Post by Okwes on Feb 7, 2007 12:34:32 GMT -5
Chief: Va. Indians won't likely boycott Jamestown 2007 By DIONNE WALKER
Associated Press Writer December 5, 2006
www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--indiancapital1205de\
c05,0,4107147.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia
<http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--indiancapital1205d\
ec05,0,4107147.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia> RICHMOND, Va. --
Chickahominy Chief Stephen Adkins said Tuesday that Virginia Indians
would be troubled if they didn't receive federal recognition before the
Jamestown 2007 commemoration, but stopped short of saying they would
boycott the 18 months of events in response.
"I think it's going to happen before then," Adkins told journalists
gathered at the fifth annual AP Day at the Capital. "I'm an eternal
optimist."
Adkins spoke on issues facing Indians_ from tribal recognition to
Indian-inspired sports mascots--at the event, which familiarizes
journalists with issues likely to arise during the upcoming legislative
session.
Despite increased visibility, Virginia's Indians continue to struggle
with basics like getting accurate Indian history lessons in schools,
Adkins said.
Adkins, whose Charles City County-based tribe has roughly 800 members,
recounted a recent lecture in which he asked graduate students to name
the state's eight tribes. Nobody could do it.
"If we want our story to be told, we've got to tell it," said Adkins,
who said that sentiment encouraged him to sit on the Jamestown 400th
Commemoration Commission, despite criticism that he was supporting a
racist event.
Journalists, he argued, are also responsible for ensuring that the story
of Virginia's Indians is told. Adkins said that can be as simple as
ommitting culturally offensive words like "Redskin" from print, or
paying attention to terms that reinforce the idea of America's
"discovery," ignoring the nation's pre-colonial history.
"It's time to look at the things we're doing and the things we're
saying," he said. "Take a look at what you print."
Perhaps more pressing, though, has been the attempt by six Virginia
tribes, including the Chickahominy, at securing federal recognition.
Tribal leaders have spent years seeking the status, which would make
them eligible for things like federal assistance programs.
Critics argue the recognition would be a stepping stone to Indian-run
casinos in Virginia. Indian leaders say they're not interested in
gambling.
The issue remains stalled in Congress.
Adkins said he didn't think any tribes would take action should
recognition not be granted before the Jamestown 2007 commemoration gets
in full swing. But he said he thought tribal disappointment could "take
the glitter off" the events.
Associated Press Writer December 5, 2006
www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--indiancapital1205de\
c05,0,4107147.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia
<http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--indiancapital1205d\
ec05,0,4107147.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia> RICHMOND, Va. --
Chickahominy Chief Stephen Adkins said Tuesday that Virginia Indians
would be troubled if they didn't receive federal recognition before the
Jamestown 2007 commemoration, but stopped short of saying they would
boycott the 18 months of events in response.
"I think it's going to happen before then," Adkins told journalists
gathered at the fifth annual AP Day at the Capital. "I'm an eternal
optimist."
Adkins spoke on issues facing Indians_ from tribal recognition to
Indian-inspired sports mascots--at the event, which familiarizes
journalists with issues likely to arise during the upcoming legislative
session.
Despite increased visibility, Virginia's Indians continue to struggle
with basics like getting accurate Indian history lessons in schools,
Adkins said.
Adkins, whose Charles City County-based tribe has roughly 800 members,
recounted a recent lecture in which he asked graduate students to name
the state's eight tribes. Nobody could do it.
"If we want our story to be told, we've got to tell it," said Adkins,
who said that sentiment encouraged him to sit on the Jamestown 400th
Commemoration Commission, despite criticism that he was supporting a
racist event.
Journalists, he argued, are also responsible for ensuring that the story
of Virginia's Indians is told. Adkins said that can be as simple as
ommitting culturally offensive words like "Redskin" from print, or
paying attention to terms that reinforce the idea of America's
"discovery," ignoring the nation's pre-colonial history.
"It's time to look at the things we're doing and the things we're
saying," he said. "Take a look at what you print."
Perhaps more pressing, though, has been the attempt by six Virginia
tribes, including the Chickahominy, at securing federal recognition.
Tribal leaders have spent years seeking the status, which would make
them eligible for things like federal assistance programs.
Critics argue the recognition would be a stepping stone to Indian-run
casinos in Virginia. Indian leaders say they're not interested in
gambling.
The issue remains stalled in Congress.
Adkins said he didn't think any tribes would take action should
recognition not be granted before the Jamestown 2007 commemoration gets
in full swing. But he said he thought tribal disappointment could "take
the glitter off" the events.