Virginia Indians

Community Events

Pow-wows are public celebrations of American Indian culture and tradition. At pow-wows, Virginia Indians and other American Indians celebrate their culture by dancing, drumming, and singing in a traditional manner. At pow-wows, booths are set up for selling items that reflect American Indian culture and food. Pow-wows in Virginia are open to the public and the tribes welcome visitors to their celebrations. For more information concerning the dates and locations of Virginia Indian pow-wows, contact the Pepperbird Pathways at 757-220-5761. Contact each tribe for information on pow-wows and festivals.

Tribute
The 1677 Treaty of Middle Plantation requires that Virginia Indian tribes with reservation lands must pay tribute, or taxes, every year to the governor of Virginia. The Mattaponi and Pamunkey Tribes have been paying tribute to Virginia's governor for over 300 years. In recent years, the tribute ceremony has been held in November, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day. It is an annual event held at the state capitol building in Richmond, VA. The event is open to the public, and anyone may attend the ceremony.

Virginia Council on Indians
The Virginia Council on Indians was established in 1983 as a state-sponsored advisory board. The council acts as a link between native communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia. When important issues arise, the Council advises the state from the perspective of Virginia Indians and other people of Native American descent. Council members are appointed by the governor of Virginia, and they serve terms of three years.

Thirteen individuals serve as members of the Virginia Council on Indians. These thirteen seats are filled by one representative from each of the eight state-recognized tribes, two representatives from American Indians at-large, one member of the Virginia House of Delegates, one member of the Virginia State Senate, and one Citizen at-large. The Council holds monthly meetings in Richmond at the capitol building.