Post by blackcrowheart on Feb 14, 2008 14:46:07 GMT -5
Indian Reservation Rich With Culture
by Eric Millirons, special correspondent
Feb 27, 2007
Featured in March 1, 2007 print edition
It is truly amazing how one can travel around the local area and find
places of distinction - unusual and quite attractive. Admittedly, these
spots are sometimes difficult to find, but I happened upon a land where, as
my newfound friend Larry Crazy Colt Stewart told me, "No white man has ever
lived here."
In King William County, about 45 miles from Richmond off Route 1, is a
tract about 1,200 acres that is very special in Virginia and indeed, in the
entire nation. It is a peninsula with only one road leading in or out. In
many respects, it has retained the vestiges of long ago - harvesting local
game, planting crops and the creation of earthenware. The land is the home
of very proud people - the Pamunkey People.
Bounded by the Pamunkey River and Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, the
reservation does not meet Hollywood expectations when visiting Native
American lands - visitors will not find tepees or dilapidated houses. The
homes, of approximately 75 members of the tribe, are modest, well-kept and
encompass the natural landscape. Acceptance of some of society's modernity
outside the reservation boundaries is visible, but so-called benefits, such
as casinos, fast-food restaurants and garish neon lights, are not.
Some Virginians trace their origins to a small band of English who settled
at Jamestown 400 years ago; the Pamunkey people trace their heritage back
centuries, even several millennia. It is as if they have always been here.
The long history of the Pamunkey people reached one of its milestones in
meeting Captain John Smith and the English.
Disney's version in the animated film, "Pocahontas" lacks any real
semblance to actual events of Smith and subsequent "saving" by Powhatan's
daughter, Pocahontas. Reality was that Powhatan, whose real name was
Wahensonacook, could have easily destroyed the small settlement, but he
chose not to and as the leader of a very large confederation, he was obeyed
without hesitation. Furthermore, he agreed to Pocahontas's marriage to John
Rolfe. In fact, in the 17th century, the Pamunkey signed treaties with the
King Charles I of England in 1647 and King Charles II in 1677. Since then,
with the exception of the annual tribute during Thanksgiving to the
Governor of Virginia, they have inhabited the lands in relative obscurity.
The Pamunkey has its own government and laws: A chief and seven council
members elected every four years, according to the tribe's web site.
If a visitor sees a gray-haired gentleman driving his personal pick-up
truck and sporting a blue baseball cap displaying the phrase "Native
Pride", they have just spotted Larry Crazy Colt Stewart. He is, without a
doubt, one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. On a good day, he
will go out of his way to tell you stories or maybe even serve as a special
tour guide. He is a very proud man, but his pride is not rooted in egotism,
rather it's deeply framed in pride of his people.
A more visible feature of the reservation is its museum.
The museum, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on
Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., traces the history of the Pamunkey through
their implements and skill in making life's necessities - whether it be the
earthen pots or the stone axes or spear points. With a bit of good fortune,
Isabel Still Water Brown, a delightfully young, senior member of the tribe
who was formerly a medical technician in Virginia Beach, greets visitors.
If one notices the Pamunkey figure that is part of the brick wall
identifying the Pamunkey Indian Museum or the painting of a girl stroking a
kitten inside the museum, mention it to her. Visitors will be guaranteed a
big broad smile for noticing these creations - the responsible artist is
her son, Kevin.
There is a fish trap that is similar to those used today, according to
Still Water. There is also a large dugout canoe made with a combination of
burning and chopping. The Pamunkey people were able to make a functional
boat for the river waters known as the Pamunkey River. The earthenware is
an established trait of the tribe, and they express pride in its making.
Regrettably, the potters have, for the most part, passed over. There is
still hope placed in 13-year-old Jacqueline Collins, who is trying to learn
the craftsmanship of her forebears from those still here before that talent
is forever lost.
On the museum grounds are two other distinct buildings. The first, a small
white clapboard building with one chimney, was where the children on the
reservation received their education until 1930. Now, it stands in mute
remembrance of another era. The other building houses the pottery shop. In
it are molds lying empty and electric kilns ready for the next firing. On a
top shelf is a colorful earthen pot that is truly a masterpiece of artwork.
Almost unnoticed is a small brick-surrounded fire pit where the famed
blackened pottery of the Pamunkey has been made for generations.
There are two memorials to the famed Powhatan on the reservation. The first
is a large metal representation of the chief attached to a granite block in
front of the museum and the other memorial is deeply revered to the tribe.
On the north side of the railroad tracks overlooking the water is a mound.
It was here that Opechancanough brought the bones of his famous brother
Powhatan, for reburial. A lone totem stands on the mound. The exact
location of the burial is not known, but what is obvious is that this is
truly holy ground to the members of the tribe. It is as if Powhatan is
still looking over the waters of his beloved country and, like a father,
looks over the tribe as well.
Many have come to this serene setting, as is evidenced in the guest
register at the museum. They have journeyed from Florida, Georgia, and
Richmond, but also from places such as England and the Czech Republic.
Still Water's statements ring clearly in this visitor's mind, "Many people
who come are quite surprised...who come are quite surprised...<WBR>You a
To the point and simply stated - the message is one from a person who
speaks with pride in her heritage, an example worthy of emulation.
