This bill aims to extend federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia. Congress finds extensive historical evidence supporting the Tribe's continuous existence, including ethnohistorical contact in 1608, treaty signings in 1677 and 1713, and continuous presence in Southampton County. The Tribe has been state-recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2010 and maintains a roll of over 325 citizens with documented genealogical lines, despite historical challenges like the Virginia Racial Integrity Act of 1924. Upon federal recognition, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe and its citizens will become eligible for all federal services and benefits generally applicable to federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Secretary of the Interior is mandated to take into trust any land held in fee by the Tribe, acquired on or before January 1, 2007, located within Southampton County, which can then be designated as part of the Tribe's reservation. However, the bill explicitly prohibits the Tribe from conducting gaming activities under any federal law or inherent authority. Additionally, the Act clarifies that it does not expand, reduce, or otherwise affect the Tribe's existing hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Native Americans
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
USA119th CongressHR-5144| House
| Updated: 9/4/2025
This bill aims to extend federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia. Congress finds extensive historical evidence supporting the Tribe's continuous existence, including ethnohistorical contact in 1608, treaty signings in 1677 and 1713, and continuous presence in Southampton County. The Tribe has been state-recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2010 and maintains a roll of over 325 citizens with documented genealogical lines, despite historical challenges like the Virginia Racial Integrity Act of 1924. Upon federal recognition, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe and its citizens will become eligible for all federal services and benefits generally applicable to federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Secretary of the Interior is mandated to take into trust any land held in fee by the Tribe, acquired on or before January 1, 2007, located within Southampton County, which can then be designated as part of the Tribe's reservation. However, the bill explicitly prohibits the Tribe from conducting gaming activities under any federal law or inherent authority. Additionally, the Act clarifies that it does not expand, reduce, or otherwise affect the Tribe's existing hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights.