Members and leaders of Virginia's eight state-recognized tribes held a going away ceremony at the National Museum of the American Indian on Wednesday.

The 60-member delegation is headed to England for a week of cultural demonstrations, discussions and ceremonies centered around the Jamestown 2007 commemoration. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

The tribes said they were making the trip to show the world they still exist. Despite being among the first to sign treaties and to be placed on reservations, the tribes still lack federal recognition.

Legislation pending in the Senate and House would recognize the tribes.

Get the Story:
With Trip to England, Va. Tribes Seek a Place in U.S. History (The Washington Post 7/13)
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Tribal delegation departs for England (The Washington Times 7/13)
Virginia Indians head for England (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 7/13)
Va. Indians leave for England (The Hampton Roads Daily Press 7/13)
Va. Indian Delegation Heads to England (AP 7/12)

Virginia Recognition Bill:
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act (H.R.3349)

Rappahannock Recognition Bill:
To extend Federal recognition to the Rappahannock Tribe (H.R.5130

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