To the Editor:

The article in the The Tidewater News “Monument reflects ‘Abiding Admiration’ for native people,” (Friday, May 4), was well written and fully reflected the dedication story of the first and only Native American Memorial currently on the Capital Grounds, as dedicated by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam; to include, the hard work of the Virginia Indian Commemorative Commission in bringing the “Mantel” to fruition. However, there was an error in referencing the name of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Inc. In your article you referred to this group as the Nottoway Indian Tribe in Southampton County.

Please note that there is only one Virginia State Recognized Tribe in the Commonwealth that is recognized by the state of Virginia as a tribe in Southampton County and that is the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County. Please note the said name of this tribe, as written, is recognized as such. (See Senate Joint Resolution (SJ) 127 and House Joint Resolution (HJR) 171.)

On another note, please be reminded that the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Inc. holds their Native American Indian Powwows in Surry County, not Southampton County; wherein, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County sponsors five annual Native American events at Cattashowrock Town in Southampton County (Courtland, Virginia) — two American Powwows (Green Corn Dance and a Corn Harvest Powwow and a School Day; an annual three-day Primitive Skills “Knapp in” Event; to include an annual Native American Revival Crusade for Christ — the Great Awakening of the Holy Spirit, all of which are designed to educate the general populace on the history of the indigenous people in Southampton County and surrounding areas.

Tribal Council
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County
Courtland