Six Virginia tribes whose ancestors greeted the European settlers at Jamestown in 1607 could gain federal recognition after centuries of waiting.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee approved S.1178, the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009, at a business meeting on Thursday. The bill recognizes the Chickahominy Tribe, the Chickahominy Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan Nation, and the Nansemond Tribe

"I feel like it is a very positive step toward the final resolution," Upper Mattaponi Chief Ken Adams told The Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The House passed H.R.1385 in June. The Obama administration hasn't taken a position for or against the bill.

Get the Story:
Virginia tribes take another step on road to federal recognition (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 10/23)

Committee Notice:
Lumbee, Virginia recognition up for consideration (10/21)
BUSINESS MEETING on pending committee issues (Thursday, October 15, 2009)

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