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

By Joanne Kimberlin
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.

VIDEO: Virginia's tribes are still fighting for recognition.

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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.

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Posted to: News Virginia

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