A renowned Virginia Indian tribe finally wins federal recognition

Congratulations to Virginia’s Pamunkey Indians receiving federal government recognition as Native American tribe.

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs announced yesterday that the Pamunkey tribe’s decades-long quest for recognition has been approved, making the tribe of Pocahontas the first in Virginia to receive the coveted designation.

Kevin Bown, chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. Photo courtesy of the Tribe.

Recognition Act History

Six Virgina Indian Tribes Seek Federal Recognition

Six other Virginia tribes are seeking recognition through an act of Congress:

• Chickahominy
• Eastern Chickahominy
• Upper Mattaponi
• Rappahannock
• Monacan
  
• Nansemond

“We’re just elated,” said Kevin Brown, outgoing chief of the 208-member tribe. “It’s been a long time coming. . . . We met the criteria and met every challenge. And we were challenged all the way. It wasn’t easy.” According to the Washington Post.

Virginia Recognizes
11 Indian Tribes

At present, there are 566 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages. Virginia recognizes 11 Indian tribes in the state:

1. Cheroenhaka Nottoway
2. Chickahominy
3. Eastern Chickahominy
4. Mattaponi
5. Monacan Indian Nation
6. Nansemond
7. Nottoway of Virginia
8. Pamunkey
9. Patawomeck
10. Rappahannock
11. Upper Mattaponi

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