Leaders of six Virginia tribes said they hope to gain federal recognition in time for the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement in 2007.

The Nansemond, Rappahannock, Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy and Upper Mattaponi tribes are among the oldest state-recognized in the nation. Some had reservation established in the 1600s.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee approved a bill to recognize the tribes but it has not gone for a floor vote. Opponents say the bill will pave the way for gaming but the tribes say they aren't interested. The House has yet to take up the measure.

Get the Story:
Indian leaders seek support (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 3/14)

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

Related Stories:
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)