"As many Virginians know, we are fast approaching the 400th anniversary of the first permanent European settlement in North America at Jamestown. This anniversary will be a great moment in the national spotlight for the Commonwealth. But any celebrating should not occur without first recognizing the Native American tribes who played such a vital role in our state's history.

Federal recognition for the six Indian tribes in Virginia: the Chickahominy Tribe, Chickahominy Indian Tribe Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan Tribe, and the Nansemond Tribe is painfully long overdue. Together, the men and women of these tribes represent a long neglected part of our nation's history. Unlike most tribes that resisted encroachment and obtained federal recognition when they signed peace treaties with the federal government, Virginia's six tribes were not recognized and remain on the outside looking in."

Get the Story:
Congressman Jim Moran's News Commentary (The Falls Church News-Press 6/24)

Get the Bill:
Senate Committee Report | The Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2003 (S.1423)

Related Stories:
Virginia tribes press case for federal recognition (06/17)
Senate panel backs recognition of Virginia tribes (05/10)
Virginia tribes press case for federal recognition (04/19)
Virginia tribes seeks support for recognition bill (03/15)
Va. tribes seek recognition for Jamestown 2007 (2/16)
Senate bill to recognize six Va. tribes advances (10/30)
GOP Editorial: Say no to Virginia's tribes (05/19)
BIA opposes Va. recognition bill (09/27)
Va. tribes rally for sovereignty (4/30)
Recognition of Va. tribes opposed (1/26)
Recognition bills crowd Congress (11/29)
Virginia tribes: Recognition Yes, Casinos No (09/19)