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| Home: Virginia: Americans of Indian Heritage |
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THE ARRIVAL Three ships sailed up what was to be named the James River by the first English colonists. In the lead ship, after some travail, was soldier of fortune Captain John Smith. On the shore watching with some amazement and wariness were people native to this land. Probably somewhat awed by the ships size, though they had experienced the previous arrival of the Spanish. The English were here to stay, and had it not been for the many kindnesses of the people of Powhatan we would not be looking forward in 2007 to the commemoration of this 1607 event which became the first permanent settlement in America. Today, eight remaining tribes and the two oldest reservations in our nation still await Federal recognition. As we seek the full history of this contintent in 2007 let us hope they can fulfill their desires and take their place among all who have made this nation the greatest on earth. The Pepper Bird Education, Inc.
State recognition of a tribe is based on proof of existence for a minimum of two hundred years. PAMUNKEY
RESERVATION The Pamunkey were the most powerful in the Powhatan Confederacy. That Empire encompassed 10,000 people under the leadership of the great Chief Powhatan. Powhatan held power over the territory from N.C. to D.C. He and his daughter, Pocahontas, lived among the Pamunkey. Today’s Reservation along the Pamunkey River welcomes visitors. The burial site of Chief Powhatan is a spiritual center here. King William County, off Rt. 30 and Rt. 133. 804/843-4792. PAMUNKEY INDIAN MUSEUM is located on the Reservation and exhibits a comprehensive learning experience in “A living memory of Powhatan’s People.” Tools, pottery, clothing and more, representing the Ice Age to present, are among the artifacts on exhibit. The Pamunkey women continue to make pottery in the centuries-old manner which can be purchased at the museum gift shop. Reservation markers on Rt. 30 at West Point. Mon. to Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun., 1 - 5 p.m. Rt. 1, Box 2220, King William, VA 23086. 804/843-4792 [ top ] CHICKAHOMINY The Chickahominy witnessed the coming of the first settlers. They were allies of Chief Powhatan. The present tribe numbers nearly 1,000 with activities and physical presence in Charles City County. A center for activities and recreation, the Samaria Baptist Church and Charles City Primary School (formerly the Samaria Indian School), are the core of an active community. The tribe values strong religious beliefs, community and civic involvement, the pursuit of higher education and pride in America and considers all of these as necessary ingredients in maintaining the health, growth and unity of the tribe. The traditional homeland is Charles City, James City County and New Kent County. 8200 Lott Cary Road, Providence Forge, Va. 23140. 804/829-2027 [ top ] MATTAPONI RESERVATION King William County is the location of the Mattaponi Reservation dating from 1658. Today’s 75 residents are the descendants of those forebearers who served and worshiped the Great Spirit. Southern Baptists today, their church is a center of activity. Located along the beautiful Mattaponi River, the Reservation welcomes visitors. Off Rt. 30 at Rt. 626. Rt. 2, Box 310, West Point, VA 23181. 804/769-2194. MATTAPONI INDIAN MUSEUM & MINNIE HA HA EDUCATIONAL TRADING POST Occupying separate locations these facilities provide a source for handcrafted traditional articles and a unique display of artifacts, some dating to 5000 B.C. Educational programs at the trading post include pottery, beadwork, cooking and Indian medicine. Groups by appointment. Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 804/769-2194. [ top ] NANSEMOND The area of Reeds Ferry and Chuckatuck in Suffolk was the original preserve of the Nansemonds. Today their 300 plus members are stretched across Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth. Many of the current tribe live in the Bowers Hill, Deep Creek area on the fringe of the Great Dismal Swamp, their ancient hunting territory. Tribal meetings are held at the site of their early Indian school, now the Indiana United Methodist Church, located off S. Military Hwy. at Indiana Ave. in Chesapeake. Early tribal areas, now owned by the City of Suffolk, include the tribe’s Treasure House location and Dumpling Island, a ceremonial area in the Nansemond River. Nansemonds were farmers and came to be known as the granary for the early English colony. 3427 Galberry Road, Chesapeake, VA 23323. 757/487-5853 [ top ] RAPPAHANNOCK First woman to lead a tribe since the 1600s. Upon first contact with the English in 1607, the house of Chief Kekataugh and the reservation occupied the area of the Rappahannock River and much of Richmond County. The first of three treaties was signed in 1608 between the Rappahannocks and the colonial government. After many years of fighting to preserve their reservation land, the tribe was moved by order of the colonial government in the 1670’s to present day Tappahannock. The Rappahannocks’ reservation, which encompassed boundaries in Essex, King & Queen and Caroline counties, was established by the Treaty of the Middle Plantation in 1677. The present day Rappahannocks live on about the same areas of land as in years past even though they lost their official reservation lands by the early 1700’s. They maintain a tribal government and headquarters located in Indian Neck, King & Queen County. Today the 750-member tribe owns 21 acres of land in Indian Neck on which they have recently completed construction of a new CULTURAL CENTER. They perpetuate their craftsmanship and honor the continuance of their dance traditions through the Rappahannock Tribal Dancers. Their culture and rich tribal history are passed down from elders to young people. Rappahannocks bring past traditions to many audiences. HCR 1, Box 7, Indian Neck, VA 23148. 804/769-0260 [ top ] EASTERN CHICKAHOMINY In 1925 this division of the Chickahominy tribe became residents of New Kent County, 25 miles east of Richmond. The new organization carries the responsibility of educational and religious needs of about 150 members. 3120 Mt. Pleasant, Providence Forge, VA 23140. 804.966.2760 [ top ] UPPER MATTAPONI Located in King William County, the Upper Mattaponi are an urban, non-reservation group who trace their origins to both the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Reservations. Their attractive new CULTURAL VILLAGE site is being developed on Rt. 30, known as the Pamunkey-Mattaponi Trail. The Village is situated across from Sharon Indian School and Indian View Baptist Church. 7412 Adams Farm Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. 804/769-2408 [ top ] MONACAN INDIAN
NATION, INC. Bear Mountain in Amherst County has been the home of the Monacan people for thousands of years. The most western of Virginia’s eight recognized tribes, they are outside the original Powhatan Empire. Monacans, 500 strong, are involved in seeking their heritage and preserving ancient customs. St. Paul’s Mission School on Bear Mountain was chosen as the site of the new ANCESTRAL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER. In presenting a deed of gift to the Monacan Chief Kenneth Branham, Bishop Heath Light of the Episcopal Diocese recently ended nearly a century of church control over a small tract of Mountain land that the Monacans hold sacred. While this gift involved only a seven-acre tract bordering the mission church founded in 1908, the property has always been considered the spiritual nexus of Monacan efforts to re-establish their identity. The tribe is working to regain the summit of Bear Mountain, with a plan for growth and agricultural management. They have begun a cultural educational program for the tribal members. P. O. Box 1136, Madison Heights, VA 24572. 804/946-0389 |
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