Tribes want recognition from government

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia is home to one of the most famous American Indians in history, Pocahontas, but the state's tribes are still fighting to gain recognition from the federal government.

To draw support and raise money for their cause, a coalition of tribes is planning the largest statewide powwow in 400 years this weekend. The two-day event features dancers, drummers, singers, food and crafts and is expected to draw some 3,000 people to the Chickahominy Tribal Grounds in Charles City.

The six tribes are hoping their alliance will lead to sovereignty status granted by the U.S. government, a move that could bring in millions of dollars in government grants.

Benefits available

But several congressmen fear federal recognition will simply open the door to casino gambling in the state. The tribes say sovereignty would give Indians control over their own affairs and make available grants and loans for Indian-language schools, cultural centers and health benefits for the elderly.

Historically, the tribes have had minimal interaction with one another but three years ago, they united under the name Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life (VITAL) to lobby Congress to formally recognize them. The tribes range in size from about 100 to 1,500 each.

More than 500 tribes have been recognized nationwide, many of them larger nations. None has been recognized in Virginia, although the state formally recognized the six main tribes in 1983.

Virginia's other two tribes, the Mattaponi and Pamunkey, live on reservations in King William County and have not joined the current effort.