Following the ceremony, an intertribal dance with members of all seven tribes present took place to celebrate the legislation. Photo by Peter J. Teagle The Chickahominy tribe, which consists of around 840 members on 110 acres in Charles City County, was one of seven tribes represented at last Wednesday’s ceremony in Gloucester, acknowledging federal recognition of the native nations. Many tribe members donned bright regalia for the celebration. Pictured above are, from left, Brandon Adkins, Sophia Adkins, Chief Steve Adkins Jr., Mikayla Adkins, and Nansemond tribe member Nikki Bass. Photo by Peter J. Teagle Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Montross) presents Rappahannock Tribal Chief Anne Richardson with a framed copy of the legislation recognizing hers and six other tribes at the federal level. Wittman introduced the bill on Capitol Hill and was thanked by Richardson and several other chiefs for his work representing them. Richardson also thanked President Trump for “doing the right thing” in signing the bill into law. Photo by Peter J. Teagle Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock tribe blesses the ground of Weremocomoco prior to last Wednesday’s recognition ceremony. Richardson was one of the leaders who lobbied for recognition for the tribes at the federal level. Photo by Peter J. Teagle Following Chief Richardson’s blessing, members of several tribes continued the blessing of the ground. In total, seven tribes were present at the ceremony. Among them, the Pamunkey (originally recognized 2016), Chickahominy, Chickahominy Eastern Division, Monacan, Nansemond, Rappahannock, and Upper Mattaponi. Photo by Peter J. Teagle Both prior to and after the remarks of tribal chiefs, politicians, and Park Service staff in attendance, a drum circle backdropped a procession presenting each tribe’s flag. Above, members of the drum circle offer a chant before the ceremony. Photo by Peter J. Teagle

{image_1} Werowocomoco provides the setting for historic ceremony Read the full story »

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