Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
Impact
The bill's approval would enable the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe to access all federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes. This includes eligibility for federal funding, health programs, and services aimed at supporting tribal development, despite the absence of a reservation. The statute also applies all federal laws relevant to Indians to the Tribe and its members, which could provide significant legal and economic advantages that were lost in previous decades due to underrecognition.
Summary
House Bill 5144, known as the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act, seeks to extend federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe. This recognition acknowledges the historical significance of the tribe, which dates back to as early as A.D. 900, and aims to restore the tribe's legal status as a federally recognized entity. The bill outlines the tribe's historical background, evidence of its continuous existence, and its cultural contributions to the region.
Contention
Notably, the bill does not allow the tribe to engage in gaming activities under inherent authority, which might raise concerns or dissatisfaction among some tribal members looking for economic opportunities through casinos or similar enterprises. Furthermore, the historical context highlights challenges faced by the tribe, including 'paper genocide' stemming from discriminatory policies, complicating their federal recognition process and prompting debates about the adequacy of reconciliatory measures for historical injustices.
Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation Federal Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation. The bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation or the location of the residence of any member. The service area of the tribe is considered to be Trinity County, California. The tribe must submit a membership roll to the Department of the Interior. The tribe must maintain the membership roll.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building".