The U. S. Department of Interior recently granted federal recognition to the 200-member Pamunkey Tribe in Virginia. Interior Department officials said the tribe had provided one of the most well-documented petitions ever presented and easily satisfied recognition requirements. Assistant Chief Bob Gray said the tribe began the petition process 20 years ago.
The Pamunkey tribe already is recognized by the government of Virginia. In 1677 the colony’s governor signed a treaty with several Indian leaders, including the Pamunkey chief. The tribe claims Pocahontas as an ancestor.
With federal recognition, the tribe can receive federal benefits for medical care, housing and education. In addition, the designation means the tribe could seek to open a casino; however, Gray said, “We’re looking at all economic opportunities, but we have nothing on the table right now.”
The Interior Department said Pamunkey Tribe met its requirements for recognition in January 2014 and a final decision was expected in March. But that was delayed due to opposition from MGM Resorts International, whose National Harbor casino complex opened in Maryland last year outside Washington, D.C. A California-based group that has promoted gambling limits also opposed the Pamunkey’s application, and so did the Virginia Petroleum and Grocery Association, which was concerned about the tribe selling gas and cigarettes tax-free to non-tribal members. Gray said, “We knew the rules and what the decision-making was based on by the federal guidelines, and we knew that those issues were distractions.”
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said, “The Pamunkey are the first Virginia Indian tribe to receive federal recognition, over 400 years after making contact with the first European settlers. Despite the integral role the tribes played in American history and the unique cultures they have continued to maintain for thousands of years, they have faced barriers to recognition due to extraordinary circumstances out of their control.” He said tribal recognition is “an important step toward righting this historical wrong” and could lead to “long-overdue recognition” for six other Virginia tribes.
