The path to federal recognition for six Virginia Indian tribes has been a long and arduous one, marked by historical injustices and bureaucratic hurdles. In 2015, a bipartisan coalition of Virginia lawmakers, including U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, and U.S. Congressmen Rob Wittman, Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, and Don Beyer, once again introduced legislation aimed at rectifying this situation. The bill, formally known as the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2015, sought to grant federal recognition to the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan, and the Nansemond tribes. This article delves into the details of this legislation, the historical context behind the tribes’ struggle for recognition, and the potential benefits that federal recognition would bring.
The reintroduction of the Bill To Grant Federal Recognition Of Virginia Indian Tribes Introduced in 2015 represented a renewed effort to address a historical wrong. An earlier version of the bill had been introduced in the 113th Congress and had successfully passed through the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in April 2014. However, it did not make it to a full vote in either the House or the Senate, necessitating its reintroduction. The bipartisan support for the bill underscored the widespread acknowledgement of the injustice faced by these tribes.
The six Virginia Indian tribes named in the legislation have a deep and significant history within the Commonwealth. Their ancestors inhabited the lands of Virginia long before the arrival of European colonists. They played a crucial role in the early interactions between Native Americans and the English settlers, and their stories are intertwined with the very founding of the nation. Despite this rich heritage and their continuous presence in Virginia, these tribes have faced significant obstacles in their pursuit of federal recognition.
One of the primary reasons for this difficulty lies in the unique circumstances surrounding their interactions with the U.S. government’s predecessors. Unlike many other Native American tribes, the Virginia tribes did not enter into formal treaties with the U.S. government. This is because they established peaceful relations with England well before the United States existed as a sovereign nation. The absence of these treaties has been a significant barrier to federal recognition, as the U.S. government often relies on treaty relationships as a basis for acknowledging tribal sovereignty.
Further compounding the challenges faced by the Virginia tribes was the devastating impact of the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. This discriminatory law, enacted by the Virginia General Assembly, aimed to enforce racial segregation and maintain white supremacy. As part of this effort, state officials systematically destroyed or altered official records, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and land titles belonging to members of Virginia’s Indian tribes. This deliberate destruction of records, often referred to as a "paper genocide," effectively erased the historical and cultural identity of these tribes, making it even more difficult for them to prove their continuous existence and tribal affiliation to the federal government.
Senator Tim Kaine, a strong advocate for the tribes, emphasized the historical injustice that the tribes have suffered. He stated that the federal government’s failure to grant them federal recognition was due to unique circumstances beyond the tribes’ control. Congressman Rob Wittman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intertwined history of the tribes with the birth of the nation and asserting that their federal recognition was long overdue.
The Bill To Grant Federal Recognition Of Virginia Indian Tribes Introduced was about more than just symbolic recognition. Federal recognition would grant the Virginia tribes legal standing and a formal relationship with the U.S. government. This status would unlock a range of benefits and opportunities that are currently unavailable to them. One crucial benefit would be the ability to pursue the repatriation of historical and cultural artifacts that have been taken from their ancestral lands. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) provides a legal framework for tribes to reclaim these items, but only federally recognized tribes are eligible to participate.
Furthermore, federal recognition would give the Virginia tribes a voice in federal agency actions that could potentially affect their future. This includes the ability to comment on environmental impact statements for projects that could impact their lands or resources, and to consult with federal agencies on issues of mutual concern. This level of engagement would empower the tribes to protect their cultural heritage, natural resources, and the well-being of their communities.
Perhaps most significantly, federal recognition would grant the Virginia tribes access to a number of federal programs and services that are specifically designed to serve federally recognized tribes. These programs provide funding and technical assistance for a wide range of initiatives, including education, healthcare, housing, economic development, and cultural preservation. Access to these resources would provide a much-needed boost to the tribes’ efforts to improve the quality of life for their members and strengthen their tribal communities.
Senator Mark Warner, who had previously supported federal recognition for the tribes during his tenure as Governor of Virginia, reiterated his commitment to working towards Senate passage of the bill. Congressman Bobby Scott emphasized the critical role the tribes played in the nation’s history and expressed his support for ensuring their rightful status. Congressman Gerry Connolly highlighted the importance of addressing historical injustices and stated that granting federal recognition to the Virginia tribes was one way to honor their contributions to the Commonwealth. Congressman Don Beyer echoed these sentiments, calling it a privilege to correct a long-standing discrimination and support the tribes’ entitlement to federal recognition.
The proposed legislation, the Bill To Grant Federal Recognition Of Virginia Indian Tribes Introduced, was named in honor of Thomasina E. Jordan, a dedicated advocate for Virginia’s tribes. Her tireless efforts to preserve and promote their history and culture were instrumental in raising awareness of their plight and building support for federal recognition.
Chief Steve Adkins of the Chickahominy tribe, speaking on behalf of the six tribes, emphasized the historical significance of the moment. He expressed hope that Congress would help them make history for the Indian people of Virginia, honoring their ancestors who were present at the beginning of the country.
The struggle for federal recognition for the Virginia Indian tribes is a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the historical injustices they have endured, they have maintained their cultural identity and continued to advocate for their rights. The Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2015 represented a crucial step towards righting a historical wrong and ensuring that these tribes receive the recognition and support they deserve. While this particular bill did not ultimately pass, it laid the groundwork for future efforts and underscored the importance of continuing to advocate for the rights and recognition of Virginia’s indigenous peoples. The fight for the Bill To Grant Federal Recognition Of Virginia Indian Tribes Introduced continues.
