"For Indian tribes in Virginia, this may be the year they finally gain recognition from Congress. It has been a long and frustrating effort for them, but success could be closer than ever before. And for that, the tribes and other Virginians should be thankful.

Legislation approved by the House would make six Virginia tribes, including the Monacans based in Amherst County, eligible for up to $800 million in federal funds for housing, education and health benefits. A separate bill on the same subject would include recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

The six Virginia tribes, which have about 3,000 members, are the Eastern Chickahominy, Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock, Monacan and Nansemond.

The House approved legislation recognizing them last year, but the measure stalled in the Senate. In addition to the federal grants, the recognition would also provide the formal respect the tribes are seeking for their heritage and identity."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Another step for Virginia tribes’ recognition (The Amherst New Era Progress 6/17)

Recognition Bill:
H.R.1385: Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009

Related Stories:
Paper runs series on Virginia tribal recognition (6/10)
Column: Don't make Virginia tribes wait any longer (6/8)
Virginia tribes focus work on Senate after House win (6/4)
Lumbee, Virginia recognition bills on House agenda (6/3)
House committee advances two recognition bills (4/22)
House Resources markup on recognition bills (4/21)
Congress urged to recognize six Virginia tribes (3/19)
Audio: House hearing on federal recognition bills (3/18)
Witness list for hearing on recognition bills (3/17)
House Resources hearing on federal recognition bills (3/16)
Column: Virginia tribes deserve federal recognition (3/12)
Bill to recognize Virginia tribes introduced in House (3/10)