Chief Neolin, also known as the Delaware Prophet or the Prophet of the Indians, was a Native American religious leader and prophet who lived during the 18th century. Neolin belonged to the Delaware (Lenape) tribe, and he played a significant role in shaping the spiritual and cultural beliefs of various Native American tribes in the Ohio Valley region.

Neolin emerged as a spiritual leader during a tumultuous period marked by increased European colonization and conflicts between Native Americans and European settlers. He preached a message of cultural and spiritual revitalization among Native American tribes, advocating for a return to traditional ways and a rejection of European influence, including their material goods and customs.

Neolin’s teachings had a profound impact on several Native American leaders, including Pontiac, an Ottawa chief. Pontiac’s War (1763-1766), a conflict between Native American tribes and British forces in the Great Lakes region, was influenced in part by Neolin’s call for resistance against European encroachment.

Chief Neolin’s role as a spiritual leader and visionary highlights the complex interactions and cultural dynamics during a challenging period of history for Native American communities in the face of European colonization.