Virginia tribal leaders discuss sovereignty and education at university panel
Leaders also criticized a DEQ permit they said affected tribal lands without consultation
Leaders from Virginia’s federally recognized tribal nations discussed sovereignty, education and environmental concerns during a March 14 panel at the University of Virginia, according to The Cavalier Daily.
The event featured representatives from the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Monacan, Nansemond, Pamunkey, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi tribes. Panelists emphasized the importance of sovereignty and described limits tied to federal funding. Kerry Canaday of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe said federal oversight affects how tribes manage resources. Leaders also raised concerns about a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality permit affecting tribal lands and said tribes were not consulted. Panelists also highlighted efforts through the Virginia Tribal Education Consortium to expand Native representation in K-12 education and support tribal students.