The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a momentous occasion for the United States. It’s a time to celebrate the ideals enshrined in that document — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, for the Chickahominy people and other Native American tribes, this anniversary carries a more complex weight.
The declaration, for all its eloquence, wasn’t written with us in mind. It spoke of freedom from tyranny, a right blatantly denied to my ancestors through broken treaties and forced removal from our lands. Did it enhance our quality of life? Absolutely not. Yet, the very notion of such inalienable rights ignited a flicker of hope. We, too, yearned for a life where we could determine our own destiny.
Disappointment came swiftly. The newly formed nation disregarded agreements made with the British crown, continuing the dispossession of our people. But the spark of hope wouldn’t be extinguished. We clung to the ideals of the declaration as a guiding light, a reason to fight for inclusion within this new nation. There was no other option — we were already here, woven into the fabric of this land.
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However, inclusion didn’t translate to equality or equity. Our voices were silenced, our history relegated to footnotes in a narrative dominated by the experiences of the colonizers. This is the story the 250th commemoration offers a chance to rewrite.
This anniversary is more than fireworks and parades. It’s a platform for us to reclaim our narrative, to tell the story of resilience and resistance that has characterized our existence for centuries. It’s a story the American public craves to hear, a story that exposes the uncomfortable truths left out of history textbooks.
This commemoration is also about inclusivity. It demands that the voices of Native Americans, African Americans and the dominant culture be heard in unison, each contributing to a richer understanding of our shared history. This tapestry of perspectives will illuminate the sacrifices made by Native Americans in defending this very nation we call home. Per capita, we have shed more blood defending these lands than any other group.
For generations, we were citizens of the land, not citizens of the country. My own great uncle fought in World War I, a proud defender of a nation that refused to recognize him as a citizen. This paradox highlights the unfinished promise of the Declaration of Independence.
To truly “form a more perfect union,” we must create a space where all voices are heard, where all can participate in the American experiment. This requires mutual respect and open dialogue. Through this 250th commemoration, we can bridge the chasm of misunderstanding and build a more inclusive nation. And in Virginia, that is what we are doing, through thoughtful reflection, deep conversations, and designing programs in which every voice is heard.
The American story is more nuanced than the one traditionally presented. The anniversary serves as a catalyst to confront these uncomfortable truths, to grapple with the disconnect between lofty ideals and historical actions. Through this process, America can become a nation where the promises of the declaration extend to all its citizens, not just a select few.
I believe this reckoning will be transformative. It will create a more empathetic public, one that understands the enduring cost of colonization on our communities. This newfound understanding can pave the way for meaningful partnerships, where we work together to address the challenges faced by Native American tribes today.
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is more than just a commemoration of the past. It’s a springboard for a more just and equitable future. It’s an opportunity to tell the whole story, to acknowledge the sacrifices, and to finally fulfill the promise of that foundational document — a promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.
This anniversary is a chance to rewrite the narrative, to ensure a seat at the table for all voices, and to build a nation that truly lives up to the ideals enshrined in the declaration. It’s an exciting prospect, and I, like many others, am eager to be a part of this journey toward a more perfect union.
Photo gallery: Pamunkey tribe
Pamunkey tribe: Canoe returns to reseravation, 1941
Pamunkey tribe: Curing shad, 1941
Pamunkey tribe: On reservation in 1950
Pamunkey tribe: Bookmobile, 1961
Pamunkey tribe: Thanksgiving - November 1983
Pamunkey tribe: Annual tax tribute, 1993
Pamunkey tribe: Chickahominy Fall Festival & Pow Wow, 2007
Pamunkey tribe: New Pamunkey chief Kevin Brown, 2008
Pamunkey tribe: Indian tax tribute, 2008
Pamunkey tribe: First lady Anne Holton at annual tax tribute, 2009
Pamunkey chief and Gov. McDonnell at tax tribute, 2011
Pamunkey and Mattoponi Annual Tax Tribute, 2013
Pamunkey tribe: Annual tax tribute, 2013
Pamunkey tribe: Great American Indian Expositions, 2014
Pamunkey Indian Tribe in King William County, 2014
Pamunkey chief Kevin Brown, Henricus 2015
Pamunkey Indian Museum
Stephen R. Adkins is chief and tribal administrator of the Chickahominy Tribe in Providence Forge, a member of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and chair of the commission’s Tribal Nations Leadership Advisory Council. Email him at stephen.adkins@chickahominytribe.org.