Statement of Governor Kaine on U.S. House of Representatives' Vote on Federal Recognition of Virginia's Indian Tribes

Statement

Statement of Governor Kaine on U.S. House of Representatives' Vote on Federal Recognition of Virginia's Indian Tribes

Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement today in response to the U.S. House of Representatives' vote to pass the "Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009" (H.R. 1385):

"Today's vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize six of the Native American Tribes of Virginia is a major step towards reconciling an historic wrong for Virginia and the Nation. While the Virginia Tribes have received official recognition from the Commonwealth of Virginia, acknowledgement and officially recognized status from the federal government has been considerably more difficult due to their systematic mistreatment over the past century.

"We are proud of Virginia's recognized Indian Tribes and their contributions to our Commonwealth. The Virginia Tribes are a part of us. We go to school together, work together, and serve our Commonwealth and nation together every day. These contributions should be acknowledged, and this federal recognition for Virginia's native peoples is long overdue.

"Virginia's congressional delegation, including co-sponsors Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Tom Perriello, Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Rob Wittman-and especially bill sponsor Rep. Jim Moran -deserve credit for their work on behalf of the native peoples of Virginia.

"I will strongly support efforts to pass federal recognition legislation for the Native American Virginia Tribes in the U.S. Senate and look forward to assisting in any way I can to help ensure this legislation is enacted into law."

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