VCC Magazine Spring 2018

Mantle: Virginia Indian Tribute Dedication

Introductory remarks

By G. Paul Nardo

It is so apt that we gather here in Capitol Square—in many ways the very heart of our Commonwealth’s diverse, vibrant and engaging civic life—to show our respect, gratitude and abiding admiration for native peoples who have lived in this land we know as Virginia for thousands of years. The Virginia Indian Commemorative Commission as well as the Virginia Capitol Foundation have cultivated—and inspired—support for this historic tribute from across the Commonwealth. As the first monument to honor the important heritage and history of the Virginia Tribal Communities, Mantle’s impact is far greater than its footprint alone, beautiful as it is, here on Capitol Square. Indeed, we

look forward to engaging students, visitors and communities with interesting educational programming connected to this tribute. We are confident Mantle will function as both a testament and a teaching tool—a vibrant resource which celebrates and examines the cultures of Virginia Indians. G. Paul Nardo is House Clerk and Master of Ceremonies.

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Thank you for being here today to help celebrate the life, achievements and legacy ofAmerican Indians in the Commonwealth. I would like to recognize the Chiefs and other officials from Virginia’s 11 state-recognized Indian tribes who are with us today. I’d also like to recognize members of the Virginia Indian Commemoration Commission for their leadership and the Virginia Capitol Foundation for helping to raise the private funds to make this monument possible. Delegate Chris Peace deserves a special thank you. It was Delegate Peace who led the charge in 2009 to establish a commission to recommend an appropriate monument to Virginia’s Indian tribes on Capitol Square. Governor Tim Kaine signed an executive order establishing the commission pursuant to Delegate Peace’s resolution, and the commission has worked toward the goal ever since…. Governor Northam’s Remarks

This site was dedicated in April of 2013. Last summer, we broke ground on the monument, and today we are here to celebrate the completion of the first monument on Capitol Square in a decade, when the Civil Rights Memorial was completed. The other monuments you find scattered around Capitol Square pay tribute to the enduring people and principles of our democracy and the grand history of Virginia born of English settlers along the shores of Jamestown. But the history of this land goes back thousands of years before those settlers stepped ashore, and for the first time we will recognize the courage and resilience of Virginia’s Indians on the same sacred ground where we honor Thomas Jefferson and others who have made this Commonwealth what it is today. As we know too well inVirginia, our history isn’t always pleasant. This Commonwealth wasn’t always kind to its indigenous people, just as it wasn’t always kind to those of other races and creeds.

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V irginia C apitol C onnections , S pring 2018

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