American Indians may get monument on Capitol Square

For their past sacrifices and enduring contributions to Virginia, American Indians could be the next group honored with a monument on Capitol Square.

The General Assembly has approved the creation of a commission to recommend how to commemorate "the life, achievements, and legacy" of American Indians in the commonwealth.

The memorial would remind people "that for centuries the courage, persistence, determination, and cultural values of Virginia's Indians have significantly enhanced and contributed to society," according to the resolution establishing the commission.

Chief Kenneth Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe in King William County first raised the monument idea with Del. Christopher K. Peace, R-Hanover. Adams said it was unanimously supported at a meeting of Virginia tribal leaders in January. Peace backed the project, which would be paid for with private funding, and says that supporters of the civil-rights monument recently placed on the Capitol grounds are willing to help establish a nonprofit organization for this project.

"This is another major step in reconciling all cultures of this great commonwealth," Adams said.

Peace patroned the resolution along with a group of lawmakers including Del. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond and Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico.

Eight Virginia Indian tribes are officially recognized by the state, but not by the federal government.

"It is the only group significant to the formation, establishment and continued success of the commonwealth that's not represented," on the Capitol grounds, Peace said.

The commission, which is to include three nonlegislative residents who are representatives of the Virginia Indians, is to make annual reports to the General Assembly, beginning Dec. 1.