Contact the Pamunkey Indian Museum at (804) 843-4792 or link to their Web
site at _http://www.baylink.http://www.bah_
(http://www.baylink.org/Pamunkey/)
by Eric Millirons, special correspondent
Feb 27, 2007
Featured in March 1, 2007 print edition
It is truly amazing how one can travel around the local area and find
places of distinction - unusual and quite attractive. Admittedly, these
spots are sometimes difficult to find, but I happened upon a land where, as
my newfound friend Larry Crazy Colt Stewart told me, "No white man has ever
lived here."
In King William County, about 45 miles from Richmond off Route 1, is a
tract about 1,200 acres that is very special in Virginia and indeed, in the
entire nation. It is a peninsula with only one road leading in or out. In
many respects, it has retained the vestiges of long ago - harvesting local
game, planting crops and the creation of earthenware. The land is the home
of very proud people - the Pamunkey People.
Bounded by the Pamunkey River and Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, the
reservation does not meet Hollywood expectations when visiting Native
American lands - visitors will not find tepees or dilapidated houses. The
homes, of approximately 75 members of the tribe, are modest, well-kept and
encompass the natural landscape. Acceptance of some of society's modernity
outside the reservation boundaries is visible, but so-called benefits, such
as casinos, fast-food restaurants and garish neon lights, are not.
Some Virginians trace their origins to a small band of English who settled
at Jamestown 400 years ago; the Pamunkey people trace their heritage back
centuries, even several millennia. It is as if they have always been here.
The long history of the Pamunkey people reached one of its milestones in
meeting Captain John Smith and the English.
Disney's version in the animated film, "Pocahontas" lacks any real
semblance to actual events of Smith and subsequent "saving" by Powhatan's
daughter, Pocahontas. Reality was that Powhatan, whose real name was
Wahensonacook, could have easily destroyed the small settlement, but he
chose not to and as the leader of a very large confederation, he was obeyed
without hesitation. Furthermore, he agreed to Pocahontas's marriage to John
Rolfe. In fact, in the 17th century, the Pamunkey signed treaties with the
King Charles I of England in 1647 and King Charles II in 1677. Since then,
with the exception of the annual tribute during Thanksgiving to the
Governor of Virginia, they have inhabited the lands in relative obscurity.
The Pamunkey has its own government and laws: A chief and seven council
members elected every four years, according to the tribe's web site.
If a visitor sees a gray-haired gentleman driving his personal pick-up
truck and sporting a blue baseball cap displaying the phrase "Native
Pride", they have just spotted Larry Crazy Colt Stewart. He is, without a
doubt, one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. On a good day, he
will go out of his way to tell you stories or maybe even serve as a special
tour guide. He is a very proud man, but his pride is not rooted in egotism,
rather it's deeply framed in pride of his people.
A more visible feature of the reservation is its museum.
The museum, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on
Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., traces the history of the Pamunkey through
their implements and skill in making life's necessities - whether it be the
earthen pots or the stone axes or spear points. With a bit of good fortune,
Isabel Still Water Brown, a delightfully young, senior member of the tribe
who was formerly a medical technician in Virginia Beach, greets visitors.
If one notices the Pamunkey figure that is part of the brick wall
identifying the Pamunkey Indian Museum or the painting of a girl stroking a
kitten inside the museum, mention it to her. Visitors will be guaranteed a
big broad smile for noticing these creations - the responsible artist is
her son, Kevin.
There is a fish trap that is similar to those used today, according to
Still Water. There is also a large dugout canoe made with a combination of
burning and chopping. The Pamunkey people were able to make a functional
boat for the river waters known as the Pamunkey River. The earthenware is
an established trait of the tribe, and they express pride in its making.
Regrettably, the potters have, for the most part, passed over. There is
still hope placed in 13-year-old Jacqueline Collins, who is trying to learn
the craftsmanship of her forebears from those still here before that talent
is forever lost.
On the museum grounds are two other distinct buildings. The first, a small
white clapboard building with one chimney, was where the children on the
reservation received their education until 1930. Now, it stands in mute
remembrance of another era. The other building houses the pottery shop. In
it are molds lying empty and electric kilns ready for the next firing. On a
top shelf is a colorful earthen pot that is truly a masterpiece of artwork.
Almost unnoticed is a small brick-surrounded fire pit where the famed
blackened pottery of the Pamunkey has been made for generations.
There are two memorials to the famed Powhatan on the reservation. The first
is a large metal representation of the chief attached to a granite block in
front of the museum and the other memorial is deeply revered to the tribe.
On the north side of the railroad tracks overlooking the water is a mound.
It was here that Opechancanough brought the bones of his famous brother
Powhatan, for reburial. A lone totem stands on the mound. The exact
location of the burial is not known, but what is obvious is that this is
truly holy ground to the members of the tribe. It is as if Powhatan is
still looking over the waters of his beloved country and, like a father,
looks over the tribe as well.
Many have come to this serene setting, as is evidenced in the guest
register at the museum. They have journeyed from Florida, Georgia, and
Richmond, but also from places such as England and the Czech Republic.
Still Water's statements ring clearly in this visitor's mind, "Many people
who come are quite surprised...who come are quite surprised...<WBR>You a
To the point and simply stated - the message is one from a person who
speaks with pride in her heritage, an example worthy of emulation.
Contact the Pamunkey Indian Museum at (804) 843-4792 or link to their Web
site at _http://www.baylink.http://www.bah_
(http://www.baylink.org/Pamunkey/)