Senator Webb's Endorsement

On November 8, 2007 the six Virginia Indians state-recognized tribes joined Senator Jim Webb in Washington seeking approval of the tribes’ federal recognition bill from the United States Senate.

After endorsing the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2007, Webb joined Representatives James P. Moran and Bobby Scott, along with members of six Virginia Indian tribes, in urging the Senate on Indian Affairs Committee to approve the bill.

Early in October 2007 Webb announced his support of the tribes’ bill. He wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, requesting the committee approve the federal recognition bill. Senator Webb says, ''I have come to the conclusion that this recognition is justified based on principles of dignity and fairness''. Webb feels the tribes meet the established standards for proper recognition on a federal level and should be placed on equal footing with our nation's 562 other federally recognized tribes.

The six Virginia tribes include the Monacan, Upper Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Chickahominy - Eastern Division, Rappahannock and Nansemond.

Representative Moran wrote the federal recognition bill and is an advocate of the 400 years of history of Virginia tribes. Jamestown is an icon of Virginia Indian history which the unique Virginia “documentary genocide” attempted to remove Indians from the records.

Webb told the tribes he did his research, and he believes that the tribes should have federal recognition and believes the congressional way is the way for the tribes to receive recognition, said Chief Adkins. ''I believe Senator Webb is the kind of person that when he gets behind an issue, he works hard for it, and we're hopeful that's what he'll do for our recognition,'' Adkins said.

Nansemond Chief Barry Bass, though not at the press conference, said he was happy when Webb announced his support of the tribes' federal recognition bill.

Jim Web supports Virginia Indians

Jim Webb October 16, 2007 memo in support of Thomasian E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2007 (H.R. 1294)
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