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Pamunkey nation: Pocahontas' tribe seeks official recognition amid opposition from MGM casino giant Pamunkey nation: Pocahontas' tribe 'struggling to survive' as it seeks official recognition of its Native American heritage
(about 5 hours later)
The Native American tribe that first met English settlers and which counts Pocahontas as one of its most famed ancestors, is fighting against powerful opponents - including the casino giant MGM - for official recognition that would help protect the rights of its diminishing members. The Native American tribe that first met English settlers and which counts Pocahontas as one of its most famed ancestors, is fighting against powerful opponents - including the casino giant MGM - for official recognition it believes would help its battle for survival.
Kevin Brown and the 207 other members of the Pamunkey tribe are due to hear by the end of the month whether they will be recognised by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Recognition would allow them to receive government money for health care, education and housing.Kevin Brown and the 207 other members of the Pamunkey tribe are due to hear by the end of the month whether they will be recognised by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Recognition would allow them to receive government money for health care, education and housing.
The tribe has a celebrated history; it was among the first to meet with English settlers, including John Smith, and its gifts of food were crucial in helping the new arrivals survive early winters. The tribe, which numbered around 20,000 when the English arrived, is one of just two that retain reservation lands fixed for them in 1646 and 1677 treaties with the English government. "We are struggling to survive," the tribe's elected chief, Kevin Brown, told The Independent. "We are losing culture with each generation. We are losing blood."
The tribe has a celebrated history; it was among the first to meet with English settlers, including John Smith, and its gifts of food were crucial in helping the new arrivals survive early winters. The tribe is one of just two that retain reservation lands fixed for them in 1646 and 1677 treaties with the English government.
Pocahontas was taken to Britain and died on the the return to the US. She is buried in KentPocahontas was taken to Britain and died on the the return to the US. She is buried in Kent
Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan and who according to legend saved the life of Smith, died after visiting Britain and was eventually buried in a church in Gravesend.Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan and who according to legend saved the life of Smith, died after visiting Britain and was eventually buried in a church in Gravesend.
Yet the Washington Post reported that the decision is under intense scrutiny because recognising the tribe – they would become the first in Virginia recognised in this way – would make them eligible to open casinos in a state that is strongly opposed to such gambling ventures. But the tribe, whose numbers have dwindled from around 20,000 when the English arrived, is facing a major struggle.
The Washington Post reported that the decision to grant recognition is under intense scrutiny because recognising the tribe – they would become the first in Virginia recognised in this way – would make them eligible to open casinos in a state that is strongly opposed to such gambling ventures.
Black senators also lobbied the government not to recognise the tribe on the grounds that its members had opposed marriage with African Americans. The Congressional Black Caucus called for a federal probe of the tribes rules and highlighted a tribal law that purportedly banned marriage to anyone who was not White or Indian.Black senators also lobbied the government not to recognise the tribe on the grounds that its members had opposed marriage with African Americans. The Congressional Black Caucus called for a federal probe of the tribes rules and highlighted a tribal law that purportedly banned marriage to anyone who was not White or Indian.
Mr Brown, the chief, told the newspaper that the tribe had been seeking recognition from the government for more than 35 years. Mr Brown said the tribe had been seeking recognition from the government for more than 35 years and that official status would help it financially and politically.
“It will be historic justice,” he said. “We met the English and John Smith. Pocahontas was Pamunkey. It’s crazy that we’re not recognised. We should have been the first recognised tribe.”
MGM Resorts, which owns the Bellagio, has opposed the moveMGM Resorts, which owns the Bellagio, has opposed the move
Yet there are other powerful interests lobbying against recognition of the tribe. Powerful interests lobbying against the Pamunkey.
Recognition of the tribe would allow it to establish casinos on its land despite state legislation. And while the tribe has said it so far has no interest in emulating other Native American tribes who have established such ventures on their land as a source of income, the possibility has alarmed casino giant MGM which is building a $1.2bn. gambling complex on the border of Northern Virginia in Maryland. Recognition of the tribe would allow it to establish casinos on its land despite state legislation. And while Mr Brown said the tribe has no immediate interest in emulating other Native American tribes who have established such ventures on their land as a source of income, the possibility has alarmed casino giant MGM which is building a $1.2bn. gambling complex on the border of Northern Virginia in Maryland.
The company has objected to the tribe being granted official status. Local businesses have also reportedly objected as they fear the tribe would be able to sell petrol, alcohol and cigarettes without charging state taxes.The company has objected to the tribe being granted official status. Local businesses have also reportedly objected as they fear the tribe would be able to sell petrol, alcohol and cigarettes without charging state taxes.
Last year, MGM Resorts International, whose properties include The Bellagio and New York-New York in Las Vegas - issued a lengthy document objecting to the tribe being granted official status.Last year, MGM Resorts International, whose properties include The Bellagio and New York-New York in Las Vegas - issued a lengthy document objecting to the tribe being granted official status.
The company did not immediately respond to inquiries on Monday. However, spokesman Gordon Absher told the Post that the company had urged a careful review of all new applications. A company spokesman, Gordon Absher, said MGM was supportive of the tribal gaming industry but had urged a review of the application.
“Given the increasingly competitive environment for both tribal and commercial casino gaming, it is important the criteria for acknowledgment follow the same established procedures applied to previous applicants,” he said. He added: "Given the increasingly competitive environment for both tribal and commercial casino gaming, it is important the criteria for acknowledgement follow the same established procedures applied to previous applicants."