An undated photo of the Pamunkey Reservation in Virginia. Photo from Virginia Department of Historic Resources
The Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia deserves federal recognition whether or not its leaders pursue a casino, columnist Roger Chesley argues:
Because some people detest casino gambling, a Virginia tribe that for decades has sought federal recognition has found its application held up, yet again. The delay is another attack against the Pamunkey Indians, whose 1,200-acre reservation east of Richmond can be traced to agreements in the 17th century with the British. The postponement is ridiculous. The Pamunkey, after all, count Pocahontas among their ancestors. Whether the tribe embraces gaming should be left to its 200-plus members. Tribes view casinos as a pathway to economic development and better living standards. In the meantime, Pamunkey members deserve access to the housing, medical and educational benefits that federal recognition provides. The tribe continues to be a pawn in the machinations of outside forces. The treatment of the Pamunkey is part of a broader narrative for Native Americans. That history includes forced removal from ancestral lands, discrimination and modern-day poverty and health disparities. The Washington Post recently provided a peek into the controversy among the Pamunkey. The newspaper obtained a June 22 letter from then-tribal Chief Kevin Brown to residents, in which he accused tribal council members of conspiring to force him out because he wouldn't sign a casino deal with a developer. "I have seen firsthand the greed and evil a deal like this can bring out in people and have changed my position regarding gaming as a viable endeavor for the tribe at this time," Brown said in the letter, according to The Post.Get the Story:
Roger Chesley: Putting Pamunkey's federal status on hold deals the tribe a bad hand (The Virginian-Pilot 10/27) Relevant Documents:
Letter to Chief Brown | Notice of Final Determination Federal Register Notices:
Final Determination for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (July 8, 2015)
Proposed Finding for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (January 23, 2014)
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