Legislation would give federal recognition to Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan of Virginia introduced H.R. 10191, the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act, to extend federal recognition to the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia.

The legislation was introduced in late November 2024, during Native American Heritage Month.

The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia received State Tribal Recognition from the Virginia Council on Indians (VCI) in 2010. The Tribe’s governmental structure is democratic, based on an Iroquoian style of governance with a preeminent Tribal Council and ceremonial Chiefs.

“The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia has a rich culture and long history in what is now present-day Dinwiddie, Isle of Wight, Nottoway, Sussex and Southampton counties. The Nottoway Indian Tribe received state recognition in 2010 but has yet to receive federal recognition. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, I’m introducing legislation to finally extend long-overdue federal recognition of their sovereignty. I look forward to continued collaboration with Chief Allston and the Nottway Indian Tribe of Virginia,” McClellan said.

McClellan visited the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Community House and Interpretive Center in October 2024. She spoke on the U.S. House floor in late November in honor of her new legislation.

“In the early 1600s, as one of the strongest Tribes in Virginia, our Nottoway ancestors first interacted with the English colonists,” said Chief Lynette Allston of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia. “Even with 400 years of adversity, the efforts to make us disappear failed. The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia is still here. There is no way to correct the wrongs of the past that have been perpetrated on indigenous people. However, federal acknowledgement opens the gates to future opportunities.”