In Virginia, of course, we are approaching the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown (May 14, 1607). This event, of course, is one of the classic moments in American history. Among other things, the founding of Jamestown led to a great story involving an Algonquian Indian woman whose real name was Matoaka, but who went down in history as "Pocahantos" (meaning "playful frolicsome girl" in Powhatan):
While president of the colony, [Jamestown colonist John] Smith led a food-gathering expedition up the Chickahominy River. His men were set upon by Native Americans, and when his men were killed, Smith strapped his Native American guide in front of him to use as a shield. Captured by Opchanacanough, Chief Powhatan's half-brother, Smith gave him a compass, which made the Native American decide to let Smith live. When Smith was brought before Chief Powhatan, however, the chief decided to execute him, a course of action which was (as stated by Smith) stopped by the pleas of Powhatan's young daughter, Pocahontas, who was originally named Matoaka, but whose nickname meant "Playful one."Although Pocahontas's life would be tied to the English after this first meeting, she is not tied to Smith; except in his report in his books. During the winter of 1608, after Jamestown was destroyed by flames, Pocahontas brought food and clothing to the colonists. She later negotiated with Smith for the release of Native Americans who had been captured by the colonists during a raid to gain English weaponry. Pocahontas converted to Christianity and took the name "Rebecca" in 1613, under the tutelage of Reverend Alexander Whitaker, who arrived in Jamestown in 1611 to found the first Presbyterian Church in Virginia. Pocahontas married a settler, John Rolfe on April 24, 1614. They married in hopes of trying to improve relations between the Powhatan's and the settlers. This uneasy peace was ruined when the Powhatan's attacked the settlers for taking the Indian lands. Within two years, they left for London, where Pocahontas died at Gravesend on March 17, 1617. (A year earlier, a smallpox epidemic had swept through New England.)
In other news related to Native Americans in Virginia, yesterday a ceremony was held in Richmond:
As a large crowd gathered in front of the Executive Mansion yesterday, representatives of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian tribes presented two deer and a turkey to Gov. Mark R. Warner.The two tribes annually present game to the governor in lieu of taxes to remember their predecessors' treaty with King Charles II of England in 1677.
[...]
Warner announced that the budget he will present to the General Assembly next month will fund the Virginia Indian Heritage Program, which will seek to advance education about Indians in Virginia through museums, Web sites and the establishment of the Virginia Indian Heritage Trail.
"This is a rich and important part of our shared history," he said.
He held a reception in the mansion for participants before the ceremony.
So, happy Thanksgiving - a holiday that is inextricably intertwined with Native Americans - and happy National American Indian Heritage Month!
