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Wayne Newton, a member of the Patawomeck tribe |
RICHMOND
--Stafford's Patawomeck Indian tribe is now an officially state-recognized tribe.The state Senate yesterday passed a resolution to grant state tribal recognition to the Patawomecks, or Potomacs.
The resolution was already passed by the House, and does not have to go to the governor, so it takes effect immediately.
The Senate also passed similar resolutions for two Nottoway tribes. The resolutions state that the tribes are state-recognized, and will have a seat with the Virginia Council on Indians.
The VCI is the body that has been in charge of granting state recognition to tribes for more than 20 years. But lawmakers and tribes say the council hasn't approved any new tribes for years.
The Patawomecks applied for state status through the council, but weren't able to meet the stringent requirements. Those requirements include proving that the group has existed as a distinct Indian community through the years, among others.
Patawomeck Chief Robert Green has said it's difficult for tribes to prove that, because Virginia's racist policies regarding Indians in the early 20th century led some to hide their heritage. For years Indians could not identify themselves as such on vital records, like birth certificates--the state required them to declare themselves white or "colored."
The Patawomecks turned to the General Assembly for recognition, Green said, because they were frustrated by the VCI process; the council said the Patawomecks met some criteria but hadn't adequately proved others.
Members of the VCI protested the resolutions during a Senate committee hearing. Chickahominy Chief Stephen Adkins and Upper Mattaponi Chief Ken Adams both told senators that the state needs to maintain a rigorous vetting process for tribes seeking recognition.
But lawmakers seem frustrated by the council not approving new tribes over the years, and no one voted against the resolutions in the Senate.
The Patawomeck resolution is sponsored by House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, and drew tribe member and Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton to testify on it when it was before the House. Howell said he has talked to Adkins about working together to develop changes to the structure of the council and the way tribes are recognized.
Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com
