Virginia House Bill HJR559

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

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

Impact

By granting state recognition, the bill aims to validate the cultural identity and historical claims of the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe while promoting their rights to preserve their heritage. However, it explicitly states that this recognition does not confer any legal rights or privileges, including any claims to sovereignty or property rights. The bill is consistent with similar recognitions provided in other states, such as Georgia and Alabama, which have set precedent for recognizing Native American tribes at the state level.

Summary

HJR559 is a resolution aimed at extending state recognition to the Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe of Virginia, a group that claims ancestry from the original Cherokee of Virginia. This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the tribe and acknowledges their longstanding presence in Virginia. The tribe is dedicated to preserving and promoting its heritage through various cultural and educational initiatives, including performances and celebrations that highlight their historical narratives.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding HJR559 concerning the implications of state recognition. Critics could argue about the potential legal and political ramifications of recognizing the tribe without granting them sovereignty or rights that come with it. The resolution aims to balance the acknowledgment of the tribe's heritage while avoiding any implications that could arise regarding property claims or governance issues. Some may also question the historical claims of the tribe and whether they meet the criteria typically associated with state-recognized tribes.