Webb: Recognizing Indian tribes "a simple matter of fairness"

Senator Webb Backs Bill to Grant Federal Recognition to Virginia Indian Tribes

WASHINGTON, DC- Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today endorsed a House-passed bill to grant federal recognition to six Indian tribes in Virginia, a status that would qualify the tribes for certain benefits provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and other federal agencies.

In a letter dated October 16th to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Webb urged the Committee to approve the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2007 (H.R. 1294), which the House of Representatives approved overwhelmingly in May.

"I have spent several months examining this issue in great detail, including information about the rich history and culture of Virginia's extraordinary Indian tribes," Senator Webb said.  "Through this review, I have concluded this legislation is a simple matter of fairness.  Four hundred years after the founding of America's first colony at Jamestown, these six tribes deserve to join our nation's 562 other federally recognized tribes."

The bill, sponsored in the House by Representative Jim Moran, would extend federal recognition to the Chickahominy Tribe; the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division; the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; the Monacan Indian Nation; and the Nansemond Indian Tribe.

Proponents of the bill have argued that recognizing Virginia's Indians through an Act of Congress as opposed to normal administrative channels is necessary because many of the tribes' land and genealogical records have been destroyed, in some cases through actions of the state.  Webb also raised serious concerns about the BIA's inadequate resources and cumbersome administrative process resulting in a backlog of petitions.

"Because of a consistent lack of resources, the BIA process traditionally has resulted in delays of fifteen years or more. As is the case with our Virginia tribes, some of which began the recognition process in the late 1970's and still have a long wait in the queue," said Webb.  "All parties agree that the process has proven to be an arduous one for both the tribes and the BIA."

Senator Webb said he is eager to work with interested citizens during the Senate's review of the bill to determine if improvements can be made to the House legislation.  But at the same time, he emphasized the support which federal recognition of the tribes already enjoys in Virginia.

"Federal recognition of Virginia's Indians enjoys strong, bipartisan support in Virginia," he said.  "Governor Kaine and his predecessor Governor Mark Warner have supported recognition, and in 1999 both Houses of the Virginia General Assembly adopted resolutions embracing federal recognition.  The measure also has support from various religious and civic organizations."

"The Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life (VITAL) has worked diligently with Senator Webb and his staff in an effort to grant Federal recognition to six of Virginia's Indian tribes. During that same time, we have been sharing our history at various Jamestown 2007 commemorative events and have received overwhelming support from our fellow citizens.  I am delighted that Senator Webb has endorsed a bill in the Senate to grant such recognition," said Wayne Adkins (Chickahominy), VITAL President.

Webb concluded by saying, "I believe this bill's enactment will go far toward recognizing Virginia's Indian tribes in this-the 400th year anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth."

To read a full text of Senator Jim Webb's letter dated October 16th to Senators Byron Dorgan and Lisa Murkowski, the Chairman and Vice Chairman on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, respectively, visit: http://webb.senate.g...

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