Youngkin and Cheroenhaka Tribe Renew Spottswood Treaty

Marks 310th Annual Ceremony with Nottoway Tribe
A sunny day, Members of the Cheroenhaka Tribe do an Honor Dance for the Governor and First Lady
Members of the Cheroenhaka Tribe do an Honor Dance for the Governor and First Lady Photo credit David Lefkowitz, WRVA

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - For the 310th year in a row, members of the Cheroenhaka Nottoway Tribe presented Governor Glenn Youngkin with three peace arrows wrapped in a beaver pelt, renewing the Spotswood Treaty of 1713. The initial treaty payment, according to Brown, was 20 beaver pelts - hence the significance of the modern gift.

Governor Youngkin spoke highly of his relationship with Chief Walt "Red Hawk" Brown, calling the "government to government" relationship between them "critical."

Chief Walt "Red Hawk" Brown presents Governor Youngkin with a wampum belt
Chief Walt "Red Hawk" Brown presents Governor Youngkin with a wampum belt Photo credit David Lefkowitz, WRVA

After a few brief remarks, the Tribe's Prince and two Princesses did an Honor Dance for the Governor and First Lady. then, Brown presented Youngkin with the pelt-wrapped peace arrows, as well as a framed wampum belt signifying the relationship between the two governments.

Featured Image Photo Credit: David Lefkowitz, WRVA