Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski
Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski
Barbara Michalski, known as Bluejay within the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, is a storyteller and advocate. She is the Chief, Keeper of Culture of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. She is a prominent tribal council leader for the Lenape Nation and is pivotal in guiding and representing her community. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Michalski is actively involved in educational programming for elementary schools across Pennsylvania.
“Don’t be fooled by making a small contribution will not make a big difference; small changes add up.” - Barbara Michalski, 2024
Born into the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, Barbara Michalski, also known as Bluejay, inherited her unique name from her grandfather, Bill Thompson, the late Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo Tribe. Raised with a deep connection to her Lenape roots, Michalski immersed herself in tribal activities from a young age. Growing up, she has always felt a profound connection to her heritage. She was drawn to the natural world from her earliest memories, with woods, wetlands, and meadows at the end of her street. Raised with the belief that humans coexist with all living beings—two-legged, winged, four-legged, finned, creeping, crawling, plant, and rock—she was instilled with a deep reverence for the Creator and gratitude for the gifts of Grandmother Moon, Mother Earth, and the elemental spirits.
She attended Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA, and attended Lenape Language classes in the Unami dialect, contributing to the preservation of an endangered language.
Throughout her life, Michalski has honored her ancestors and upheld her cultural traditions. She believes in the interconnectedness of all things, viewing life as a continuous circle without beginning or end, where everyone is equal and everything is interrelated. She strives to live harmoniously with nature, minimizing waste, and respecting the environment.
One pivotal moment in Michalski’s youth occurred during a class trip when a careless act led to a forest fire. While many hesitated, she volunteered to return and replant trees, saddened by the lack of participation from her peers, especially as the only female among them. This experience reinforced her commitment to environmental stewardship and community service.
Her dedication to preserving and sharing Lenape culture led her to serve on the tribal council and as tribal secretary. Michalski’s dedication extended to educating the public through participation in events and festivals in Lenapehoking, the homeland of the Lenape.
Barbara Michalski’s professional journey reflects her multifaceted commitment to the Lenape Nation and broader societal issues. In the 1980s, she served as the Lenape Nation Tribal Secretary, playing a pivotal role in the governance and representation of her community. Her passion for education and cultural preservation led her to teach the history of the Lenape Nation to children, visiting schools and various children’s groups.
Beyond cultural endeavors, Michalski demonstrated her dedication to environmental causes. In 1986, she began working as an Administrative Assistant for the New Jersey Department of Health. In this role, she demonstrated her commitment to public well-being. Throughout her career, Michalski has been deeply engaged in various environmental and social justice initiatives. Her dedication to community service and advocacy is evident through her involvement in numerous events and rallies. From 2007 to 2014, Michalski was the Secretary and Native Time Presenter for the New Jersey American Indian Alliance.
In 2009, Michalski joined the inaugural clean-up of Mantinicunk Island, organized by the Burlington Board of Island Managers. She returned for the second clean-up and contributed a storytelling program. Also, in 2009, she became the Storyteller and Public Speaker of Lenape Culture for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. She lent her voice to rallies addressing issues like gas drilling, including appearances at the Peace and Social Justice Committee Public Program and the Pebble Hill Interfaith Church in Doylestown in January 2010. Michalski delivered the opening prayer at the Warminster Environmental Meeting on Gas Drilling Forum in August 2010 and joined rallies and marches advocating against natural gas drilling in the Delaware River Watershed in November 2011, June 2013, and June 2014. She also offered prayers at the Blessing of Waters event at the Arch Street Methodist Church in Philadelphia in September 2011 and 2012.
From 2010 to 2016, Michalski was Co-Chairperson of the Native American Alliance of Bucks County, a nonprofit providing cultural education and outreach focused on protecting the earth. Michalski continued her activism in recent years, rallying against proposals such as the Elcon Recycling Services pharmaceutical waste treatment plant in 2019 and 2020. She supports groups like Citizens for Responsible Development-LST regarding the Bethlehem Landfill. In 2022 and 2023, she participated in Lower Merion Township Sustainability Planning sessions via Zoom.
