For Immediate Release Contact:
Kevin Crossett, Jamestown 2007
August 31, 2006
(757) 253-4534
[log in to unmask]
Chief Kenneth Adams, Upper Mattaponi
(804) 370-5249
[log in to unmask]
Virginia Indians Discuss 400 Years of Survival
Conference to Feature Nationally Known Speakers on Indian History and
Culture
Williamsburg, VA-Virginia's Indian tribes are hosting a three-day
conference this October to showcase their culture and discuss the laws
and policies that have affected Virginia Indians and Indians nationwide.
"Virginia Indians: 400 Years of Survival" will be held Oct. 5-7 at the
Williamsburg Lodge and at tribal centers throughout Virginia. It will
feature representatives from Virginia's eight-state recognized tribes as
well as nationally known speakers and dignitaries. The conference will
include panel discussions on "Indian Law and Culture Through History,"
"Government Policy as it Relates to American Indians," and "Preserving
History and Culture."
"The first laws concerning Indian tribes originated in Virginia, and the
first forced displacement of Indian tribes to reservations occurred in
Virginia. Those termination and reservation policies went on to affect
Indians across America, and are not properly taught as part of Virginia
or United States history," said Upper Mattaponi Chief Kenneth Adams.
"This symposium gives us an opportunity to educate the public on parts
of our culture and history, and review these laws and policies in an
educational environment."
Dr. Robert Duncan, president of Bacone College in Muskogee, OK, will
address conference attendees during a luncheon being held at the lodge.
Many Virginia Indians attended Bacone College from the 1940s through the
1990s. At times Bacone was the only high school education available to
Virginia Indians.
Tex Hall, chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa and
Arikara) in North Dakota, will deliver a keynote speech during a banquet
that evening. Hall is the former president of the National Congress of
American Indians. In appearances before congressional committees and in
many other venues, he has lobbied on behalf of all Native Americans on
such issues as housing, education, and discrimination in employment.
--more--
The conference then takes to the road for a two-day tour of Virginia's
tribal lands. On Oct. 6, the Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Pamunkey,
Rappahannock and the Upper Mattaponi tribes are inviting the public to
their tribal centers to participate in special events and programs
showcasing their culture and history. The tour will conclude with a
special dinner, traditional music and dancing at the Chickahominy tribal
center.
On Oct. 7, the Monacan Indian Nation will host its annual Homecoming in
Amherst County. Transportation and a guided tour will be available for
conference attendees wishing to attend.
"As we visit the tribal centers, hopefully participants will learn
first-hand about our past and the hopes we have for our future. We have
never before had this opportunity to tell our own story in our own words
on such a comprehensive level," Adams said.
The panel discussions are free to the public. Separate fees will be
assessed for individuals attending the banquet functions on Oct. 5, for
individuals interested in the bus tour to the various tribal centers on
Oct. 6 or for transportation to the Monacan Indian Nation's Homecoming
on Oct. 7.
The conference agenda is attached.
WHAT
Virginia Indians: 400 Years of Survival
An Educational Conference featuring tribal center tours
WHEN
October 5-7, 2006
WHERE
Oct. 5
Williamsburg Lodge
310 South England Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Oct. 6
A bus tour of the Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Pamunkey, Rappahannock, Upper
Mattaponi Indian tribal land. Special activities are being planned for
visitors. Tour includes lunch and dinner.
Oct. 7
Monacan Indian Nation Homecoming, Amherst County. Tour includes lunch.
REGISTRATION
* To register for the conference,
* visit www.Americas400thAnniversary.com
* call 1-866-400-1607
COST
* Conference panel discussions are free to the public
* Lunch featuring the conference speaker Dr. Robert Duncan: $20
* Reception and banquet dinner with Keynote Speaker Tex Hall: $50
* Bus tour, lunch and dinner on Oct. 6 to Indian reservations and
tribal centers: $50
* Space is limited, please register early
* Bus tour and lunch on Oct. 7 to the Monacan Indian Nation's
Homecoming: $35
* Space is limited, please register early
--more--
Virginia Indians: 400 Years of Survival
An Educational Conference, October 5, 2006
and
Tours of Tribal Centers
October 6-7, 2006
Thursday, October 5 - Educational Conference (Williamsburg Lodge)
7:30 am Registration
9:00 Welcome and Introduction of program
Chief Kenneth Adams, Upper Mattaponi Tribe
9:15 Session I - Indian Law and Culture Through History
Moderator - Chief Stephen Adkins, Chickahominy Tribe
Panel -
Arlinda Lochlear, Lumbee Tribe, Attorney,
Washington DC
Rodney Smolla, Dean and Professor of Law, University of Richmond
10:45 Break
11:00 Session II- Government Policy as it relates to
American Indians
Moderator - Chief Anne Richardson, Rappahannock
Tribe
Panel -
Mark Tilden, Navaho, Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
David Wilkins, Lumbee, Professor, University of Minnesota
12:30 pm Lunch, Williamsburg Lodge
Speakers:
Gene Nichol, President, College of William & Mary
Dr. Robert Duncan, President, Bacone College
2:00 Session III - Preserving History and Culture
Moderator - Assistant Chief Warren Cook, Pamunkey Tribe
Panel -
Deanna Francis, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Maine
Jim Pepper Henry, Kaw/Muskogee, Assistant Director of Community
Services, National Museum of the American Indian
Maggie Paul, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Canada
E. Randolph Turner, Chief Archaeologist for the
Werowocomoco Project
3:30 Wrap Up
Chief Kenneth Adams, Upper Mattaponi Tribe
6:00 Reception
7:00 Banquet Dinner with Keynote Speaker Tex Hall
Tex Hall, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Tribes, North
Dakota, and former president of the National Congress of American
Indians
--more--
Friday, October 6 - Tours of Tribal Centers
9:00 am Bus departure from the Williamsburg Lodge for visits to
the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Indian Reservations
Boxed lunch at the Mattaponi Indian Reservation
During the afternoon, continue with tours and special demonstrations at
the Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock and Chickahominy Tribal Centers
The day concludes with a special dinner at the Chickahominy Tribal
Center, featuring a program of music and dance demonstrations
8:00 pm Estimated return to the Williamsburg Lodge
Saturday, October 7 - Tour to the Monacan Homecoming
8:30 am Bus departure from the Williamsburg Lodge for Amherst
County to attend the Monacan Indian Nation's Annual Homecoming
Lunch included
7:00 p.m. Estimated arrival at the Williamsburg Lodge
**Schedule subject to change
____________________
Sandra Gioia Treadway
Deputy Director
Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000
(804) 692-3599
www.lva.lib.va.us
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions
at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
|
