WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Legislation that would grant six Virginia Indian tribes federal recognition might be in limbo, but support for it continues to gain momentum.
With less than half the current session of Congress left and no vote for the bills scheduled, six of eight Virginia Indian tribes seeking federal recognition have been approached by organizations and individuals supporting the tribes’ struggle.
Historians, researchers, politicians, organizations and religious leaders attended a reception the tribes hosted in March to show their support – some also seek the tribes’ participation in upcoming events.
A few members of the 2007 Jamestown Commemoration Commission acknowledge support of federal recognition, even though the commission as a whole hasn’t done so. But it is the commission’s upcoming event, the observance of the founding of Jamestown in 1607, and its interest in having Virginia Indians participate in it that has added impetus to pushing the federal recognition bill through Congress. U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., who initiated the bill, wants it passed this year.
But when Jamestown 2007 is mentioned, the feelings of the failure of the federal government to recognize Virginia Indians for who they are get stirred up, said Chief Steve Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe.
“Sovereignty for Virginia Indians was lost in 1607,” Adkins said at the reception. “… Folks, we’re 400 years overdue.”
While some Virginia Indians have balked at participating in any event connected to the Jamestown 2007 Commemoration, especially since its founding marked the end for many tribes, others say Jamestown wouldn’t have survived without their ancestors’ help. For this reason, they’d like to participate, if they’re federally recognized.
The tribes have gained some powerful allies who support their federal recognition. Some of their supporters include the National Congress of American Indians, the Alaskan Federation of Natives, the Association of American Indian Affairs, the Governors Interstate Indian Council, Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner and U.S. Sen. John Warner, R-Va.
Also, Bishop Carol Joy Gallagher, Cherokee, of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Southern Virginia and the first female American Indian Episcopal bishop, pledged her support.
“I can see that part of my work here in Virginia is helping Virginia Indians,” said Gallagher.
The six tribes – the Eastern Chickahominy, Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Nansemond, Rappahannock and Monacan – first sought recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Because of the slow process, they sought recognition through legislation.
Allen and U.S. Rep. James P. Moran Jr., D-Va., introduced the bills in 2002. The House bill waits for action from the House Resources Committee, which hasn’t moved on the bill since May 2003. But the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in October granted its support of the bill, which is currently being revised for a vote by the full Senate.
While Virginia’s governor Allen supported legislation in 1997 that began correcting the vital records on Virginia Indians to resolve state sanctioned discrimination against the tribes. The 1924 Racial Integrity Act of Virginia required removal of the “Indian” designation on all birth, marriage and death records, replacing it with “colored.” This nearly wiped out their existence.
Vital records’ corrections continue. Allen wants to see the bill passed in 2004 and in time for the Jamestown 2007 Commemoration, a spokesperson for his office said.
“The first thing that we’re trying to do here from his office is address any concerns that are here in Virginia,” said Heidi Frederickson, Allen’s spokesperson. “We want everybody to know why this is good legislation and why it should be passed. We are working as quickly as we can to get it moving through the process and onto the floor of the Senate.”
Despite talk that Congress won’t act this year, Chief Ken Branham of the Monacan Indian Nation said he hasn’t given up on 2004.
“I think it’s hard for some people to say they’ve made a mistake, and they’ve made a grave mistake,” Branham said. Along with acknowledgment of their heritage, federal recognition will enable the tribes to provide health care for elders and compete for educational programs and grants. They would also gain permission to repatriate ancestral remains.
“It’s not only right for Virginia Indians, it’s right for Virginia and it’s right for the United States,” said Chief Ken Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe.
Political opponents to the federal recognition argue that it would allow Virginia tribes to utilize the National Indian Gaming Act. However, the bills include amendments that would prevent the tribes from using that act.
