"Virginia's American Indian tribes have never had an easy time of it. Once killing Indians with bullets became socially unacceptable, the extermination of Virginia's tribes on paper was begun. Any person who claimed Indian ancestry when heads were counted during the once-per-decade census was classified as being either "colored" or "mulatto," much as South Africa did with its non-whites during apartheid.

In recent years, however, Virginia's tribes have begun a slow climb out of the darkness of near-extinction into the light of acceptance.

It goes without saying that recognition, should it finally arrive, won't occur without strings attached. Republicans in Congress have invoked the new Indian stereotypes � casinos and cheap gas � to throw roadblocks in the way.

Ironically, the tribes, shunned and unrecognized for so long, are eagerly sought by the organizers of Jamestown's 400th anniversary commemoration for use as background color.

Unless recognition is gained, we'd have serious reservations about that powwow."

Get the Story:
Editorial: The shock of recognition (The Staunton News Leader 3/12)

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

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