Statement by Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges
November is Native American Heritage Month and I’d like to call the occasion to the attention of all students, faculty and staff at Virginia’s Community Colleges. This monthlong observance offers us an opportunity to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this land and celebrate the presence and the contributions of Native Americans. We also should seize opportunities to learn more about Native Americans living in Virginia.
Virginia’s Community Colleges have hosted numerous events recognizing Native American Heritage Month. The image above is from a “Come to the Circle” cultural education event at Laurel Ridge Community College in November of 2022.
Archaeological evidence shows that people have been living in what is now Virginia for as long as 22,000 years. Virginia’s modern-day tribes were firmly established in ancestral lands long before the English settled at Jamestown in 1607.
Here are a few more numbers to consider:
- Nearly thirty Native American tribes call Virginia home. Eleven of them are recognized by the state and federal governments: Mattaponi, Pamunkey, Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Rappahannock, Utter Mattaponi, Nanesmond, Monacan Indian Nation, Chereoenhaka (Nottoway), Nottoway of Virginia, and Patawomeck.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 22,500 Native Americans live in Virginia.
- Analyzing our enrollment data from 2020-21, we learned almost 700 students were Native American, and more than VCCS 4,000 students reported at least some Native American ancestry.
Why It Matters
National Native American Heritage Month is not just a time for celebration but also for education. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the various challenges faced by Native Americans both in the past and today. It is a time to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by Native Americans in shaping the character of this nation.
There are many resources offering insights and information about the First Peoples. Here are a few:
We are in the learning business. Let’s make it our goal to increase our knowledge so that we can create welcoming and supportive environments for our students and employees.
David Doré, Chancellor
As we learn of events at our colleges celebrating Native American Heritage Month, we will list them below. Please check back; the list will be updated during the month.
Events at Virginia’s Community Colleges celebrating Native American Heritage Month 2023:
- November 15 — Piedmont Virginia Community College will host Lou Branham, Director of the Monacan Museum and Assistant Chief, who will discuss the history and present times of the Monacan people in Virginia. Noon, Main PVCC Campus, North Mall Meeting Room #228.
- November 17 — Southside Virginia Community College will sponsor trips to visit local Native American collections of artifacts at Macallum More Museum & Gardens and Occoneechee State Park. Register by Nov. 15
- November 20 — Germanna Community College – Monacan Indian Nation: A Story of Perseverance- Bradley Branham, a member of the Monacan Indian Nation, talks about his tribe’s history. November 20 at 2:00 pm via Zoom.
- From previous observances: view a 2022 Native American Heritage Month video of Rappahannock Community College graduate Kevin Krigsvold CEO/President of Pamunkey Indian Enterprises-Professional Services, who discusses his time at RCC and his award-winning career in TV production.
