Comments on: Our Present

By: D Emerson

D Emerson — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:24:52 +0000

Sir or Madame,
As a Virginian and a history buff, I’d like to thank you for the website. Maintaining it is probably tough. My query is about First Nations craftsmen -women. Is there a registry, website or organization that maintains a list of craftsmen -women, of Virginia tribal descent? Although many websites purport to be “Native-American”, and I suppose many are, it is very difficult to find any who are descended from the clans and tribes of Virginia, or ply their crafts here in the Commonwealth. Specifically, I seek a leathercrafter to create a custom pair of mocs in the tradition style of the Virginia tribes. Any help, guidance, or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Even the Virginia Council on Indians doesn’t produce one. I should think that they, of any state organization, would compile that list as a way to promote and advance recognition of the First Nations tribes. Thank you. I look forward to your powwow if held.

By: bbell

bbell — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:51:45 +0000

I'd suggest you contact the Mattaponi Indian Tribe to see if they can refer you to someone who might be able to answer your questions. You might also be intterested in reading The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History. P.S. This site is for the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe. While they two tribes live is close proximity, they are not the same tribe.

By: Linda Lanham Summitt

Linda Lanham Summitt — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:17:57 +0000

I would like to here the story about what happened with Mattachanna and Uttamattamakins after their return. I went to Europe and visited my husbands family after being married a year ( I did not speek the language at all). I know that this can be quite a life changing experience. I think that the stories of Mattachanna and Uttamatamakins and others that went to Europe and returned and how they reacted and how their descendant may have been raised differently would tell a great deal about the experiences that they had and their outlook about the coming of the Europeans. This always seems to be overshadowed by the story of Pochantas. Is there a way to get the true histories of these historic people and their desendants?

By: Thanksgiving, a Tradition for Virginia Tribes

Thanksgiving, a Tradition for Virginia Tribes — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:31:34 +0000

[...] with a tradition dating back to the 1600s. Each Thanksgiving tribal members from the Mattaponi and Pamunkey journey to the Executive Mansion in Richmond, Virginia – home of the [...]

By: bbell

bbell — Sun, 22 May 2011 14:25:38 +0000

Hi Melani.

Thanks so much for your interest in Pocahontas and the Upper Mattaponi.

While i’m not a spokesperson for the tribe in any capacity, I can tell you that some of us were pleasantly amused when a maternal relative was chosen as the model for Disney’s version of Pocahontas. Although Disney’s portrayal of my curvaceous blue-eyed cousin as a young woman was relatively authentic, I think your research will lead you to a significantly different truth. My Pocahontas was a tom-boyish adolescent during the era I believe you’re most interested in.

Contrary to what Hollywood would have us believe, most Native American women were and still are strong-willed, independent individuals (if you don’t believe me, just ask my husband) — and I’m confident that Pocahontas was no exception. I think you would be correct in assuming that she led a difficult life, but I’m sure she was quite the hand-full for Mr. Rolfe.

I think your best source of information would be Helen Roundtree. She’s a highly regarded anthropologist and native american historian who has been researching the history of the Virginia tribes for quite a few years now. She’s written some wonderful books which will give you what I believe is an accurate portrayal of our history, current culture and how my ancestors’ lives were changed by the events that took place in Jamestown. Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough is one of my personal favorites.

I don’t have her direct contact information, but you may be able to track her down through Old Dominion University where she is a Professor of Anthropology.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Sat, 21 May 2011 21:09:45 +0000

I am interested in the Mattaponi view on history of Pocahontas. What resources would you have most faith in? I am a member of the Houma Nation of the Louisiana recognized tribes. I have worked with native youth for many years. I am considering a project undertaking different famous indians. I am particularly interested in Pocahontas as children of all cultures and ages celebrate her additionally due to Disney. I recognize the likelihood that since she was abducted she was likely abused. However along with truth I would like to emphasis her representation of the joining of two nations and her desire for peace if possible. Any direction to what the Mattaponi view is on the best resources would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Melanie

By: doug parslow

doug parslow — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:05:24 +0000

We are visting Williamsburg 29th May from England and want to come to the

Pow Wow – do you have directions to the event

Thanks

By: Miljenko

Miljenko — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:13:28 +0000

I am interested in history, culture and languages of Southeast indian tribes.
I am for preservation of native customs and languages.
My proposal is that Native languages in Oklahoma should be made official, beside english.
We here, in Europe are preserving our languages, even minority ones.
I think that You should preserve Your languages through teaching languages in school, newspapers on native languages, radio and TV shows on native languages…etc.
It would made revival of native languages.
Also, I am for affirmative policy towards Indians.
Today, what we need is affirmative action for Native americans.
Native americans should have free of charge healthcare and better oportunities for finding a job.
Also, government of particular state should encourage Indians to born more children, so they could become plurality in that state. That means that Natives in Oklahoma should become the largest ancestry group, not majority, but largest ancestry group.
When they become that, that policy would be abolished.
What is Your opinion?

Miljenko

By: Roger Dickinson

Roger Dickinson — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:26:34 +0000

Good Morning, I have a framed copy of Chief Seattle’s Speech of 1855 that was published in the Seattle Sunday Star on October 29, 1887. The frame is 2′ widex 3′ tall. I will donate if school can use. 3701295