On June 3, 2009, I introduced the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009 (S. 1178) in the Senate to grant federal recognition to six of Virginia’s Indian tribes. Four-hundred years after the founding of America’s first colony at Jamestown, these six tribes deserve to join our nation’s other 562 federally-recognized tribes.  I strongly believe that recognition for these Virginia tribes is justified based on principles of dignity and fairness.

On October 22, 2009, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed this bill out of Committee, clearing it for consideration by the full Senate. 

Virginia’s unique history and its harsh policies of the past have created a barrier for these tribes-- the Chickahominy, the Chickahominy Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Tribes-- to receive federal recognition.  Many Western tribes experienced government neglect during the 20th century, but Virginia’s story was different.

Virginia passed “race laws” in 1705, which regulated the activity of Virginia Indians.  In 1924, Virginia passed the Racial Integrity Law, and the Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics went so far as to eliminate an individual’s identity as a Native American on many birth, death and marriage certificates. The elimination of racial identity records had a harmful impact on Virginia's tribes, when they began seeking federal recognition. 

In addition, many Virginia counties suffered tremendous loss of their early records during the intense military activity that occurred during the Civil War.

My staff and I have put great care and deliberation into examining this matter, and it has become clear that legislative action is needed for formal recognition of Virginia’s tribes.  Recognition for these tribes is justified on principles of dignity and fairness, and I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to pass this important piece of legislation.