Six Virginia tribes are closer than every to receiving federal recognition, 400 years after they greeted the first European settlers at Jamestown.
The Chickahominy Tribe, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe – Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan Nation and the Nansemond Tribe are hoping Congress will pass their recognition bill this year. The House approved H.R.1294 in May but it awaits action in the Senate.
"This is long overdue based on simple dignity and fairness," Sen Jim Webb (D-Virginia), who recently signed onto the bill, said at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol yesterday, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
Most of Virginia's politicians support the bill. But Sen. John Warner (R-Virginia), who co-sponsored prior versions, says he is worried about casinos. The bill bars the tribes from engaging in gaming.
Get the Story:Webb joins fight for federal recognition of Va. Indians (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 11/9)
400 Years Late, Va. Indian Tribes Hope For Sovereignty (9News Now 11/8)
irginia tribes partner with Jim Webb in hopes of federal recognition (WDBJ 11/8) Relevant Documents:
Letter to SCIA Recognition Bill:
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act (H.R.1294) Relevant Links:
Virginia Indians Tribal Alliance For Life - http://www.vitalva.org Related Stories:
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