About

The Walter W. Craigie Speaker Series
PRESENTS

An Evening with Chief Stephen Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy Tribe
Chief Adkins will discuss the long and complex journey of Virginia's native nations towards federal recognition and sovereignty, and how Virginia's native communities have navigated the federal recognition process while maintaining their cultural integrity.
TICKETS
$25
Includes a pre-talk reception with a chance to meet the speaker.
Reception begins at 5:30 PM. Beer, wine, and light hors d’oeuvres.
Doors open at 6:45 PM for seating | Talk starts promptly at 7:00 PM
Before European contact, the Chickahominy Tribe was ruled by a council of elders called the mungai or great men. Today, a Tribal Council of twelve men and women, including a chief and two assistant chiefs, are elected by vote of their tribe. Since gaining official recognition from the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1983, the Chickahominy tribe has been working for federal recognition. Over 850 people are enrolled in the Chickahominy Tribe, the majority of whom still live within five miles of the tribal center--which is located near the site of a pre-contact village. Stephen R. Adkins was elected Chief in 2001. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Virginia Indian Tribes to gain federal recognition and to assure that America's leadership includes a Native American voice.