The leaders of Virginia’s seven federally recognized Native American tribes recently were honored at an event hosted by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. The celebration was held at the historically and spiritually significant Werowocomoco on the York River in Gloucester County, where Chief Powhatan and Captain John Smith met in 1607. Zinke said, “The perseverance of these tribes to gain what they and their creator have always known is incredible. As the champion of the sovereign nations, it was an honor to share this historic day with everyone. I welcome these tribes into the federal family with open arms.”
The honorees included Chief Stephen Adkins of the Chickahominy; Chief Gerald Stewart of the Chickahominy, Eastern Division; Chief Dean Branham of the Monacan; Chief Lee Lockamy of the Nansemond ; Chief Robert Gray of the Pamunkey; Chief G. Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock; and Chief W. Frank Adams of the Upper Mattaponi.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs John Tahsuda, Acting National Park Service Director P. Daniel Smith, representatives of the Virginia Governor’s and U.S. Senate offices and other dignitaries also attended.
President Donald Trump signed into law on January 29, 2018, legislation granting federal recognition to six of the seven tribes. The tribe of Pocahontas, the Pamunkey, was recognized in 2015, which made it possible for the tribe to plan the development of a $700 million casino on land that once was part of Pamunkey territory. The other six tribes are specifically banned from offering gambling but receive other federal benefits and services.
The National Park Service purchased the 264-acre tract known as Werowocomoco from the nonprofit Conservation Fund in 2016.
