Five wooden boards line a chain-link fence at Powhatan Hill Park in Richmond’s East End. Each features a white letter written on a bright background. It reads: Peace.
That was the message nearly a dozen of Virginia’s tribes sought to convey Monday afternoon as they welcomed descendants, community members and local, state and federal political officials to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day.
The holiday recognizes the original inhabitants of North America and is observed by some in lieu of Columbus Day. Virginia has 11-state recognized Native American tribes.
Tribal members dance a traditional dance at Powhatan Hill Park in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday.
“We’re all proud of our heritage. We’re all proud of what we are. All proud of the contribution that we have made to what is now the United States of America,” said Upper Mattaponi Tribal Chief Frank Adams. “It gladdens my heart that I should come and see so many of these folks that have …