Opinion | Federal Recognition

Editorial: Opposition to Pamunkey Tribe recognition 'revolting'

Friday, March 27, 2015

The Pamunkey Tribe and the Mattaponi Tribe presented an annual tribute to the state of Virginia in November 2014, a tradition that dates to 1677. Photo from Gov. Terry McAuliffe / Facebook

Virginia newspaper calls on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to ignore outside interests as it finalizes a federal recognition petition from the Pamunkey Tribe:

According to The Washington Post, the MGM company — a big player in the casino world — doesn’t want the tribe recognized. Recognition would allow the tribe to run its own casino, were it so inclined.
The story also notes that some convenience stores oppose recognition. The tribe might sell gas, and that could cut into their business.
In short, outside interests want to deny the Pamunkey tribe what it rightfully deserves in order to continue lining their own pockets. They don’t want Washington to do the right thing because that might make a minor dent in their bottom lines. That’s revolting.
Other people’s profit margins have no bearing whatsoever on the legitimacy of the Pamunkey claim. The Bureau of Indian Affairs should stick to the merits of the case and ignore the agitators’ caterwauls.

Get the Story:
Editorial: Moves by outside interests to block Pamunkey recognition are revolting (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 3/27)

Also Today:
Effort to Achieve Federal Recognition for Virginia Tribes Gains Traction (WTVF 3/27)

Federal Register Notice:
Proposed Finding for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (January 23, 2014)