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

Chief Kenneth Branham (Monacan)

With the 400 Anniversary of the birth of our nation behind us; many people are still unaware of the history of the Virginia tribes and the true history regarding first contact at Jamestown in 1607.

Please join us as we speak with the Monacan Nation of Virginia regarding first contact and the paper genocide of the Virginia Indians.

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.

Poet Karenne Wood (Monacan)

Bear Mountain in Amherst County 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 - over 1,400 strong - preserves our past heritage and ancient customs, bringing together the Siouan language and culture.

Karenne’s poetry from her book Markings on Earth was used throughout this program. She is an enrolled member of the Monacan Indian Nation and serves on the Tribal Council.

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Related Audio

HearSay: Jamestown: The Native American Connection from WHRO

Kimberely Lyman Producer Profile

WHRV Report: Virginia's Tribes' Fight for Federal Recognition

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine on Federal Recognition for Tribes

Additional Resources

Virginia Indians Recognition Bill Passes Committee

List of Virginia Indian Tribes Identified During Contact Era (1584-1677)

For more information on Jamestown 2007 events go to americas400thanniversary.org

For additional information on the Monacan Nation go to: www.monacannation.com

For more information on how you can help support the Virginia Tribes battle for federal recognition, please go to vitalva.org

For more information about the Virginia Indian tribes, visit the Virginia Council on Indians' website http://indians.vipnet.org

For lesson plans and additional resources on the Virginia Indians please go to http://virginiaindians.pwnet.org

Production Credits

Executive Producer: John Heimerl
Producer: Kimberley Marie Lyman (Chickamauga Cherokee/Choctaw, Indian Creek Band -Wolf Clan)
Associate Producer and Voice Talent: Michelle Gabrial Harrell (Cherokee)
Chief Audio Engineer: Al Sykes
Recording Engineer: Perry Smith Jr.
Transcription Volunteer: Lauren Mansfield