Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017

Bill 115 s 691, also known as the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation that seeks to grant federal recognition to six Indian tribes in the state of Virginia. These tribes include the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan, and the Nansemond tribes.

If this bill is passed, these tribes would be eligible for federal benefits and services that are available to other federally recognized tribes, such as access to healthcare, education, and housing programs. The bill also includes provisions for the establishment of a tribal council to represent the interests of the tribes and to promote their cultural heritage and traditions.

The bill is named after Thomasina E. Jordan, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates who was a strong advocate for the recognition of these tribes. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as an important step towards acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of these tribes in the state of Virginia. Overall, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017 is a significant piece of legislation that aims to provide long overdue recognition and support to the six Indian tribes in Virginia.