Diocesan Committee on Native American Ministry
Sponsors Meeting and Tour at Pamunkey Indian Reservation
On Dec. 8, 2012 Cookie Davis, Cleo Coleman and Alison & Hugh D’Agular traveled to Pamunkey Reservation near West Point, Virginia. This tribe has occupied these lands for over 10,000 years. Treaties with the King of England in 1646 and 1677 secured the peace and designated the land for the Indians. Today the reservation consists of 1200 acres in King William County with 31 families living on the reservation. The governing body is elected every four years and consists of one chief and 7 council members.
Co-chairs Nellie Atkins and Jean Mary Taylor greeted the guests and introduced Buck Blanchard, Ministries Chair of the Diocese of Virginia and Chief Ann Richardson of the Rappahannock Tribe. Chief Richardson opened the meeting with prayer giving thanks for this sacred land which is the oldest continuing reservation in the U.S.A. and asking God’s blessing on this gathering.
Buck spoke on the importance of mission work and noted that the important factor was "establishing relationships." "You must know and understand someone before you can love them," he said. He noted that for 400 years the Anglican (Episcopal) Church was the only church Native Americans were exposed to. He now travels the world representing the Diocese and building relationships as he goes. Jean Mary stressed that "Buck is the personification of what a real Christian is."
Buck led the group to the 1900’s schoolhouse next door. This recent renovation had been completed with the help of this committee and caring Episcopalians who had assisted. Numerous artifacts were on display inside as was the pot belly stove, desks and loom used in earlier years. This area is also used today as the Chiefs Office. (Later when Chief Brown spoke to us he mentioned the need of a copier for tribal business.) Lane Cook, docent at the museum and daughter of the assist chief, told stories of life in the schoolhouse on and off the reservation. Nellie Atkins added many of her experiences. Life was not easy for these girls growing up and trying to preserve their heritage. Many moved away and hid their true identity just to get an education and fell accepted in the community where they lived.
Sandwich trays and fruit was provided as the group returned to the meeting room and shared stories over lunch. After lunch Chief Kevin Brown of the Pamunkey tribe joined the group and told of the Petition for Federal Recognition that has been sent and preliminary determination is expected by August 20, 2013. It is not an easy process. They have been trying for years. He also mentioned:
• EPA support of erosion issues
• A grant writing workshop being planned
• New "Treaty room" in the museum –$2500 recently donated to this
• Silver copy of Queen Cockacoeske’s medallion recently made by Colonial Williamsburg for exhibit
• Handmade 1677 jacket copied for display too. The Treaty of 1677 mandated that all "friendly" Indians must wear this jacket or be shot as "enemies".
• The tribe is now incorporated and has 501 C 3 designation
• Powhatan language classes are coming each week where members study the words written down by Capt. John Smith
• A new grant has been applied for to establish a Health and Wellness Center -This will allow the meeting room to move there and the museum to expand.
Chief Brown ended his comments with a brief message about his current needs which include a copier, shelves in the office and moral support. Then he thanked all for attending and being interested in the life of the tribe. He noted that today he gets many requests from people claiming Indian heritage.
Chief Ann told of plans to turn a farm purchased earlier into a Elder Home with 12 suites. This would be a energy efficient "Green Project". Members would live there and grow food for themselves and to sell to the community. A $100,000 grant has been applied for.
St. Mark’s Church (1920-40] is currently being restored by the Rappahannock tribe. Additions are being removed and it is being restored to look as it did in 1920. More help is needed to complete this work. Keith who attends Trinity in Fredericksburg asked for help. Vicki Cook, also of Trinity, shared other ideas about the project. Jean Mary praised the ECW for their financial support.
Nellie and Jean Mary shared stories about their trip to Oklahoma. They were sent by the Diocese to establish a connection and for a 3 year Partnership.
In conclusion it was noted that "Mission Work" is for building relationships. We must build bridges not walls.!