Editorial: A step forward for Virginia's tribes

Monday, May 7, 2007  

"The normal way for an Indian tribe to receive federal recognition is to apply through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a process that can take up to 20 years and cost up to $1 million. The criteria for recognition include being identified as "an American Indian entity on a substantially continuous basis since 1900." Adherence to the BIA process would be the preferable way of handling federal recognition, but Virginia's Indians have trouble meeting the genealogical standards: The commonwealth's Racial Integrity Act of 1921 forced Indians to simply identify themselves as "colored."

That's why Congress has stepped in to bypass the BIA process. And a compromise of sorts may have been reached. In an amendment to Mr. Moran's legislation, the Indian tribes have agreed to be subject to Virginia law in regard to gambling. They get the recognition; the commonwealth stays casino-free.

It's not a perfect solution. Courts could declare the law unconstitutional. Indian advocacy groups could object to the half-measure. Two local tribes, the Mattaponi and the Pamunkey, both of which have reservations, weren't even part of the group seeking recognition.

But at least it's a step forward for the 2,500 members of the six tribes in question. Honoring Indians' contribution to Virginia is important; so is holding the line against casino gambling. Mr. Moran's amended bill deserves a good look."

Get the Story:
Honoring our Indians (The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star 5/7)

Committee Hearing:
Full Committee Legislative Hearing: H.R. 1294 and H.R. 65 (April 18, 2007)

Recognition Bill:
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

Related Stories:
Opinion: Virginia Indians advocate 'mythology' (5/4)
Rep. Moran expects vote on Virginia recognition (5/3)
Editorial: Virginia tribes deserve recognition (5/1)
Virginia recognition bill clears House committee (4/26)
Virginia tribes make case for recognition bill (4/19)
Adkins: Virginia tribes deserve federal recognition (4/18)
House hearing on Lumbee, Virginia recognition (4/18)
Virginia tribe optimistic on recognition in 2007 (12/06)
Letter: Indians are the Palestinians of Virginia (10/16)
Editorial: No recognition for Virginia's tribes (10/10)
Virginia tribal recognition bill remains in limbo (09/07)
Virginia Indians set to return from trip to England (07/20)
Senate panel to consider Virginia recognition bill (07/19)
Virginia Indians enjoy historic week in England (07/18)
Virginia tribes make historic trip to England (07/13)
Virginia tribes head to England to share history (07/10)
House, Senate panels take up recognition bills (06/22)
Virginia tribes press for recognition measure (06/22)
Virginia tribes make case for recognition bill (6/2)
Virginia tribes jockey for federal recognition (5/26)
Bill introduced to recognize Rappahannock Tribe (04/07)
Virginia tribe won't boycott Jamestown events (01/20)
Book Review: Virginia Indians not friendly to settlers (10/25)
Virginia tribal leaders visit grave of Pocahontas (07/28)
Virginia tribal delegation heads off for England (07/15)
Virginia tribal leaders on historic trip to England (7/11)
Groups call for changes to Virginia recognition bill (7/6)
Editorial: Federal recognition a matter of justice (05/24)
Virginia tribes to mark Jamestown in England (05/09)
Six Virginia tribes to gather for annual powwow (03/25)
Editorial: Virginia tribes in need of recognition (03/14)
Virginia tribe not optimistic on recognition bid (02/11)
Virginia tribes fight for federal recognition (10/12)
Bill seeks to speed recognition process for tribes (2/7)
Virginia tribes fight for federal recognition (10/12)
Rep. Moran: Virginia tribes deserve recognition (06/24)
Virginia tribes press case for federal recognition (06/17)
Senate panel backs recognition of Virginia tribes (05/10)
Virginia tribes press case for federal recognition (04/19)
Virginia tribes seeks support for recognition bill (03/15)
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)