Virginia House Bill HJR138

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/22
• Refer: 1/20/22

Caption

Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe of Virginia; General Assembly to extend state recognition.

Impact

This resolution carries implications for state law regarding the recognition and support of Native American tribes. While it formally acknowledges the tribe’s existence, it explicitly states that it does not confer any legal rights, property claims, or sovereignty. This limited recognition could influence future legislative actions related to indigenous rights and cultural preservation, especially against a backdrop of historical injustices faced by Native American populations in Virginia, such as the denial of their identity and heritage documentation historically enforced by entities like the Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Summary

HJR138 is a resolution introduced to extend state recognition to the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe of Virginia. This resolution is rooted in the historic presence of Cherokee communities in the region, dating back to ancestors who interacted with both Spanish and English explorers. By recognizing the tribe, the bill aims to affirm the cultural and historical significance of the Wolf Creek Cherokee people as part of Virginia's diverse narrative.

Contention

The bill also encounters some contention tied to the broader narrative of Native American recognition in Virginia, specifically concerning issues of 'paper genocide' and the ongoing struggles of tribal groups to assert their identities against historical silencing. The resolution does not address whether the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe has maintained continuous existence since the early periods of colonization, which could lead to debates on legitimacy and support for Native tribes in Virginia. This framing can be a focal point of discussion among advocates for indigenous rights and historical recognition.