VIRGINIA INDIAN TRIBES PRAISE MORAN AND DAVIS FOR BIPARTISAN EFFORT
Virginia Indian tribes today lauded the efforts of Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) who have introduced a bill to grant Federal recognition for the Indian tribes present in Virginia at the time that Jamestown was first settled. Included in the recognition bill are the Chickahominy Tribe, the Chickahominy Tribe - Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Nansemonds Tribe, Rappahannock Tribe and the Monacan Nation.
(PRWEB) June 30, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Liz Walker
Alcalde & Fay
703.841.0626
walker@alcalde-fay. com
COMMENTS: Wayne Adkins
804/274-2834
VIRGINIA INDIAN TRIBES PRAISE MORAN AND DAVIS FOR BIPARTISAN EFFORT
Washington, DC (July 2, 2001) - Virginia Indian tribes today lauded
The efforts of Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) who have
Introduced a bill to grant Federal recognition for the Indian tribes present in
Virginia at the time that Jamestown was first settled. Included in the recognition
Bill are the Chickahominy Tribe, the Chickahominy Tribe - Eastern Division, the
Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Nansemonds Tribe, Rappahannock Tribe and the
Monacan Nation.
The bill is being co-sponsored by others in the Virginia delegation, including
Tom Davis (R), Edward Schrock (R), Bobby Scott (D) and Rick Boucher (D).
In 1999, the Virginia Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution favoring
Federal recognition of the Tribes and urging Congress to enact legislation to
Accomplish that goal. This bill, known as the Thomasina E. Jordon Indian
Recognition Act of 2001, is being introduced by Moran today.
"All of our tribes have already been granted state recognition" said Chief
Barry Bass of the Nansemond Tribe. "Federal legislation is the next logical
Step in preserving our culture and of honoring the legal rights afforded us in
Treaties signed by this country's first governments."
Once the subjects of decades of discrimination, Virginia Indians are hopeful
That Federal recognition will open new doors of opportunity. Of utmost
Importance to the Tribes will be the opportunity afforded them to apply for
Education grants and to receive better health care.
"These tribes have waited almost four centuries for this country to honor their
Right to be recognized as an indigenous people," said Helen Rountree,
Professor emeritus of anthropology at Old Dominion University and author of
Many books and articles on the Virginia Indian tribes. "With the approaching
Festival commemorating the founding of Jamestown, Federal recognition of
These tribes would be a significant contribution to that commemoration."
Virginia's Governor Gilmore has just released (June 7, 2001) $3.3 Million of the
State's budget to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation to support efforts toward
The 400 year commemoration of Jamestown to be held in 2007.
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Further information on the Virginia Tribes can be found at the following
Websites: Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life (VITAL)
Www. virginiaindians. homestead. org and the Virginia Council on Indians
Www. indians. vipnet. org.
