National | Federal Recognition

Pamunkey Tribe looks to a stronger future with federal recognition






An undated photo of the Pamunkey Reservation in Virginia. Photo from Virginia Department of Historic Resources

The Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia made history last week when its federal recognition became final.

The tribe is the 557th to be federally recognized in the nation and the first in Virginia with that status. Leaders plan to meet with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as they look to provide more housing, health, education and other opportunities to their people.

"This is a historical event for the whole state of Virginia," tribal member Kim Cook Taylor told The Tidewater Review. "I hope people realize that."

The tribe resides on a 1,200-acre reservation that was set aside in Colonial times.

Get the Story:
With new recognition, Pamunkey focusing on education, housing (The Tidewater Review 2/9)
Pamunkey challenge denied, tribe now federally recognized (The Tidewater Review 2/2)

Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decision:
In Re Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (January 28, 2016)

Relevant Documents:
Letter to Chief Brown | Notice of Final Determination

Federal Register Notices:
Final Determination for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (July 8, 2015)
Proposed Finding for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (January 23, 2014)

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