The Chickahominy Tribe of Virginia hopes to gain recognition before the start of Jamestown commemoration in 2007.

Chief Stephen Adkins said he was "an eternal optimist" when it comes to recognition. "I think it's going to happen before then," he said at the state Capital, the Associated Press reported.

Virginia's tribes have demanded recognition as the state celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. But a bill to put them on the list of federally recognized tribes has been delayed in Congress.

Some tribal members have said they would boycott Jamestown events without recognition but Adkins said he doesn't think it will come to that. Some of the tribes recently traveled to England as par of the commemoration planning.

Get the Story:
Tribes seek federal recognition before event (AP 12/6)

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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