Smokin' Ace

Taxes: a turkey, 2 deer
Local tribes perform traditional custom
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Thursday, November 24, 2005



Autumn Custalow, of the Mattaponi tribe danced yesterday around a deer carcass, part of the tribute presented to the governor from the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes. The ceremony took place in front of the Executive Mansion.
EVA RUSSO/RTD
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In lieu of taxes: two deer, a turkey

As a large crowd gathered in front of the Executive Mansion yesterday, representatives of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian tribes presented two deer and a turkey to Gov. Mark R. Warner.

The two tribes annually present game to the governor in lieu of taxes to remember their predecessors' treaty with King Charles II of England in 1677.

Noting the event would be the last time he accepted the tribute as governor, Warner joked, "It may be the last tax I ever collect as governor."

Warner leaves office in about six weeks.

Warner announced that the budget he will present to the General Assembly next month will fund the Virginia Indian Heritage Program, which will seek to advance education about Indians in Virginia through museums, Web sites and the establishment of the Virginia Indian Heritage Trail.


"This is a rich and important part of our shared history," he said.

He held a reception in the mansion for participants before the ceremony.

-- Tyler Whitley

This story can be found at: http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet...=1128768339551

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