WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Virginia Indian tribes fight for federal recognition
Member Center:
Virginia's Indian tribes are recognized as sovereign nations by Virginia, but not the federal government. That could soon change though.
A House committee has passed a bill allowing recognition- only if the tribes forgo their right to run casinos on tribal lands. Virginia's chiefs have said they have no interest in gambling, but are fighting the amendment because they fear it could cause a judge to strip their recognition.
"So if somebody challenges it under the equal protection, under the 5th amendment and the judge agrees with them and says you know you have violated this person's constitutional rights by denying them gaming then that renders the sovereignty status. It voids it," said Chief Stephen Adkins, Chickahominy Indian Tribe.
Virginia Indians say federal recognition will bring respect, healthcare and better housing to their people.
If the House and Senate agree to the bill, recognition could come in time for the 400th anniversary of the landing at Jamestown.
