Mahwah Tribe's Leader Says 'Pockets Of Hate' Still Exist

MAHWAH, NJ — The leader of the Ramapough Lenape Nation said Monday that it is "tragic" that pockets of hate still exist in today's society.

Chief Dwain Perry said that in reaction to a Superior Court judge's ruling Friday regarding the nation's erecting tepees and other structures on sacred land.

Judge Roy McGready ruled that the tribe, who has used the land for prayer and other sacred gatherings for generations, violated zoning rules by not obtaining the necessary permission to erect the structures on the Halifax Road property. The tribe calls the land the Sweetwater Prayer Site.

Perry said the nation will appeal the ruling, which includes the tribe having to pay $13,000 in fines.

McGready dismissed additional summonses brought against the nation by the town accusing them of moving soil and putting up a renewable energy system without the town's permission, NorthJersey.com reported.

The ruling ends a year-long battle between the nation and town that began after nation members erected tepees on the land in protest of the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline in New Jersey and the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.

The town has said that those actions violated local zoning codes and require permits. State representatives found three 15-foot tall tepees, several tents, two portable toilets, several totem poles and a cooking pavilion on the property in December 2016.

The township issued two summonses against the Ramapoughs Dec. 13, 2016 for not getting the required zoning permits and permissions before constructing the structures. A violation and termination notice was issued Dec. 20. Subsequent violation summonses were issued against the tribe daily.

The tribe submitted a zoning application April 6, and it was denied on April 13. The tribe had lumber delivered to the property April 26 and began constructing a platform. The town filed its show cause order May 8 and the temporary restraining order was put in place. The nation filed a motion to lift a restraining order filed against it. A Superior Court judge vacated that order in June.

RELATED: Judge Rules Tribe Broke The Law By Erecting Tepees
RELATED: Judge Sides With Ramapoughs, Lifts Restraining Order Regarding Tepees At Prayer Site
RELATED: Mahwah Suing Ramapough Mountain Indians Over Teepees

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