Welcome

In 1982, the General Assembly created a subcommittee consisting of eleven members to undertake a comprehensive study of the historic dealings and relationship between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Indian Tribes. The joint subcommittee report resulted in the formation of the "Commission on Indians". The Commission was later changed to the Virginia Council on Indians. The Virginia Council on Indians is an advisory board to the Governor and the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Council's duties include studies and research regarding the Indian Tribes in the Commonwealth, and making recommendations to the Commonwealth on issues regarding Virginia Indians.

The Virginia Council on Indians submits to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of its interim activity no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. Findings and recommendations of the Council are submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly 60 days prior to the convening of the session of the General Assembly held in each even numbered year. The Council is affiliated with the Secretary of Natural Resources and its membership is as follows:

• The chief of each state recognized tribe or a delegate from the tribe appointed by the chief
• Two Indian members at-large appointed by the Governor
• One non-voting member from the senior staff of the Governor, appointed by the Governor

All council members work on a volunteer basis. The Council meets regularly to discuss issues pertinent to the indigenous population.