Noteworthy among her experiences is her attendance at the Women’s Environmental Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, in 2023, where she served on a panel. Michalski has also participated in Our Nation’s Rising Nation River Trip in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, using these journeys to raise awareness of Lenape beliefs in environmental stewardship.
In 2022, Michalski became Chief, Keeper of Culture for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. When presenting on Lenape culture, Michalski emphasizes the community’s role as caretakers of the land, advocating for better treatment of the Earth and suggesting practical ways to achieve this goal. In 2023, after a 37-year career, Michalski retired from the New Jersey Department of Health.
Continuing her mission to educate and raise awareness, Michalski is a sought-after speaker, sharing insights into the past, present, and future of the Lenape People and their culture. Whether discussing historical narratives, environmental stewardship, or Lenape spirituality centered around Kishelemukonk, the Creator, Michalski’s contributions resonate across Pennsylvania and beyond. Her speaking engagement has provided a platform for her to illuminate the essence of the Lenape, their contemporary identity, and the spiritual connection to the interdependent web of nature.
As an advocate for cultural preservation, Michalski took on the crucial role of teaching children about the history of the Lenape Nation. She instilled a sense of pride and understanding among younger generations using crafts, storytelling, and artifacts. Additionally, Barbara actively engaged in environmental causes, championing clean water initiatives and advocating for the protection of Earth Mother.
Michalski acknowledges the influential guidance he received from his late grandfather, Chief Bill “Whipoorwill” Thompson, and from the elders within the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania (LNPA). Additionally, she appreciates the mentorship and collaboration provided by Maya K. van Rossum, a leader for the Delaware Riverkeeper Network since 1994, and works closely with LNPA.
Michalski’s mentoring experience reflects her deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Through her actions and advocacy, she strives to inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices for the benefit of future generations. She consistently emphasizes the importance of sustainable living, urging individuals to consider the impact of their choices on the planet.
At her seasonal campground site, Michalski actively promotes eco-conscious behavior by encouraging guests to bring their reusable place settings to communal gatherings rather than relying on single-use products. She organizes programs and activities that foster a culture of environmental responsibility, providing practical guidance on conserving natural resources and minimizing waste.
Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Michalski shares informative posts and resources promoting sustainable living practices. She also incorporates elements of nature into thoughtful gifts, demonstrating the value of repurposing items and minimizing consumption.
Michalski speaks passionately about the interconnectedness of environmental conservation and personal actions during her presentations and talks. Her genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt delivery often prompt listeners to reconsider their habits and commit to making positive changes. She emphasizes that Earth Day is not just an annual event but a daily commitment to honoring and preserving the planet.
In a symbolic gesture of her dedication, Michalski has even made a solemn pledge to Mother Earth, affirming her ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through her mentorship and advocacy, she strives to cultivate a community of individuals dedicated to nurturing and protecting the natural world.
Michalski shared the following encouraging words for younger professionals: “Surround yourself with like-minded people. Join environmental organizations and volunteer for local clean-up events. Advocate for change, write to your legislators, and sign petitions. Educate. Many people lack the proper knowledge of environmental issues. They do not realize their actions can harm the environment. Don’t be fooled by making a small contribution will not make a big difference, small changes add up” (2024).
BHWP. 2022. Thursday Night Nature: Learning Native Lenape Plants with Barbara Bluejay Michalski (Nov. 3). https://bhwp.org/item/learning-native-lenape-plants-with-barbara-michals…
Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski. n.d. Home [LinkedIn Page]. LinkedIn. Retrieved November 13, 2023 from https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-bluejay-michalski-3725087/.
Survey and interviews conducted by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative staff. 2022-2024. Yale University-School of the Environment. New Haven, Connecticut.