News Article

Diverse Populace Wove the Fabric of Jamestown
by Stephen R. Adkins
May 06, 2007

This op/ed was published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.


Amid the hoopla surrounding the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, there resides perhaps the greatest potential Virginia has had since 1957 to tell the world the historical facts of those first two decades of the struggles at Jamestown. A story of Jamestown that presents the unvarnished truth will at once delight, sadden, anger, or soothe the consciousness of those who dare to explore its reality.

We have heard all of the nice terms about how the very fabric of the tapestry of democracy - which provides the underpinnings of the greatest republic on Earth - was woven at Jamestown. What we had not heard heretofore are stories of the labors of the very diverse population that directly or indirectly supported those efforts to achieve democracy.

I would not have anyone believe the indigenous peoples who became unsuspecting hosts of the Englishmen always acted with best interests of the settlers in mind. However, based on the sheer numbers of resident natives here in 1607, the colonists could have been wiped out at any time in the first three decades.

Obviously, the hosts saw reasons to allow the colonists to survive.

Perhaps Chief Powhatan was inclined to embrace these strangers and learn some of their technology regarding marine vessels, building architecture, military ordnance, or metalworking. Algonquian culture suggests that he would have wanted to incorporate this powerful people into his own paramount chiefdom.

In any event, without the forbearance of their hosts, the colonists would not have survived.

The Massacre of the Paspehegh

Things took a serious turn in 1610 when Lord De La Warr ordered the massacre of the Paspehegh tribe. It is safe to assume that a few members of the tribe survived but the tribe as a group ceased to exist. I mention this because Virginia history books do not tell this story - and in fact present most of the attacks by the settlers as provoked, and those by the natives as unprovoked.

The Jamestown journey began in 1607, but in a way it continues today. The federal Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission has traced the rule of law from 1607 until 2007. Acknowledgments must be made that the rule of law did not always protect those who deserved protection. In fact, for hundreds of years the law injured and suppressed Native people and African-Americans. Native Americans' rights were denied to the extent that Native Americans became an invisible minority. The intent behind the rule of law must be applauded, and the progress toward justice for all is ongoing. State and federal governments have moved more and more toward justice - and the surviving Virginia Indian tribes can talk about their history without fear.

The spirit of democracy has become infectious in the intervening years since 1607, and the past 20 years have seen multiple countries embrace a democratic form of government.

Life has not been easy for Virginia's indigenous peoples, but to the person we are proud to be Virginians and Americans. Most tribal members across the commonwealth are proud to be a part of a commemoration that has provided an opportunity for us to tell our story and to let the world know that descendants of some of the sovereign nations who greeted the settlers on the shores of the Powhatan River (James River) at Tsenacomoco are still here.

Our connection to the British Crown resurfaced as we explored the Treaty of 1677, referred to interchangeably as the Treaty of Middle Plantation or the Articles of Peace. I am confident images of that treaty crossed the minds of the chiefs of Virginia's eight recognized Indian tribes as we greeted Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, as representatives of our sovereign nations this past Thursday at the State Capitol.

Reflecting History, Ending Myths

It has been rewarding to see the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission engage academia and Virginia Natives to research history and develop subject matter with attendant lesson plans reflective of Jamestown's rich history. Hopefully, these lesson plans will find their way into classrooms across the commonwealth and beyond and serve to dispel some of the myths and stereotypes that have shackled Virginia Indians for 400 years.

If one wants to understand what life is like for Virginia Indians, listen to the Anniversary Voices music especially prepared for the Jamestown Commemoration:

Remember the Many

We are all part of the sacred earth, every deer, every stream, every tree

We have learned to respect all living things, and to live in harmony.

We are riders on the sands, the sands of time, the Creator's in the wave, in the shore.

We have been here for more than ten thousand years.

We will be here for ten thousand more!

Stand where I'm standing; take a look at my view

How should I feel? I was here before you.

The time has arrived, recognition is due.

Remember the many who've become the few!