My hope is that having a national audience of discerning viewers may open a few eyes, or hearts, at the very least.


What is the overall impression of fellow Ramapoughs regarding The Red Road?


Ramapough feedback regarding Season One [of the series] has been mixed from the few who have expressed their opinions directly to me. Overall comments were posi- tive. However there were a few who remained skeptical, reserving opinion until the conclu- sion of the series. I certainly understand their skepticism, as


we have a long history of having been charac- terized in a negative light. What we don’t need is a perpetuation of the stereotype that our men are drug dealers, addicts, etc., nor do we need to feed the manufactured myths of mur- der and mayhem in the mysterious Mountain woodlands. These fabrications may sell news- papers and make for good movies; however there have always been those few incapable of distinguishing fact from fancy, and the long- term result has been devastating to a people. – Compiled by Phoebe M. Farris


Dwaine Perry, current Chief of the Ramapough Lunaape, foreground, with honor guard, carrying flags at the opening of a recent Ramapough Powwow.


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