SPECIAL REPORT: Virginia's Indians, three-part series

By Joanne Kimberlin
Miranda Mulligan
Steve Earley
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 10, 2009

They’re known as “The First People.” The first to be invaded. The first to be forgotten. No more. They’ve got a message: We’re still here.

Download free Flash player to view videos: VIDEO: Virginia's tribes are still fighting for recognition. Share and embed video

PART 1 After centuries in the shadows, signs of a new dawn A nation unto itself – Heirs cling to sliver of native soil Spring shad harvest – Every spring, a ritual renewed Meet Virginia’s tribes – Indian population is now a shadow of its past Church: Modern religious services have little trace of native influence GRAPHIC: Pocohontas and John Smith Q&A and fast facts   PART 2 With recognition comes respect A river of red tape separates tribes from federal cash One of the nation’s oldest rituals – Tribes pay rent to Va. for 3 centuries Racial cleansing with a pen – Bureaucrat ripped a hole in tapestry of Indian history Slur or salute? Controversy still burning over Indian names, mascots in sports State vs. federal recognition Q&A and fast facts   PART 3 Ancient legacy, modern reality Some follow ancient beat to renewed pride in old ways Traditions rekindled – Regalia regains place as point of pride Werowocomoco: Researchers hunt for secrets under the ruins of Chief Powhatan’s capital Hollywood: Lost language reconstructed for 'The New World' movie Q&A and fast facts   SOURCES: “Before and After Jamestown” by Helen Rountree and Randolph Turner; U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs; “The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail” by Karenne Wood, Virginia Council on Indians; Cook Collection, Valentine Richmond History Center; National Geographic; Richmond Times-Dispatch; Associated Press; Virginian-Pilot research   CREDITS: Joanne Kimberlin, researcher and writer; Carl Fincke, editor; Steve Earley, Stephen M. Katz and Bill Tiernan, photographers; Sam Hundley and Miranda Mulligan, information graphics artists; Tom Justice, copy editor; Steve Earley, videographer; Miranda Mulligan, online/Flash designer and producer.

 

• Most Read
• Most Comments

• » Month later, Norfolk mall remains devoid of teens in evenings
• » Some see racial overtones in Norfolk's pet-adoption event
• » N.C. eye doctor before board for telling patient she was fat
• » Driver killed when Miley Cyrus bus overturns near Richmond
• » FAI founder admits bilking computer buyers, will negotiate

• » Month later, Norfolk mall remains devoid of teens in evenings
• » Some see racial overtones in Norfolk's pet-adoption event
• » N.C. eye doctor before board for telling patient she was fat
• » Olde Towne residents push for flooding fix
• » Monarchs mens basketball team enjoy another romp against Liberty

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.