Meet Native America: Kevin Brown, chief for Pamunkey Tribe

Who inspired you as a mentor?

My grandfather and great uncles, also Leon Shenandoah, [the late head of the Iroquois Confederacy and an advocate for indigenous peoples' rights worldwide]; Tom Porter, [the Mohawk elder and cultural and spiritual leader]; and Jimmy Little Turtle, [the son of Viola White Water (Shawnee), who has continued her work promoting Indian culture and education].

Are you a descendant of a historical leader? If so, who?

Coekoquiske, [a 17th-century leader who was referred to at that time as] the “Queen of Pamunkey.”

Where is your community located?

The Pamunkey Indian Reservation is adjacent to King William County, Virginia.

Where are the Pamunkey people originally from?

We’ve always been here.