The Accohannock Indian Tribe, a historical and resilient community with deep roots in the Chesapeake Bay region, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. Originally a sub-tribe of the powerful Powhatan Nation, the Accohannock Indian Tribe boasts a lineage that stretches back centuries, making it one of the oldest historical tribes in Maryland. Their story is one of adaptation, survival, and a persistent commitment to preserving their heritage in the face of immense challenges.
Geographic Homeland: A Land Shaped by Water
The heart of the Accohannock Indian Tribe’s ancestral territory lies on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia. This land, a tapestry of waterways and fertile ground, was once known to the Accohannocks as Accomack. Following colonization, it was divided and became part of the Eastern Shore of Old Virginia, eventually encompassing the regions we know today as the Eastern Shores of both Maryland and Virginia.
Their settlements were strategically positioned to take advantage of the abundant resources of the Chesapeake Bay. Home villages thrived along the Annemessex River near present-day Crisfield, Maryland, and on the Accohannock Creek in Virginia. The islands dotting the Chesapeake Bay also provided crucial resources and served as important locations for seasonal activities. This intimate connection to the water shaped their culture, their economy, and their very identity.
A People of the Water and the Land
The Accohannock people, an Algonquian-speaking group, were part of the Accomac Confederation, a network of related tribes that shared cultural and linguistic ties. They were masters of their environment, skillfully utilizing the resources of both the water and the land. Their lives were interwoven with the rhythms of the seasons and the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
As the first watermen of the region, they navigated the waters with expertise, harvesting fish, shellfish, and other aquatic resources. Their knowledge of the bay and its tributaries was unparalleled, allowing them to sustain themselves and their communities. The wetlands provided them with materials for shelter, tools, and other necessities.
Agriculture also played a vital role in their economy. They cultivated squash, maize (corn), and other crops native to North America, supplementing their diet with the fruits of their labor. Beyond farming and fishing, the Accohannock were skilled hunters. Waterfowl, deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, bear, and elk were all important sources of food and materials. Their hunting practices were deeply respectful of the natural world, ensuring the sustainability of the resources they depended upon.
The Impact of Colonization: A Time of Disruption and Change
The arrival of European colonists brought profound and disruptive changes to the lives of the Accohannock people. Beginning in the 1640s, colonial policies shifted rapidly, leading to dispersion, assimilation, and the dismantling of their traditional culture. These policies systematically eroded their way of life, impacting every aspect of their society.
The Chief and tribal government were compelled to cede authority and lands to the King of England and the colonial powers representing him. This loss of land was devastating, stripping the tribe of its ability to govern itself and maintain its cultural integrity. The traditional structures that had sustained them for generations were systematically undermined.
Unlike some other Native American tribes who chose to resist the encroaching settlers through armed conflict, the Accohannock Indian Tribe initially pursued a path of peaceful coexistence. They sought to build relationships with the settlers, hoping to navigate the changing landscape through diplomacy and cooperation.
A Complex Relationship: Navigating Shifting Alliances
The Accohannock’s relationship with the settlers was not without its complexities. The colonists primarily focused on acquiring land on the Western Shore, leaving the Eastern Shore relatively less impacted in the early years. This contributed to a period of relative stability and allowed the Accohannock to maintain some level of autonomy.
However, the death of Powhatan and the ascension of his brother, Opechancanough, to leadership marked a turning point. Opechancanough, harboring deep resentment towards the colonists, devised a plan to eliminate them through poisoning. He sought the participation of the Accohannock in his scheme.
In a pivotal moment, the Accohannock Indian Tribe refused to participate in Opechancanough’s plan and, in fact, warned the colonists of the impending danger. This act of loyalty towards the colonists resulted in Opechancanough’s rejection of the Accohannock, further isolating them within the broader Powhatan Confederacy.
Adaptation and Survival: A Legacy of Resilience
In 1659, the Maryland Accohannocks’ name was officially changed to Annemessex, reflecting the river on which they resided. This change, while seemingly minor, symbolized the increasing pressure to assimilate and abandon their traditional identity. Some members of the tribe chose to leave their ancestral lands, seeking refuge elsewhere. However, a resilient remnant remained, determined to preserve their heritage.
According to oral tradition, the Clan Mothers, the respected female elders of the tribe, prayed for guidance and survival during this tumultuous period. They received a vision, urging them to follow the example of Pocahontas, a figure known for her interactions with the colonists. The vision instructed them to marry their daughters to white colonists in order to "hide in plain sight," ensuring the survival of the tribal bloodlines until a time when the tribe could be reborn.
This strategy, while controversial and fraught with challenges, highlights the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of the Accohannock people. Clan names, passed down through generations, continue to survive to this day, and many members of the tribe still reside in the same areas that their ancestors inhabited centuries ago.
The Accohannock Indian Tribe Today: Reclaiming Heritage and Building for the Future
Today, the Accohannock Indian Tribe, Inc. is a non-federally recognized tribe and an IRS 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Maryland. The Accohannock Tribal Council, the governing body of the tribe, convenes monthly to address tribal affairs, make decisions, and guide the community.
In addition to the Tribal Council, a Tribal Association also meets monthly to discuss tribal activities, plan events, and foster community engagement. Many of the tribal members are over the age of fifty, having grown up closely connected to the land and water, learning traditional skills and knowledge from their elders.
Despite the passage of time and the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in a modern world, some descendants of the Accohannock Indian Tribe continue to practice the traditional occupations of their ancestors. However, most members are employed in small family businesses or hold local minimum-wage jobs, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the community.
Celebrating Culture: The Annual Powwow and Beyond
The Accohannock Indian Tribe is actively engaged in preserving and promoting its culture. The annual Native American Heritage Festival and Powwow, held the first weekend in May, is a vibrant celebration of Accohannock heritage, attracting visitors from across the region. This event provides an opportunity to share their traditions, showcase their crafts, and educate the public about their history and culture.
Throughout the year, tribal members travel to powwows in Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina, participating in dances, sharing stories, and vending authentic Native American crafts. They also make presentations to schools and civic groups, raising awareness about the Accohannock Indian Tribe and its rich history.
Seeking Recognition: A Path to Self-Determination
In 1995, the Accohannock Indian Tribe submitted its first grant application to the Administration of Native Americans (ANA) in Washington, DC, with the ultimate goal of obtaining federal recognition. This process, which can take several years, is a crucial step towards self-determination and the ability to access resources and support for the tribe’s cultural preservation and economic development efforts.