Thanksgiving - The Native American Way

Chief Mark Custalow and Governor Terry McAuliffe

I had the opportunity today to witness a tradition that is 337 years strong. Members of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes ventured to the center of Richmond, VA to present wild game to Governor Terry McAuliffe in lieu of paying taxes. Chief Mark Custalow represented the Mattaponi Tribe, and chief Kevin Brown represented the Pamunkey Tribe.

The ceremony drew a rather large crowd. The Governor opened the ceremony with very kind words about both tribes. He announced his well-known plans to pursue all legislation that increases full recognition of Virginia's Native American tribes. He then got down to a personal level to speak about his own hunting adventures with his son. We are fortunate to have a Governor that is very outdoor-oriented and supports our hunting traditions full-spectrum!


Disclaimer: You'll have to excuse the poor photography. I got there a little late, I'm only 5'1", and I was behind some of the tallest people that crowded the front lines. I literally held the camera as high as my little arms would go to snap pics over top of peoples' heads!

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The first to present was Chief Mark Custalow. They presented the First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe with a beautiful pair of earrings made by a tribe member. They then gifted the Governor with a dancing stick made by the tribe.

To end their segment of the ceremony, they presented a beautiful 6-point buck to the Governor.

Afterwards, Chief Kevin Brown and his tribe presented the Governor with a beautiful necklace and their hefty 7-point buck:

Mattaponi Dancer

The ceremony was ended with a drum song and dance by the Mattaponi people. The Governor announced that both bucks would be donated to Hunters for the Hungry, an organization that donates venison to families in need. This is especially significant during the holiday season!

Here are some additional photos I took at the ceremony:

Mattaponi Tribe member J.V. Custalow

The bucks that were presented to Gov. McAuliffe

Children that attended the ceremony to learn about the tradition. The attendance
of these children is very important to the future of this tradition.

Mattaponi Chief Custalow recording an interview

Pamunkey buck.

Mattaponi buck.

 Click here to see a video of the ceremony from WTVR!

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