Monacan Voices: The True History of First Contact & Paper Genocide of Virginia Indians

Printer-friendly versionPlease join us for a rare journey through poetry and conversation with the Monacan Nation of Virginia regarding first contact, the birth of our nation & the paper genocide of Virginia Indians. Many people are still unaware of the true history of the Virginia tribes and the unknown stories regarding first contact at Jamestown in 1607. Bear Mountain in Amherst County Virginia has been the home of the Monacan people for more than 10,000 years. The earliest written histories of Virginia record that in 1607, the James River Monacan, along with their Mannahoac allies on the Rappahannock River, controlled the area between the Fall Line in Richmond and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The most western of Virginia's eight tribes, the Monacan Nation were the traditional enemies of the Powhatan Chiefdom, yet very little information is recorded in the history books regarding this remarkable culture. Monacan Chief Kenneth Branham and tribal members Karenne Wood and Sue Elliott sit down with Chickahominy tribal representative Powhatan Owen to share the history and culture of the invisible people; past present and future. Until now, this history has never been shared by the Virginia tribes Subjects covered are: First contact, Racial Integrity Act [also known as the paper Genocide of Virginia Indians] Federal Recognition, culture and history of the Virginia tribes, healing for Native and Non Native People. Conversation, poetry and storytelling. Additional Information: Historical record shows the Monacan people refused contact with the English because of the prophecy told by the Manahoak warrior Amoroleck... "There will be a people who will come from the underworld to take our world from us". Because of this prophecy the English were greeted with arrows and warfare by many Virginia tribes including the Monacan and Manahoak warriors who existed outside Powhatan's Paramount Chiefdom. There is very little record in "the history books" regarding Monacan Nation and other Virginia tribes contact with the English. This a rare opportunity to learn the true history of the founding of this country from the direct descendants of the Virginia Tribes. Sadly, a great many "long forgotten" Virginia tribes were completely wiped out as a result of interactions with the English and later Nataniel Bacon, Walter Plecker and others.This history of "warfare and abuse" continued well into the 1970's

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