Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Online via Zoom
This webinar, called People of the Pinelands, is part of a series promoting the people, culture, and history of the Pines. Bluejay will share her personal experiences in the Pinelands, including cherished memories with her late grandfather, Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo Clan. She will also talk about the history of the Lenape People, why the Pinelands hold special meaning for her, and what’s important when it comes to protecting them. A question-and-answer session will follow.
Chief Bluejay, also known as Barbara Michalski, received her name from her grandfather, Bill Thompson, the late Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo (people near the ocean) Tribe of the Turkey Clan. As a member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, she has fully embraced the Nation’s activities. In October 2022, she was appointed Chief. Bluejay serves on the Tribal Council and is one of the Nation’s Storytellers, sharing knowledge at events and festivals throughout Lenapehoking (Homeland of the Lenape).
Her greatest passion is teaching children about Lenape history through crafts, storytelling, and artifacts, visiting schools, Scout groups, and camps. She is also active in environmental causes, especially advocating for clean water and protecting Earth Mother. Recently, she has focused on learning about medicinal plants, delivering her first Zoom presentation in November 2022 and working to strengthen her connection with the plant nation. Additionally, she studies the Unami Dialect through LNPA to help preserve the endangered Lenape language.
RSVP below.
