Religious Leaders Call for Recognition of VA Tribes

Thirty-two Virginia religious leaders from twenty-one denominations of three faith traditions, representing over 6,000 congregations with a combined membership of over two and a half million called on Senator Webb and Senator Warner, as well as Governor McDonnell to bring about federal recognition for six of Virginia’s tribes by the close of this congressional session.

Stating, “Now is the time to make this happen” these religious leaders acknowledged the ten year struggle to gain federal recognition and thanked our elected leaders for their support, while encouraging them that we still need to finish the job. Only one step remains, the Senate needs to pass  S1178. “We are deeply concerned that if this bill does not pass in this session, the recognition of Virginia’s tribes will be lost, and the door will close for a generation or more before such a time as this may return.”