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Native America Calling: The life of Chief Powhatan and the fight to preserve his birthplace
Friday, June 5, 2026

The life of Chief Powhatan and the fight to preserve his birthplace
A major housing and retail development proposal in Virginia threatens to pave over the birthplace of one of America’s most influential historical tribal leaders.

Paramount Chief Powhatan is the notable late-1500s leader who united local tribes into what became known as the Powhatan Confederacy to face the first waves of English settlers. He was the being father of Matoaka, also known as Pocahontas.

The nonprofit organization Preservation Virginia placed the site on its 2026 list of most endangered places. Tribal leaders are actively working to halt the development project, saying it would be “an immeasurable loss to tribal communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Tune into Native America Calling to hear from tribal leaders about Powhatan’s birthplace and his enduring legacy.

Powhatan Birthplace Marker
A marker at the birthplace of Chief Wahundsenacawh, also known as Chief Powhatan, near present-day Richmond, Virginia. Photo Courtesy of Kendall Stevens

Guests on Native America Calling
Kevin Brown (Pamunkey), Chief of the Pamunkey Tribe in Virginia

Frank Adams (Upper Mattaponi), Chief of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe in Virginia

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